Hello friends! I want to write more later and most likely hopefully I shall. But Dani and I will be going for a walk shortly so the long and winding writing will have to wait. But I have a few minutes. So. I can catch up on a couple books! I think I can write briefly about them – at least I challenge myself to do such. So here goes nothing.

80. At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon. A delightful homey and cozy novel. I was recommended this one by a dear friend who knows me well and so I knew for sure I’d have to give this one a try. Well worth it even though I was a little unsure for a bit! Also I laugh as I think of my thoughts when I started this one. I had no idea of the setting or what this book was about. Ah, Mitford? Could be anywhere right? So I spent the first few pages assuming it was a small English town. Soon enough, knew that definitely couldn’t be right. Maybe New England, a la Stars Hollow or something of the like? Then I realized it seemed far too southern and I was just very confused. Finally realized Mitford is in North Carolina. Of course! That really helped me lock in sense of place and I read on unbothered. Anyways! Now that we’ve established where Mitford is, what kind of book is this? It’s the classic tale of a small town rector and his adventures in his parish and town, with far more chaos and drama than you may expect. Or rather, perhaps you would expect exactly these types of shenanigans in a small town! Father Tim is a delightful character, well-worn and self-aware in all the best ways, sympathetic and empathetic both – one who is aware of his own humanity and foibles and still yet seeks to love those around him. This book is a bit rough around the edges at times and I can’t say it’s perfect. Yet? Does not that mirror life a bit and does not this book simply reflect back at us what we know we’d see when we stare into the mirror? There are some truly lovely passages in this one and even moments of the gospel shining through bright and clear. I always smiled as I picked this up to enjoy reading another chapter. It did take a bit to warm up to the characters and remember who is who. But though I can’t say this book is perfect, there is much heart and warmth here and really? We need more books like this, that are unafraid of presenting the messiness and chaos of life honestly.

81. The Gagging of God – Christianity Confronts Pluralism by D.A. Carson. A magisterial work. I hesitate to even attempt to sum this one up. But it’s a book that I shall return to often and would not hesitate to read again, so well does it help aid my thoughts as I ponder this current age in which we live and the prevailing paradigm of thought that shapes and influence this world in which we live. We do indeed live in a world that is increasingly small and connected, even more so than when this book by Carson was written (over 30 years ago now!) and it’s easy and frankly just good manners to assign equal worth and value to various beliefs, religions, and ways of thinking. Surely the very thought of objective truth is a bit regressive these days, no? Carson aims to confront such and openly and plainly does so as someone who believes in and holds true to the doctrines of orthodox Christianity. I was wondering when I started reading this if Carson’s thoughts would be a bit dated now as surely we have moved so much past where we were when Carson wrote this back in the day. Thankfully though things have changed some, Carson writes with wisdom and keen-sighted conviction and most of what he writes rings true even now (though perhaps some of his examples are a bit out-of-vogue!). This is a historical work and much of what he references in the 80s and 90s are “ancient” history now, so it is fascinating to see what present-day theologians thought of certain philosophical and Christian progressions in thought and practice.

These are far too many introductory thoughts perhaps because I don’t think I can properly sum up this book in a small post here. I tore into this book the past month and eagerly looked forward to every moment I had to read more. I loved and was thrilled to see how Carson began this work by working through epistemology and setting a groundwork for the philosophies we see present in this world today. He then unapologetically moves forward with describing a Christian worldview and why we as Christians are warranted to believe and understand the doctrines of God and salvation as laid out in Holy Scriptures. Carson engages with many other authors (some I knew and had actually read, others I have now added to my mental rolodex) and many other philosophers to attempt to describe an evangelical Christian’s understanding of this world in both its seen and metaphysical reality. I think it was en vogue then and is en vogue now to consider Christians who believe in the reality of the authority of the Bible and its accounts (especially as regards to the supernatural and miraculous) as simple and unintelligent, people who are not really that bright but simply clinging on to their religious beliefs as part of their cultural heritage. This book is one in which the author attempts to show that the beliefs of Christianity are not only perfectly valid and philosophically sound but also may certainly be core to the truth that points us to the true God who is there. Carson works through the storyline of the Bible and brilliantly shows how as we properly and carefully interpret the Bible around its central plot-line, we understand that it is one cohesive work from a God who in this word communicates to us his creation how we might be right with him.

I know that I am not intellectually suited or prepared to fully take in and argue the points that Carson makes, but I am grateful for works such as this that remind me yet again what it means to be a Christian, why I believe what I believe, and then the question that always comes next – how then do we live? Carson engages with the wider Christian community and then even the “evangelical” camp (whatever does that mean? Carson tries to explain) in how we as Christians should work out our faith in this world, even as we attempt to witness to this broken world of this glorious gospel with which we have been entrusted. I’m sure Carson’s orthodox views may be too dogmatic for some, especially as he grapples with some of the harder questions and seeks to counter the “wider mercy” views that some Christians hold. Carson firmly holds onto what we have seen revealed to us in Scripture and refuses to countenance relying on thought studies that go beyond Scripture. At the end of the day, once we have decided we can only serve a God made in our image, we have committed grossest idolatry as we in our arrogance dare to sit in judgment of the Almighty who is revealed. While we cannot fully understand God’s ways and purposes, it is folly for us to contradict that which has been revealed in Scripture simply because it makes us squeamish. I’m sure this will rub some the wrong way, but I do appreciate the fact that Carson does not shy away from boldly and unapologetically holding fast to the God of Scripture (as interpreted in honest and holistic fashion). At the end of the day, I cannot say I fully understand God or know Him as I ought. Yet I am ever so grateful for books such as this that honestly and carefully examine our beliefs and thought patterns and help me further grasp the God who is. God is my salvation, my strength and my stronghold and my deliverer. Even in this age where myths and dogmas rise and fall in foggy chaos, I can with confidence say that I know that my Redeemer lives and that at the last I shall see him, even these very eyes shall see him – this God who was pierced for me.