Journal: Journal for Biblical Manhood and Womanhood
Volume: JBMW 21:2 (Fall 2016)
Article: A Review Of Jen Wilkin. "None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different Than Us (And Why That’s A Good Thing)." Wheaton: Crossway, 2016. 176 Pp. $12.99.
Author: Sarah Bubar

JBMW 21:2 (Fall 2016) p. 63

A Review Of Jen Wilkin. None Like Him: 10 Ways God Is Different Than Us (And Why That’s A Good Thing). Wheaton: Crossway, 2016. 176 Pp. $12.99.

Sarah Bubar

Dean of Women
Word of Life Bible Institute
Tampa, Florida

There are two opposing sides to the coin of image-bearing. On one hand, being made like God, one is tempted to inappropriately assume the position of God. This can manifest in a variety of ways in the behavior of people—where some seek to control circumstances or people, while others think they can handle everything apart from God. On the flip side, being made in the image of God can also be an intimidating truth especially if one is prone to comparison. Much like when a child grows up being told how similar he is to a particular parent, it can seem like “big shoes” to fill if that parent sets an impeccable example of godliness. Likewise, being like God is an impossible feat as He is the very definition of perfection. However, in Jen Wilkin’s book, None Like Him, she releases her readers from both the pedestal of a God-complex as well as the prison of comparison as she investigates ways believers are unlike God their Father.

Throughout her book, Wilkin puts the character of God under the microscope dissecting key attributes that single God out to be unlike anyone or anything else. Instead of giving her readers goals or challenging them to be more like God in varying aspects of their own character, Wilkin frees them to focus on ways they cannot possibly be like God, no matter how hard they try. “Any discussion of how God is not like us must begin with an acknowledgment that we are measurable and he is not.” (16) Speaking to ten very specific attributes—from His infinite nature to His supreme sovereignty—the author examines through Scripture how there truly is none like Him.

Wilkin’s natural writing style puts readers at ease coming across like a conversation or discipleship meeting. While theological terms like “omniscience” or “immutability” are used, her explanations of these truths as well as her illustrations are both down to earth and readily understandable. For example, when explaining the immanent nature of God, she writes, “All of God is fully present in all places past, present and future. Theologians call this his immanence. Put simply, there is no place—or

JBMW 21:2 (Fall 2016) p. 64

time—where God is not.” (95) However, as relatable as None Like Him is, it is not a meek book. Wilkin is not afraid to put to task her readers who may struggle with a God-complex or comparison:

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