This was an amazing book--amazing in Bauckham's detective work, and amazing in his careful academic spade-work. Because Bauckham is challenging the r...moreThis was an amazing book--amazing in Bauckham's detective work, and amazing in his careful academic spade-work. Because Bauckham is challenging the reigning paradigms of form criticism, he has to build his case step by step, which made for tedious reading at times. But, if you are willing to tough it out, the overall argument is thrilling and makes a credible case for reading the Gospels for what they are--reliable eyewitness testimony.(less)
Good introduction and overview of a standard Reformed view of the Lord's Supper. Especially refreshing was Phillips' view of the importance of the Su...moreGood introduction and overview of a standard Reformed view of the Lord's Supper. Especially refreshing was Phillips' view of the importance of the Supper, and his appreciation of Calvin's theology of communion.(less)
Good source for a realistic picture of the problem of world hunger, and the possibilities for actually ending it. Although the book is a bit dated no...moreGood source for a realistic picture of the problem of world hunger, and the possibilities for actually ending it. Although the book is a bit dated now, the fundamental problems have not changed much. I'm not convinced that government should be as involved in the problem as the authors argue, but it is a sad reality that churches do not do as much as they should. The Church needs to wake up, and not expect government to solve the problem.(less)
Very helpful resource for talking with loved ones about homosexuality. Joe Dallas is an ex-homosexual himself, and does a good job of dealing honest ...moreVery helpful resource for talking with loved ones about homosexuality. Joe Dallas is an ex-homosexual himself, and does a good job of dealing honest with the issues.(less)
This was simply a fantastic book! It was also quite painful to read, because I've been such a poor parent in numerous ways. One can still "do i...moreThis was simply a fantastic book! It was also quite painful to read, because I've been such a poor parent in numerous ways. One can still "do it all right," and yet get it all wrong. Rachel (our friend from college-days) brings us back to the JOY of parenting, even when life is chaotic, which it frequently is with our four little ones! Rachel has wisdom beyond her years, which is no doubt due to the faithful parenting of the two generations before her. A must-read, especially for all parents who are trying to train their children Biblically, which can mean strictly, overbearingly, provoking them to wrath. Rachel slaps us in the face, in a gentle sort of way, and forces us to examine our own hearts before we judge our little ones.(less)
Kenneth Wieting's plea for weekly communion had many strengths, and also a few weaknesses. Wieting is a pastor, though I think this book was original...moreKenneth Wieting's plea for weekly communion had many strengths, and also a few weaknesses. Wieting is a pastor, though I think this book was originally some form of a dissertation. At times, Wieting the pastor seemed at odds with Wieting-writing-a-dissertation. Wieting writes from an exclusively Lutheran background, and from the Missouri Synod at that. So, his conservative Lutheran mindset seemed to prevent a more objective account. For instance, to take one of the most obvious examples, John Calvin only receives a mere two pages of treatment, even though Wieting takes on the whole of church history! Calvin and Melanchthon are clearly the bad guys, who corrupted the pure teachings of Luther.
What will keep this book from gaining a wide acceptance is the Wieting's exclusively Lutheran emphasis. Of course, one cannot cover everything in a single book. I'm starting to write a dissertation on the weekly communion debate in the Reformed tradition, and I will blithely leave the Lutherans on the periphery. But, I acknowledge that we Reformed have much to learn from the Lutherans! Wieting repeatedly refers to Luther, and the Lutheran confessions/ catechisms, in terms that make Luther the interpretive standard. Reformed writers can do this with Calvin, which is also problematic. We need to meditate more on how 1 Cor. 12 might apply to denominations, traditions, and our own theological heroes and mentors.
Although Wieting relied extensively on secondary sources in his historical overview, he did conduct a very interesting survey about communion frequency practices in the Missouri Synod. Additionally, he develops a helpful practical theology of communion, which should aid any pastor working through these issues.(less)
Interesting perspectives on NT Textual Criticism, from some of the leaders in the field. I must admit that this was slow going, partly because of the...moreInteresting perspectives on NT Textual Criticism, from some of the leaders in the field. I must admit that this was slow going, partly because of the technical nature of some of the sections. The authors were definitely writing for a scholarly audience, and I do not claim to be an expert. Yet, there was enough clearly explained to discern the different approaches to textual criticism. I wish the contributors had been given space to interact with each other. Perhaps the differences in the various approaches would have become clearer there.(less)
Jim Wilson's excellent little book combines Biblical wisdom with the principles of earthly war. Jim has extensive experience with both, having served...moreJim Wilson's excellent little book combines Biblical wisdom with the principles of earthly war. Jim has extensive experience with both, having served as a Naval officer in the Korean War, and having a lifetime of evangelism and pastoral experience. He is a true man of God (I volunteered in one of his bookshops/coffee-shops during college), with a wealth of knowledge regarding practical Christianity.(less)
Hanegraaf has produced yet another quality apologetic resource. While Hanegraaf is undoubtedly polemical, this comes with the territory of being the ...moreHanegraaf has produced yet another quality apologetic resource. While Hanegraaf is undoubtedly polemical, this comes with the territory of being the "Bible Answer Man." Readers will find a large range of questions addressed, ranging from textual criticism, to archaeology, to fulfillment of Biblical prophecy. Hanegraaff closes with a helpful overview of hermeneutics (the study of how to interpret the Bible), illustrating how many liberal critics (as well as prophetic fundamentalists) go off the rails in their understanding of Scriptural texts.
As one sympathetic to preterism, I found Hanegraaff's preterist reading of prophecy refreshing, which helps us to navigate the "last days madness" which has plagued the church.
Some might dismiss Hanegraaff as being too much of a fundamentalist himself, but I found his argumentation persuasive, and backed up by an appropriate number of scholarly sources. Hanegraaff is not a lightweight, though he is in the business of making complicated problems understandable to the average reader.(less)
Excellent material, written in an engaging style, with plenty of real-life examples. I would take issue with some of the cultural norms that Driscoll...moreExcellent material, written in an engaging style, with plenty of real-life examples. I would take issue with some of the cultural norms that Driscoll seems to regard as neutral, but I agree with the principles he urges.(less)
This is a fantastic book. It is practical, readable, and very honest. Matt and Darrin have made plenty of mistakes in their respective ministry jour...moreThis is a fantastic book. It is practical, readable, and very honest. Matt and Darrin have made plenty of mistakes in their respective ministry journeys, and they share these honestly, as well as the lessons they've learned. The stories of their lives, and of the two churches they now lead, is very encouraging. Matt and Darrin are well-grounded, in the Reformed Baptist tradition, but they know how to make the never-changing Gospel relevant to the people in the cities they serve. Another must-read on practical ministry in a long line of helpful publications from Zondervan!(less)
Good overview and introduction to different translations and the theories behind them. Although Fee and Strauss obviously have their own agenda (dyna...moreGood overview and introduction to different translations and the theories behind them. Although Fee and Strauss obviously have their own agenda (dynamic equivalence), it did not become a soap-box.(less)
Mentioning "spirituality" makes the typical conservative Christian think of meditation, saying the Jesus Prayer, and similar practices which...moreMentioning "spirituality" makes the typical conservative Christian think of meditation, saying the Jesus Prayer, and similar practices which sound suspiciously New-Age. But, this new "Dictionary of Christian Spirituality" should dispel such notions. The authors are firmly grounded in Biblical theology, and find their moorings in the Evangelical tradition. At the same time, they welcome the truths that other traditions have emphasized.
The book is divided into two parts: (1) a series of integrative essays on the discipline and history of spiritual theology, and (2) the Dictionary proper, which includes a vast array of entries on all aspects of Christian spirituality.
Overall, this is a welcome addition to any scholar's or pastor's library. Interested Christians will also find a wealth of thoughtful, and practical, material. The volume is huge (a mere 852 pages!), but it is bound well, and is designed with a view to aesthetic layout. (less)
Leigh Eric Schmidt is a careful, sympathetic, and insightful historian. While only the most dedicated readers will plow through the wealth of primary...moreLeigh Eric Schmidt is a careful, sympathetic, and insightful historian. While only the most dedicated readers will plow through the wealth of primary witness accounts, the journey is worth it. I believe the book came from Schmidt's doctoral dissertation, and it still has that feel. The bibliography is impressive, and I am ransacking it for my own dissertation!(less)
Essential reading for anyone in any organization, or family. Completely isolated jerks should also consider it. Interesting wisdom which makes sense...moreEssential reading for anyone in any organization, or family. Completely isolated jerks should also consider it. Interesting wisdom which makes sense only within a Biblical worldview. Without that, I have no reason to get out of my box of self-deception, unless I actually want to help an organization achieve results. But, given the facts of sin, and our moral obligation to respect the image of God in others, then the book makes complete sense.(less)
This was an excellent book! Buchanan has a gift for poetic writing as well as deep spiritual insight. I actually took the time to read this througho...moreThis was an excellent book! Buchanan has a gift for poetic writing as well as deep spiritual insight. I actually took the time to read this throughout the course of a year, following the seasons. It is well worth savoring slowly. (less)
Good introduction to a vast topic. Most valuable is the sense that there is a wider world out there, beyond the confines of post-modern relativism an...moreGood introduction to a vast topic. Most valuable is the sense that there is a wider world out there, beyond the confines of post-modern relativism and provincialism. (less)
Scot McKnight's new book, "The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited," is a keeper. In fact, I would say it's one of the bes...moreScot McKnight's new book, "The King Jesus Gospel: The Original Good News Revisited," is a keeper. In fact, I would say it's one of the best theological books I've ever read. Part of what makes it exciting is that McKnight is excited himself! You can sense his energy and his joy in his subject, as he leads us step-by-step through his own theological development. It takes some work to read Jesus in his own context, and McKnight is patient with us.
I used this book in my classes at a Christian school, to help bolster my case that Christians should read the Old Testament more. My students were honest in their admission that they don't read the Old Testament much, and don't see the point. McKnight argues that, unless we understand the story of Israel, we cannot really understand Jesus.
I appreciated his critique of the Reformation, his insistence that we learn about the early church, and his endorsement of prayer-books and creeds. If you don't see how those are connected with Jesus in first-century context, you'll just have to buy the book and find out for yourself!
My only real question concerns the "contextualization" question. McKnight presents a solid case that Apostolic preaching looked like thus-and-such. Basically, the preaching of Peter and Paul was dramatically different than our "four spiritual laws" presentations and arm-twisting methods of "gospel" persuasion. Granted. But, Peter and Paul were preaching to a largely Jewish culture. Even when Paul is writing to sort out problems between Jews and Gentiles, he's still working within Jewish categories. When we take the Gospel to Africa, do we still stress every aspect of Old Testament history as much as the Apostles did? Stephen's speech in Acts wouldn't seem to work so well in remote jungles. I hope McKnight will take this up in another book.
Overall, this is a splendid book, and I hope it will help to shake up the anemic and shallow American church!(less)
Swinnock was a Puritan author and pastor. It took me about 10 years to make it through vol. 1--I read it in small fits and starts. The style and cla...moreSwinnock was a Puritan author and pastor. It took me about 10 years to make it through vol. 1--I read it in small fits and starts. The style and classical allusions make for some difficult going, but the wealth of insight and stylistic gems made it a worthwhile journey. Now, I just have 3 more volumes to go! Then, maybe I'll move on to John Owen :-)(less)
This is an exciting book! I came to it with hardly any background knowledge on who the New Monastics are, and I think that served me well. I see thi...moreThis is an exciting book! I came to it with hardly any background knowledge on who the New Monastics are, and I think that served me well. I see this text as a healthy injection of ancient wisdom into the postmodern church. This book breathes a freshness and a vitality that are missing from the more traditional churches that have never abandoned the historic liturgies. In many ways, familiarity breeds contempt. I won't accuse any churches of having contempt for their historic liturgies, but there definitely seem to be churches that take their liturgies for granted. The New Monastics have stumbled into these ancient practices, somewhat like the children in "The Secret Garden," and are helping to shake up the Church, forcing us to re-examine the central things. What does it mean to worship? What does it mean to live in community? How does God want us to use our resources? Some of the answers given by the New Monastics may sound a little too "politically correct" for some people, but I believe they are basically on the right track. God has a way of messing with our traditions, and our assumptions.
I encourage anyone unfamiliar with "liturgy" to pick up this book and give it the benefit of the doubt. This book is meant to be used in community, in prayer with other people. Use it to give some form and purpose to your small-group worship time. Best of all, the book is filled with Scripture, rather than someone's pale imitation of Scripture. The lectionary is also helpful, as a guide to reading the Bible together in community. I appreciated the quotes from saints and heroes of the faith. There are truly inspiring. Walking in the footsteps of Christ can be lonely, difficult work, and this book is encouragement for the journey.
Years ago, I read the Penguin classics translation of the Epic of Gilgamesh, and was not impressed. David Ferry's "rendering" made this anc...moreYears ago, I read the Penguin classics translation of the Epic of Gilgamesh, and was not impressed. David Ferry's "rendering" made this ancient poem come alive. The parallels to the Biblical Flood narrative were interesting, but more striking was the hopelessness which attends Gilgamesh's search for eternal life. The epic proper ends with Gilgamesh showing off the magnificent city he rules, which, of course, is rubble now. (less)
I enjoyed this book, though it took me into waters where I seldom swim. I am a theologian by education and a teacher by trade. I know next to nothin...moreI enjoyed this book, though it took me into waters where I seldom swim. I am a theologian by education and a teacher by trade. I know next to nothing about economics, but I was intrigued by this book's title, especially as I am just beginning to learn about how the church should engage in business and in economic development. Dr. Theodore Malloch maintains that companies can do good, while still succeeding in business. The examples he presented were persuasive and encouraging. There are a number of people and companies which put ethics above profits, but who have also made huge profits.
Malloch brought a number of philosophers and theologians into the broader discussion of what "virtue" is. I was a little uncomfortable with the vague use of terms like "spirit" and "faith." He wants to affirm the best in other religious traditions, such as Islam, which set off my conservative warning bells. But, if he wants to persuade young Muslim men to pursue a life of "doing virtuous business," rather than blowing people up, then I gladly support that. I would argue, from an apologetics vantage, that any virtue and morality in other religions comes from being made in the "image of God," and having a God-given conscience (as Romans 1 teaches). If a Hindu is doing business virtuously, then he is acting like a Christian should act, and that opens up an avenue for dialogue and discussion. I believe only a Christian worldview supplies the moral and philosophical foundation for doing anything virtuously, but that would not sell as many books.
Malloch also has done a valuable service in offering an alternative picture to what capitalism is. If business is done within a framework of "virtue" and with sustained attention to spiritual realities, then that is a powerful corrective to the go-for-the-jugular stereotype of the Wall Street jungle. God created Adam and Eve to tend and care for a garden--isn't doing good business just an extension of good and faithful gardening?(less)
This book presented lots of solid historical research, arguing for the thesis that Calvin's eucharistic doctrine, or at least the application of it in...moreThis book presented lots of solid historical research, arguing for the thesis that Calvin's eucharistic doctrine, or at least the application of it in the polemical situations of sixteenth-century France, played a role in shaping the public's perception of power and temporal politics. Not being an expert, the book was convincing to me. Calvin did not actively encourage rebellion, but it does seem that his eucharistic doctrines did alter how people perceived the earthly manifestations of power. In France, especially, where the kings had shored up their own power with religious symbols, this change of religious semiotics fed French Protestant resistance to royalty.
The only drawback to this book was that I believe it was produced as a dissertation, and so it is written in a typically dense dissertation style. Elwood probably could have made his points in half the words (just as I have done in this review :-). (less)
Essential reading for educators in the classical Christian tradition. The chief merits of this book lie in its detailed prescriptions for a number of...moreEssential reading for educators in the classical Christian tradition. The chief merits of this book lie in its detailed prescriptions for a number of things, and its advancement of the discussion about the history and nature of classical Christian education. (less)
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