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Book Reviews

There have been plenty of times that I’ve read a book, and then a year later I wonder exactly what I thought of it (I think I have memory degradation). If you want to know what we’ve been reading lately; check these out – most all of them I recommend.

For future thought I should probably set up some kind of rating scale…

The Jesus of Suburbia
Mike Erre. The Jesus of Suburbia. Word Publishing Group. Nashville, TN. 2006.

I picked up “The Jesus of Suburbia” for further discussion on the nature of the American church and our propensity towards comfort and self-serving religiosity. I was not disappointed. “The Jesus of Suburbia” is a textual spanking and sobering appraisal of where we’ve taken the Savior.

Erre addresses and confesses the warped marriage between Christianity and culture. This book covers everything from the American Dream Christianity to the festering influence of 2nd century Gnosticism and dualism.

Here are some clips:

Speaking of the church: “I wonder how much we do when we are gathered together is designed to impress…”
“We like to think of Jesus as being like Mr. Rogers. The problem is, no one would crucify Mr. Rogers.”
“Many of us understand believing in Jesus to mean mentally agreeing with accurate information about him.”
“The American church has been educated far beyond its willingness to obey.”
“If somebody asks me, ‘Hey, how’s your walk with Jesus?’ I immediately want to tell them about my prayer life and quiet time, but I don’t talk about my driving or how I talk to my wife when I am angry with her.”
“The Good News is no longer life changing. It is life enhancing. Jesus doesn’t change people into wild-eyed radicals anymore; He changes them into nice people.”
“I confess for having pursued God for his benefits, but not for him.”

I feared this book would simply be a shallow rant at a cultural shift towards post-modernism or something, however I was impressed at how clearly it cut to the heart of consumer Christianity. Erre begs the church to keep from loosing sight of the subversive and revolutionary person of Jesus of Nazareth, and resist becoming progressively more accommodating to culture. “The Jesus of Suburbia” draws Christians back to grace, compassion, and mercy, and away from a list of political views (pro-life, anti-homosexual) or moral pejoratives (hypocrites, narrow mindedness, and intolerant). I highly recommend this book.

ISBN: 0-8499-0059-X

The Areas of My Expertise
John Hodgman. The Areas of My Expertise. Riverhead Books. New York, NY. 2006.

Rarely do I get to pick up a book that has nothing to do with anything, except reading for reading’s sake. I had read reviews about this book, and they praised Hodgman’s humor and hilarity. One reviewer even purported that the extensive list of hobo names in this book is worth the cover price alone. I, however, did not share in these opinions.

I’m almost positive that absolutely everything in the book is completely fictional and made up (those two descriptions being similar, yet distinct). This book has the humor of a femur bone licked clean by parched dogs and resting on the floor of death valley in a vacuum chamber. And yet I found myself occasionally laughing out loud at the utter “dryness” of Hodgman’s humor.

Here’s an excerpt: “It is rare that you see a real lobster competition these days. As I watched the proud young farm children in the traditional dress whites and goggles leading their well-trended lobsters about on their leashes…” if you find this funny then you might enjoy this book, if however this is only mildly intriguing to you – this book will bore you out of your mind, and like me – you won’t make it past page 200.

I really don't know how to describe this book, it is utterly all about nothing.

ISBN: 1-59448-222-5

The Mortification of Sin
John Owen. The Mortification of Sin. Christian Heritage. Berkshire, Great Britain. 2003.

In a mood for reading Puritan theology I picked up this book and diligently made my way through it. I find it interesting that so few books today deal singularly with the issues of combating sin in the life of the believer.

Owen takes a fresh and honest look at what sin is, and its nature against the Christian. He doesn’t sugarcoat or dumb-down the message of theology. He writes upon this foundation: 1 – indwelling sin always abides in us; 2 – not only does it abide, but it is still active; 3 – if left alone sin will produce great, cursed, scandalous, and soul-destroying sins; 4 – the Spirit gives us a new nature by which we can oppose sin and lust; 5 – negligence of the mortification of sin will result in the perishing of the inward man; 6 – it is our duty to be perfecting holiness in the fear of the Lord.

Owen recognizes that we face a battlefront against ourselves and those around us. He states that the work of the Spirit in us mortifies sin by allowing us to abound in grace, allowing the conviction of the Spirit to burn in us towards the weakening and destroying of our lusts, and by bringing the cross of Christ into the hearts of sinners by faith.

He concedes that sin cannot be completely done away with while we exist in the flesh on earth. Thus he describes the process of mortifying sin as the habitual weakening of it and the constant fighting and contending against it. I found this book an encouragement to read, however difficult due to the puritan genre of writing.

ISBN: 1-85792-107-0

Story
Steven James. Story. Revell. Grand Rapids, MI. 2006.

“Story” was an amazing book. I have never read one like this before. James is a poet-writer, and his style is unlike much of anything I’ve read before. He captures words and thoughts like ripples on a lake surface and masterfully allows them to hit you in new ways.

James addresses the person of Jesus from an observer’s perspective and he cuts through tradition and illusion to reveal Jesus as strikingly human, yet human beyond what you regularly accept. Although “Story” takes you from Christ’s birth to resurrection, this book was for me more of a story about Easter. Easter needs to be understood in the whole of who Christ is and life he displayed.

James’ honesty is convicting. Excerpt:

“By the way, Jesus approached evangelism quite different than most of our churches today. Too many twenty-first-century churches treat sharing Jesus’s story like a marketing campaign. They try to make Christianity seem appealing, plausible, relevant, and easy to digest as possible by emphasizing the benefits of belief. But Jesus almost never did that. Typically he emphasized the cost of following him, not the rewards. Here’s what he told the crowds who had started following him: ‘Simply put, if you’re not willing to take what is dearest to you, whether plans or people, and kiss it good-bye, you can’t be my disciple’ (Luke 14:33 Message).

There was no fine print in Jesus’s call to discipleship. ‘This is what it’s gonna cost you,’ he said. ‘Everything. Family relationships, possessions, dreams, comfort, time – you can’t be my follower unless you give up everything. You have to leave your nets behind. So what do you say? Will you follow me, or just keep admiring me?’”

“Story” has page after page of this, and I believe it is best read one section at a time and then pondered upon. If I were rating books, this one would be at the top.

ISBN: 0-8007-3113-1

 

The Church of Irresistible Influence
Robert Lewis with Rob Wilkins. The Church of Irresistible Influence. Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI. 2001.

If I were to describe this book in one word, it would be inspiring. You and just feel the motivation and excitement of genuine Christian effectiveness and servitude while reading through the story of Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock.

This book uses the repeated theme of bridge building to describe how the church is to connect with its community. Lewis and Wilkins use the various themes and stories from bridges around the world to highlight principles and values of an effective, connecting church.

I have to admit that I did find some parts of the beginning of this book hard to get through. It could simply be that I’ve been working through summer school these past 3 months while trying to finish this book, but I have a feeling that at times a few chapters may have been a bit too manual-ish.

However, the stories at the end of this book will really inspire you. And honestly throughout the whole book you’ll find convicting examples where you can see the reflection of your own church’s need for reevaluation and Christ-centered sacrifice.

After reading this book, I am truly burdened to pursue leading ministries which bring the church out from their comfortable couches and on to the streets of the city, where people still need people.

I’ll conclude with this insightful nugget, “Unless the church rediscovers its primary role as bridge builder, the incarnational power of the gospel will remain hidden, and the credibility necessary to reach a culture of cynical, experiential, and spiritual hungry souls will be lost.

ISBN – 0-310-25015-3

 

End of The Spear
Steve Saint. End of The Spear. Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL. 2005.

What an amazing story. I find that sometimes the hardest stories to read are the ones that actually based off real life events: true stories. In fiction you can always compartmentalize your mind to, at the end say, “Well, it’s just fiction, it didn’t really happen.” But the best part about End of The Spear is that all of it is real.

It took me a little longer to get through the 330 pages of this book, I’d say on average I’d cover 3 chapters a night, and it wasn’t the page-turner that most novels are. However, the most gripping chapters in this book hit you right away. End of The Spear recounts the life story of Steve Saint, son of missionary pilot Nate Saint – the same missionary to the “Auca Indians” who was speared to death by along with missionaries Ed McCully, Jim Elliot, Peter Fleming, and Roger Youderian.

Steve Saint, upon a return to live with the “Aucas” (now called the Waodani Tribe, Auca is a derogatory term that means “naked ones), finds out information that no one in the modern world has ever heard regarding the actual deaths of these missionaries. The account was shocking to read, I actually found myself sitting up and staring at the words as I flew through the chapters describing the 1st hand detail of these Christian martyrs.

Overall this book was incredible, especially for anyone interested in pursuing a life calling as a missionary. The sacrifice the Saint Family went through as they followed the “path of Waengongi” (the path of God) is simply awe inspiring. The end of the book actually holds the most shocking surprise, one that will bring tears to your eyes.

If you’re interested in missions, read this book; if you support missionaries, read this book, if the story of Jim Elliot and his companions giving their lives up for the lost heathen tribe of killers has impacted your life in any way – read this book. What someone meant for evil, God can use to change countless lives.

ISBN – 0-8423-6439-0

 

Misquoting Jesus
Bart D. Ehrman., Misquoting Jesus. HarperSanFransisco. New York, NY. 2005

For most of the Christian population, the word “textual criticism” is unknown. Misquoting Jesus is Ehrman’s attempt at taking scholarly dissection of the historical biblical text and bringing it to a lay audience so the common Christian can become educated with the background of our English Bibles. However, sadly this is not the only agenda Ehrman has.

For the most part Misquoting Jesus is an excellent introduction into the basic subject of TC (Textual Criticism). Since scripture is inerrant in the original autographs and no such originals still exists, there has to be a study to get as close to the original as possible. TC is the discipline of studying ancient manuscripts and papyri in the original biblical languages of Koine Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic, Coptic, etc. and through scholarly method of evaluating the internal and external evidence coming to the closest original reading that we can.

Ehrman’s book reads very easily and the content of textual criticism as a method is very informative and on par with what I have learned at seminary. However, Ehrman not only writes to introduce his passion for TC, but he artistically and cautiously casts doubt and confusion to what an untrained layperson may not be adequately prepared to handle regarding their confidence in the Word of God.

Professor and scholar Daniel B. Wallace writes in his review of Misquoting Jesus, “the idea that the variants in the NT manuscripts alter the theology of the NT is overstated at best (Daniel B. Wallace. Review of Misquoting Jesus, 2).” Though Ehrman at many times in his book states that many of the changes made by scribes “are completely insignificant, immaterial, of no real importance for anything other than showing that scribes could not spell or keep focused (Misquoting Jesus. 207),” he follows this with overly charged concern that is designed to startle readers and leave them without answers but instead more questions and confusion which will lead them to doubt scripture.

Ehrman, himself (after great devotion and influence to Biblical textual criticism) a “happy” agnostic, seems to include throughout his book the agenda of wanting others to see what he has come to believe about Christ, the Biblical text, and the religion of Christianity. The truth of the matter is, “Regarding the evidence, suffice it to say that significant textual variants that alter core doctrines of the NT have not yet been produced (Daniel B. Wallace. Review of Misquoting Jesus, 2).”

I found Misquoting Jesus to be a great book for introducing the topic of textual criticism to the average person, however the content and evidence is clearly spun with the purpose of casting doubt on the veracity of scripture when little credible textual variant evidence demands such a response. I conclude my review of Misquoting Jesus in agreement with Wallace as he states, “unfortunately, the average layperson will leave this book with far greater doubts about the wording and teachings of the NT than any textual critic would ever entertain,” (Ibid., 3).

ISBN - 0-06-073817-0

 

Velvet Elvis
Rob Bell., Velvet Elvis. Zondervan. Grand Rapids, MI. 2005

Sincerely impressed with Rob Bell's work in his short films from the Nooma series, I picked up his book hoping to find the same kind of fresh, honest, transparency of the Christian faith that he delivers on screen. I was not disappointed.

Velvet Elvis is written as a heirloom, if you will, highlighting the most impactful and influential truths that have billowed through the mind and life of this Grand Rapids Pastor, and preserved for Christians worldwide to pick up and not only read, but wrestle, struggle, contemplate, and hopefully put into practice.

Bell touches on some sensitive subjects. He continually causes the reader to think through their perceived definitions of Christian conduct and terminology to reexamine how faith plays a higher role than fact. As expected he gives great Old Testament insight and each chapter weaves in illustrations from the teachings of rabbis to the life and culture of Old Testament and 1st century Jews.

I love how Rob Bell can take Jesus out of the stained glass and place him on your doorstep as someone intended upon loving and teaching you reality and not pious maxims or flannel graph hairstyles.

I believe Rob Bell is doing a lot to authenticate Christianity and bring the saints back into the world. After closing chapter after chapter of Velvet Elvis I would go to pick my Old Testament and inherently read it with a conscious intention of looking to understand how an ancient Jew would understand this as their history and their context. Bell is honest about his faith and his struggles. He writes not as one who has arrived, but as one who hopes and trusts that the path he is walking is worthy inviting others.

One of my favorite lines from the early pages is, "Have you ever seen someone pull out of their wallet and argue about the supremacy of this particular loved one? Of course not. They show you the picture and give you the opportunity to see what they see." I wish we all loved God this way.

I can't say that I agreed with him on everything in this book; for at times I would like to check references as to how accurate they dogmatically attest to correct 1st century and earlier understandings of culture and context. However, I can't deny the way this book not only caused me to think through what truth is and what I do with it, but also how I innately picked up on the honesty and transparency Bell writes with that leads to me likewise admit I don't have all the answers but I too have chosen hope over anger, faith over fear, and the truth that innocence is worth reclaiming.

ISBN - 0-310-26345-X

 

The Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown., The Da Vinci Code. DoubleDay. New York, NY. 2003

This has to be one of the best novels I’ve recently read, an there’s no thinking twice as to why it’s a best seller. Brown leaves you hanging on the end of each chapter. An amazing novel; gripping, and intellectually stimulating, yet dangerous for an audience who derives their beliefs and convictions from Hollywood and fiction novels.

For those who haven’t read it or seen the movie to come out this May, Brown’s explosive plot revolves around an (often poorly researched) claim that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene with whom they had children who fled to western Europe and protected by a secret society to which Da Vinci along with many others were members. It is this provocative and entirely scandalous conspiracy that gives the book its energy.

However, in a culture that is close to adopting truth according to majority opinion, The Da Vinci Code has done a terrible service to Christian history by inciting the American beast of media to popularize fiction as fact and raise fruitless debates that only cloud the issues of apologetics, textual criticism, history, and faith with the imaginative evidence of erroneous fiction and fantastic claims. Just because I drape a robe around my shoulders and paint a giant “S” on my chest doesn’t mean I can fly off my roof, and in the same accord, just because a talented writer popularizes fictitious ideas as truth does not make them true.

Personally, I loved The Da Vinci Code, but I read this fiction novel as a fiction novel. In the same way that I don’t fear dinosaurs chasing me after Jurassic Park or flying aliens after Independence Day, I have no doubt in scripture or the truth about the Son of God after The Da Vinci Code, however I fear that the media lustful society we live in will not have the same discernment. Christian readers of The Da Vinci Code, need to use its popularity to arm themselves with truth and become prepared to intelligently interact with a questioning world.

I recommend Dan Brown’s book unless you think you might be overly prone to believe fiction as fact, in which case I think you need to go back and read your Bible, after all it has sold more copies.

ISBN - 0-385-50420-9

 

The Gutter
Craig Gross., The Gutter. Relevantbooks. Orange, CA. 2005

This book continued to guide me in the direction in which I believe most Christians need to check the spiritual compasses. Written primarily as a response from the negative comments of the church to “unorthodox” ministry, author Craig Gross is hard hitting in his convictions that Christians must do what Jesus did and touch the untouchables.

The Gutter is a relatively short book at just over 150 pages and it is a fairly fast paced read. It certainly caused me to rethink my priorities and continue to strive to become authentic in my beliefs not to simply say that I love the poor and hurting, but to learn to sacrifice and love with my actions.

Gross is sounding from a platform that more Christian writers need to step on to. Our consumer driven culture leaves little room for compassion, and it is the church’s job to lead the attack on prejudice and fear to become the light of truth to ALL people. If you have ever looked upon a homeless person with distain, forgot the second greatest commandment, or have become comfortable in your Christianity – read this book.

ISBN - 0-976035-0-7

 

FlashBang
Mark Steele., FlashBang. Relevantbooks. Orlando, FL. 2005

I laughed so hard I cried… I actually had tears from laughing so hard while reading this book. FlashBang is not your normal “Christian Living” pick-me-up. Author Mark Steele writes primarily from his life experiences in effort to teach Christians how to make a real impact for Christ and not what just appear to be impressions.

I’m finding it hard to come up with ways to describe my experience of reading this book, short of telling you that I reread more than half of it out loud to my wife, I have never had a better time reading a book, and I might have actually finished all 240 pages in a single afternoon. Of all the hundreds of books I’ve read this one fall in my top 5. It might take a special (perhaps weird is a better term) person to really get such a kick out of Steele’s writing, but I’m telling you it cracked me apart!

FlashBang is a must read, and if Mark Steele ever decides to get creative again I’ll read whatever he writes – “Please Mark, lets have another!”

ISBN - 0-9760357-2-3

 

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