Don't Hate Your Enemies, Just Step On Them: The Art of Loving People
E. E. Jenkins
Reviewed by Sabrian Willliams
I normally try to avoid religious and inspirational books like the
plague, but when I read the title of this release, I just had to find
out what the author had to say. Don't Hate Your Enemies, Just Step On
Them by E. E. Jenkins of E. E. Jenkins Ministries is a reiteration of
the common concept that God has a master plan for all of us and
everything happens for a reason. Jenkins expands this idea with the
premise that our enemies have been placed in our lives to serve as
stepping stones to our greater purpose.
The theme in the title of the book extends through each chapter. Beyond
that, Jenkins continues in self-help fashion, extending his own advice
for living a full and prosperous life under God's direction. He
provides encouragement in areas of self-confidence and anger
management. His philosophy is centered around self-motivation and
taking responsibility for oneself.
The book contains an accompanying CD with four tracks: an introduction
by Bishop E. E. Jenkins, the single "Your Love" by the Jenkins Brothers
(the lyrics are provided on the last page of the book), information
about the Jenkins Ministry, and an advertisement for related albums.
Yes, it's subtle ministry propaganda, but I didn't expect anything less.
Though written by a pastor, Don't Hate Your Enemies isn't consistently
preachy and provides the reader with the gentle reassurance that
Jenkins only has their best interests at heart. Granted, the book is
filled with Scripture and there are quite a few reminders that there is
a church behind it's creation. Note to the author: Anytime I am
reminded to pay tithes, I instantly begin to tune out. However, Don't
Hate Your Enemies could very well be an excellent tool for the
religious to relate to the secular. Even a strict atheist can
appreciate Jenkins' advice. It's inspirational.