07.02.10
Posted in Literature, Today at 1:01 pm by artistry
I was very disappointed by this book and would have stopped reading after the first chapter if not for my commitment to Thomas Nelson Publishers to write a review. I found the book so tedious that it has taken me far too long to read it.
The cover notes for The Selfless Gene describe it as “a reasoned dialogue between faith and scientific study and a reconciliation of what are popularly seen as two opposing worldviews.” I found the book lacking on both fronts.
Charles Foster states in his preface that he is angry at both Darwinists and creationists, Further, he is angry with proponents of Intelligent Design. He cites Richard Dawkins as an example of the former and the Kentucky Creation Museum as an example of the later. In his arguments against the Biblical creation story, he cites discrepancies in Genesis 1 and 2, yet I could not find the creation order he cites in any of the several versions of the Bible I checked. He makes other statement which makes one wonder how he views Scripture. His references to “the compilers” betrays a view that seems to deny Scripture as inspired or as the revelation of God.
Rather than creating dialogue, reading this book became a chore I had to complete. I was tempted to skip to the last chapter to see if there was a neat summary that would help me complete my task. Alas, there was not. I cannot recommend this book.
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01.14.10
Posted in Literature, Today at 9:35 pm by artistry
“There is no attack on American culture more destructive and more historically dishonest that the secular Left’s relentless effort to drive God out of America’s public square.” So begins the Introduction to Newt Gingrich’s Rediscovering God in America, Reflections on the Role of Faith in our Nation’s History and Future. While I don’t necessarily agree that this is strictly a result of leftist politics, I do agree that secularists have tried increasingly to suppress any mention of or reference to God in the public square.
Newt makes his case for the historical role of God in the US by taking us on a sight seeing trip through the District of Columbia. From the national Archives to the National Cemetery, he recounts the history of each site and references the many quotes enshrined there that indicate that our Founding Fathers did, indeed, have a robust faith in God.
Sadly, the history he recounts will not be believed by some. In times past, this history was taught. People learned about the founding documents and about the signers, many of whom were pastors. They knew and saw nothing wrong with the prayers at the Continental Congress, of Washington during the war, of Jefferson, of Lincoln during the travail of the Civil War. Perhaps Gingrich’s book will awaken some to that history.
Photographs for the book were done by Newt’s wife, Callista Gingrich. Rediscovering God in America is published by Thomas Nelson.
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12.09.09
Posted in Literature, Today, Worldview at 1:12 pm by artistry
I was intrigued by the description of Benjamin Merkle’s book – The White Horse King – and chose it to review for Thomas Nelson Publishers. I have always been interested in English history, but of a later period.
The White Horse King is the story of the Life of Alfred the Great – the only English king to be known by that designation. Alfred was born in 849 AD, the fifth son of the Anglo-Saxon king Aethelwulf. At the time of his birth, England was a collection of smaller kingdoms. Wessex, Alfred’s domain comprised the area in southern England adjacent to the English channel. It was a nation bisected by rivers, which made it a prime country for invasion by Vikings. Much of Alfred’s early life was spent in fighting against invasion. His experience prompted him to make sweeping changes in the way his land was defended. It caused him to build a navy for coastal defense. It caused him to build fortified cities from which the surrounding country could be defended and to establish a standing army which remained in the field for defense. These were just a few of the innovations which made Alfred a great king.
He also was concerned to establish literacy in his kingdom and provided for the education of his subjects. He translated or oversaw the translation of scripture. Alfred’s greatest accomplishment was that he trained an entire generation of English leaders, “men who understood wisdom, justice, righteouness and the true duties of a ruler”.
The White Horse King is a book of history rather than a historical novel. Yet it was an enjoyable read and I learned much about England prior to the Norman conquest. William the Conqueror is often credited with unifying England. It appears that honor really goes to Alfred the Great.
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11.14.09
Posted in Faith, Literature, Worldview at 2:44 pm by artistry
You get a hint of where Richard Stearns is taking you from the question and answer posed on the jacket of the book. Stearns asks “What does God expect of us?” and says the book contains “the answer that changed my life and might just change the world”.
I seldom run across a book that I cannot read straight through, often in a matter of hours after getting it. This was one of those books. I started easily enough as Stearns took us through his early life, corporate achievement and the challenge to his faith that came through recruitment as the new President of World Vision. As he began talking about his early experiences with World Vision and how it changed his outlook, I found myself being convicted about how I have failed to care sufficiently for “the least of these”. Reading the rest of the book was slower going and it made me evaluate my calling in the church. If Stearns goal was to make us grow in our faith and faithfulness, he certainly did so in me.
The hole he describes in our gospel is often seen in our single mindedness as to how we go about fulfilling the Great Commission. We are called to go and make disciples, but we often have differing ideas about what that means. It is more than bringing people to saving faith. It is also helping to meet their immediate needs and teaching them so they can meet their own needs and those of others in the future. The whole gospel as advocated by Stearns saves lives materially in this world and eternally in the next.
The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns is published by Thomas Nelson and is available from a number of sources, including Christian Book Distributors.
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11.05.09
Posted in Literature, Today at 6:43 pm by artistry
This afternoon I participated in a blogger conference call with Governor Mike Huckabee from on the road, enroute to the next stop on the tour to promote his latest book, A Simple Christmas. We experienced some technical difficulties, but that may have made the call even better as Governor Huckabee spoke about the book, what prompted him to write it and his hopes about what people will take away from it.
A Simple Christmas tells twelve stories from Governor Huckabees life, each with a lesson that demonstrates to us the true meaning of Christmas. The link above allows you to read an excerpt from the book. I’m looking forward to getting my copy.
In addition, the publisher has released the Governors last book Do The Right Thing in paperback. What is notable about this is that the Governor has written an additional chapter which comments on actions subsequent to the elections of 2008 … a chapter entitled “Doing the WRONG Thing”. 
Based on his comments, I am going to have to get this book as well, because it seems I share a trait with Governor Mike and I have to know the whole story!
A full list of the cities on the book tour is available at Mike Huckabee.com
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10.05.09
Posted in Faith, Literature, Politics, Today at 3:08 pm by artistry
I haven’t shared my reading list for some time and thought I would do that before dipping into things political. There are some housekeeping items on this list … books I started and have nearly finished before moving to new things prematurely. I have made a resolution to clean up my half read list. I am also reading some very interesting books for a study our womens group – The Band of Sisters – is doing on the life and ministry of Jesus. And then there is my personal study of Colossians ….
So, the list:
- God in the Dock – C. S. Lewis (only 40 pages to go)
- The Search for the Twelve Apostles – William S. McBirnie (80 to go)
- Teaching for Changed Lives – Howard Hendricks
- The Church in Many Houses – Steve Cordle
- The Hole in our Gospel – Richard Sterns
- The Untold Story of the New Testament Church – Frank Viola
- Jesus Acording to Scripture – Darrell Bock
- Jesus and the Gospels – Craig Blomberg
- Four Portraits, One Jesus – Mark Strauss
I put aside the Viola book after reading about half and finding several areas that do not agree with my understanding of theology. But I am nothing if not thorough and I will read it to the end so that my critique will be based on what is there rather than what might be there.
I have a book review long overdue for The Hole in Our Gospel. I normally read through the books I review pretty quickly, but this one has taken some time because it has impacted me personally, which I suspect is just what Stern intended. It has been painful at times to read his commentary and know that what he says about himself applies to me as well. But I have an obligation to review, and review I will.
That’s my list … plenty to keep me busy as winter settles in, and it seems it will do so early this year.
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10.01.09
Posted in Faith, Literature, Today at 9:11 pm by artistry
Most of my reading and study for the last 14 months has revolved around Rome … or to be more specific, Paul’s Epistle to the Romans. I’ve read through the epistle several times, ready nearly 3,000 pages of commentary, outlined and paraphrased it and dug deep into the meaning. It has been a most rewarding study.
It actually felt strange to put the books on the shelf this morning. They have been on my desk and close at hand for a long time and have been my daily reading … sometimes more than once a day. I know I will refer back to this study often as I move into the books Paul wrote subsequent to Romans.
So now is it on to Colassae and the letter Paul wrote to the church there.
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09.08.09
Posted in Faith, Literature, Today at 6:18 pm by artistry
The latest from Max Lucado is Fearless. Lucado’s subtitle asks us to “Imagine Your Life Without Fear”. Lucado goes on to enumerate some of the things we fear … layoffs at work, slowdowns in the economy, tensions around the world, the bottom falling out of the housing market and more. Every day seems to bring us more bad news.
What if, Lucado asks, faith was your default response to such things? How would your life be different if you could trust more and fear less? Drawing from Scripture and anecdotal stories, Lucado attempts to show us how we can overcome fear through faith.
Like many of Lucado’s books, Fearless is an easy read. The theology is not deep or complicated and it doesn’t require a college reading level. At 180 pages, it is also a fast read. Included at the back of the book is a 38 page Discussion Guide with additional Scripture reading suggestions. The inclusion of the discussion guide makes this a good possibility for a small group study.
Max Lucado is Minister of Writing and Preaching for the Oak Hills Church in San Antonio, Texas. He is the author of numerous books including devotional guides and childrens books. Visit his web site at Max Lucado.com.
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04.27.09
Posted in Literature, Today at 1:26 pm by artistry
Andy Andrews presents an interesting concept in The Noticer, namely that we spend most of our time focused on the wrong things and need to develop perspective.
The book is the story of a man named Walker and a lifelong relationship that develops between Walker and a man named Jones. Jones is something of a mystery, appearing and disappearing without rhyme or reason, but always imparting a bit of wisdom to Walker. Jones encourages Walker to change the way he views his circumstances and subsequently change his life for the better.
Jones teaches Walker that most problems arise not because of a lack of communication, but because we fail to communicate in the same way as others. He tells Walker that he needs to learn how others communicate to be sure they comprehend his message. The over-riding message of this book is one of hope. Jones consistently shares the view that “the best is yet to come” as encouragement to those he meets in the pages of this book.
There is a Reader’s Guide at the end of the book with questions about content as well as for reflection. The Noticer will hold your attention as you learn more about Jones and the effect he has on all who experience him.
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04.20.09
Posted in Faith, Literature, Today at 8:17 am by artistry
I am working on my study of Romans this morning. I expect to finish this study in about two more months. It has really been interesting, Paul’s letter to the church at Rome is a sustained and brilliantly cohesive argument for those living in a pluralistic and pagan society. It is, therefore, of great benefit to today’s believers. Desiring God has an excellent sermon series from Pastor John Piper available online or for download. I encourage you to check them out.
I don’t think I realized how long the process would be when I decided to do a deep chronological study of Paul’s letters. I started in 2006 and expect to finish late in 2010. The books in front of me are much shorter in length than the ones I have finished, but are packed with practical and theological truth.
This has and continues to be a blessing. To paraphrase Howard Hendricks: God wrote us a love letter, and saved it for us in a book. Amen!
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02.27.09
Posted in Literature, Today at 8:30 pm by artistry
They’re giving one away at A Boomer in the Pew. At first I thought, I already have my ESV Study Bible … do I need another one? But that is a silly question. This one is the $239.00 top of the line one. I probably know ten people who would jump through all kinds of hoops to have one.
So this post becomes my registration to win this one.
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02.15.09
Posted in Literature at 2:01 pm by artistry
Ted Dekker collaborates with Erin Healy on this mystery thriller with political and religious overtones. Not as overtly Christian as many of Ted’s novels, kiss tells the story of a woman who wakes up in a hospital knowing who she is, but not how she got there. At her side is a man who claims to be her fiance, but she has no recollection of him. She has family, but they do not visit. She is told she is the cause of a major accident and that charges will be filed against her. It is not a good situation for the daughter of a man who is running for president, or for the man himself.
As the story unfolds, we discover that Shauna has developed a surprising ability which is helping her to fill in the blank spaces of her life. But the more she learns, the more danger she is in. You will have to read the book to discover the rest, dear reader.
This is a completely different style from what we saw from Dekker in the Red-Black-White Trilogy. It threw me off a little in the beginning, but I definely like him as a mystery/crime writer. Dekker is collaborating with Healy on a new novel, out early next year.
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02.12.09
Posted in Literature at 1:02 pm by artistry
Thomas Nelson offered this book as a bonus. I am so glad they did because I might not have elected to read it and then would have missed something wonderful. This book will engage your emotions in completely unexpected ways.
This is the story of two very different men. Denver was brought up in Louisiana, in a kind of slavery that was supposed to have ended a hundred years prior to his birth. Denver left Louisiana by jumping a freight train and ended up in Dallas, homeless and alone.
Ron was living the American dream, having steadily moved through a series of jobs until he achieved success as an art dealer. While Ron was in love with the lifestyle his new business offered, his wife Debbie was less enthralled.
Ron and Denver were brought together through the efforts of Ron’s wife. Initially, neither man was excited about the relationship, but it slowly blossomed into an unusual friendship that was to have life altering results for both of them. Midway through the book Debbie is diagnosed with cancer and we see the struggle to defeat the disease and the effect of the struggle on both men and on their friendship. The dynamic changes several times as first Ron and then Denver offers support through the ordeal.
Take time to read this book. It will give you new insights into the world of the homeless as well as into the lives of those who are still in the grip of economic slavery.
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01.17.09
Posted in Literature, Today, Worldview at 3:19 pm by artistry
Another quote from Kingdom People and the upcoming book Holy Subversion: Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals:
“If we are inclined to share our personal testimonies [when proclaiming the gospel], so be it. But let us be sure to incorporate our own personal stories within the biblical story of Jesus. Our own testimonies are worth little if they do not include the historical truth claims that form the heart of the Christian faith. If we fail to preach Christ, we are leaving The Self on the throne. We are giving testimony about ourselves, not God.”
A good and timely reminder.
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01.05.09
Posted in Literature, Today at 10:45 am by artistry
I just learned about a book I am looking forward to reading. Here’s a partial quote:
“True Christianity is not merely life-changing; it is world-changing.
Emphasize only the changing of individual lives and we will fail to call political systems, philosophies, and human structures to account under Jesus’ lordship.
Emphasize only political systems, philosophies, and human structures and we will compromise in our work for worldly progress while people remain dead in their sins.”
That little snippet was enough to engage my curiosity and I am looking forward to the publication of Holy Subversion: Allegiance to Christ in an Age of Rivals. Read more from the author at Kingdom People: Saturdays are for Holy Subversion
Just what I needed … another book on my wishlist! I’ve been seeing a lot of lists of top books of 2008 or just books read in 2008. It pleases me (flatters me?) that I read many of them. It frustrates me that there are so many I want to read and haven’t yet. So many books … so little time … such great pleasure in reading them.
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