The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer, A Christian Worldview

If I were a theology prof at a seminary, I would make this required reading! I cannot recommend this set more highly. Schaeffer is much help when it comes to discerning these times through a biblical text. His writings may be more fitting today than when he first took up his pen. Currently, I'm reading vol. 5, A Christian View of the West.

The Life of Arthur W. Pink, Iain H. Murray

What a blessing this book is! Iain Murray has given us a stirring and balanced account of what little is known about this man of God. It is fitting that Pink wrote one of the most profitable books in print on Elijah because the two men shared faithfully the Word of God in a day when not many treasured it. I must admit this was my second reading. The first was stopped short some fifteen years ago for reasons long forgotten. Pink circled the globe preaching the gospel when ships were powered by wind or steam! He preached to crowds of hundreds, sometimes thousands, before turning completely to the ministry of the pen. You'll be enriched by this little book but read it when your encouragements are high because Pink's story is not one of glamour, not glory but of faithful perseverance in the ministry of the Word. Don't let that discourage you from taking up this read though - it's worth it! October 2014

How God Became King, The Forgotten Story of the Gospels, N.T. Wright

My take on this book...coming soon!

I read this back in 2012 when it was hot off the press. Immediately I formed some opinions. In the two year interval between then and now, I've continued to give careful and respectful consideration to this book and to N.T. Wright. I've decided to reread the book before I post anything here so that I can know that I've given it all due consideration.

Jonathan Edwards, A Life, George M. Marsden

Marsden has provided a well researched new biography of Edwards. It is filled with what life was like in New England during Edwards' time. I was excited to receive this volume in the mail and waited with anticipation for my reading schedule to move around to it. I am sad to say though, I was disappointed. Forgive me if I am too hard on Marsden. I do respect his works but it seemed that his great attention to the Edwards' family and their influence and his many personal idiosyncrasies were intended to lower the reader's opinion of Edwards. Marsden even answers the reader's silent question early in the book when he discusses, "What do I think of Edwards?" I must admit that by that time I was already thinking, "He doesn't think much of Edwards." For me, this book was a let down. It doesn't help that I've already had a friend, referencing this book, say, "Well Edwards had his issues too. He was constantly complaining about his pay." This may not have been Marsden's intent, to diminish our estimation of Edwards, but one has to wonder if that has been the result. Today movie stars, music artists and comic book characters are assuming god-like status in culture. shouldn't we question the wisdom of emphasizing the flaws of good men, men who readily admit that they are but clay? March 2014.

Bonhoeffer, Eric Metaxas

Once past Metaxas' gushing in the first three chapters, I loved this book. Over all it is written in a very pleasant style. Following the story and keeping up with Metaxas' thought line is pretty easy. My only problem is that Metaxas fails to discuss Bonhoeffer's neo-orthoxy. Francis Schaeffer discusses some misappropriation of definitions that Bonhoeffer is prone to in vol. 1 of Schaeffer's Complete Works. Not to impugn the man in any way, but with Bonhoeffer one must keep this in mind. December 2014.

Too Wise to be Mistaken, Too Good to be Unkind, Cathy Steere

Almost a journal, Steere's book offers much insight for Christian parents who are struggling with rearing a child with autism. Having two children who are on the spectrum, I found much comfort and wisdom in this book. March 2014.

The Sacred Trust, Sketches of the Southern Baptist Presidents, Emir and Ergun Caner

Slightly disappointing for several reasons. First, as the cover indicates, these are sketches which makes it hard to relate to the person being written about. Secondly, I think the sketch format makes for uneventful reading. It is sad because such a book is very much needed. Southern Baptist have not given enough attention to the study of the men whom God used in the development of our denomination. March 2014.