Jonathan Edwards on Beauty (The Essential Edwards Collection) Review

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Jonathan Edwards on Beauty (The Essential Edwards Collection) ReviewI have never really read anything of Edwards expect "Sinners in the hands" but after recently being intrigued by him ( through friends, and John Pipers Bio sermon) I thought I would give this little paperback a try. I'm glad I did! It is compiled very well and will definately leave you wanting to read more of Edwards. Why? Very simple: Edwards exalts Christ! To see the beauty of Christ in the section that talks about Edwards sermon " the excellency of Christ" is worth far more than what you could ever pay for this book.
Now I am challenged to read more from this great theologian. I'm going to try to find "the Excellency of Christ" sermon right now.Jonathan Edwards on Beauty (The Essential Edwards Collection) Overview

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Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife Review

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Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife ReviewThis needs to be read by anyone who is serious about addressing the racial differences we all face. These men share their personal stories and then the reconciliation principles that have grown out of their experiences. It is down to earth and practical, hard hitting yet enjoyable. A great help without the guilt ladden junk that comes in most racial sensitivity material. Two thumbs up!Breaking Down Walls: A Model for Reconciliation in an Age of Racial Strife Overview

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Jonathan Edwards on Heaven and Hell (The Essential Edwards Collection) Review

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Jonathan Edwards on Heaven and Hell (The Essential Edwards Collection) ReviewThe subject of eternal destiny is a hot topic. It seems everyone has an opinion about everyone else's opinion. Navigating the terrain of publishing and ideas can be confusing. Sometimes it helps to have someone who stands head and shoulders above the rest speaking intelligently about the subject.
Owen Strachan and Doug Sweeney have, again, provided a helpful treatment of Jonathan Edwards and his theology. The second title reviewed here in The Essential Edwards Collection published by Moody Press deals with the subject of Heaven and Hell. I have thoroughly enjoyed the books in this series. Strachan and Sweeney have given us a helpful tour through Jonathan Edwards' thought.
Not surprisingly, Edwards maintains the traditional view of Heaven and Hell. Yet, Edwards does not hold to Hell joyfully. He views Hell as a sad truth. That sad truth motivates him to speak of Hell and redemption in Christ in order that some may escape the flames of Hell through a heart set aflame towards love of Christ and transformation by his grace.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Moody Press. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."Jonathan Edwards on Heaven and Hell (The Essential Edwards Collection) Overview

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God So Loved, He Gave: Entering the Movement of Divine Generosity Review

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God So Loved, He Gave: Entering the Movement of Divine Generosity ReviewIt is rare to recommend a book without any reservations, but Go So Loved, He Gave is that sort of book. I agree with the litany of glowing endorsements that this is a book that should move to the top of your reading list.
With sparkling prose, Kelly M. Kapic (professor of theology at Covenant College) and Justin Borger (Generosity Content Director for the Maclellan Foundation) describe the biblical story through the lens of generosity, articulating a comprehensive vision supported by compelling expositions of particular passages. At the heart of this story is the triune God who owns all things not through holy hoarding, but through acts of holy generosity. Out of his loving generosity, God created the world, but sinful humans abused this gift by selfishly taking, becoming broken and banished instead of enjoying the bliss of belonging. Astonishingly, God addressed this brokenness not by punishing his rebellious creation, but by giving himself so that his creatures can truly belong to him. Belonging to God means participating in his kingdom inaugurated by the work of Jesus, and living within the movements of divine generosity.
At this point in the book, the narrative slows down and deals in more detail with the nature of God the Father's gift of the Son and the Spirit, as well as the process of believing, experiencing, and living within this gift. The authors do so through unrushed, conversational retellings of Gospel stories, which reveal that faith in Jesus is itself a gift from God while at the same time an urgent demand. The Spirit too is a gift uniting us to Christ as a guarantee, seal, and first-fruit of fully experiencing God's gifts in the kingdom and new creation. In the present, we experience God's gift of salvation in Jesus by producing generous fruit, most notably caring for the poor and needy. Eternal life in God's kingdom is experienced as a gift in the present, generating hope in the full and future experience of triune generosity.
What does it mean practically, however, to "enter into the movement of divine generosity" in the present? For one, Kapic and Borger insist that we live God's gift through word and deed, proclaiming the righteousness of God in Christ and living out this righteousness with particular partiality toward the poor. In this way, we improvisationally imitate the form of Jesus' life, who for our sake became poor, giving up his rights to make us rich in righteousness. Cross-shaped generosity is about giving one's whole person, not just a mere ten percent of income as a tithe. As such, enabled by God's continual giving, Christians should be committed to radically generous and hospitable lifestyles with the goal of witnessing to the cross and resurrection through "worshipful communion in the truth" (196), not winning culture wars or political battles. This is the work of the whole Christian community, who has received much in order to give to others. The missional orientation of the early church is evident in the collections for the poor pursued so passionately by Paul and other church leaders. Kapic and Borger observe that these collections certainly served to relieve poverty, but also to unify the church, participate in God's grace, and prefigure future life with the triune God who "in fairness...favors the fatherless and received the rejected" (212). In short, grateful worship, bold proclamation, embracive hospitality, and generous giving are all fitting ways to participate in the drama of divine generosity.
Several elements make God So Love, He Gave a stunning accomplishment. By drawing on authors as diverse as John Calvin, Pope Benedict, Abraham Kuyper, and Walter Brueggemann, the book soars above stifling provincialism and helps readers hear the voice of the universal church. The book is saturated with Scripture, which can be located with an excellent Scripture index, with particular passages utilized not merely as isolated proof texts, but connected to the comprehensive drama of salvation and divine generosity. Each chapter deals with basic theological topics, but these topics are addressed again and again from creative angles and with both deep theological insight and pastoral wisdom. For example, Kapic and Borger recognize that Christians are not called to imitate the exact career of Jesus, but that we are called to follow the form of his life, a process that bears similarities to the improvisation of jazz musicians who riff within a basic beat. In addition, there is an excellent discussion guide at the end, enabling the reader or groups of readers to reflect on this rich material (also available for download on the website).
Of course, it is impossible for a book of this size to cover everything regarding the divine drama of generosity and our participation within this drama. As such, there is a jump from chapter two and the Fall to chapter three and the coming of the Messiah and King Jesus. Although the Old Testament is discussed in relation to prophesies of the King (49-51), the theme of kingdom generosity would have been more complete with an additional chapter on the Old Testament, while providing more rationale for choosing kingdom as an overarching theme rather than covenant or something else. In addition, it would have been fascinating to see further explanation on the role of imagination as briefly mentioned in chapter ten, as well as how the proposal of this book corresponds or contrasts to generous orthodoxy as originally proposed by Brian McLaren (especially since the authors use the phrase "hospitable orthodoxy," 195). Another fitting conversation partner for this book is Eugene Peterson's Practice Resurrection (Eerdmans, 2010), especially given the three chapters on resurrection faith, work and life.
These last few comments are not weaknesses per se, just ways in which the thesis of this book could be elucidated and expanded. As it stands, God So Loved, He Gave is a magnificent work of theology, both in terms of articulating the truth of the gospel and showing its implications for all of life. Not only that, but the book is carefully constructed and beautiful written, making it a joy to read in every possible way. I wholeheartedly recommend that you read this book to discover the drama of divine generosity and how you can participate in the drama today.
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Partakers of the Divine Nature: The History and Development of Deification in the Christian Traditions Review

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Partakers of the Divine Nature: The History and Development of Deification in the Christian Traditions Review****
"Theosis, deification, or divinization is no longer a topic limited to Eastern Orthodox thought. ...It seems to me that the concept of theosis is becoming increasingly unclear. ... Too many people make use of it without having made a sufficient investigation of its history or having understood its role in the Eastern tradition." Gösta Hallonsten Theosis, A Renewal of Interest:
Often regarded as a Greek heretical innovation, in the Protestant West, the popular and scholarly revival of interest in deification declares a return to the foundational understanding of salvation in Christianity before the great schism between Byzantine East and Roman West. The idea and history of theosis is being rediscovered, as a compelling vision of human spiritual transformation into graceful wholeness, that is worthy of serious exploration and could yet be relevant to contemporary Western mystical trends. G. Hallonsten considers that the recent publication of an English translation of Jules Gross's classic on divinization according to the Greek speaking Fathers, as 'just one sign' of this renewed interest. According to Dr. Norman Russell, the eminent patristic scholar and expert on theosis, "The remarkable revival of interest in theosis, or Christian deification, has been driven to some extent by an evangelical concern to find new ways of speaking about the transformatory power of the Christian life.
Kenosis to Theosis:
Kenosis, or self emptying, which St. Paul used to describe Emanuel ministry for the universe, ends into Theosis, partaking of the nature of God as St. Peter described in his second epistle. The words of Clement of Alexandria became the reference passage, "The Word of God became man that you may learn from him how man may become God." St. Ireneus was the first of the Church Fathers who iterated it and St. Athanasius has popularized this cornerstone belief. Theosis was elaborated by the Alexandrine fathers, and used extensively by St. Cyril in his theological debates with the Antiochians using the hypoststic union Christology. This theme of the Orthodox Church was avoided in the west, until Karl Rahner and Hans von Balthassar have come so close to the language of the Alexandrine Church.
Kenosis, or self emptying was mentioned four times in this book within three essays, first by A. Louth, and twice in an essay on Russian Theosis of Sergius Bulgakov. Dionysius p-Areopagite was also exposed by A. Louth in a chapter 'Transformation, The Human Dimension of theosis'. In his conclusion he relates the centrality of deification in Orthodox theology as a counterpart to the doctrine of incarnation, which was the thematic approach of a Coptic bishop in medieval Egypt. The human side of theosis in such cosmic dimension witnesses to the transformation in responding to the encounter with God offered in Christ through the Holy Spirit.
Partakers of the Divine Nature:
This collection of papers, given at a conference on theosis held at Drew University in 2004, tracks the concept of partaking of the divine nature, as 'Christian deification,' known in Greek as 'theosis' or 'theopesis' as utilized alternatively by St. Athanasius, in a critical historical analysis. The doctrine of theosis goes back in Christian thought to Origen, and his Alexandrine disciples Macarius, Athanasius, and Cyril who defended the soteriological work of Jesus Christ as a divinizing work of grace. Recently theosis became very much a topic of theological discussions, outside the Eastern Orthodox Church domain. Some of the work of its contributing members was published earlier in "Theosis: Deification in Christian Theology," edited by Vlad Kharlamov and Stephen Finlan, who drew my attention to this valuable collection. This supplementing volume covers a wide variety of studies with an emphasis on theosis in medieval times, Reformation and modern thought. Several outstanding scholars, including Andrew Louth and John McGuckin, who have been engaged for some time in the study of theosis, contributed valuable essays.
Throughout its five sections, that first review the broad issues linked to the nature, biblical basis, and theology of the doctrine of theosis is elaborated on by sections on conceptual development from late antiquity to post modernity, considering the change and discontinuity of this Christian concept as the intellectual history of an idea.
Copto-Arabic Tradition of Theosis:
Now, that I selected a unique study on Medieval Coptic theology, I have been introduced to Bishop el Bushi (1170 -1250), by Dr. G. Bebawi, Cantab Coptic scholar, only few years ago, when a recent resurgence of theosis debates started in the Coptic Church. In a compelling study of medieval Coptic teaching on Theosis, through exposing el Bushi's 'Treatise On the Incarnation,' Dr. Stephen Davis, of Yale Divinity, and an expert on the Egyptian Church in Late antiquity tackled a rare and inspiring subject on the church of the Martyrs, under Islamic siege for half of a millennia, yet renewing one of its controlling doctrines, a century before G. Palamas even thought to borrow the concept from Denys Areopagite during the Hesycast controversy. El Bushi sacramental theology, reflects the Coptic hermeneutical tradition and sacramental enactment of its Christological doctrine, in his masterful approach to divinization, "Whoever partakes (of the Eucharist) in a worthy manner and with faith, God resides in him and gives him the life that He gave to the body united to him."
This book review:
This review is a talking of gratitude to few of my mentors and friends, who enriched Dr. S. Davis essay, of whom four are mentioned: late Fr. G. Anawati, OP, late Dr. A. Atiya, Fr. S. Khalil, SJ, and Dr. J. Faltas.
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New Testament Theology: Many Witnesses, One Gospel Review

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New Testament Theology: Many Witnesses, One Gospel ReviewWith the massive amount of religious books being published these days, it would be helpful to know, as a minister, what to buy and what not to buy. This book is a definite buy! It has proven to be helpful to me in my preaching, teaching, and research as I have served as a minister in a local Protestant congregation. I.H. Marshall is one of the best biblical scholars of our time and this is perhaps his magnum opus.
Basically he goes through each section of each document of the New Testament relating to his readers the theological themes found therein. Thus, when preaching or teaching a passage, all you would have to do is open this book up to the appropriate page and get some helpful insights (after you have done the hard work of mulling over the text yourself of course!).
In case you are concerned about the investment, understand two things. Since the author is I.H. Marshall, this book is 1) Evangelical and 2) thoroughly researched.
This is no willy-nilly, off-the-cuff work; it is is a great book and a must have for those who minister in the church!New Testament Theology: Many Witnesses, One Gospel Overview

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Hard Sayings of the Bible (Hard Sayings Series the Hard Sayings) Review

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Hard Sayings of the Bible (Hard Sayings Series the Hard Sayings) ReviewI don't think there is any mystery to the fact that some biblical passages are tougher to interpret than others. This is why I so appreciate this book. In fact, I had bought the individual IVP books that were later compiled into Hard Sayings of the Bible, and I spent the money for this because it's nice having it all in one bound volume. I have used this many times to see if a particular passage is talked about, and probably half of the time it's in there. (I consider this to be a pretty high percentage.) While I may not always agree with the assessment, it is nice to get other perspectives, and more than once they have convinced me of their position on very difficult passages.
So, for the person who honestly struggles with interpreting the scripture for himself, I would say this is a good book to have as a reference tool. The authors are certainly scholars who are worth, at the very least, a consideration.Hard Sayings of the Bible (Hard Sayings Series the Hard Sayings) Overview

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Sharpen Your Discernment Review

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Sharpen Your Discernment ReviewA wonderful book that considers many areas, not all, that a Spirit-filled believer should and would be concerned about! If you want to get a biblical grasp of how discernment works, this book is for you. What I like about this pentecostal perspective of discernment is his grounding in the Word of God, not emotions. He convinces you that you can move with the Spirit of God and be scripturally grounded. If you are seeing visions, etc. and they don't line up with the Word, then guess where they are coming from. Yes, it can be that simple! An especially helpful, insightful and prophetic part of the book is the "Sharpening Your Discernment" chapter, subsection Discernment and Charity. He describes what Christian love (agape) is based on what the Lord says and not the current "soulish" luv! Compromising with the truth and being a "peacekeeper" for the sake of ecumenism or unity is not love. Jesus was a "Peacemaker" who sets the example, along with the rest of the Word. Buy this book, pray while reading this book, and especially, be guided by the Word of God and the Spirit while reading this book and you will advance against the kingdom of this world!Sharpen Your Discernment Overview

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Calvin and Classical Philosophy (Interpretation Bible Studies) Review

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Calvin and Classical Philosophy (Interpretation Bible Studies) ReviewThis is such an informative book on John Calvin's educational influences.
Partee is able to counter those who depict Calvin and his theology as both anti-intellectual as well as anti-humanistic. Calvin's balance of both Augustinian and Athanasian influences combine with fresh insights.
I am most impressed with Calvin's strong Christocentric persepctive on the larger issues of biblical hermeneutics. The theological phrase "Union with Christ" is a much more dynamic term than "predestinated!" I heartily recommend this book to all who wish to broaden their viewpoint on John Calvin's spiritual genius. Partee's book should be read in conjunction with his collaboration with Andrew Purves on the book "Encountering God: Christian Faith in Turbulent Times."Calvin and Classical Philosophy (Interpretation Bible Studies) Overview

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Warranted Christian Belief Review

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Warranted Christian Belief ReviewThere are two different types of criticism commonly given against Christian belief - one type is what Alvin Plantinga calls the De facto objection, which says that Christian belief is false because the evidence has proven it so - the other type (that is becoming more and more popular) is the De jure objection (the subject of this book) which claims that Christian belief is irrational, intellectually unacceptable, or morally suspect - irrespective of whether it is true or false. The beginning of the book discusses the difference between the De facto and De jure objections, and like the whole book it is very clear and illuminating -- The exact opposite of what you will read in this review --
Part 1 (Is there a question) begins by discussing (or searching for) some of Kants arguments concerning the impossibility of referring to anything beyond the world of experience -phenomena. Many others have taken up this 'argument' claiming that Kant proved that the language we use when speaking about the phenomenal world can not speak about the transcendent. Apparently, when the Christian speaks about God, ascribing properties to him -like infinite, ultimate- he is talking nonsense.
Part 2 (what is the question) deals with what is meant by an objector when he says that Christian belief is irrational. After much consideration the most plausible answer is found in Marx & Fraud -the same basic type of objection can be found in Nietzsche and Durkheim too.
In Part 3 Plantinga further develops his model for warranted Christian Belief (even if you have never read the other two books in the series - or God and other minds - you'll still be able to understand). This part of the book is the main response to the masters of suspicion (M&F), showing the futility of their objections. There is also a real good critique of naturalism found here (updated from warrant and proper function).
The final part of the book deals with potential defeaters for Christian belief -- different kinds of scripture scholarship, postmodernism & pluralism, suffering & evil. This book is clear and intelligent (with humor mixed in) it's definitely worth reading.Warranted Christian Belief Overview

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Einstein's God: Conversations About Science and the Human Spirit Review

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Einstein's God: Conversations About Science and the Human Spirit ReviewIn principle, this book should be really good: a fundamentally important topic, a conversational format which has the potential to be highly engaging, an inquisitive interviewer who sincerely wants to understand, and a diverse cast of interviewees which includes some well-known thinkers. Unfortunately, the book doesn't really work because it comes up somewhat short in all of these areas:
- Studying the interaction between science and religion is a great way to deepen understanding of both, as well as explore the big questions, but this book offers a relatively superficial treatment compared to the many other good books which are available on this topic.
- Instead of being engaging, the conversational format turns out to be rather rambling and unfocused.
- Tippett doesn't contribute much insight of her own to the conversations, and she's unable to adequately probe and challenge her interviewees. I think she has the potential to eventually be an effective interviewer on this topic, but she's not there yet.
- Some of the interviews cover interesting ideas, but they're only tangential to the topic of science/religion interaction.
To give more sense of the scope of the book, here are some notes on the ten interviews:
- Freeman Dyson emphasizes how mysterious reality is, and the related need to approach things with a sense of humor. Paul Davies expresses a sense of wonder at the intricate harmony of the universe and the existence of life and mind in it, thus suggesting a purpose to it all.
- Sherwin Nuland expresses wonder at the complexity of the human body and its ability to (usually) restore equilibrium. He also talks about how things can go wrong, especially the case of clinical depression.
- Mehmet Oz talks about the importance of integrative medicine, drawing on global medical knowledge and experience, and he (only) touches on the role spirituality might play in it.
- James Moore defends the view that Darwin didn't oppose theology, but rather saw nature as a wondrous example of God's handiwork.
- V.V. Raman emphasizes both the value and limits of both science and religion, and the resulting unavoidability of mystery. In my opinion, this may be the best interview in the book.
- Janna Levin presents quantum uncertainty, relativistic constraints, and Godel's theorems as examples of the limits to our knowledge, while also expressing doubt about the possibility of free will (a contradiction?).
- Michael McCullough describes how we're wired for both revenge and forgiveness because both have proven to be evolutionarily adaptive.
- Esther Sternberg describes how stress contributes to immunological disorders, and the resulting need to manage stress.
- Andrew Solomon, Parker Palmer, and Anita Barrows talk about depression and debunk the myth that it's simply an intense form of sadness.
- John Polkinghorne tries hard to reconcile science and Christianity, thus offering creative but highly speculative ideas to explain free will, the existence of individual souls, the possibility of God's intervening in the world, the problem of evil, the value of mystery, and the plausibility of God having limitations.
What does this all add up to? I think it's too much of a mixed bag to be amenable to a useful synthesis, and Tippett makes no attempt at such a synthesis by providing an epilogue.
Overall, I appreciate Tippett's effort and I do think this book has some value (hence my 3 stars), but it's too rambling and superficial, especially for people who have already devoted a lot of reading and thought to the topic. Novices might get more out of the book, at least as a vehicle to get their feet wet, but I think they would also benefit from a more systematic presentation. For better options, the following are a few examples of good books on this topic:
Science and Religion: A Very Short Introduction (Very Short Introductions)
Science and Religion: From Conflict to Conversation
The Oxford Handbook of Religion and Science (Oxford Handbooks in Religion and Theology)Einstein's God: Conversations About Science and the Human Spirit Overview

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With Calvin in the Theater of God: The Glory of Christ and Everyday Life Review

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With Calvin in the Theater of God: The Glory of Christ and Everyday Life ReviewThis is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to learn more about the incredible life and journey of John Calvin.
The book is full of information that may not be well known for many readers. For instance, the fact that Calvin dictated letters of encouragement to others up until just 8 hours before his death. (23)Also, that he wrote his classic INSTITUTES not only to explain the truths of Christianity, but also to protect his fellow Protestants being persecuted in his native France. (36)
Each essay is well written and focuses on one aspect of the Christian faith as it related to the life of Calvin. The last section of Douglas Wilson's chapter on Calvin and the Bible entitled A REAL MINISTRY is nothing short of brilliant. Indeed, chapter 3 is perhaps the best one in the book.
One thing the reader will notice is how often Calvin's different commentaries and of course his classic INSTITUTES are quoted throughout the book. I had no idea how many commentaries Calvin had written.
The contributors wanted to clearly show that the passion of Calvin's life was to proclaim the glory of God, and they've done an outstanding job of doing that.
A must read for anyone wanting to know more about the live of a true pilgrim, John Calvin.
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Constructive Theology: A Contemporary Approach to Classic Themes: A Project of The Workgroup On Constructive Christian Theology Review

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Constructive Theology: A Contemporary Approach to Classic Themes: A Project of The Workgroup On Constructive Christian Theology ReviewWhen I was in seminary, I took a course entitled 'systematic theology'. While this was indeed the subject, the task of the course was more in line with what this text deals with - at the end of that course, we had to construct (as best we could) a consistent theology that dealt with the primary areas of theological concern.
The editors Serene Jones and Paul Lakeland have divided this text into six major sections, dealing with the key areas of theological concern: God; Human Being; Sin and Evil; Jesus Christ; Church; and Spirit. The editors have made efforts to make a text useful to a diverse and somewhat paradoxical community situation - how does one honour the traditions while recognising innovation and individuality in the current theological scene? How does one do theology for long-established communities, newly formed community, and those who seek a more personal theological development?
In each section, the editors begin some quotes or stories, vignettes that show everyday applications of the issues - how people think about a particular idea, or what they do to bring their beliefs into practice. They continue then with a 'State of the Question', which is a brief statement of introduction to the topic, highlighting salient points and areas of controversy. Following this, the 'map' of the chapters proceed in two broad ways - a historical theological treatment and a contemporary theological treatment. It is this latter part that is the longest section of each chapter, dealing with modern ideas from current theologians dealing with the issues in context of modern/post-modern culture, scientific knowledge, political realities, and more. Throughout the text, there are bracketed sections (set off in different indentation and typeface) that are drawn from primary sources or set aside special questions that show a difference with the main progress of the chapter.
This is very much a collaborative piece. In addition to Jones and Lakeland as the overall editors, each primary chapter has its own editor, and each chapter is a synthesis of the writing and views of half a dozen or more theologians. They are not presented in dialog form or in the form of separate essays, but rather in a more integrated way, which has both strengths and weaknesses. This is true of the overall organisation of the book as well. Jones and Lakeland address their reasoning for the way in which they have selected the categories: 'The answer is pragmatic. Since our students know so little about the history of Christian theology and have limited training in the tradition, this pattern seemed best suited to teaching "the basics." ' This is a book specifically designed to be used as and useful as a textbook for introductory theology. In an era where an increasing number of seminary students are second- or third-career students who have had little or no history and philosophy training (much less theology training), this kind of approach is very welcome.
The tradition behind this book includes the books 'Christian Theology' and 'Readings in Christian Theology', each by Peter Hodgson and others. (both of which I read in my seminary days) as well as 'Reconstructing Christian Theology' by Rebecca Chopp et al. (which I read on my own). The first two books were done in the early 1980s, while Chopp's book was done in the 1990s, recognising shifts in the 'typical' students who enrolled in seminary. Jones and Lakeland are again responding to a shift in the past ten years, one that has seen shifts not only in social location but educational purpose.
One of the features of this text is the inclusion of a CD-ROM that has a lot of extra material, and links to a broader system through the Logos Library System. At the time of this review, only PC format is supported, but an insert in the back of the book promises Macintosh capability soon. (I PC at work, but Mac at home, and so look forward to the Mac application). For those familiar with Windows environments, the software is easy to install and easy to navigate. One of the real helps of this is a section entitled 'A Short Guide to Writing Research Papers in Theology', which is something I wish I'd had when I was teaching theology - so many students have trouble putting together papers in a clear and coherent manner, that this should prove an invaluable resource for students and a great blessing for teachers who must then read all the papers.
The list of contributors to this book reads like a Who's Who of modern theology, primarily but not exclusively from the Western culture. Jones as a Protestant and Lakeland as a Roman Catholic have worked together to make this a volume useful for readers from both traditions.
The next time I teach theology, I will definitely use this text.
Constructive Theology: A Contemporary Approach to Classic Themes: A Project of The Workgroup On Constructive Christian Theology Overview

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Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms Review

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Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms ReviewI have found this book indispensable for my seminary education. It is clear and concise.Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms Overview

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Introduction to Christianity Review

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Introduction to Christianity ReviewHigh quality work presented at a level that anyone can understand and be very interested in. Intended as a serious, academic introduction to the history of Christianity, this book would be beneficial to all who read it with an eye towards historical issues / development, etc.Introduction to Christianity Overview

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Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church Review

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Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church ReviewIt is no small thing to take upon oneself the name Christian. Though it was first used as a form of derision when unbelievers mocked the "little Christs," the name was embraced by the earliest believers. The term, even when used mockingly, nicely encapsulated what they sought to do, namely, to imitate their Lord and Savior. Sadly, in the centuries since then, the word has become far too ambiguous and now refers to any number of faiths that, in one way or another, honor or respect Christ or that have some historical connection to his teachings. Amazingly, some of those called by the name of Christ actually deny him--perhaps not his existence but at least his uniqueness and his divinity. In Christless Christianity Michael Horton argues that such denial of Christ may not be too far from home. More and more evangelical churches, he says, are now essentially Christless. "Aside from the packaging, there is nothing that cannot be found in most churches today that could not be satisfied by any number of secular programs and self-help groups." Many churches have tossed out Christ and continue on without him, sometimes not even realizing that he has been lost along the way.
This is not to say that American evangelicalism has already reached a point of no return or that every church has rejected Christ. "I am not arguing in this book that we have arrived at Christless Christianity," says Horton, "but that we are well on our way. ... My concern is that we are getting dangerously close to the place in everyday American church life where the Bible is mined for `relevant' quotes but is largely irrelevant on its own terms; God is used as a personal resource rather than known, worshiped and trusted; Jesus Christ is a coach with a good game plan for our victory rather than a Savior who has already achieved it for us; salvation is more a matter of having our best life now than being saved from God's judgment by God himself; and the Holy Spirit is an electrical outlet we can plug into for the power we need to be all that we can be." Jesus has become supplemental instead of instrumental to the church. As the church has focused on "deeds, not creeds" she has become increasingly irrelevant and unfaithful. Church has become just another area in which Americans can live out the American dream. "In my view, we are living out our creed, but that creed is closer to the American Dream than it is to the Christian faith. The claim I am laying out in this book is that the most dominant form of Christianity today reflects `a zeal for God' that is nevertheless without knowledge--particularly, as Paul himself specifies, the knowledge of God's justification of the wicked by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, apart from works."
Amazingly, it is not theological liberalism that has drawn the church away from her creed, away from her biblical foundation. Instead, it is a kind of unbearable lightness--a faith that eschews biblical theology in favor of whatever happens to be the flavor of the day. Says Horton, "My argument in this book is not that evangelicalism is becoming theologically liberal but that it is becoming theologically vacuous. ... We come to church, it seems, less to be transformed by the Good News than to celebrate our own transformation and to receive fresh marching orders for transforming ourselves and our world. ... Just as you don't really need Jesus Christ in order to have T-shirts and coffee mugs, it is unclear to me why he is necessary for most of the things I hear a lot of pastors and Christians talking about in church these days."
Horton offers a description of this brand of "Christianity" that pervades so much of the evangelical scene these days. Following sociologist Christian Smith, he calls it moralistic, therapeutic deism. It offers this kind of working theology: God created the world; God wants people to be good, nice and fair to each other, as taught in the Bible and most world religions; The central goal of life is to be happy and to feel good about oneself; God does not need to be particularly involved in one's life except when needed to resolve a problem; Good people go to heaven when they die. Pause to consider much of the teaching you might find on your television on a Sunday morning and you'll see how apt a description this is. Horton traces this through Finney, through modern day Pelagianism and semi-Pelagianism and into the pulpits of Joel Osteen and other popular smooth talking preachers. He describes the kind of can-do spirit that allows such preachers to thrive. "When looking for ultimate answers, we turn within ourselves, trusting our own experience rather than looking outside ourselves to God's external Word." And here is where the Osteen's of the world are so skilled--they simply reflect and direct human wisdom back at humans all the while pretending as if they gleaned this wisdom from the Word of God. He shows that such preachers, while appearing to perhaps teach a kind of freedom from the law, actually do the opposite, burdening people with a new kind of legalism. "One could easily come away from this type of message concluding that we are not saved by Christ's objective work for us but by our subjective personal relationship with Jesus through a series of works that we perform to secure his favor and blessing. God has set up all of these laws, and now it's up to us to follow them so we can be blessed." This kind of Christianity makes God merely a means to an end rather than an end in and of himself.
In an insightful chapter discussing "how we turn good news into good advice," Horton shows how Christians are prone to turn indicatives into imperatives. In other words, we take a statement of fact and turn it into an exhortation. This, too, drives people to a form of legalism in which they are ultimately responsible for their own salvation and sanctification, even without understanding or embracing the gospel message. "Across the board in contemporary American Christianity, that basic message seems to be some form of law (do this) without gospel (this is what has been done)." He deals well here with the constant exhortations in the church today to "be the gospel," amazed at the hubris of such a statement. "[Unbelievers] may not like our message anyway, but at least they might be relieved that we have stopped holding ourselves up as the way, the truth, and the life. If the message the church proclaims makes sense without conversion, if it does not offend even lifelong believers from time to time so that they too need to die more to themselves and live more to Christ, then it is not the gospel." St. Francis' exhortation to "Preach the gospel at all times; if necessary use words" has never offended a soul.
Final chapters look to "your own personal Jesus" and the resurgence of Gnosticism and to "delivering Christ," examining the relationship between the message and the medium. Horton notes that men like Barna and so many others are advocating a wholesale abandonment of the institutional church. "Instead of churching the unchurched," he laments, "we are well on our way to even unchurching the churched." Here he speaks of the critical importance of the local church and says "the faithful ministry of Word, sacrament, and discipline is the mission" of the church. "A genuinely evangelical church will be an evangelistic church: a place where the gospel is delivered through Word and sacrament and a people who witness to it in the world." He calls for the church to narrow its commission from fixing all of the world's ills to simply returning to the basics. "The church as people--scattered as salt and light through the week--has many different callings, but the church as place (gathered publicly by God's summons each Lord's Day) has one calling: to deliver (and receive) Christ through preaching and sacrament." Of course Christians, the church as people, should pursue justice and peace, but this ought to be done through common grace institutions along side non-Christians rather than through the church as a place. The church needs to mind its own business and get its own house in order.
In the final chapter, Horton calls for resistance. "What is called for in these days, as in any other time, is a church that is a genuine covenantal community defined by the gospel rather than a service provider defined by laws of the market, political ideologies, ethnic distinctives, or other alternatives to the catholic community that the Father is creating by his Spirit in his Son. For this, we need nothing less than a new Christian where the only demographic that matters is in Christ."
Through all of this I'd suggest the most important statement in the book may just be this: "It is not heresy as much as silliness that is killing us softly." This is where the book may be most useful for the conservative Christians who are the audience most likely to read it. All of us can fall into silliness without tossing aside the gospel. We can hold fast to Christian theology, even while allowing silliness and levity to pervade the very fabric of our church. A once-serious institution can become overrun by programs and purposes that slowly erode the gravity and simplicity of the church's unique calling. This book is a call for the church to return to its biblical foundations and to remain true to those convictions. It is a clarion call and one that Christians would do well to heed. Christless Christianity is an excellent and timely book and one I would not hesitate to recommend to any Christian.Christless Christianity: The Alternative Gospel of the American Church Overview

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Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology Review

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Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology ReviewHammett has produced a superb work. In harmony with other historical and ecclesiological works like Mark Dever's 9 Marks of a Healthy Church, this book expands where readers wish Dever's book would have done. Hammett is also kind to some of the ecclesiological concepts in Rick Warren's Purpose-Driven Church. And in few areas where Warren's and Dever's works contrast, Hammett remains neutral. A wonderful balance of theology, church history, and suggested practices for contemporary churches, this is a must read for church leaders - clergy and laity.Biblical Foundations for Baptist Churches: A Contemporary Ecclesiology Overview

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Perspectives on Spirit Baptism Review

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Perspectives on Spirit Baptism ReviewPerspectives on Spirit Baptism: 5 Views is a collection counterpoint views by five different authors concerning beliefs about the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Each author is a learned and prominent theological scholar in his field, and presents the view of his own tradition in clear and succinct terms, as well a response to the differences of other traditions. The speakers cover the Sacramental view, the Wesleyan view, the Charismatic view, the Pentecostal view, and the Reformed view. All draw heavily upon the scripture to better illuminate their perspective. A well-rounded introduction into the theology of spirit baptism, especially useful for theologians and scholars but also accessible to lay people who want to better understand the practice of spirit baptism as it applies to them and their given faith.
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The Journey Toward Reconciliation Review

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The Journey Toward Reconciliation ReviewA professional mediator and former director of Mennonite Conciliation Service reveals honestly and thoughtfully the heart and guts of the work required for reconciliation. Each chapter weaves stories from personal experience, with scripture and practical advice, into a conclusion. He tells stories that we need to hear. It's an important journal and a helpful guide.The Journey Toward Reconciliation Overview

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The Spiritual Man Review

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The Spiritual Man ReviewThis book opened my eyes to a whole world of spiritual reality that I had never seen or even pondered before. Once the truths of the triune nature of man are discovered, you realize where your spiritual power comes from. You understand the mechanics of being tempted and what you must do to become an overcomer. You know what you must do in order to manifest in your outward walk the purity and grace that are communicated to your spirit from God. In short, the book teaches you how to have a victorious walk with God by showing you how your spritual being operates. The knowledge Mr. Nee imparts seems so basic once it is understood, yet without his book, we may never have discovered these profound truths. This book has had a major influence in my thinking.The Spiritual Man OverviewThis is a complete presentation on the workings of the human spirit and soul and body. The book aims at delivering people from the tyranny of self life with its carnality and from the domination of the passions and lusts of the flesh. It attempts to lead them to the full salvation of Christ. It is not to be taken as a manual but as a guide to true spirituality. It is recommended that this three volume work be read quickly through once. Then, lay it aside and wait until the Holy Spirit leads one into a certain stage of spiritual life when knowledge and understanding are needed. Turn, then to the special section of the book dealing with that particular experience for enlightenment. Thus, it will be realized that in Thy light, shall we see light (Ps. 36.9 ). May God use this book to help people in their journeying towards the spiritual.

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