Here is my most recent Patheos interview with a person who we Christians ought to slow down and listen to.
PIOUS NIETZSCHE
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Category Archives: Book Review
PIPER’S BLIND SPOT?!
I have read several books by John Piper. All have stimulated and challenged me to grow as a Christian. His recent, Seeing Beauty and Saying Beautifully is no exception. It is a terrific read on how language can be harnessed to showcase the glories of God.
Now to the possible blind spot…
In the chapter on Whitefield, we find a description of his incredible pace. Piper writes, “The daily pace he kept for thirty years meant that many weeks he was speaking more than he was sleeping.” Piper goes on to write of Whitefield never taking a vacation and so forth.
Piper has spoken publicly about his own father being gone for much of his years growing up. To his credit, he speaks without any evident bitterness. In fact, Piper underscores how this allowed him to learn certain skills from his mother like ironing.
Since any Calvinist must admit that God does not need them, and since good Calvinists are not Gnostics when it comes to honoring the human body, it would have been appropriate for Piper to at least raise some concern about Whitefield’s pace, especially since he was a married man during much (nearly twenty-seven years) of his torrid schedule.
Perhaps Piper’s affection for his own father makes it difficult to even raise the wisdom in going so hard. To his credit, Billy Graham has admitted his global travels were a hardship on his family.
DIVINE FURY
I had not posted this yet, so here is my interview with Prof. Darrin McMahon on his arresting, new book:
YOU WANNA REVIEW/INTERVIEW? A FEW TIPS
It’s an interesting picture if you know anything of the history between William F. Buckley and Gore Vidal.
It was my great pleasure to interview Buckley for a PBS special. I have also interviewed many writers, leaders, and thinkers on radio, and via text. Here are a few, important tips for the person who wants to review books and/or interview:
If there is a book involved, make sure to read it carefully. Many authors thanked me for doing so over the years. During my years doing radio authors remarked how rare this was in their experience.
Do loads of preparation like background, go down rabbit trails, etc.
Draw out the most fascinating details which would make the reader want to buy book.
Don’t draw out too much that makes the reader feel they don’t need to read the book!
POPULAR CHRISTIAN STUFF=GOOD?
Years ago, I did a review of the selling sensation, The Prayer of Jabez. At the end of the review, I included these six principles for reading any book, especially the trendy stuff:
- Does the book convey (explicitly or implicitly) that it is the “key” to living the victorious Christian life?
- Does the author present more of a formulaic approach to the Christian life rather than the need to grow in the “grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ?” (II Peter 3:18)
- Does the book present a simplistic approach (read “cookie cutter”) to the Christian growth or does it value the wide variety of ways that God sanctifies His people?
- Does the author tend to universalize or make normative his own experiences?
- Does the author ask the reader to trust his interpretation of his experiences rather than backing those up with the word of God?
- Most importantly, does the book focus on the person and work of Christ? In other words, is it a Christ-centered approach to the Christian life or is it a mechanical, moralistic, and behavioral approach?
MEET ONE OF MY FAVORITES
Roger teaches literature at Wheaton College. His books, The Culture of Interpretation: Christian Faith and the Postmodern World and Believing Again: Doubt and Faith in a Secular Age have made indelible marks on me.
Here is two minute introduction on him and his work:
POLITICS AND THE CHRISTIAN
A three book review which I forgot to post here:
DOCTRINE IS NOT A FOUR LETTER WORD!
An interesting and informative exchange with Professor Tony Lane:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jesuscreed/2014/08/02/doctrine-is-not-a-four-letter-word/
HOW THE WEST REALLY LOST GOD
My review of Mary Eberstadt’s important new book:
http://www.patheos.com/blogs/jesuscreed/2013/09/14/saturday-book-review-mary-eberstadt/
FOR ALL COUPLES!
A dear friend asked me to compile my list of recommended reading for counseling couples. Here is what I sent him:
An eclectic, odd, but hopefully wise list of reading recommendations for premarital (and marital!) couples:
The Mystery of Marriage by Mike Mason
This is not your typical “how to” marriage book which is what makes it so good. Beautiful writing combined with wonderful insights.
Good Christians, Good Husbands? By Doreen Moore
Granted, there is bias with my recommendation, but professors at three seminaries now use it, a CEO told me it was one of the best books he’s ever read, and J.I. Packer said this:
“Resourced by thorough research into the marriages of Wesley, Whitefield and Edwards, this is a truly wise book on the problem of combining ministry and marriage to the glory of God and the good of all concerned.”
John Adams by David McCullough
Well, not the whole thing (!), though it is an incredible read. Rather, for the correspondence between John and Abigail.
Booked by Karen Swallow Prior
Actually, it is just one chapter from Karen’s terrific book, the one on Madame Bovary. After I interviewed Karen, I told her I wished every couple in America would read that chapter. They would learn to have a better and more mature view of love.
The Contrarian’s Guide to Leadership by Steven Sample
I know, it seems like a book on business leadership, but it really is a book to help you develop discernment and wisdom. It offers sage counsel on how to navigate the choppy waters of American life.
Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
I have read several of Gary’s books. Even though this is not one of my favorites of his, there are some important themes he covers.