Top critical review
2.0 out of 5 starsThe Cave Bears Will Get You Before You Make It To The Exit
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2021
I truly hate to give a low rating to a book that contains biblically sound advice. The problem with “Out of the Cave” is that it takes forever to deliver it. This book is acceptable (if sluggish) if you want to stay out of the cave of depression. But if you are already “in the cave,” I fear most readers will give up long before they reach the hidden chest far, far in the back where the real treasure is locked away.
The author uses the example of Elijah to demonstrate that you shouldn’t feel bad about yourself if you are experiencing depression. It’s something that happens to dedicated Christians, even to pastors, even to a prophet of God in the Bible — and it only means that you’re human. Unfortunately, this is almost the ENTIRE FIRST HALF of the book. And you haven’t even received any helpful advice yet, either.
It would be unfair to the author to entirely summarize the rest of his book. But to give you a bit more of the biblically sound counsel that is (eventually) provided, you must have a relationship with God. He gives you your identity — not comparing your life to your friends on Facebook — and He felt you were worth sending His son to die for you! And He will help you look up (at the spiritual matters that last) rather than around (at the temporary world and situations around you). You also need to find your purpose — the meaningful work God wants you to do in this life. And of course you need Christian friends — people that will spiritually encourage and support you. Also, you are not alone in your struggle: Among other causes, in 2020 and 2021 record-breaking numbers of individuals struggling with the isolation, uncertainty, and other stresses of COVID-19 have also found themselves unexpectedly experiencing depression.
This represents a summary of a significant portion of this entire book. There is some sound content here, but it should have been delivered in a booklet a fourth the size. Unfortunately (or fortunately?) this is my first foray into this topic and I don’t have a better recommendation. If you feel you are sliding toward the cave entrance, this book provides what you need to stay out of it — with a fair amount of sifting through the chaff to get to the real wheat. If you are already “in the cave” of depression, then I recommend that you search for something on the Christian bookshelf that is well-rated and much shorter.
