30 Days to Undestanding the Bible by Max Anders

 

One of my friends responded to my post about reading  “30 Days to Understanding the Bible”  by commenting that he could have saved a lot of time and money if he had known about this book before he went to Seminary. Of course, he was being facetious, but he made a good point.

Will this book replace years of Bible study and give someone the equivalent of a Master of Theology? The answer is No. However, for someone who wants a good overview of the Bible and its themes this is a good book. It is also a good review for some of us who forgot who the Kings were and when they lived. We may also have forgotten some of those Minor Prophets too.  That is covered in this book.

Each chapter begins with an illustration that sets the theme for the chapter. I appreciated the illustrations some of which were humorous but many of the illustrations were powerful.  I don’t want to ruin the reading for anyone but the introduction to the chapter on the Gospels talks about a severed nerve and how Jesus twisted himself to accommodate the lives twisted by sin.

When Max Anders introduces the Epistles he talks about a women who anonymously writes letters to people who need a word of encouragement. The point is not that the Epistles were anonymous but rather that letters can have an impact and these New Testament letters certainly did have an impact.

I plan on putting this book on the recommended reading list for my class in the winter because it is a good overview and it does provide a good review of the people, places and themes of the Bible.  It would be a good book for a small group and section 6 contains lesson plans that could be used in a small group.

The author insists on the importance of repetition so there are reviews throughout each chapter and throughout the book. Section 4 gives a summary of the Bible in 3000 words so once the body of the book is read there is a summary of the summary.

In the interest of giving an honest review I must mention a few concerns. The author uses symbols as a mnemonic device. I found the symbols confusing but maybe that would help with memorization by connecting a negative emotion with a specific symbol.  

However, one symbol irritates me. The author has a symbol for each of the 10 major doctrines of the Bible and the one he associates with the doctrine of Angels is a set of wings. Of all the angelic beings described in the Bible only one had wings. There is no indication that any other angelic being had wings and they certainly didn’t have wings when they visited humans here on this planet. That would have been a clue they weren’t human.  I have other symbols in mind for angels but it’s not my book.

One other concern is for those who think they have mastered the Bible because they have read this book or those who think that the symbols used in this book are the final word. This is a good start but there is a lot more to discover.

This book is published by Thomas Nelson 

I received a copy of the galley for review.

Saving Truth by Abdu Murray, published by Zondervan

“Today humans have no skin. They are all nerves.” This is not a quote from Saving Truth but I think the quote is well illustrated in this just released book by Abdu Murray. It seems many people in the world but especially in the USA make decision on the basis of their feelings. Facts are mostly irrelevant.

Two recurring phrases in Saving Truth are “preference over facts” with the corresponding end result “the Culture of Confusion”. And for the record this book is not based on feelings or “confirmation bias” this book is based on solid evidence and research.

In nine chapters Mr. Murray, who grew up as a Muslim, tackles many of the polarizing issues of the day and not only shows that many people are all nerves and no skin. Many people make life changing or life-threatening decision based on how they feel not by reasoning.

The initial chapter introduces the main theme with a question, “what if there is no fixed point of reference?” and illustrates how our culture seems to be at that point. So how do we know if we are moving at all or if we are going forward or backward.

In talking about his own conversion, he wrote, “The truth wasn’t hard to find. It was hard to embrace.” So, he reminds us that the issue isn’t truth but rejection of the truth. He tells of a young man who had become an atheist by watching YouTube videos and not once reading a book that would have answered legitimate questions about Christianity. In Mr. Murray’s words, “He wanted to disbelieve, so he turned to sources that would reinforced his own preferences….”

That seems to be a hallmark of our culture and it is certainly true of the Church and Christians as well, unfortunately. Fittingly, the second chapter of the book is entitled Confusion and the Church: Seductions of the Post-Truth Mindset. This is an important chapter in more ways than one. First, it lets the reader know this is not a book about Us vs. Them. We are all vulnerable to the cultural post-truth virus.

Secondly this chapter reminds the reader, especially the Christians, that truth must be wedded to grace. This is the calling of our Master, Jesus whose message was not the Law but grace and truth.

Subsequent chapters are specific to current issues of our day: Freedom, Human Dignity, Sexuality and Gender, Science and Faith, Religious Pluralism and a concluding chapter on Clarity’s Hope.

Each one of these issues is presented from a reasoned, evidentiary foundation. For example, when Mr. Murray writes about religion and science he presents the background of the arguments that seem to pit religion against science. He mentions and quotes leading scientists who are Christians. This book would be a valuable resource to carry around when the issue of science and faith comes up. Mr. Murray has already done a lot of research so let him speak.

I appreciate the sensitivity with which he presented gender dysphoria. While acknowledging the pain suffered by those who struggle with their gender identity he also writes there are those who are looking, not for help in the struggle, but rather autonomy.  The response of the Christian regardless of the motivation should be biblically faithful compassion (page 149 in proof copy).

In the chapter on religious pluralism the writer shows that all religions are not fundamentally the same.  By comparing the tenets of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, Atheism and the claims of Christ he puts to rest any idea that they are all the same. He demonstrates the reality hinted at in the title of the book Saving Truth. The truth of Christ does save.

This book is well researched with an extensive note section for those who want to follow up. The author quotes broadly from scientists like Charles Darwin and francs Crick to apologists like C.S. Lewis and an alternative rock band Crash Parallel. Mr. Murray has listened, has studied and acted on the facts rather than reacted on the basis of his feeling.

It is important to recognize that not only does the truth of Jesus Christ save but that is it important that those who follow Christ have as a goal Saving Truth. It we don’t preserve the truth in our lives and in our witness, truth may be lost.

Move Toward the Mess: The Ultimate Fix for a Boring Christian Life by John Hambrick Published by David C. Cook

I am constantly reminded as I walk in malls, in hospitals and in churches that we live in an antiseptic culture. We fear infection.  Go anywhere and there is the ubiquitous hand sanitizer. While I do support universal precautions within the clinical context John Hambrick reminds us that as Christians we do not have the luxury of ministering in a clean, germ free environment. He invites us to move toward the mess.

Early in the book the author tells about going into a large, unfamiliar mall and finding the directory of the stores so he could locate himself and where he wanted to go. He found that someone had scraped off the “You are here” sticker so he still did not know where he was and therefore didn’t how to get to where he wanted to go.

His book is a good resource for churches who want find out where they are.  A church can then decide if it wants to go anywhere. His book will be a tough sell for churches who want everything neat and clean. In my opinion some Christians may read the book and decide to stay right where they are because there are germs out there.

I find it strange some churches are foregoing the shaking of hands and, in my tradition, the washing of feet and because of the fear of germs. I do not know of any medical journal detailing the story of someone who died because he/she shook hands. But I digress…

The author continues a theme addressed in an earlier book by Mike Yaconelli entitled Messy Spirituality. Both books remind us that working with people is messy.  It is not sterile but it is necessary to move towards the mess if we want to engage culture and reach people for the Kingdom.

Mr. Hambrick takes us from Georgia to Northern Ireland to Pakistan to introduce us to people who moved towards the mess. He writes about ministries begun to reach those who need Jesus. He writes about a couple who took prostitutes into their home. He tells us about a man who builds homes.

This book isn’t just about people who have been given extraordinary gifts. This is about ordinary people who were touched by the God of compassion and who in turn want to touch (literally and figuratively) others with the good news of the Kingdom.

And some of the people who moved toward the mess started ministries years ago that continue to this day under the leadership of others drawn to the mess. One of these ministries is Wycliffe Bible Translators.

Each chapter ends with a hint about the next chapter drawing us in. Each chapter ends with a series of discussion questions about the chapter just read. These discussion questions make this book a valuable resources for churches serious about getting their hands dirty.

The final section of the book gives practical information on how to take the ideas and illustrations and put them into practice.

I highly recommend this book and I will promote it whenever I have the opportunity.

I was given a copy of this book by the publisher through NetGalley.com with only the understanding that I would write a review.

Wisdom from the East

Wisdom of the Sadhu (Complied by Kim Comer) Plough Publishing House I first heard of Sundar Singh when I was in college but I heard more about him then I did from him until this book arrived. I vaguely remember a hint of suspicion hanging over Sundar in my very conservative, western thinking school so I was reluctant to go further. That was my loss. On one hand though I can see why he was viewed with suspicion in some circles. He wrote from an Eastern perspective that emphasizes narrative while those of us in the United States often give more weight to facts and propositions. Many Western readers are uncomfortable with narrative and stories. We prefer propositions. For example I was listening this morning to a well known pastor give an outline and several points for a story in the Old Testament. I am driving my car yelling at the radio, “Tell the story. Tell the story” Sundar Singh knew how to tell a story. I appreciated his allusions to nature. For example to talk about prayer he pictures the crane standing in the water waiting for lunch to swim by not noticing the water but just looking to get something. That is how many of us see prayer, “Seated on the shore of the boundless ocean of God's love, they actually give no thought to his majesty...Instead they are consumed with the thought of receiving something for themselves.” pp 112-113. I gained much insight into the Christian life from my brother, Sundar and wish I had met him sooner. Another area in which some may have been critical of Sundar is in the area of verbal plenary inspiration. Sundar may have placed more emphasis on the spoken word of God then the written word of God. He says on page 65 that Master never wrote anything down nor did he ask his followers to record his teaching. However it is clear from Revelation 1 that Jesus in fact asked John to write down his words to the church. Sundar Singh wrote at a time when the inspiration of the Bible was under attack and he may have been a victim of the battle for the Bible taking place then. If so is unfortunate because we have much to learn from our Eastern brother and the Eastern Church today. I received a copy of Wisdom of the Sadhu from Handlebar Publishing with the only expectation that I would write a review.

I must have been in a cave for the past two years or so because I had never heard of Jessie Rees, DIPG or Joy Jars until I read this book. I am certainly glad I know about them now. Though the book is a difficult read because of the subject matter, an 11yr old girl being diagnosed with a rare, incurable brain cancer, it is worth the time. It is a story of a family struggling with a serious disease with all the pain and questions that brings. I appreciate the honesty of Eric Rees, the father, as he yells out his lament to the God who seemingly has abandoned them. (As a father I probably would have kept the prognosis from my child as he did. But as a chaplain I think knowing that death is imminent is important.) However this is not just the anatomy of an illness it is as also the story of a young girl with a heart for other kids who are hurting. From the time Jessie began treatment she asked what could be done for other kids with cancer. This led to the creation of JoyJars that could be given to children in the hospital. Her goal of 50,000 jars distributed was reached after her death. This is also a story of a supportive community, a church community and the larger community. The reader also gets an unflattering look at the state of medical research and the sad statistics reveal that not enough is being done in the area of pediatric cancer. Unfortunately one of the reasons for the paucity of research is there is not much money in it. I certainly have no answer to the why question but I have to say Jessie's cancer and death have had many positive outcomes. I have two minor points of concern. At one point Eric Rees says that Jessie's death was God's will. It would require more space than I have to explain why I disagree with that phrase. Suffice it to say that God allowed rather than willed her death. Also on page 198 in the Rees' family letter announcing Jessie's death we read that Jessie earned her wings. I know people often say this but there is no indication that humans get wings at death. Minor points aside this book can change life for kids with cancer and may change the face of research. I received a copy of this book for review from Handlebar Publishing. For more on the book and Joyjars #NEGUbook

Leadership Principles from an Unexpected Source

When I received a review copy of Joseph James Slawek's book from Handlebar Publishing I was already reading another book on leadership and I was interested in seeing what "Ingredients for Success" would add to my search. I found much that was useful and some great points for discussion as well as one area that raises some concern. My concern does not take anything from the value of the book but it is serious enough to give the book only three stars.

One of the helpful points is in chapter 3 (the third principle: Know, Develop and Use Your Unique Abilities) in which the writer states that not all leaders are five-talent people, two-talent people and one-talent people. Our goal as leaders is not to become  5 talent leaders but rather to become the best leader we can with the abilities God has given us.

He also reminds us that we can't do anything we want. That is a good point in a society that seems to tell us that everyone can do anything they want. Listening to the American Idol competition is a good example of what happens when people think that can do anything they want--of course it is good entertainment.

I think all ten principles spelled out in the book are helpful but I found it strange they were based on three parables from Matthew 25 when there are so many other places in the Bible that seem more fertile ground for leadership principles.

However, there was a red flag for me in the first chapter that gave me pause and hung over me through the book. In chapter one he seems to raise his book to the level of divine authority. Slawek states "...these are concepts that come from God's word; therefore it is beyond a man's opinion...It is the God of the universe speaking personally and profoundly to each and every one of us. That should send a shiver up our spines." 

I have to admit a shiver went up my spine but not for the reason the author suggests. What caused me to shiver was the thought that the writer seems to think he has just written principles that rise to the level of divine authority. As good as these principles may be they are not on the same level as the Bible.  In fact one of the key concepts in the book (the 2 x 4 principle) is contradicted by another passage of Scripture in which God promises not double the  increase but 30, 60 or 100 percent increase.

In my theology the canon of Scripture is closed.

Persistence Pays Off

Something Borrowed, Someone Dead was my introduction to Agatha Raisin. Maybe if I had met her earlier I would have a different impression but without the context of the rest of her story I found her off-putting. Though she does seem to have a big heart I wonder if she was more polished before she became a raisin. Not that the current book isn't good. It was, in fact, a good read, The characters and locale are well developed. The Cotswold Villages seem very inviting as they are portrayed in this book although I would stay away from Piddlebury where the current story is set. I have already lived in too many villages where strangers were viewed with suspicion.

In this book a newcomer to the village, Gloria French, has jumped into village life and become a fundraiser for the church (which certainly ingratiates her to the local pastor). However, Gloria has a habit of taking things from the people of the village and not returning them. (The good thing about being a kleptomaniac is you can always take something for it). One morning Gloria takes a nip of borrowed wine and ends up dead. Agatha is called in to solve the mystery. Her presence is not appreciated and she gets little help from the good people of Piddlebury.

If a reader is expecting to find the observation skills of a Sherlock Holmes or the forensic science of a CSI they will be disappointed. It seems that what Agatha brings to the case is persistence. Maybe that provides a balance we need in the kind of world in which we think some test will provide all the answers. Sometimes the solution comes because we keep working.

I would be interested in reading some other books in the series to read more about Agatha Raisin but I did find this one a good read.

I received a galley of the book from NetGalley with the understanding I would write a review. The book is by M.C. Beaton and published by St. Martins Press