Never Settle for Normal: The Proven Path to Significance and Happiness

We’re all glory chasers and pleasure seekers.

Every human wants to matter and be happy, which is as it should be. God made us to resemble and reflect his worth as we enjoy our true identity in him. 

But we too often swap that calling for the trifles of this world, pursuing cheap substitutes to fill the craving of our souls. As Jonathan Parnell puts it, we settle for “stupid normal” over the transcendent, even though this world can never satisfy our hopes and dreams.

In Never Settle for Normal Jonathan speaks to the heart of both skeptics and searchers by addressing their deepest longings. With insight and passion, he examines the key tenets of the Christian faith—creation, fall, redemption, new creation—and reveals the life-changing glory of the Christian story in a fresh new light. 

Endorsements

“Never Settle for Normal may be the key to help you doubt your doubting of God, because the god you are doubting might not be the real God. And if you lose reality while turning from the imaginary, you lose everything. You long for happiness and significance. Jonathan Parnell makes a compelling case that the whole history of the world exists to show you where this is found. This book is a journey from eternity to eternity. You may find what you are longing for not in a collection of ideas organized around themes but in a kind of earthy itinerary from creation to the end of the world. I hope so.”
—John Piper, founder and teacher at desiringGod.org and chancellor of Bethlehem College and Seminary, Minneapolis

“Jonathan Parnell shares astounding truth, making what it means to be a Christian understandable for any reader—from the wanderer to the veteran in the faith. Never Settle for Normal is a helpful primer and tool for anyone exploring Christianity.”
—Trillia Newbell, author of Enjoy, Fear and Faith, and United

“Jonathan Parnell has written an engaging book about our relentless quest for satisfaction that takes us down thousands of culs-de-sac and dead-end streets—until we follow Jesus. It’s refreshing to read about God as a happy, loving Father in a book that doesn’t minimize his wrath against sin. Never Settle for Normal shows sin for what it is and does, exalts Christ, and powerfully portrays his violent rescue of his people.”
—Randy Alcorn, author of Heaven, Happiness, Truth, The Treasure Principle, and other books

“In moments of true awareness we look around at one another and this world and we know. Deep in our soul we know there is more than what we can see with our eyes. Proverbs tells us to get wisdom and insight; there is no quest as noble as this. The stakes are high and we need real help for the journey. Parnell’s book is a trustworthy guide for all who are seeking God or any who are unsure where to begin.”
—Gloria Furman, author of Glimpses of Grace and Alive in Him

"Never Settle for Normal is a great help to anyone seeking more than this life offers. I’d encourage believers to read this book and take careful note of the clear way Parnell teaches biblical truth. Then buy a few copies to give away to skeptical or curious neighbors and friends."
—The Gospel Coalition

Book Specs

  • Hardcover: 160 pages

  • Publisher: Multnomah; 1 edition (July 18, 2017)

  • Language: English

  • ISBN-10: 1601429061

  • ISBN-13: 978-1601429063

  • Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 0.4 x 8 inches

More About the Book