Why God Won’t Go Away
By: Alister McGrath
The title of this book is quite fitting for this discourse on what the author calls the “New Atheism.” The author brings years of personal experience as a former atheist, who found faith in Jesus as the Christ. Mr. McGrath goes to great lengths to explain some of the differences between New Atheism and what he calls their fundamentalist beliefs, and (regular old) atheism. One can certainly see parallels in this work of how the Christian church branched out over the centuries and how over the past few decades Atheism is doing the same. Perhaps this is an evolutionary trend that atheist tend to hold dear.
Adding a genuineness to the book is the fact that Mr. McGrath has publicly debated many of the more well known and respected people in the New Atheism movement. In the first five chapters of the book, the author carefully expounds on what New Atheism is, the main themes of the movement
The book may have been a bit clearer if the author had not briefly talked about a subject and then stated that he would go into more detail later. I prefer linear explanations when reading a book like this, but do not fault the author because the content he produced is very full. All in all, this is an informative, and I believe important read for people who are serious about understanding the thoughts that are directing the people involved in the New Atheism movement, and the arguments against it. I especially liked how the author ended the book-it was charming.
Thomas Nelson publishers did provide a free copy of Why God Won’t Go Away in exchange for my review.
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Better the Second Time Around
John Calvin, famous theologian and pastor during the Protestant Reformation once said: “However many blessing we expect from God, His infinite liberaity will always exceed all our wishes and our thoughts.” This statement can be trusted as true since God is faithful and good. Unfortunately, this statement cannot always be applied to the human race. Too many people do not receive a blessing from their parents or other loved ones. In fact sometimes our wishes and thoughts turn into nightmares when hurting people are unable to be a blessing to others-especially children.
John Trent and Gary Smalley recently revised and update their million plus best-seller called “The Blessing”, which was originally written 25 years ago, to help people understand what being blessed looks like and how to bless others. This book is especially geared toward parents with children. Ideally, all parents would use this as a …realistically this does not always happen, so we are asked to take the Blessing Challenge, which calls for each adult to be a blessing to one child utilizing the five elements of a blessing described in the book. These five elements include:
· Meaningful Touch
· A Spoken Message
· Attaching High Value
· Picturing a Special Future
· An Active Commitment
John Trent and Gary Smalley recently revised and update their million plus best-seller called “The Blessing”, which was originally written 25 years ago, to help people understand what being blessed looks like and how to bless others. This book is especially geared toward parents with children. Ideally, all parents would use this as a …realistically this does not always happen, so we are asked to take the Blessing Challenge, which calls for each adult to be a blessing to one child utilizing the five elements of a blessing described in the book. These five elements include:
· Meaningful Touch
· A Spoken Message
· Attaching High Value
· Picturing a Special Future
· An Active Commitment
The authors are careful to discuss each element in practical detail. They also talk about people that grew up in homes without being blessed, single parent households, and reversing curses that may have been spoken to or about you. Helpful advice and steps to overcome negative self-images and behaviors are freely given. The authors have also set up a nice website at TheBlessing.com to join with others in learning and participating actively in the blessing. There are video messages that correspond to several chapters and other links to help individuals walk out the blessing!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
The Fight of our Lives: Knowing the Enemy, Speaking the Truth & Choosing to Win the War Against Radical Islam
Author’s William Bennett and Seth Leibsohn give no holds barred viewpoints on the dangers of radical Islam. According to the authors, militant or extremist Islam is responsible for the majority of the terrorist acts over the past 30 plus years. The book offers a fairly balanced, hard hitting presentation of facts regarding terrorist acts, ties to Islam, the world and now America. I don’t agree with every statement, but a good portion of the book is quite persuasive.
The book brings up an important point. Why are more Muslims not outspoken against terrorist acts? In the spring of 2011, a pastor who aligns himself with the Christian religion went to Dearborn, MI (one of the most populous Muslim cities in America) to demonstrate against Islam and specifically to ask Muslims to denounce the call to sharia (Islamic) law in America by some Muslim factions. It so happens that this Pastor a few weeks earlier burned a Quran in his home state of Florida. This man was met in Dearborn, a suburb of Metro Detroit, with very vocal demonstrations by Muslim and Christians alike. Why did Christians join in these demonstrations? Because, the actions of the Florida Pastor were deemed as wrong, therefore his message was deemed as wrong as well. Using the same basis, why then don’t more Muslims leaders and people demonstrate against terrorist acts such as subway bombings in England, and gunman rampages in the name of allah (Islam’s Diety) in Texas? Not coming out against extremist acts, gives the appearance that more Muslim people support these acts.
The book is easy to read and thought provoking, while not denouncing the Muslim people. The authors go to great lengths to repeatedly state that they do not believe that all Muslims are terrorists or that all terrorists are Muslim. America has changed since the attacks of 9/11, and Mr. Bennett and Leibsohn have a very interesting viewpoint on the changes that are not typically discussed in mainstream media sources.
The book brings up an important point. Why are more Muslims not outspoken against terrorist acts? In the spring of 2011, a pastor who aligns himself with the Christian religion went to Dearborn, MI (one of the most populous Muslim cities in America) to demonstrate against Islam and specifically to ask Muslims to denounce the call to sharia (Islamic) law in America by some Muslim factions. It so happens that this Pastor a few weeks earlier burned a Quran in his home state of Florida. This man was met in Dearborn, a suburb of Metro Detroit, with very vocal demonstrations by Muslim and Christians alike. Why did Christians join in these demonstrations? Because, the actions of the Florida Pastor were deemed as wrong, therefore his message was deemed as wrong as well. Using the same basis, why then don’t more Muslims leaders and people demonstrate against terrorist acts such as subway bombings in England, and gunman rampages in the name of allah (Islam’s Diety) in Texas? Not coming out against extremist acts, gives the appearance that more Muslim people support these acts.
The book is easy to read and thought provoking, while not denouncing the Muslim people. The authors go to great lengths to repeatedly state that they do not believe that all Muslims are terrorists or that all terrorists are Muslim. America has changed since the attacks of 9/11, and Mr. Bennett and Leibsohn have a very interesting viewpoint on the changes that are not typically discussed in mainstream media sources.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Q & A with Max
The master of Godly writing, Max Lucado, has published another book with the help of some friends-as if he needs help! The new book titled “Max on Life” brings real life questions from real life people that the author elegantly dares to answer.There is a vast array of different heartbreaking and thoughtful questions submitted to Max for his response. Some questions include: “Does God allow war? If so, how do we reconcile his commands to love our enemies?” “I don’t like the narrow-mindedness of Christians. It is absurd to say that Jesus is the only way to Heaven.” And “Our Son (16 years old) was diagnosed with mental illness three years ago. We have prayed without ceasing for God’s healing. But healing has not come, and the atmosphere in our home is becoming increasingly tense. Should we keep praying for his healing or just accept that he will never be healed?”
Mr. Lucado is transparent in his responses about God’s love and mystery while giving raw, gut-level, honest responses to some really tough questions and statements. This book is unlike any other that I have read by the same author. It is timely and discusses some hot button topics such as homosexuality, unanswered prayer, and struggling with negative economic conditions. This book provides answers and insights for seasoned Christians and people who have no experience with Christianity.
Friday, March 25, 2011
The Fishing Expedition
The premise of The Jesus Inquest: A Case for and Against the Resurrection of the Christ by Charles Foster is that two debaters/lawyers are providing arguments against and for proving Jesus is the Christ. The person presenting the non-Christian view is called X, and the person presenting the Christian view is called Y. X starts each topic and subtopic out and then Y subsequently responds with his own view point. Both sides present evidence to prove their case.
Generally, I like a good argument, but the majority of the points X & Y used were flimsy at best. Too much of the so called evidence was used in the context of the cultural preferences at the time. In many of the cases both parties used cultural norms to prove their point, and the norms quoted were from the same culture during the same time period. In other words their points contradicted each other even though they were talking about the same culture at the same time in history. This seems unlikely. X & Y did not fully prove their points beyond a shadow of a doubt. I am neither convinced nor unconvinced by what I read in the Jesus Inquest-the proof just was not definitive enough.
What is of particular interest to me is that the topic of Jesus being the Christ is still as hotly debated as it has been since the time of His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. During the Easter season, people can be more curious about Jesus and His life. If you are seeking more information I humbly suggest you read the biblical accounts of Jesus’ life. Reading the Gospels offer the best chance for understanding Jesus the Messiah.
Generally, I like a good argument, but the majority of the points X & Y used were flimsy at best. Too much of the so called evidence was used in the context of the cultural preferences at the time. In many of the cases both parties used cultural norms to prove their point, and the norms quoted were from the same culture during the same time period. In other words their points contradicted each other even though they were talking about the same culture at the same time in history. This seems unlikely. X & Y did not fully prove their points beyond a shadow of a doubt. I am neither convinced nor unconvinced by what I read in the Jesus Inquest-the proof just was not definitive enough.
What is of particular interest to me is that the topic of Jesus being the Christ is still as hotly debated as it has been since the time of His crucifixion and subsequent resurrection. During the Easter season, people can be more curious about Jesus and His life. If you are seeking more information I humbly suggest you read the biblical accounts of Jesus’ life. Reading the Gospels offer the best chance for understanding Jesus the Messiah.
Friday, January 7, 2011
Love Is Patient...
Love is patient, Love is kind, it does not envy… Many of us have heard 1st Corinthians chapter 13, also known as the “Love” chapter. I have often pondered about the context of this Love. Are we supposed to be patient and kind all of the time-with everyone? If so, how is that humanly possible? Sometimes questions like these keep me awake at night. I recently found a great tool, Nelson’s Biblical Cyclopedic Index, to help me find some answers.
I looked up the word “Love: on page 304 of the index. The word study of Love was a nice benefit, which quoted related scripture for further review. Next, the meat of the reference tool became apparent. Under the word love are four different headings:
1. Christian Love
2. The Love of Christ
3. The Love of God
4. Physical Love
Under each of the headings are topics such as-“The First Commandment, (Love) toward others, and (As Seen in believer’s) daily lives.” Scripture are associated with each specific topic in order to delve deeply into each topic, person and place mentioned in this index.
By the description of the book, I thought I would get a physical workout from the weight of the book each time I picked it up to find deeper meaning. I must say that I was disappointed initially when I opened the package and realized the neighborhood’s stray cat could carry the book in her mouth like one of her kittens. Nevertheless, once I began reading this treasure trove of information, the size no longer mattered. The content packs a powerful punch. According to the Publisher, Thomas Nelson, (Which gave me a free copy of the Index in exchange for this review) Nelson’s Biblical Cyclopedic Index has more listings than any other Bible resource available, and it combines the features of a concordance, a topical Bible, and a Bible dictionary. I have not read the entire publication-yet. A reference book of this caliber needs to be slowly savored like the most decadent of desserts.
I looked up the word “Love: on page 304 of the index. The word study of Love was a nice benefit, which quoted related scripture for further review. Next, the meat of the reference tool became apparent. Under the word love are four different headings:
1. Christian Love
2. The Love of Christ
3. The Love of God
4. Physical Love
Under each of the headings are topics such as-“The First Commandment, (Love) toward others, and (As Seen in believer’s) daily lives.” Scripture are associated with each specific topic in order to delve deeply into each topic, person and place mentioned in this index.
By the description of the book, I thought I would get a physical workout from the weight of the book each time I picked it up to find deeper meaning. I must say that I was disappointed initially when I opened the package and realized the neighborhood’s stray cat could carry the book in her mouth like one of her kittens. Nevertheless, once I began reading this treasure trove of information, the size no longer mattered. The content packs a powerful punch. According to the Publisher, Thomas Nelson, (Which gave me a free copy of the Index in exchange for this review) Nelson’s Biblical Cyclopedic Index has more listings than any other Bible resource available, and it combines the features of a concordance, a topical Bible, and a Bible dictionary. I have not read the entire publication-yet. A reference book of this caliber needs to be slowly savored like the most decadent of desserts.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Confidence Among Chaos?
Peeking out from under her covers that chilly morning, her breath gently hung in the air. She squeezed her eyes shut in an attempt to measure how safe it might be to get out of bed and face the world head on. Halfway listening to the morning news, her heart was gripped with pangs of fear as she placed herself as the main character in every scary situation mentioned-a house fire on the lower east side, another ex-wife murdered by the estranged ex-husband, and another bank went belly up over the weekend. She just did not want to get out of bed and face more possible stress today. She pulled the covers over her head determined to just push it all away-for at least the next 7 minutes until her alarm went off again.
If your comfort zone ends two steps from your bedside, then this book might be for you. If you have felt afraid about world events, or even events happening in your neighborhood or family, then this book might be for you.
Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World. What on Earth Should We Do Now? written by Dr. David Jeremiah is not his first foray into writing about difficult subjects. Dr. Jeremiah’s New York Times Bestseller, What in the World is Going On? Written in 2008 is considered the preeminent guide to end time prophesies.
In his newest release, the author does an excellent job in spelling out some of today’s biggest fears and how to overcome them in a biblically based, practical manner. Natural disasters, economic decline, and poor health are all taken from the headlines and are open for discussion and viewed through a biblical worldview. This book contains ideas and helpful anecdotes that tell us how to live valiantly while we are waiting for the return of Jesus the Christ to the earth.
At first glance I thought the neatly framed two word chapter titles were a telltale sign of the superficiality of the book. I was wrong. Each chapter demonstrates the represented ideal in depth. The chapter titles and topics include:
1. Stay Calm
2. Stay Compassionate
3. Stacy Constructive
4. Stay Challenged
5. Stay Connected
6. Stay Centered
7. Stay Confident
8. Stay Consistent
9. Stay Committed
10. Stay Convinced
The author gives real life examples, and offers encouraging scripture to help us in our everyday situations. The chapters are easy to read and have personal stories where people were able to overcome their fears, but not always their circumstances-which are true to real life. The book is a good read. As always, make sure you check the bible references on your own.
If your comfort zone ends two steps from your bedside, then this book might be for you. If you have felt afraid about world events, or even events happening in your neighborhood or family, then this book might be for you.
Living with Confidence in a Chaotic World. What on Earth Should We Do Now? written by Dr. David Jeremiah is not his first foray into writing about difficult subjects. Dr. Jeremiah’s New York Times Bestseller, What in the World is Going On? Written in 2008 is considered the preeminent guide to end time prophesies.
In his newest release, the author does an excellent job in spelling out some of today’s biggest fears and how to overcome them in a biblically based, practical manner. Natural disasters, economic decline, and poor health are all taken from the headlines and are open for discussion and viewed through a biblical worldview. This book contains ideas and helpful anecdotes that tell us how to live valiantly while we are waiting for the return of Jesus the Christ to the earth.
At first glance I thought the neatly framed two word chapter titles were a telltale sign of the superficiality of the book. I was wrong. Each chapter demonstrates the represented ideal in depth. The chapter titles and topics include:
1. Stay Calm
2. Stay Compassionate
3. Stacy Constructive
4. Stay Challenged
5. Stay Connected
6. Stay Centered
7. Stay Confident
8. Stay Consistent
9. Stay Committed
10. Stay Convinced
The author gives real life examples, and offers encouraging scripture to help us in our everyday situations. The chapters are easy to read and have personal stories where people were able to overcome their fears, but not always their circumstances-which are true to real life. The book is a good read. As always, make sure you check the bible references on your own.
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