Solid, short introduction to Christ as a man and what that means. Perhaps most striking was the reminder that Christ became a male and not female. ThiSolid, short introduction to Christ as a man and what that means. Perhaps most striking was the reminder that Christ became a male and not female. This of course only matters if you see men and women as non-interchangeable. Also his chapter on some of the defining characteristics of masculinity and how Christ showed those was excellent. ...more
As with all Shakespeare, a delight to read all his word plays, etc. This one is a bit of comedy but more tragedy. Cleopatra is a strumpet and Antony iAs with all Shakespeare, a delight to read all his word plays, etc. This one is a bit of comedy but more tragedy. Cleopatra is a strumpet and Antony is her fool. She lays manipulative traps and he dives into them. It is a good reminder that when men are led by women, in particular wicked, wanton, ones they do not end up in a good place. But Antony was not a victim. He was a fool who had already killed himself long before he plunged his sword in....more
This is some of Dabney's essays from various publications collected in one spot.
If you want to know how we got where we are today, particularly with This is some of Dabney's essays from various publications collected in one spot.
If you want to know how we got where we are today, particularly with feminism and government then go read Dabney. He understood that by the late 1800s we had already planted the seeds that bear some of the ugly fruit we see in our country today. An excellent, thought provoking read. ...more
I love history. I really enjoyed this book. Livy, especially the translation by De Selincourt, is easy to read. I enjoyed Livy's description of the baI love history. I really enjoyed this book. Livy, especially the translation by De Selincourt, is easy to read. I enjoyed Livy's description of the battles, his insight into human character, his respect for Hannibal despite him being a sworn enemy of Rome, and the various speeches he sprinkled throughout the text. ...more
Like Dabney on women's rights, Machen on the state and education was ahead of his time. His essays, as well as his speeches before Congress on this isLike Dabney on women's rights, Machen on the state and education was ahead of his time. His essays, as well as his speeches before Congress on this issue show he knew the downstream impact of uniform, government funded, public education. ...more
I am going to to try to read through Rankin's Rebus novels from the start. This one was good, but not as good as some of his later ones, which I have I am going to to try to read through Rankin's Rebus novels from the start. This one was good, but not as good as some of his later ones, which I have read. Parts of the resolution seemed forced. But you see Rankin's skill in seed form in this first book. ...more
A solid introduction to Protestant political theory. A massive amount of quotes from Reformers. It was eye opening to see how these men viewed politicA solid introduction to Protestant political theory. A massive amount of quotes from Reformers. It was eye opening to see how these men viewed politics and rulers vs. how we view them today. I did not think the chapter on the Christian Prince was particularly clear. Also his chapter on resistance was helpful, but I am not sure we are there yet, though he thinks we are. All in all a good book to get someone thinking about what a Christian Nation would look like.
It is not the greatest book ever written on the subject, but nor is it this horrid piece of trash that is worth of being burned. It is worth reading and fights against one of the great tendencies in modern Christian political thought: anabaptist retreatism. Hopefully there will two types of books that flow out of his: a deeper dive into Christian political theory and some more practical books on how to implement some of the ideas in our modern context.
There is no necessary connection between his thought and racism or white supremacy. Of course, folks might go that way with it sometimes....more
A great book for our age when there are so many options around us. His basic premise is that we need to learn to put our time and energy into what matA great book for our age when there are so many options around us. His basic premise is that we need to learn to put our time and energy into what matters most. And most things don't matter. The book helps you cut things out of your life that are time wasters and energy wasters and focus your time and energy into what is most valuable. I liked his emphasis on family.
A master class in understanding the creational differences between men and women and how that impacts romantic relationships and by extension marriageA master class in understanding the creational differences between men and women and how that impacts romantic relationships and by extension marriage. ...more
A great book on how the world we know came about because of men. What sets Esolen apart from other writers in this genre is his knowledge, as well as A great book on how the world we know came about because of men. What sets Esolen apart from other writers in this genre is his knowledge, as well as his word craft. He has an extended section on Roman aqueducts that is spell binding while at the same time building his case. He has so much insight into how men function. Just a great book and a delight to read. ...more
A fantastic bird's eye introduction to the transition of Rome from a Republic to an Empire. For Christians, like me, it gives great insight into the RA fantastic bird's eye introduction to the transition of Rome from a Republic to an Empire. For Christians, like me, it gives great insight into the Roman culture at the time our Lord Jesus Christ was born. ...more
Spectacular in so many ways. Some sections are gut wrenching. Some brought tears. Far bloodier than I imagined it would be. Dark and mostly full of deSpectacular in so many ways. Some sections are gut wrenching. Some brought tears. Far bloodier than I imagined it would be. Dark and mostly full of despair. A great picture into the pagan mind of the ancient warrior world. ...more
An excellent introduction to what has been done and is being done to create a Christian community in Moscow, ID. The principles Doug lays out can applAn excellent introduction to what has been done and is being done to create a Christian community in Moscow, ID. The principles Doug lays out can applied in any Christian situation to slowly being creating a Christian community. Perhaps most striking to me was that the chapter on "Sexual Sanity" was primarily about wives submitting and obeying their husbands. Husbands are mentioned, but only briefly. This is different than some of his previous books which have focused primarily on men and their responsibility. I think this shift in emphasis, at least for this book, was good. ...more
This book was a really helpful in explaining why pumping money into banks does not automatically create inflation. People must borrow that money. And This book was a really helpful in explaining why pumping money into banks does not automatically create inflation. People must borrow that money. And right now people and particularly companies are not borrowing money. There a lot of variables that impact why something costs what it does at the local store. One single thing, such as stimulus money, is rarely to blame, though it may be part of the problem. Overall it cleared up some misconceptions I had, but it was over my head in some places. I am not well versed in economic theory.
Bahnsen is right that often doomsday economic predictions do not come true. More humility in this area by Christians would be wise. He also right that the main issue is what percentage of our GDP is connected to the government. The larger the percentage the less free we are. Shrinking the government would strike at the root of the problem.
I wish they had discussed more in depth whether or not real wages have kept up with inflation. It was mentioned ever so briefly in an early chapter. For most the question isn't, "Is inflation the same as 1980?" But "Are wages equal to 1980?"
I like his suggestion of incrementally downsizing government aid, etc. Dropping it all at once is unworkable and would not be received well. But slowly over years taking the percentage down is a worthy goal.
Their emphasis on production and investing, not being averse to risk, was excellent. I see more and more Christians using money in this way and it is encouraging. ...more
A helpful, short introduction to the various types of law, including natural law, civil laws, customs, traditions, etc. He lays the groundwork for howA helpful, short introduction to the various types of law, including natural law, civil laws, customs, traditions, etc. He lays the groundwork for how a law is to be implemented and when a particular law can be done away with. All in all a good book. ...more
I gave this five stars despite not being sure that I agree with his major premise. Nonetheless, the direction he takes Christians, the way he makes yoI gave this five stars despite not being sure that I agree with his major premise. Nonetheless, the direction he takes Christians, the way he makes you think through how we can make specific geographical locations Christians, and his allowance for flexibility in application make this book worth your time. More and more Christians are realizing what Ray says in this book, we need to find ways to bring communities under the Lord Jesus Christ. He makes you think this through and then gives you some specific steps to move that direction. The book is worth your time.
I do think this could work in a city setting, though it would be more difficult. It would be interesting to take his principles and try to apply them to say a borough in NYC or a section of Dallas, TX. ...more
If you want to know why complementarianism failed as a middle way between egalitarianism and patriarchy, then read this book. It was not as polemical If you want to know why complementarianism failed as a middle way between egalitarianism and patriarchy, then read this book. It was not as polemical as I expected, which is good. It is a careful, scholarly, and exegetical defense of patriarchy and refutation both egalitarian and complementarian positions. He works through most of the key passages using the original languages. There is significant interaction with authors he disagreed with, which strengthened the book and is often a weakness of egalitarian authors. All in all a great book and I would highly recommend it to all who think complementarianism was/is a good way to go. ...more
The best book on masculinity I have read. The emphasis on mission is sorely needed in our age. The glory of strength and aggression controlled and rigThe best book on masculinity I have read. The emphasis on mission is sorely needed in our age. The glory of strength and aggression controlled and rightly used is also a key theme that is often missing in other men's books. Too many men think the way to become a good man is become more like women. This book destroys that notion. Men are distinct from women physically, psychologically, emotionally, and rationally. These distinctions are sources of glory for each sex. God made them to do different jobs.
The chapters on gravitas were some of my favorite in the book. Really a great book and highly recommended. ...more
This is a such a great book. It is like a Pixar film in that kids love it but there is so much humor for adults as well. Erickson does a great job of This is a such a great book. It is like a Pixar film in that kids love it but there is so much humor for adults as well. Erickson does a great job of making the stories funny and interesting. He also uses words in a wonderful way, which is unique for this type of book. Thoroughly enjoyed it. ...more
I really enjoyed this book and Chandler has a way with words. You can see the spring from which many modern detective novels flow. Several striking thI really enjoyed this book and Chandler has a way with words. You can see the spring from which many modern detective novels flow. Several striking things about the book. Porn was one of the crimes being committed. That is pretty funny to think about. Also everyone seemed to smoke something, pipes, cigars, or cigarettes. It was a fun read and I enjoyed it. ...more
This whole series is excellent for young boys. The writing is perfect for that age and the drawings are delightful. Also it hearkens back to the days This whole series is excellent for young boys. The writing is perfect for that age and the drawings are delightful. Also it hearkens back to the days when boys spent days wandering the woods and exploring. Highly recommended. ...more
In the book Sibbes examines what it means to have a tender and humble and mourn over our sin. He does a good job of showing in detail what heart that In the book Sibbes examines what it means to have a tender and humble and mourn over our sin. He does a good job of showing in detail what heart that breaks over sin looks. He also mentions the necessity of leaders publicly repenting of the sins of the people. All in all, a good book that is worth your time....more
An interesting book, that is quite different from most of my Calvin reading. It is a more difficult read than much of Calvin's writing perhaps becauseAn interesting book, that is quite different from most of my Calvin reading. It is a more difficult read than much of Calvin's writing perhaps because of them being written in high Latin.
The first letter is written to a Protestant friend living in Catholic France. Calvin gives good advice on how to navigate that situation. He shows what areas his friend does not need to worry about (not eating meat on Fridays) and what areas he should make sure he doesn't compromise (the Mass). In the end, Calvin encourages him to flee because participation in the Mass is a grave sin and will immediately out him as a non-Catholic. The letter also unmasks some reasons why people will compromise by participating in false worship. The key take away for me was that what happens in worship is central. When worship is compromised, you need to leave. Calvin also gives good advice on what ways we can work with compromised believers and what ways we cannot.
The second letter is a scathing rebuke of a former friend who became a Roman Catholic bishop. In it Calvin again attacks the Mass. But his main focus is on the luxurious lifestyle this man will now lead, as well as the fact that he does not minister directly to the people. His is getting paid a lot while not even doing the job a bishop is supposed to do. I cannot remember reading something strong, particularly a letter given directly to a person. In the final paragraph Calvin tells his friend abandon your post or you are a not a Christian. ...more
A really great book that should be read by all fathers and probably mothers as well. Esolen says what many others won't and it is bracing and encouragA really great book that should be read by all fathers and probably mothers as well. Esolen says what many others won't and it is bracing and encouraging. He draws on numerous sources and has a ton of great stories and anecdotes. Makes me want to toss my TV in the trash. ...more
The best book I have read on Proverbs. He does not get bogged down in the details, but hits the main themes of Proverbs, which makes it a perfect readThe best book I have read on Proverbs. He does not get bogged down in the details, but hits the main themes of Proverbs, which makes it a perfect read for young men. He shows that wisdom attains certain blessings, but wisdom also knows that hardship and evil days come and will prepare for those days. In other words, wisdom does not equal a health and wealth type gospel. He demonstrates how Christ's life was filled with the type of wisdom we see in Proverbs. He connects the dots between numerous types of sins, such as sexual immorality, theft, murder, laziness, and foolish speech. A great book to give to young men and older men like me. It is one of the few books I have read in the last few years that pushed me to change certain areas of my life and I keep coming back to it. ...more
I have come over the years to love Calvin's sermons more and more. This was no exception. He has some wonderful paragraphs about justification by faitI have come over the years to love Calvin's sermons more and more. This was no exception. He has some wonderful paragraphs about justification by faith and as always he takes to Jesus who died and rose again so we might be redeemed. ...more
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