The Light Ages - A Review

 

The Light Ages

by

Seb Falk

The author makes clear that the Middle Ages or Dark Ages were not nearly as devoid of scientific thinking as common knowledge would have us think. Each chapter tackles two or three threads of science. This is done by exploring the life of a typical (though highly educated) monk living at St. Albans Abby, north of London.

The only problem is that some chapters cover too much material. For example, the first chapter explores the making of the modern calendar and astronomy’s influence on agriculture of the era. The second chapter approaches the development of timekeeping and its influence on agriculture. I found the discussion of the understanding of 24 equal hours of the day from the earlier practice of dividing the time between sunrise and sunset into twelve hours, and the time between sunset and sunrise into twelve hours. The early practice meant twelve shorter daylight hours during the winter season and twelve longer daylight hours during the summer season. Because the church played such a major role in the life of the Middle Ages, it was important to understand the church’s role in promoting new scientific knowledge and in hindering its growth at times.

I found the book interesting, but it sometimes felt as if the author was blending too many topics in each chapter. As this reader progressed through the book, it became obvious that seven chapters of the book could naturally be presented in smaller units. This might make the book more accessible to the casual reader. This reader would give the book four out of five stars.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

The Portable Seminary (2nd Edition) - A Review

The Portable Seminary

2^nd Edition

by

David Horton

A Review

Full of useful information – this book is not a portable seminary. No reader should take it off the shelf and expect to cover the topics to the depth that a typical seminary education would provide.

Having said that some topics are covered in further depth than others. A good overview of theology is provided – this is most of the first third of the book, though the author does sneak chapters on “Biblical Languages” and “Interpreting Scripture: Hermeneutics & Exegesis” into the middle of the theological chapters (immediately following a chapter on the “Doctrine of Scripture” and prior to “The Doctrine of God the Father”}. The author is strongly supportive of inerrancy; but, he clearly states, this doctrine must not be used to distinguish between authentic Christians and apostasy. Definitions are given for many of the most important terms, but few examples are given. For example, a clear distinction is made between exegesis and eisegesis – but no examples are given of either. In fact, no single example (from beginning to end) of exegesis is given. Similarly, no complete example of writing a sermon (from idea to finished sermon outline or text) is given.

Other topics covered include:

1. Five chapters introducing the Old Testament and New Testament 
2. Three chapters on evangelism: Apologetics, World Religions, and Missiology 
3. Five chapters on church history 
4. Four chapters on practical theology: Homiletics, Leadership, Ethics, and Christian Education 

It is not clear who has officially contributed to each chapter, versus allowing the quoted material to be included. Several pages of “Contributors” are included, but it is not clear who contributed what to the final volume. The ARC I was provided did set aside “1 page” for “Acknowledgments”, but it was blank and it is not clear what role these “acknowledgments” played in the development of the book.

To summarize, the book has lots of information, but the depth and helpfulness of that material will vary depending on the chapter and area of study. USE WITH CAUTION.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.

George Whitfield: Evangelist for God and Empire - A Review

George Whitfield

Evangelist for God and Empire

by

Peter Y. Choi

A Review

Coming from a Methodist background, I have often found myself intrigued by the relationship between John Wesley and George Whitfield. Later in their friendship ...  

Although George Whitefield disagreed with John Wesley on some theological matters, he was careful not to create problems in public that could be used to hinder the preaching of the gospel. When someone asked Whitefield if he thought he would see Wesley in heaven, Whitefield replied, “I fear not, for he will be so near the eternal throne and we at such a distance, we shall hardly get sight of him.” [Wycliffe Handbook of Preaching and Preachers, W. Wiersbe, Moody Press, 1984, p. 255. Quoted in Galaxie Software. (2002). 10,000 Sermon Illustrations. Biblical Studies Press]

Though this biography touches on the relationship between the Wesleys and George Whitfield, its major focus is on Whitfield’s work of spreading the gospel in England and America and his contribution toward bringing English culture to the New World.

The work is scholarly and primarily aimed at that audience. The general reader will be less satisfied with the work, though some might be surprised. The book is readable and will be satisfying to many with an interest in English and American history or church history in general.

The author does an excellent job of preparing the reader for what is coming — both in terms of the book and in terms the book’s chapters and smaller divisions. This makes much of what follows easy to appreciate and understand.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions are mine alone.

Classic Hymns - A Review

Classic Hymns

A Review

I am not a musician, but I do want to know something about the hymns that the church has adopted over the last 2000 years. I do have a number of books in my library that discuss that history, but this book is one the best that I have seen augmenting one’s personal devotions based on those hymns.

The editors have chosen 90 classic hymns.  Each selection includes a selection of the lyrics (some have all the lyrics, others a small portion).  This is followed by a brief 4-10 question Bible Study, including a selected Biblical passage.  About half of these questions focus on the scripture, the other half allow for “personal reflection”.  The devotion concludes with one or two sentence prayer.  A table of contents makes important hymns easy to find.

My only concern is the binding. The simple wrap around cover blends well with the book’s binding, but it appears flimsy. Once removed, the binding looks like a 1960s paperback rebound for use in a small library.

This book would be a great gift for a single pastor of a church or for the church’s worship leader.  The last three hymns are Christmas Carols – I am considering using these studies as the basis for my advent sermons (alas, I will need to find one additional carol to fill in the four weeks of advent).

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are mine alone.  

Classic Prayers for Every Need - A Review

Classic Prayers for Every Need

Edited by

Donna K. Maltese

A Review

Prayers are difficult. Well, they feel difficult. Sometimes it is good to have a collection of prayers that have server believers in earlier times to begin with - whether as sermon illustrations, for use as encouragement for others, or just for personal meditation. This book can meet those needs.

The reader will find prayers dating from the middle of the 2nd century (Origen) to the end of the 20th century (Michel Quoist). Some are well known (John Newton), others less so (Ashton Oxenden); but each is a look at the heart of the author and his or her relationship to God.  

The provided prayers are not long.  Grouped into 57 different topics (e.g. Forgiveness, Grace, Rest, Stress, Vision, etc.), there are normally five or more prayers for each topic:

O Lord our God, safe under the shadow of your wings, let us hope.

You will support us both when we are little and when we are old.

When our strength is from you it is real strength,

when it springs from us it is weakness.

Leaning upon you we can find our way back to you,

who are our refreshment and true strength.

Amen.

Saint Augustine

The introduction explains that the author has collected 280 prayers from over 140 different Christians who have lived a life of faith throughout the centuries.  The Table of Contents lists the topics in alphabetical order. However, though a list of authors is provided near the beginning of the book, there is no index that allows the reader to locate the prayers associated to a specific one. Thus, there is no easy way (unless one has an electronic copy of the book) to find prayers by Mother Theresa. The prayers are thought provoking and meditative. They serve as devotionals in their own right for the believer seeking to follow the Savior. Whether in the home, the pastor’s desk, or in the church library, this volume may serve believers around the world.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

American Woman’s Bible - A Review

American Woman’s Bible

by

Dr. Richard G. Lee

A Review

I have stumbled upon other Bibles using American history as the source notes, devotional thoughts, or commentary. However, I found this edition to be of greater value that those that have crossed my path in the past.

The notes focus on the role that Christian Women have played in American history and how their lives have exemplified the role Christ, Scripture, and the church has had in preparing them for those roles. This is accomplished by including biographical sketches, quotations that have shaped others by or about American women, and a series of essays focusing on the virtues that have shaped our nation and the women who have been a part of that history.

My biggest disappointment is that the publisher chose to name only one male author of the book: Dr. Richard G. Lee. I suspect, like most Study Bibles and Devotional Bibles, the work was a collaboration of many scholars and spiritual leaders - but they are totally unnamed, either in a list of contributors or as the authors of individual pieces of writing. It would seem, to this reviewer, that if we have a Bible focused on the contributions of women to history, its contents should in some way be guided by women. I do not know where the error was made - in not giving credit for the women’s contribution or in not allowing women to contribute - but it seems that an error was made.

Having said that, this Bible edition does have value - just less than it might. The collection of biographies and quotes might help a pastor in preparation for next Sunday’s message. The devotional thoughts could easily be used by a teen or adult Sunday School teacher or Bible Study leader in preparation for next weeks lesson. My copy will sit on a night stand for my wife and I use with our personal devotions. I do expect that others will find it a blessing.

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This review is based on a free copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

The Carols of Christmas - A Review

The Carols of Christmas:
A Celebration of the Surprising Stories
Behind Your Favorite Holiday Songs

by

Andrew Gant

A Review

A well-done study of 21 of the carols that help us remember many of the themes that surround the Christmas holiday. Rather than taking a devotional perspective (like those done by Robert Morgan), the author has chosen to apply an academic approach as he introduces us to the hymns.  

The “Introduction” serves to help us understand the role Christmas carols play in Western society - including a look at their historical, theological, and denominational backgrounds. The introduction is a broad picture of what will come later as the author looks at the individual hymns.

The bulk of the book takes the reader through a group of 21 hymns in Biblical order - beginning with a hymn appropriate for use during all of Advent, moving through the days leading up to Christmas proper, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, the angels, the shepherds, “The Twelve Days of Christmas,” and Epiphany.  The final hymn is “Jingle Bells.”  As can be seen the author includes both examples of secular songs and those with a more spiritual tone (e.g. “Away in A Manger,” and “O Come, All Ye Faithful.”)  The roots of the words (Biblical or not) and the music are explored.  Some of the stories associated with the music or words are full of as much mystery as a good Sherlock Holmes tale - with the true nature of their origins hidden till some unexpected source brought them to light. Though the focus is certainly academic, there are hints of devotional thoughts.  For example, as he concludes his look at “While Shepherds Watched”, the author notes that “... the full richness and variety of its history will, like the shepherds, have to wait.”  

Over the fifteen years I have served in the pulpit, I have occasionally taken my congregation through the history and setting of the church’s hymns. As I read Gant’s look at the Christmas carols, I am considering doing a similar series for the carols of Christmas. I expect it might be fun to look at the stories behind the carols as we have done with hymns in the past.

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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

Church History (Volumes I and II) - A Review

Church History Volume One From Christ to Pre-Reformation by Everett Ferguson (Vol I)

Church History Volume Two From Pre-Reformation to the Present Day by John Woodbridge (Vol II) Frank A. James III (Vol II)

A Review

The two volumes represent nearly 1400 pages of history written primarily as a textbook. Not though they may certainly have some devotional use, they have their primary role in the college or graduate school classroom. These books do not present a gentle introduction to church history, but are designed for the academic environment of a upper division college classroom or seminary. Given that the books are 550 and 850 pages each, it is expected that such a course would be offered over a two semester sequence.

A couple of things stood out as I perused the book. The book is a well-documented description of church history – quoting primary sources when needed to help the reader understand the historical events being described. I appreciated the details included – many of which I had not heard before. The other standout feature of these texts is the wide margins they present – perfect for making notes or outlining as they are being read. Some of this space is taken up with quotations and images (all black and white), but there is plenty of space for personal comments as well. Electronic copies each have their own way of saving notes.

Forty years ago I was privileged to sit under the teaching of John Woodbridge at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School – it was fun to again, virtually, sit under his tutelage as I made my way through Volume II of these texts. Actually, it was fun to sit under the tutelage of all three authors as I read through these texts.

I had two concerns as I prepared this review.

1. As I noted earlier, all images in both volumes were black and white (except for the book covers). Without hard copies, it is difficult to determine whether the PDFs that were provided for review represented the final copy (without color images?) or not. Color images would make the books more inviting to students and other readers.
2. The indexes had not been completed prior to the preparation of the PDFs provided for review. Given the number of pages allocated for the index, this reviewer would expect that they might be thorough; but this cannot be verified with the material provided to me.

Though not designed for the general reader, these two volumes would be a welcome addition to the collection of any student of church history – whether in or out of a classroom. It would be a privilege to have these works sitting on the shelf next to those of the church fathers, Luther, Calvin, and Wesley. With a completed index and color images, there would great value in having these two reference books available.

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This review is based on free electronic copies provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are my own.