Books for March

Jonathan Edwards Lover of God by Owen Strachan and Doug Sweeney

The writings of Jonathan Edwards define the definition of difficulty. Anybody who has sat down and read his work knows that when they finish they felt like they had been running 400 meter intervals rather than sitting in their reading chair. Is there any cliff notes? Better... Enter Jonathan Edwards: Lover of God, the first of five books in the Essential Edwards Collection. This book is a brief introduction of the life and thought of one of the greatest thinkers and theologians America has ever produced. It is short, clear, and helpful. Within each chapter, the authors drive between large quotations of Edward's writings and their insight commentary. After each chapter, the authors seek to apply Edward's life and idea to the reader's world. My reading of the book wet my appetite to read more of Edwards reminding me of his God-entranced vision of all things and joyous piety for the Lord. I give the book 8 out of 10 stars and look forward to reading others in this collection.

Disciplines of a Godly Man by R. Kent Hughes

I love this book. It whacked me like a pinata, inspired me to pursue great things, encouraged me as I have failed, and brought me to a clearer understanding of the disciplines of godliness in the grace of God. The author, R. Kent Hughes, is known for his expositional preaching at his local church. With years of exemplary preaching, Rev. Hughes packed this book full of solid biblical teaching, true-life stories, and practical advice as he sought to apply Paul's command in 1 Tim. 4:7-8 holistically, "Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come." Great book for any man (or boy who wants to be a man) especially all Christian men. I give the book a 9 out of 10 stars.


The Church Between Temple and Mosque by J. H. Bavinck
Unintentionally, this month I found myself reading two books on the relationship between the Christian faith and other religions. Often was the case where I thought to myself, "Didn't I just read this" yet I was thinking of the other book. Actually, it made for a greater understanding on the topic since each book approach the subject differently. The Church Between Temple and Mosque surveys the topic through sociology and theology. Bavinck argues for five magnetic points which are found within a fundamental unity in man: (1) I and the cosmos; (2) I and the norm; (3) I and the riddle of my existence; (4) I and salvation; and (5) I and the Supreme Being. From these magnetic points, the author shows where the Christian stands both in community with, and over against, other religions. The book is full of information on Hinduism and primitive religions which I gleaned from willingly. I give the book 8 out of 10 stars.


The Gospel in a Pluralist Society by Leslie Newbigin

On the flip side of the same topic, I read the philosophical work, The Gospel in a Pluralist Society. In this classical work on the subject, the premise of the book is a treatise on understanding and living Christianity in an age of pluralism, and his primary argument is that the Christian faith is both contextual and relatively understood as well as universal and intended as truth for all. He bases his argument in a comparison with science, arguing that faith and science are both ways of knowing that have their own fundamental assumptions. One does not have to agree with every point to benefit from this work (and I had a few major disagreements). Newbigin's critique of doubt and pluralism "it's true for me" argument were helpful. Revelation in history as the Christian's starting point and the congregation living out the faith as a witness were also very helpful. If you venture to read this book, you must also know that half the book is chapters on epistemology (the study of knowledge) which if you are not expecting can get a little dry and/or overwhelming. I give the book 7 out of the 10 stars.