I Could Read in 2008
OCTOBER 2008 – JANUARY 2009
Broke to write.
SEPTEMBER 2008
Ideas Have Consequences by Richard Weaver
Brief Review: A classic in real-life philosophy, Ideas Have Consequences explores the results of certain general politico-philosophical ideas as they play out over time.
Night by Elie Wiesel
Brief Review: In 1986, Night by Elie Wiesel became a worldwide bestseller and the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for literature. A Nazi concentration camp survivor (Auschwitz and Buchenwald), Wiesel records the memoirs of his tragic experience in this short masterpiece, Night. Presenting a picture of the depths of human depravity, both in the Nazis and their victims, Night will leaving you sobered and profoundly aware of the fact that things on earth are not as they ought to be.
How to Pray by R.A. Torrey
Brief Review: How to Pray is a classic on Christian prayer and ministry. R.A. Torrey, friend of D.L. Moody, wrote this work in an effort to invigorate and educate Christians of his time and ages to come concerning the necessity, approach, and results of biblical prayer. In addition, chapters 11 and 12 provide an insightful presentation of the need, causes, and requirements for much needed revival. His description of and prescription for his time in history, prove profoundly similar to that of modern times.
The Universe Next Door by James W. Sire
Brief Review: The Universe Next Door has long been a trusted as a fundamental resource for Christian apologists and collegiate worldview studies. Depending on how you look at it, Sire’s work presents a thorough catalog of 7-10 basic worldviews, their questions and the answers that address them. I imagine it to be helpful to the most educated mind while being written in a manner accessible to the most novice student of culture and thought.
AUGUST 2008
A Little Primer on Humble Apologetics by James W. Sire
Brief Review: James W. Sire has proven to be a faithful authority and voice on behalf of apologetics and apologists. This little book is a gem. Like Iron Mike Tyson (without the facial tattoo, squeeky voice, and ear biting, A Little Primer on Humble Apologetics packs big strength in a small package.
The Mortification of Sin by John Owen
Brief Review: The Mortification of Sin is a tried and true puritan work about the need to “put to death the (sinful) deeds of the flesh.” In classic puritan style, Owen masterfully presents a compelling resource essential to the sanctification of every believer.
JULY 2008
How to Lead Small Groups by Neal F. McBride
Brief Review: No book is perfect, but this one is pretty helpful for small group leaders. Setting forth a bit of small group philosophy and a bunch of small group practicals, How to Lead Small Groups is an excellent resource and guide.
MAY 2008
Frankenstein by Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley
Brief Review: Simply put, the epitome of classic literature.
How to Read the Bible for All its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart
Brief Review: How to Read the Bible for All its Worth presents many helpful insights concerning how to read the bible in a way that results in a proper interpretation. Fee and Stuart are “right on” in so many ways. Throughout the book, the authors make a case for the legitimacy of the gender-neutral TNIV. Many knowledgeable readers may take issue with this, but this aspect does not negate the good of this work.
The World is Flat: A Brief History of the Twenty-First Century by Thomas L. Friedman
Brief Review: The World is Flat is a lengthy, detailed, and helpful treatment of the “flattening” of the world. In the book, Friedman presents 10 flatteners which have leveled the political, economic, ans social fields for most people in the world. This book is a great resource for those desiring to better understand the inner workings of cultural change.
APRIL 2008
The Shack: Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity by William P. Young
Brief Review: To put it lightly, The Shack is a modern day work of heresy. It teaches falsehood about God, yet it is having a profound impact on many readers. This is an extremely sad and telling reality, but a reality nonetheless. -Full Review-
Your God is Too Small by J.B. Phillips
Brief Review: Your God is Too Small is a tried and true Christian writing. In the style of C.S. Lewis, Phillips work is engaging, logical, reasonable, and trustworthy. Part 1 discusses a number of inadequate views of God. His premise is that the childish and limited ways in which children conceive of God is not adequate for the fully informed adult mind. As a result, Phillips suggests in Part 2 a constructive consideration of a full and biblically accurate view of God. This book is a must read for Christians and skeptics alike.
MARCH 2008
Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers by Christopher A. Hall
Brief Review: Reading Scripture with the Church Fathers is a helpful book for anyone desiring to gain a better understanding the perspective of the early church fathers. Providing an overview of the 8 doctors of the church – Athanasius, Gregory of Nazianzus, Basil the Great, John Chrysostom, Ambrose, Jerome, Augustine, Gregory the Great – Hall provides a wise treatment of their successes and failures of proper biblical hermeneutics.
FEBRUARY 2008
When Sinners Say “I Do” by Dave Harvey
Brief Review: Harvey presents a masterful treatment of biblical marriage. Unlike most marriage books, Harvey’s addresses the heart-level issues faced by married couples. However, not only does Harvey address marriage from a gospel-centered perspective, he also does it in good form. His writing style is humorously intriguing.
The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence
Brief Review: A helpful little work on living each moment in light of the ever-present presence of God.
JANUARY 2008
Blame It On the Brain: Distinguishing Chemical Imbalances, Brain Disorders, and Disobedience by Ed Welch
Brief Review: Written by a counselor at heart, Blame It On the Brain helps readers understand the appropriate and limited place of psychology in counseling. As the system of secular psychiatry increasingly grows in authority over life issues and struggles, Welch helps readers see the value of thinking critically through the implications of such a system.
