Author: James Hogan

A Foretaste of Things to Come

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Guess what? It’s the coldest day thus far this season and it is beautiful. 40 degrees outside…and I love it. Got to wear my black wool coat to work for the first time in ages. This cold weather is just blissful. Long may it continue. Also today, apart from the usual work nonsense, we have our office Thanksgiving lunch! As I walked in the building, saw the whole lobby/break room area full of tables and chairs for our upcoming feast. Hurrah! Yes, I will have to eat semi-quickly since I have a Transocean meeting (AT Transocean) at 1pm that I will have to depart for, but still. Thanksgiving feasts are never to be taken for granted. And speaking of such…tonight, Becky and Mary Beth are hosting a Thanksgiving potluck at their apartment! I will attempt to make an apple pie to bring to that – we shall see how it turns out. I’m excited for a relaxing night of yummy food and fun conversation with good friends.

Now quickly before I begin the work tasks of the day…a couple words on my reading this morning. Firstly, sobering words from 2 Chronicles 12. We start with King Rehoboam (the son of Solomon), who seemed to be doing ok in earlier chapters. Yes, he’d made some mistakes, but it seems the people of the land were genuinely seeking after God, to obey and honour Him. But what do we see in the first verse of chapter 12? “When the kingdom of Rehoboam was established and strong, he and all Israel with him forsook the law of the Lord.” Oh. Well then. Is that something we need to beware of in our own lives? As much as we know and are confident that our Lord God will surely complete His work in us – He shall never forsake us – pride is not yet dead in us, is it? When we are in a good place, when we are ‘established and strong’, is it not tempting to slack off and rest in our own accomplishments? When you stand, take heed – lest you fall. Ever be seeking the Lord in your life, during the full years as well as the lean years. Ever be humbling yourself before the Lord…because if not, you shall be humbled. As in this passage, when God uses King Shisak of Egypt (with armies innumerable) to conquer throughout the land and humble the people. And so eventually Rehoboam and the people of Judah do humble themselves…and God has mercy and compassion yet He still proclaims that “they will become his slaves so that they will learn the difference between My service and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.’ Let us crave that we may be in service to the Lord, for His yoke is easy and His burden is light. The yoke of other gods is not near so fun as we may like to think.

And secondly? A couple verses in James 5. He’s speaking to Christians that are apparently weary from suffering and impatient for the return of Christ. James has been giving them many comforting words (as well as severe exhortations!), and now He’s going to continue to comfort them with examples of God’s compassion and mercy. What example does he choose? Verse 10 – “As an example, brethren, of suffering and patience, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. We count those blessed who endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.” Hm. I have to say, if I was looking for an encouraging example of God’s mercy…I would probably not be happy with the example of Job. Wait, God – I don’t want that. Job went through terrible things! He lost everything – possessions, children, health! The only things he didn’t lose was his blaspheming wife and his depressing friends. You’re saying that I should look to Job and be encouraged at God’s mercy? I don’t want that mercy! I want no part of the book of Job, nope. But now – look at the key phrase in this verse, you “have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings…” We may not partake in sufferings as severe as Job’s. I pray that you do not. But you know what, we may. And even if our sufferings aren’t quite as bad as all that, we still suffer, do we not? We still have physical pains, mental anguish and emotional turmoil that plague us. But we cannot focus on that. To focus and fix our minds on ourselves rob us of the joy that comes at looking to Christ and recognizing that we have a higher hope, that God indeed causes all things to work together for good for those that love Him. And so the end of all things will indeed show the mercy and lovingkindness of the Lord – when we are with Christ forever. We may suffer now. But not forever. The outcome of the Lord’s dealings with us? Life eternal. And even in this life, we see the blessings of the Lord. See and be thankful and praise the Lord for every small mercy that our Lord grants us in this life. All praises to Him, now and forever. Our Lord is full of compassion and oh so merciful. May the knowledge of that glorious truth warm our hearts this day.

From the Quarries to the Temple

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Book complete? Yes.

40. Evangelicalism Divided by Iain Murray. Surely one of the best books I’ve read this year. I wish you all could read it, even if one isn’t as interested in church history as I am! This book’s subtitle is “A Record of Crucial Change in the Years 1950 to 2000” and that is indeed a good description of this book. This book can at times be a bit dense, and if you aren’t a huge fan of reading church history, reading this may be a struggle at times. But I am most grateful I read this book.

Murray is one of my very favourite authors and this book definitely doesn’t change that. How can I describe this book? Well, Murray is writing about a change in the wider evangelical church in the past fifty/sixty years. I am struggling to adequately describe this book mostly because again – I want to tell you to read it, not my words! But surely there has been a change in Christian thought in the past few hundred years. First with the advent of modernism and higher criticism, beginning with German intellectualism in the 19th century and the application of modernist thought to the study of theology and the Christian life. Surely that last sentence made things clearer, right? Well, evangelicalism could be said to be a response to the liberalism in the mainline Protestant denominations, also known as “fundamentalism” in the United States. One of the central tenets of the evangelical movement was the assertion that the Word of God is truly inerrant, containing all that is necessary to come to faith in Christ. But as Murray states…in the past half century, things have changed. Prominent evangelical leaders made the decision that they could do more good by working with various Christian churches and organizations, even if there were some disagreements in certain areas of doctrinal thought. The motives of these leaders were often pure, but discernment and wisdom were sorely lacking. So while ecumenicism can seem to be a good thing in certain circles…when it comes to the defense of the true faith that we have been given in the Word of God, the quicksand of compromise quickly imperils the witness of the church. And so even a great teacher like J.I. Packer(whose book Knowing God I plan on reading next!) can think it is a good idea to dialogue and work closely with the Roman Catholic Church(ECT in the mid-90s…something I was excited to read about, because this was something I actually remember being a big deal, Mom and Dad talking about it, the critical comments of MacArthur about it, etc! History that I’ve lived through, I’m now reading about. A bit strange). So a rapprochement with the “wider church” may seem to be a glorious, praiseworthy objective! Yet, in actuality, we are flirting with false teachers who serve the father of lies. Oh woe is us for our arrogance. So in one way, this book is a sad read. It is about the slow slide of the evangelical movement into liberalism and plastic orthodoxy, the specter of apostasy hovering close. But also…this is history and this is important to read because as sad as some of the events chronicled are, knowing that God is sovereign and that He yet works even amidst the chaos is a glorious thought indeed. Murray writes with force, vigor and clear-sighted passion. He understands that Christian unity is essential, but also that unity not based on the foundation of the true gospel is worse than useless. It imperils our witness to the world, weakens our faith, and retards our growth as sons and daughters of God. One of the most important questions that needs to be asked and understood by the leaders of our churches is this: What is a Christian? The answer to that question is what should drive and determine church policy. The lures of pragmatism and church growth theory are flickering candles compared to the bonfire of the true preaching of the gospel as given to us by the inspired and inerrant Word of God.

So I really did write a bit more than I meant to, and obviously my writing is much less clear and stimulating than Murray’s! But one more quick thought before I close. Where shall we go from here? Understanding the drift of the evangelical church, what should be our response? What should we pray for? We pray that God works and brings revival. We cry out for God to send His Spirit to work in us. We pray for the preaching of the true gospel amidst the churches of this land. We pray that the leaders of our churches proclaim with power and might, empowered from on high by the Holy Spirit to preach the Word, in season and out of season. We pray that God has mercy upon us and forgives us our weakness and slackness in obeying and following Him in all things. We pray that God fills us with His love and charity as we yet hold firm to the truth in His Word. We pray that God keep us humble before Him, never thinking we know all things, but always having faith in the One who does know all things. And what is this faith in? Again, what is a Christian?

In the words of Murray, page 299:

There are two ways in which Scripture identifies a true disciple of Christ. The first is by the evidence of a person’s faith in Christ, and the second by the insistence that the accompaniment of true faith is always a new life. On the first evidence enough has already been said in these pages. Faith in Christ, according to the New Testament, is the same as receiving the truth; not, that is, all truth, but certainly the truth of salvation from the guilt and power of sin through Christ alone. The Christian knows that he is a sinner, that Christ is the divine Saviour, and that his salvation comes entirely from what Jesus has suffered for him and in his place. Every such person has ‘the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ’ (2 Cor. 4:6). The content of that knowledge admits of unending progress, but where it does not exist at all there can be no salvation. All true Christian faith rests on the same foundation.

Praise God for the encouragement and wisdom granted me in reading this book. All glory to Him.

Stripes of Blue and Green Sing Ever so Sweetly, See?

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A bare few words. Just to chronicle the loveliness of the day. Woke up nice and early except not really…645 maybe? Light was streaming through my window when I awoke, oh glorious day! I was on coffee-brewing duty at church today…but I made the unilateral decision to not fully clean up the coffee-making supplies and instead went to the sanctuary so I could not miss too much of the worship service. And indeed the worship was glorious. Got to sing “Jesus Paid it All”, “All Creatures of our God and King” and “Holy Holy Holy” (at the very end of service)…oh what joy was mine singing praise to my God, my King this morning. And then Pastor Wayne’s sermon on Hebrews 10:-1-18…magnificent. And well yes, that is one of my favourite passages, why do you ask? What a beautiful reminder of God’s love and what He has done for me. All my sins and all my lawless deeds…my God remembers them no more. I felt much heartened by the end of church, the Holy Spirit working through the preaching of the Word of God to speak to my soul and encourage my spirit. Oh what love is mine. Oh what love is Thine, my Lord and my God.

And so I hope it is obvious, even if not plainly stated, how much I enjoyed worshiping God this day. I am ever so thankful to my God for allowing me (what a worm am I!) the honour to offer praise and adoration to Him. My worship is feeble yes. But by the grace of God, it is real.

Be at peace my friends. All my love.

Lies We Once Told Ourselves in Order to Ameliorate the Moods of Grey and Bare-branched Days

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I wonder if I can make a post where the title is longer than the actual entry? No, that is rubbish. But…I am posting simply to say that it is a nice Friday in which I am enjoying a warm(ish) peppermint mocha and looking forward to the beauty that my God has in store for me this day. I know not what it is. But at least I do know that to know God and know that I am known by God is beauty. For the love of my God has saved my soul truly. Thanks to Him for the blood of His Son – atonement perfect and complete. Only through Christ am I saved. And so I am known forever. I am loved forever. Only by the grace of my God and through the faith He has so graciously granted me am I made complete and whole. One more thing I’m grateful for…that God has given us His most perfect Scriptures through which we may know Him. How awesome is that? We are not required to follow some imperfect tradition or fallen man to gain access to heaven. The way of true salvation is seen through Scripture alone. And I can read it anytime I want. Again…how awesome is that? I really need to take advantage of this more often. Now truly this is a random potpourri of a post, very unstructured and random, but I shall let it stand. To end…to God alone by all glory and all praise.

New Moon

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Before my day starts spiraling into madness, thought I’d update briefly! I’m once again behind with my book logs, so here’s a couple more:

38. All Things Made New by John Flavel. This is not a very long book, but…it is deep and rich enough that I’ve been taking my time with it. Written by Flavel (a Puritan minister from mid-17th century England), this book contains so many invigorating and encouraging and (as always necessary!) convicting words about who God is and what our response to Him of necessity must be. Honestly, there are so many different different topics in this book (mostly composed of his sermons on various occasions) and so I shan’t take the time to give a detailed summary of this book. Just know that it encouraged my soul. I need to read more Puritans.

39. Children of the Mind by Orson Scott Card. And finally my OSC re-read has drawn to a close. Last book of the Ender series here. And as I remembered, this is definitely the weakest book in the series. I still enjoyed it, as I enjoy most of OSC’s books (but not Homecoming series. Never that series!!), but this book didn’t grip me and pull me onward as most of his books do. He tries to get a bit metaphysical and well…it doesn’t quite work, in my opinion. Yes, he wants to somehow describe the mechanisms of the soul, and what distinguishes man from animals, and dabble in the meaning of our true identity. But…it’s a bit weak, and rightly so. For without a clear understanding of who God is (which I daresay OSC does not have), it is most certainly impossible to describe the true nature of man. How can man’s glory be proclaimed when the far greater and most perfect glory of God is ignored? It cannot be. And yes, I understand OSC is trying to “keep his religion out of it” as far as it goes. He’s writing a science fiction novel, not a religious treatise. Nonetheless, I would argue that his Mormon theology is a detriment to his interweaving of metaphysical ideas into what masquerades as a science fiction novel. This book is the weaker for his indulging himself with overly numerous philosophical maunderings. But! Enough of that. Now on to other books. Which I have not decided on yet.

Now, my friends – it is time that I begin to ponder on my tasks for the day as I sip on my coffee. I thank my God for this day He has made. It is from Him – the Father of light! – from whom all good things come. All my praise to my Lord, my God alone.

Redemption

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Quick update this Wednesday morn! Firstly, a few of my latest book logs…I just cannot keep up lately for some reason. My latest three:

35. Shadow Puppets by Orson Scott Card. As said a few entries ago, I sort of read the Bean series out of order. So this is the last one I read, even though it really should have come earlier. Not going to go into plot details, but yet another gripping adventure with amazing characters – I really do love Bean, Petra, Peter et. al. so much!! I think(since it’s been a few weeks since I’ve read this so I’m already forgetting) that this is also the book that Peter’s parents (and Ender & Valentine’s…but they’re not in this book) play a much larger role. They are simply hilarious and I love them much as well. Finally they get to be a bit more than just “the parents”. Fun times. And the ending to this book. I cannot talk about it without spoiling, but to this day I can remember the stunned exhilaration I had when I first realized what had happened near the end of this book. Orson Scott Card is one of my favourite authors for a reason. Speaking of…

36. Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card. The OSC train continues! This is technically the sequel to Ender’s Game but it is a very very different book to that. I was trying to explain the plot of this book to John the other night and…it was a bit difficult. It’s set some 3000 years after the first book. Ender is basically grown up now? He comes to a planet where a Portuguese Catholic colony has been founded and made first contact with an alien species(the pequeninos…) and he meets a very messed up family and there’s also a deadly virus that’s trying to kill everything and I am really going to stop talking about this plot because it’s impossible to summarize for someone who isn’t going to read the book. But it is truly a remarkable book. It starts the trend of each book in the Ender series being more philosophical and “talky” than the last. It starts to get a bit wearing by the final book, but here…this book…masterpiece. And apart from the mystery that must be solved(why did the pequeninos brutally massacre the human scientists? What’s their secret??), the thing that I remember the most about this book is the thrilling human relationships and interactions that OSC describes. Again, OSC is a master at talking about interpersonal relationships and painting vivid characters. So the main family in this book…they have six children right? A lot of times when a lot of characters are described, they all run together and you don’t really remember who’s who. Not this book. I can tell you the name of each character and describe them to you in detail. (Miro, Ela, Quim/Estavao, Olhado, Quara, Grego…) So reading this book – it’s more than just a science fiction novel (although it is that). It’s reading about a family and their problems and their pain and their fears…and what shall be their hope? If you can’t tell, I much enjoyed this one.

37. Xenocide by Orson Scott Card. Next book in the series. Actually just finished this one last night! Shan’t write long about this as I’m very much running out of time. This book is slightly more difficult to read, firstly because of the slightly overwrought philosophical discussions. Secondly because the story of Qing-Jao and the “gods of Path” (actually just an overly aggressive and tragic form of OCD) is definitely not always fun to read. The mental illness aspect is uncomfortable in and of itself. And although OSC is a religious man (his Mormon tendencies do come out at times, as much as I wish they wouldn’t), he does love to play with the idea of religion just being a way for humanity to explain the universe…and in this book in particular, he likes to explore the idea of a character (Qing-Jao) being able to explain any situation or circumstance (whether good or bad) as just being the will of the gods expressed in the disguise of explainable human action. I know what OSC actually believes, so I respect him for having the intellectual honesty to approach this question rigorously…and for these novels, in and of themselves, to take the humanist/agnostic perspective! Nonetheless, it still is slightly irritating, for I do believe in a real God that works in this world. And I believe God is sovereign over all. Of course, Qing-Jao’s dogmatism and unshakable faith in the cruel gods of path is something that I cringe at. Yet I am aware that some others in this world would cringe at my own faith in a God whom many would see as cruel and unloving. Somehow I really did still enjoy this book though. And thinking of things in a religious light, I do long that all in this world would come to know and understand the true God of this universe, a most perfect, just, loving and sovereign God. A God whom we may call Father – if we would only believe in Him. Thus is my heart.

Now I really am running out of time. A few more words and then I shall fly. Last night got to go to a Rockets game with James – Rockets v Blazers! Firstly, the Rockets are…not great right now. So they got destroyed. They’re 1-5 now I think? 1-6? But apart from that! Was an awesome night. Me and James – great talks as always…good to catch up, especially since he is no longer part of Cameron…sad and tragic but great for him so I am happy. And apart from the good chat and good food (classic Rockets meal for me = buffalo chicken strips and fries!), it was an extra-special game night, as James met up with his ticket rep beforehand…and because of…er…how terrible the Rockets are now?…we were offered free seat upgrades to lower level (bonus!) and even more exciting, we got to stand court-side for warm-ups! Sadly the Blazers were warming up on our end, but it was still pretty cool watching the players warm up. I realized I am very small. And just standing on the actual Rockets court – so incredibly amazing for a basketball nerd like me!! And the very best part…? The Rockets starters always get announced after the lights dim, intro video plays…right? And they run onto the court when their name is called, right? Anyways – a few of us who were court-side got to make a little tunnel and high five the Rockets starters as they were announced. So yes, I got to high-five Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, PJ Tucker, Clint Capela & Eric Gordon. Pretty sick. It was pretty amazing to be standing feet from them pre-announcements and watch them get psyched up for the game…Paul is so incredibly focused and intense, stretching, swaying back and forth…game face. No wonder he’s as good as he is. But seriously now…standing right next to these men, you do realize (even though you know this!) that they are regular humans. I may see them on TV and read about them online…but they’re as human as you or me. They are not titans (although they are very tall). They are but men. Severely flawed ones, to be sure. As am I. And so although too often our adulation and praise for sports stars can veer towards the idolatrous, let us remember that our worship belongs to only One. Our Lord, our God. And on that note…let me share a couple verses from a song that encouraged my soul this morning as I drove to work…

Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise
Thou mine Inheritance, now and always
Thou and Thou only, first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my Treasure Thou art

High King of Heaven, my victory won
May I reach Heaven’s joys, O bright Heav’n’s Sun
Heart of my own heart, whate’er befall
Still be my Vision, O Ruler of all

Reading Between the Lines of Autumnal Tendencies

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Hello friends! Been a bit too long since I’ve written…and I honestly don’t even feel much like writing now, but I suppose I should at least attempt to write something. I’m sitting here at Starbucks – not for long though as it is sunny and delightfully cool outside and I shall not waste that – and sipping on my coffee…and yeah, guess I can write a few words! I’m listening to a preliminary mix of a CD I hope to be completed sometime in the next few weeks. It’s not there yet, alas. Alas. Speaking of mixes though – why don’t I share one I made earlier this year? This must have been sometime in…July? August? I actually knocked out 3 mixes in short succession and I don’t exactly remember which I made when – and I’m not going to share all three today! But going alphabetically because why not? This one came about shortly after my Colorado trip with Robbie in which fantastic and memorable times were had. On Sunday of that trip, we had a hiking day in which we drove outside of Denver some ways, found a cool path and hiked up and back. It was beautiful and so different than the Houston I’m usually in. But as we drove there and back, we listened to the music on Robbie’s Spotify – and I realised he had some most excellent dance tunes! By dance tunes (this time), I mean more modern dance/pop music…music that’s fun to listen to, even if the content is a bit lightweight! But hey – great road trip music. And so when I returned from Colorado, decided I needed to memorialize the trip by making a mix using Robbie’s music. I messed with the flow a bit…but the content is pretty much straight Robbie. Thanks man. So now – for a fun, frothy mix…I humbly present Denver 2AM:

1. The Ocean – Mike Perry feat. Shy Martin
2. Summer Air – ItaloBrothers
3. Don’t Let Me Down – The Chainsmokers feat. Daya
4. Paper Planes – M.I.A.
5. Heroes (we could be) – Alesso feat. Tove Lo
6. Alone – Marshmello
7. False Alarm – Matoma & Becky Hill
8. Havana – Camila Cabello feat. Young Thug
9. Closer – The Chainsmokers feat. Halsey
10. Faded – Alan Walker
11. Habits (Stay High) (Hippie Sabotage Remix) – Tove Lo
12. Baba Yetu (Deep Radio Edit) – Supanova
13. Tilbake (Saevik Remix) – David André Østby feat. Marie Hognestad
14. S.O.S. – Indila
15. Sugar – Robin Schulz feat. Francesco Yates
16. So Good – LZ7
17. Runaway (U & I) – Galantis
18. Reload (Vocal Version/Radio Edit) – Sebastian Ingrosso & Tommy Trash & John Martin
19. Don’t Wanna Wake Up – Capital Kings
20. Tidal Wave – Sub Focus feat. Alpines
21. Headlines – Robin Schulz feat. Ilsey

So there you go! A bit more words shall I put to page? John (Dixon! From Scotland!!) was here this past week and it was glorious. I shan’t write about all we did(honestly, we didn’t do that much! But definitely enjoyed taking him to a Dynamo game – my first too! Good times were had wandering around Houston in the grey and the rain and the cold…he picked the wrong week to come to Houston for sun and warmth that’s for sure!)…for truly the best part was just being with him again and having quiet moments talking and being together. Sitting on the couch one evening, watching the baseball(World Series – Dodgers v. Red Sox – ugh) and talking about random life thoughts. Or down the street at Christian’s, enjoying a burger, half-watching the Rockets game (but not really) and again just chatting about our past, our future, our hopes, our dreams. You know. All that good stuff. I think one night, I was texting Julie about something and once she found out I was with John – she asked, “Why are you chatting with me when your friend is there!?!” And I thought about it and see that we’re chilling in the living room, half on our phones, half paying attention to whatever was on TV and then making random comments to each other now and again and realised…this just feels like being flatmates in Aberdeen again. A normal evening together. And so having that experience this past week was…quite nice. I treasure the friendship I have with John dearly and I thank my God for that. And I pray that God continues to bless John in all things!! To Him be the glory throughout, now and forever.

Now, before I spiral off into further flights of emotion, I shall take my leave. It really is a good time to get out of this dim coffeeshop and into the glorious light.

Art Deco

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It is a most glorious day. This morning – finally! – is sitting at sub-60 temperature and it is drippy and wet and slightly cold and it is beautiful. I forget how much I love the “winter” (quotation marks most definitely required) here in Houston. And it is here at long last! So now I get to enjoy my hot coffee inside after having walked in from the (marginally) cold outside and I am happy. Another reason for happiness – I got quite a good long reading time this morning…woke up (reasonably) on time and thus was able to luxuriate in reading through sections of Psalm 119, some Proverbs, 1 Kings 19-20(1 Kings 19 – will always be one of my very favourites after preaching through it in Scotland…oh how encouraging are those words! God indeed takes care of our needs and encourages us with his presence and reminds us of the truths we ought to know…and gives us good works to do. May I remember that this day) and then finally Galatians (yes, I had time to read all of it – which truly is necessary as Galatians is such a lovely book and needs to be read straight through!). So I am ever more aware of how truly blessed I am. Might I constantly be reminded today of how I ought not boast in anything else other than the cross of my Lord Jesus Christ. Always.

Apple Pie

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It’s a Friday, at long last! And though I didn’t write yesterday, let me it be known that on October 11th in the year of our Lord 2018…it finally actually felt like fall for the first time all year. Temperatures in the 60s when I walked outside? I was very – most pleasantly – surprised! And today is the same. Fall is here, y’all. FINALLY. Last night, I went to EQ to get some reading time in…and I found out that everyone else had apparently also realised fall had arrived since the porch was full of far too many people and I had trouble finding a spot! Thankfully I did. Had a nice chat with Lea on phone…then eventually Fran and Haley and John showed up and we had good times hanging out in the cool autumnal air. Now, I need to start work momentarily, but as I’m far behind on my book logging…(sorry, I just keep forgetting!), I’ll jot down my last few reads:

31. Ender’s Shadow by Orson Scott Card. Yup, I am fully in OSC re-read mode. No apologies. This book is an interesting parallel companion novel to Ender’s Game. It is definitely interesting to see most of the events from Ender’s Game from a slightly different angle! Probably not quite as good as Ender’s game, but it has some poignant moments that make it totally worth it. Following Bean – a character that definitely grows on you – this was a book that I always forget how much I love. The ending especially is incredibly emotional and a line from the end of this book is currently the front-runner for the title of my next mix CD. So there you go.

32. Shadow of the Hegemon by Orson Scott Card. The second book in the Shadow series – or the Bean series, as I like to think of it. Honestly, I usually think of Ender’s Shadow as a a book on its own – since it’s set in space! – and the following 3 books as their own trilogy. Because these next books are all set on Earth and deal mostly with the geopolitics of the world following the conclusion of the Formic Wars. Fascinating stuff. I like it because…well, it’s science fiction and set several hundred years in future…but it’s also dealing with recognizable nations and cultures. So you have weary and decrepit America, aggressive Russia, expansionist India, arrogant China…and soon(but not quite in this book), the Caliphate stretching across Africa through the Middle East (and Europe I guess, with Turkey…). I love international relations and so it’s incredibly fascinating seeing Card’s simulated future! Complete with genius children leading them to war! Anyway, this book mainly deals with most of the children getting captured and Bean having to figure out how to rescue them. Finally we get to see much more of Petra, which I love because she’s an amazingly awesome character. And of course Peter Wiggin begins to emerge onto the scene. This is a fantastic book…in my humble opinion.

33. Shadow of the Giant by Orson Scott Card. So…er…yes, this is the fourth book of the series, not the third. Why did I read this one next? Well I was in Chicago this past weekend with John and Daniel. And obviously I brought a travel book – Shadow of the Hegemon. Picked up Shadow of the Giant in a used bookstore in Chicago, because it was the one book I didn’t own and figured I’d read it when I got home. I underestimated my reading speed however, and finished my travel book a few days into trip…so obviously had to read this book since I didn’t bring a backup book. Tragedy. So yes, I’m reading this series out of order. Oops? Anyway! This book is a fitting end to this series…I won’t spoiler it, but I will say I didn’t quite remember how it ended but once I finished it…definitely satisfied. One thing interesting about this book (I suppose I could go into depth, but I will refrain) is you definitely even more so get a feel for Orson Scott’s Card worldview. His Mormon beliefs very obviously inform the themes of this book(and looking back on it, the whole series) – and most obviously, the thought that having children and a family is our main purpose on this earth. By marrying a wife and having children, you “become a part of the human race” and find true meaning. Some of this echoes with my soul – i.e., I do think God designs us with a longing in our hearts for finding a partner and having children (a legacy – as cold and hard as that word sounds). But is that the true meaning of life? I would say not. And I would say it is easy to idolize family above all else, which Card gets dangerously close to. Still – it is rare to see books these days praise marriage and families at all, so I will enjoy these aspects and yet remain wary of seeing perfect fulfillment and happiness in this earthly life. Anyway!! I do go on. This book was fantastic, and once again, I found myself emotional as I finished it.

34. Rubicon by Tom Holland. I sadly do not have time to fully describe this book. A marvelous historical narrative of the last hundred years or so (really the last fifty in greater detail) of the Roman Republic. I know many of the names and bare facts of the Republic, but reading this gave me so much more knowledge of the actual people that lived during this time!! Villainous Sulla and greedy Crassus and proud Pompey and arrogant Caesar and noble Cato and fearful Cicero and enigmatic Caesar Augustus(nee Octavian)…so many tragic moments and so much bloodshed and oh so much fierce politicking and oh the depths of depravity of humanity how we never change. I simply loved this book. The fall of the Republic is something that was bemoaned even while it was happening yet…man is evil and cruel and so the events fell out as could only be expected – in total war, chaos, fear and shell-shocked resignation. There is so much in this book I could talk about, but I much enjoyed reading this history and discovering more about the Republic that was Rome.

Bread and Wine

James HoganLeave a comment

“Behold, days are coming,” declares the Lord,
“when I will make a new covenant with the house
of Israel and with the house of Judah, not like
the covenant which I made with their fathers in
the day I took them by the hand to bring them
out of the land of Egypt, My covenant which
they broke, although I was a husband to them,”
declares the Lord.
“But this is the covenant which I will make
with the house of Israel after those days,”
declares the Lord,
“I will put My law within them and
on their heart I will write it;
and I will be their God,
and they shall be My people.
They will not teach again, each man
his neighbor and each man his brother, saying,
‘Know the Lord,’ for they will all know Me,
from the least of them to the greatest of them,”
declares the Lord,
“for I will forgive their iniquity,
and their sin I will remember no more.”