The Joseph Principles: Turning Adversity and Heartache into Miraculous Living

In this encouraging if repetitive program, Scott (Jesus Speaks), cofounder of the American Telecast Corporation and Total Gym Fitness, gleans wisdom on overcoming troubles from the biblical tale of Joseph, who endured slavery and imprisonment to become the “most revered and highest-ranking individual in Pharaoh’s empire.” Through scriptural analysis and personal anecdotes, Scott outlines 12 principles to “overcome our hurts, our past traumas, and even our most heartbreaking experiences.” Scott entreats readers to practice forgiveness, as Joseph forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery, because doing so frees one from the mental toll of holding a grudge. Noting that Joseph’s interpretations of Pharaoh’s dreams came to him from God, Scott recommends “listening to the whispers of God” and recounts when God spoke to him through a pastor who said Scott shouldn’t worry about his son’s recent cancer diagnosis, a suggestion that was vindicated when doctors found Scott’s son to be tumor-free several days later. Scott rehashes this advice when he asks readers to expect “God to work his miracles through your faith” and again cites how Joseph’s faith enabled him to interpret Pharaoh’s dreams. Despite the recurring motif of drawing similar lessons from elements of Joseph’s story that have already been covered, Scott largely succeeds in balancing accessible exegesis with illustrative personal reflections that find grace in Joseph’s example. Christians will appreciate the reasonable guidance. (Aug.)