Awe: Why It Matters for Everything We Think, Say, and Do

In this work, Paul David Tripp argues that every human being is hardwired for worship, driven by a functional need to be amazed by something greater than themselves. He posits that modern struggles with greed, addiction, and anxiety stem from "awe displacement," where the reverence intended for the Creator is redirected toward mundane things like physical comfort, career success, or material possessions. Using a framework of spiritual redirection, Tripp examines how misplaced focus leads to entitlement and horizontal conflict. He outlines how regaining a vertical orientation—recognizing God’s grandeur—provides the necessary internal structure to govern one’s words, finances, and relationships.

This book serves readers within the Christian tradition who find themselves trapped in cycles of spiritual apathy or repetitive sin. It targets those seeking a theological explanation for their persistent dissatisfaction even when life circumstances are favorable. The reader learns to identify specific "awe idols" in their daily routine and gains a practical method for recalibrating their motivations. By the end, they possess a defined vocabulary for understanding their desires and a strategy for maintaining a sense of wonder that dictates their moral and ethical choices.