Over the last few weeks I have been engaged in leisure reading, or what might be considered “summer reading.”  I have read a handful of books for which I do not feel like writing full-fledged reviews. However, here are some quick glimpses at what I thought of them;

90 Minutes in Heaven: A True Story of Death & Life

I was skeptical when I picked up the book, but several friends and family members had read it and been moved by it so I read it to be able to compare notes. After having read the book I am even more skeptical than previously. Don Piper’s Heaven manages to fit every stereotypical rendering (complete with the brush of angel’s wings) without adding anything new. However, his Heaven is not that of the apostle Paul where to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Piper’s Heaven is more like being part of the Verizon network — to be absent from the body is to be present with Friends and Family. His account is similar to the accounts of many others who have had near death experiences. Doesn’t that contribute to the credibility of his account? Not when you consider that many of those account givers are atheists or adherents of some pretty bizarre belief systems. Would we expect Christians and non-Christians to have the same experience of Heaven? Perhaps my biggest disappointment was that in all 208 pages I never did find a clear presentation of the gospel. If a Baptist Preacher is going to talk about Heaven don’t you think he ought to clearly tell people how to get there? – – NOT RECOMMENDED

The Summer of the Great-Grandmother

This book is Madeleine L’Engle’s story of her mother’s last year on Earth. I found it to be a vivid and moving account of the joys and hardships experienced by families as they let go of their most senior members and adjust to new realities and new family roles. My appreciation for the book may in part be due to the fact that it resonates with my own experience. In the last nine months our joy over the birth of a new child was tempered by my mother dying after a long illness, my brother being killed in a car accident, and my father moving into an assisted living environment. As we have made the many associated adjustments it was helpful to read this book and have L’Engle walk alongside for awhile. — RECOMMENDED

God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics

I have read this book on numerous occasions. But, as Lewis says within its pages, if a book is not worth reading twice it is not worth reading even once. I consider Lewis to be one of the great essayists of the twentieth century. I appreciate his ability to shine light in dark places. We are in need of many more like Lewis who not only see the light but see “along the light” (drawing upon a metaphor from the book). Razor sharp wit and wisdom – you’ve got to love that. This book is actually a collection of essays brought together from a variety of venues. As a result it is a bit redundant is a bit redundant. Every time I have read this book I have wished that its editor would have taken a more active role in tailoring it for the reader. I will probably share a full review at some point in the future when I have read it again, but for now let me simply say that it is … — STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

Basic Christianity

This is another book which I have read numerous times. With each reading of the text I come to appreciate it more and more. I think it is probably the best book I know of for introducing the seeker or new believer to Christian theology.  If God ever grants me the privilege of pastoring a church again it is my intent to preach a series on the topics found in this book’s eleven chapters and utilize the book as curriculum for simultaneous small group studies. While not agreeing with everything John Stott says in this book (for instance, his equation of the Lord’s Day with the Sabbath), I still believe this is an excellent book and that it provides an antidote to many of the errors being endorsed in churches today. — STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

Instruments in the Redeemer’s Hands

I am familiar with the work of Paul Tripp and very much appreciate his understanding of discipleship and Biblical counseling. So, when this book was placed in my hands by a co-worker I was pleased to dip into its pages. And, I was not disappointed. Before I tell you how great this book is, let me preface my comments by saying that I typically don’t care for most books on discipleship and spiritual growth. I find their cookie cutter approaches, “to do” lists, and reflections of the latest Christian trends to be more irritating than edifying. Not so with this book. I think I can say without hyperbole that Tripp’s approach to discipleship, spiritual growth, and personal change is the most Biblical approach I have seen in a book like this. I will re-read this book and probably review it at a later time, but for now let me say that it is . . .  — STRONGLY RECOMMENDED

Twelve Ordinary Men: How the Master Shaped His Disciples for Greatness, and What He Wants to Do with You

In the introduction to this book John MacArthur explains that among the many sermon series he has preached at Grace Community Church, two of the most commented upon and for which recordings are requested are the two series he preached on the twelve apostles. Phil Johnson, editor extraordinaire, and an excellent author himself, has taken that material and shaped it into this book. The calling and training of the twelve makes great source material for self reflection and understanding the nature of God’s calling. God can do anything that He desires, but he has chosen to use individuals to bring about His purposes. This book is beneficial in fleshing out what it means for us individuals to participate in God’s work. — RECOMMENDED

Giving Wisely: Killing with Kindness or Empowering Lasting Transformation?

Jonathan Martin has seen what can happen when Christians give with the right heart but without using their heads. Not pretty. Many times Christian giving can have results that are diametrically opposed to what is intended. As Goethe said, “Nothing is worse than active ignorance.” This book outlines an approach to Christian giving, particularly in terms of the missionary enterprise, that is consistent with the instruction of Scripture and will result in greater impact on people’s lives. This book will have limited appeal to the average reader, but is must reading for those who have responsibility for administering church budgets and missions funds.  — RECOMMENDED.

By Jove! Brush Up Your Mythology

I enjoyed this book on ancient western mythology; but the very reasons I like it will diminish desireability for many readers. (1) I like it because it is broken into very short chunks (1 or 2 pages). I like having a book around that I can pick up to fill those little five minute periods of life between activities (stop lights, waiting for a meeting, soaking in the bathtub, etc.) This isn’t the kind of book that you pick up and read for an hour. (2) I like it because the author compares the accounts of Homer and Hesiod, and he contrasts the mythology of Rome and Greece. I know that most people could care less how Hesiod differs from Homer, but such knowledge sends chills down my spine (that was hyperbole). (3) I like it because the author, Macrone, has managed to show the relevance of the material to modern language and thought. The book isn’t comprehensive enough to serve as a primer for younglings and newbies, and it isn’t the kind of book that you will find intellectually challenging or that will stimulate vicarious emotional response. However, it has nuggets of useful information for those with inquiring minds and I personally found it to be interesting. — RECOMMENDED

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