Tag: book

Simply Yes She Said to Me That One Fine Winter Day

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I’m a bit tired and don’t think I shall spend much more time on the computer this day. Leftover sausage and lentil stew for dinner, hurrah! And more Olympics-watching for Dani and I! We shall soon find out who wins the ladies’ figure skating gold! But for now, thought I might as well spend a few minutes of my time writing a bare few words on my latest read.

10. A Haunt for Jackals by J.L. Odom. A great read. As previously reported, read a new book recently (By Blood, By Salt) and was so struck by its uniqueness and high quality that I couldn’t help but immediately source the second book. This is that second book and I am very sorry to say that the third book is not yet available so I must wait for the conclusion (or just continuation?) of this series! Ahhh! But anyways, A Haunt for Jackals was a fantastic book, even if it was even more grim than the first book, if that was possible! This book is a very…how shall I describe it…muddy and bloody book. I think that description is apt. So I read this one a bit slower than I originally thought I would, simply because I had to be in the right mood for it. But once I slipped into the world again with Azetla and Tzal and others, well…the pages just rolled by. The world is so richly textured and the characters feel so real, I simply delighted in the reading experience every time I opened the book. There is definitely trauma in this book, especially with the history of Tzal being unveiled. It was…hard to read at times. Be warned. Still yet, there is beauty in this book. I’m grateful for this book, even though I must confess I was a bit surprised by a revelation at the end that I thought was too obvious to be true! But we shall see what the next book holds. Sad I have to wait!! Oh one more point. This book is definitely more of a military book than I am used to reading. Not sure if that’s my thing, but I have to say the battles were thrillingly told and even for someone as militarily inexperienced as I, was not bored. This author knows how to spin a tale.

Sixteen

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A few thoughts on my latest read – not too many words, I promise!

9. Believer’s Baptism edited by Schreiner & Wright. My studies on baptism continue. I found this book recommended as one of the best recent resources on believer’s baptism (or what some prefer to call “confessor’s baptism”) and it did indeed fit the bill. A very solid and comprehensive work, even if the format – each chapter by a different author – did make for a bit of a disjointed reading experience at times. And there were a few chapters which I felt didn’t add much, specifically the chapter on the Stone-Campbell restorationist movement at the end. But there were a few chapters in this one which were indeed well worth the price of admission, namely the middle chapters. Wellum writes a fantastic chapter looking at reformed theology and exploring how the logic of the covenant of grace carries over into a theology of baptism. Also was much interested in and benefited by the two historical chapters, one looking at the writings of the early church on baptism, the other being an exploration of baptism following the Reformation, leading up to the Anabaptist movement. I find it very helpful to more fully grasp the arguments around baptism when one more properly understands the historical progression, and these chapters were very helpful in that regard. Being one who is particularly interested in comparing the classic Reformed view of baptism vs the Baptist view, I appreciated that Wellum fully explored the logic and underpinnings of Reformed theology and how that necessarily results in a theology of baptism that is a bit different than what may be seen in early church and modern Baptist practice.

I fully admit my biases in that I’ve long believed in what some would call Baptist theology, baptism being a sign and proclamation of a reality that has already taken place. This places me full on one end of the spectrum, very much gazing off into the distance towards the Catholic/Lutheran/Reformed camps as I sit with my Baptist brethren. I came to this book predisposed to believe what it sought to prove but I did also hope that it would be a work that was intellectually honest and forthright in both the view it put forth and the views it argued against. I did not find anything in this book to budge my view down the spectrum and if anything, I found my support for believer’s baptism strengthened. While I don’t believe baptism is a first-order issue (few in the Christian world would), I do believe it’s an important issue and one that is sadly neglected too often these days. When we consider that one of the primary commands of the Lord given to his disciples was to go forth and make disciples and “baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit”, how critical is it that we have a proper understanding of what baptism actually means and entails? I would argue – quite. I also much enjoyed Dever’s chapter at the end laying forth some practical advice and guidance as to how baptism ought be practiced in the modern church, answering some possible questions/dilemmas and being clear as to the function of baptism in our modern day.

I don’t think this book was perfect but I do believe it was a worthwhile read. If anyone would like to discuss this issue with me further, let me know and I’d love to have that chat over a coffee. I have many brothers and sisters who differ with me on this and I love them none the less for that.

Fixed it For You

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A few thoughts on my latest read this warm December evening.

83. The Everlasting Righteousness by Horatius Bonar. A beautiful book on the righteousness of Christ and its implications for those who put their trust in him. I was looking for a little book on Christ that would aid my devotion and meditation on him, and this certainly fit the bill! Its subtitle is “How shall man be just with God” and most certainly this book answered the question with the answer being self-evident from the title alone. At times we can trust to our own efforts or goodness, even if we would not put it quite so boldly out loud. Yet at times we often think we have done a bit of what is necessary to give God cause to love us, true? This book is a wonderful corrective to such thinking, driving one to the cross. Only in Christ can man be just with God. Only through Christ and his righteousness, for we have naught to bring! We are blind indeed and those who know such and cry out to the great Healer will surely find their eyes opened and eternal life in the bargain. The majority of this book deals with the subject of Christ’s righteousness and the imputation of such to the sinner who puts his trust in Christ. I probably read this a bit too quickly and I think it would well repay a slower reading. The author did add a few chapters at the end on both the significance and result of the resurrection of Christ as well as the necessary outcome of holy living for the one who is truly covered by the righteousness of Christ. These are “side issues” as it were to the main subject of the justification of the sinner through Christ’ righteousness, yet I’m still grateful that the author decided to add these chapters as they are simply magnificent and heart stirring in all their grandeur. Meditating on the resurrection of Christ was true balm for my soul!! I probably have said too many words on this one already. It’s a small book, the chapters perfectly sized for a short evening’s reading. Though this book may come across a bit dated to some (written over a hundred and fifty years ago now), I’m still most grateful I read this and shall certainly pick it up again when I am seeking to be encouraged and reminded of why I am so confident of that hope which I call my own.

A Lamb Shakes Her Tail

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A fine December morning dawns. Well, almost dawns. I believe it is still dark at the moment yet I know the sun is hovering just barely off stage simply waiting for her cue. I have no doubt we shall witness her entrance soon enough. As to the now? I thought I’d just pop in for a second and write a few words on my latest book before work begins in earnest. Grateful that this work week is not going to be long – hello vacation my old friend! Soon. Soon. Hopefully the take off this week leads to much writing. No promises. Now enough rambling.

82. The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. A week or so back I decided that I really felt in the mood for a proper Christmas-y book to welcome in the Christmas season. And…is there really any better book than this one? I think not, even if there is no snow falling in my present climes. I forgot how much I love this book. It never ceases to warm my soul. And I’m pretty sure each time I read it, I discover new nuggets of truth and beauty. Lewis tells this tale with such simplicity and wonder, I dare say I’m almost jealous of his skill in such. There is much in this book to recommend it, not least that it points to deeper and greater truths that make this heart swell with joy. I love this book and I’m now contemplating whether or not I should read it every Christmas. This is one of the greats.

Still ambling on down that old dusty path

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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.

Morning Jazz

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I think I should post one more book review because well…why not right? And I shall finally be caught up! At least for the moment that is.

60. The Story of Christianity – Volume 1: The Early Church to the Dawn of the Reformation by Justo L. Gonzalez. Church history has been calling my name lately, especially with so much reading of various Christology works and pondering on the growth and development of Christian thought. I knew I would pull this from the shelf and I finally couldn’t resist. It’s been some time since I read this one – believe it was 2015 when I first read it. I appreciated it then, especially for the insight into church history and the many details that I had never heard of until I read this book. Rereading this one, I found myself a bit more aware and knowledgeable of the broad strokes, but still found myself both encouraged and fascinated as I read. Not at all a book that will bore you, I found this one a page turner and one that I eagerly sought to read whenever I had a moment! That may say more about me, who knows. Anyway! This book – while massive – still felt a tad underbaked at times. It’s really more of a survey, which I suppose makes sense. How else are you going to pack 1500 years of history into one volume? Still many chapters I wished for more details and more development and this really only piqued my interest to find more books on the various characters and chapters of history that you’ll find in this tome. But I suppose I shouldn’t quibble too much. I would call this a very suitable primer to Christian history and I’m very glad I read this. Already have volume 2 on my coffee table ready to begin!

Before Midnight

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Quick book thoughts before going out and about this Friday night!

54. Two-Part Invention – The Story of a Marriage by Madeleine L’Engle. I greatly enjoyed this one. It’s a memoir of sorts and it’s by one of my favourite authors and so the odds were in its favour, I’ll admit. And sure enough, a winner! This nonfiction by L’Engle focuses on her marriage to Hugh Franklin, who I’ll confess I knew very little about going into this one! If you know me at all, you know that I’m already a huge fan of L’Engle’s writing and so of course reading this one felt just like snuggling into a warm blanket and drinking a hot cup of cocoa. That’s not to say this story is all sunshine and roses. There are some very dark and depressing parts of this book, to be sure. But L’Engle is frank and honest as she describes her feelings even in these dark moments. You get a very good idea of what she believes and the nature of her faith in Christ in this book, which I found greatly fascinating and encouraging. You also get many of her musings on marriage and life and death. Of course all of this is intertwined with the narrative that L’Engle unfurls so brilliantly. Her prose is as simple and beautiful as always and the core themes of this book sing true. Oh and also? As someone who loves reading about artsy and literary subjects, I delighted in reading about L’Engle’s growing up and living in a very culturally rich and diverse environment. I most certainly felt some twinges of jealousy at times. All that being said? This was a beautiful read and heartily recommended for anyone who wants to know a bit more about one of the best American authors of the 20th century. I look forward to re-reading at a later date, especially when I’m a bit further along in my own marriage!

Fresh White Linen

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This grey Sunday, a few thoughts on my latest.

44. Angle of Repose by Wallace Stegner. A monumental book. I remain supremely impressed at the mastery of the craft Stegner shows in his writing. This book took me a little while to sink into, but once I did? I was very much absorbed in the story of Susan Beecher Ward and of her marriage to Oliver Ward. For truly as much as her story is central to this tale, so too the story of the marriage of Susan and Oliver is that which holds center stage and providing a through-line around which all else rotates. I am of two minds about this book and in some ways find myself incapable of conclusively saying I love this book. While I can most certainly acknowledge the greatness of the prose in this one (so many individual lines and paragraphs were pure poetry, words simply leaping off the page in their unadorned beauty), I’m not quite sure if I entirely appreciate the framing device Stegner uses. Unfortunately I can’t entirely recommend it removed either, as I understand Stegner is attempting to analyze a character from a distance and he well uses the character of the narrator (Lyman Ward) to contrast and highlight both the alienness and beauty of Susan Ward and I am not sure the story of Susan would work quite as well in isolation. Yet, I did find myself quickly turning the pages whenever we were back to the present day. Capping it off, I found the grotesquerie and hazy dream space of Lyman’s own moment of truth a bit too pat in the light of the grandeur and tragedy of what we’ve just experienced in the life of Susan Ward. Yes, the last line of this book was perfect, I will acknowledge that. And the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation are such strong ones!! That last line, for real. So perhaps this book is truly a great one, as much as parts of it break my heart. Tragedy looms over much of this book and one wonders when the storm will break. It is near the end when finally all is revealed and it is worse than I could have imagined. Still though. Despite the tears and sadness, I did love witnessing in such intimacy the lives and marriage of Susan and Oliver. Oh what flawed beacons of humanity are they! This is a book that I’m very glad I read, although there are some parts that were difficult to read. This is a book that made me think about myself and my own choices and my own life and inward turn to reflect on the path I’ve walked that’s led me to the brink of this present day and the future horizon over which I look. I could also wonder if the bulk of the magic of this book comes from the letters excerpted throughout, which I’ve now discovered were the letters of a real woman whose real story mirrors so much of Susan’s life. Did that take away some of admiration of Stegner perhaps, to realise that he is simply crafting his story around a life that was already lived so brilliantly in the flesh? Perhaps. Still though, this was a story wonderfully told. Well worth the read.

Truths and Application

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I do not have an overlong time to write this morning, so instead – quick few thoughts on latest read!

39. Redemption Accomplished and Applied by John Murray. Simply staggering in its beauty. I finished this book a bare few minutes ago and so feel still a bit caught in the wonder and love and awe that I felt as I read the last few pages (namely, focusing on the glorification of the saints and subsequent life forever with our Lord Jesus Christ). To anyone who wishes to understand and meditate more on the work of God in salvation and how that is worked out in the lives of those who are his, I would heartily recommend this one. Breathtaking in scope and wondrous in its depth of thought, I found this a most profitable read these past few weeks. When is it ever a bad thing to think and ponder more on the salvation that is ours in Christ? This book is broken up into two parts, firstly – the unilateral and sovereign work of God as it bears out on our salvation and what this means. This part was a bit more academic and at times a touch dry, yet still I appreciated and it was profitable. But the second part? I would read this book again ten times just for the second half of this book. Murray writes and expounds on how salvation is worked out in the lives of those who are the redeemed and walks through a number of chapters examining the different facets of salvation (even what most would call the “ordo salutis” or order of salvation, though some of the concepts are a bit intertwined of necessity!) and how God’s redemption of us is actually seen and born out. I do not do this part justice. It is a simply marvelous study on God’s work of salvation in the lives of sinful men and women and shows most clearly how God works in us to call us from darkness to that light of immortality which will end with us looking into the face of Christ and communing with our God forever. What a delight it was to meditate on such themes as effectual calling, regeneration, faith and repentance, justification, adoption, sanctification, perseverance, union with Christ, glorification! I will of certainty read this book again. A balm and delight to my soul to consider the marvelous truths of God’s work of salvation. Some of the truths expounded are ones that I strain to wrap my mind around and truly comprehend. Yet still I delight in meditating on God’s salvation work and thrill to think that I will be forever meditating on this divine work as I worship God now and into eternity. Never will considering these truths cease to bring delight to my soul.

A Place to Hang the Moon

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One more book that I didn’t have time to review earlier!

38. The Sleepwalkers: How Europe Went to War in 1914 by Christopher Clark. A wonderful history read. For some reason I’ve been interested in WWI history lately, so this book hit the spot. A popular history, to be sure, but quite well researched (a note on that – I thought I still had a lot to read through when I hit the end notes – over a hundred pages of end-notes/citations!) For those who have studied up on WW1 and know all there is to know, this book probably isn’t adding much. But for the novice (such as myself), this book had so much in it that I’d never read or heard before. I will confess this one took me a bit to get through(think I’ve been working on it these past 2-3 months or so?), but that isn’t a bad thing. This book is dense and full of all the names and places and events and so as gripping as the subject is, it doesn’t lend to a quick read.

But what does this book focus on? It’s not about the war itself or the battles. Very little military dogma (though some obviously does come in as a discussion of larger strategy). Rather, this book is about the lead-up to the Great War, starting with events early in the 20th century and how Europe inexorably(?) sleepwalks(!) towards continental war. Each country gets focus sections and the author weaves together the threads of each country’s own dramas and motivations and how the seeming myopia of various actors contributes towards the muddle of European affairs and how things degenerate so tragically into interstate conflict. One of the questions everyone asks about WW1 is – who started it? Who is to blame? Who are the bad guys? While now the opinion is relatively common that WW1 was no one country’s fault – instead a rather tragic result of the mixture of the unwieldy alliance structure of Europe and the inflexible military doctrines of its players – still one wonders how Europe blundered into such a bloody morass. This book attempts to explain and though the author doesn’t quite present us with a neat and tidy conclusion – for any such attempt is folly – he does strive to show us how and why each state did what it did. Each state and its actors felt themselves constrained and forced along the path and that it was only the acts of other states that forced their hand. It’s remarkable how human a trait it is to always see the fault and assume the worst in the country across the table. I could attempt to spin my own thoughts together and come with a take, but I hesitate to tread where far greater minds have trod. I will say that while I understand why certain states did what they did, if I had to apportion blame (for truly, we all love to point the finger!), I would glare pointedly in the direction of both Austria-Hungary and Russia. Both of these states acted in ways that helped tip some of the initial dominoes that led so catastrophically to war, and did they have to? I would argue not, though again – I understand now better than I did before why. Russia in particular – oh Russia, why did you stir things up so? Yes, it’s easy to blame chaotic messy Serbia, but really – Russia should know better. But really, every nation shoulders its share of blame. It’s interesting reading this because while it’s easy to read some of the details of this history and assume war was inevitable, it appears as if conditions were actually becoming more adverse to war between 1913-1914. Yet…one assassination that was years in the making, and Austria-Hungary felt its hand forced if it were to avert its own seemingly predestined collapse and then of course Serbia could only respond a certain way – especially knowing Russia urged them on, because of course France made sure that Russia didn’t lose its nerve and of course, so too did England not overly discourage its French allies and then what could Germany do when mobilized against by the growing might of Russia and so and so and so. The few pages in which the author shows the last few hours and days of July were truly gripping. Especially seeing the actions and reactions in Moscow as the Russian high command took the fateful steps towards war.

I have let this review go on far too long. I’ve been living this book for the past few months you see, and even now the events and personages whirl around inside my head. Is this book perfect? No, of course not. The middle does drag just a bit, especially as it seems the narrative force slows and one is slightly unsure where the author is going with some of his discussions on various conditions on the continent. And there are so many people who play pivotal roles in this drama, of course it is not easy to remember who they all are (I cannot claim to be one whose memory is up to this task). The author does do a remarkable job attempting to humanize and bring out in living color each character – these long-ago politicians and diplomats and rulers and generals seem so human!! Yet even with the inevitable dry spot here and there that will always come with the territory in such a book as this, I really did much enjoy this one. An utterly fascinating read. Reading a book like this inevitably makes one think of the present day and wonder how it applies. I hesitate to make too many comparisons. But if anything, I can say with certainty how tragic war is. Reading this book punctured many of the common myths of WW1 and I’m grateful I now have a (slightly) better understanding of its causes.