Book Review: 100 Read & Sing Devotions by Stephen Elkins

It is said, you must know something really well to explain it really simply.  Now, while not everything can be explained simply, I believe this holds quite a bit of truth.  That has been a bit of a convicting challenge to me lately.  As I study Scripture and theology more and more, I’m excited about the things I am learning.  But when faced with the question of how I explain this to my children, I admit, I’m a bit stumped.  That’s why I’m excited to see tools for helping children grasp some of these concepts (which, quite frankly, sometimes mommies and daddies are still struggling to grasp). 

100 Read & Sing Devotions by Stephen Elkins is one such tool we’ve recently discovered.  As you may astutely surmise, there are 100 short devotionals with colorful illustration and a corresponding song on one of the two CDs that come with the book.  Often the write up will give a quick (one or two paragraph) summary of a Bible story.  Other times it uses some type of object lesson to teach a theological or moral truth.  There’s a Bible verse (often ripped out of context … but I’ll let that go for now), a prayer that’s just a couple of lines and the reference to the song for that day.

Speaking of the songs, let’s turn our attention to the CD.  It’s what you might expect here - Sunday school type songs sung by little children.  It’s the type of CD that makes parents shudder on long car trips.  However, the truer review comes when I walk into the living room to see my daughter dancing around with a huge smile beaming on her face.  Or when I hear my son singing these songs and realize that some of them are teaching him Bible verses.  That’s worth a little “ow, my ears.”

All said, this is not the greatest spiritual tool for children, but I’ve certainly seen worse.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

God's Faithfulness through Medical Trials

It’s kind of humorous when a new doctor asks us for our children’s medical history at our first visit; it’s quite extensive.  Here’s a brief rundown.

Caleb was born March 1, 2004 with a large omphalocele that ruptured during delivery thereby making it a giant omphalocele. What is an omphalocele you ask? It is an abdominal wall defect where some abdominal organs develop outside of the body in a sac. Usually it’s taken care of with immediate surgery, but Caleb had other issues to factor in. He was also born with two heart defects, small lungs and the possibility of having a genetic disorder that increases his risk of cancer significantly.  Since he was born breathing on his own (not expected in his circumstance) they wanted to postpone surgery and wrapped the sac in bandages instead.  After 5 weeks, we left the NICU to take our baby home with dressing changes twice a day, oxygen to help him breathe easier, an apnea monitor and a feeding tube that went through his nose to his stomach and a plan to wait 2-3 years to perform reparation surgery.  God had other plans.  While at a routine check up with the surgeon, Caleb’s sac ruptured right there on the doctor’s table.  We thought our 13-week-old baby was dying right in front of us.  Within 30 minutes he was in the Operating Room for the first of 8 surgeries, 5 of them in the next 2 weeks, to repair his tummy.  That next 5 weeks included serious shock, organ failure, a lot of doctors shaking their heads and much love and support from our church family.  When we left the hospital the second time as a family, it was with our 3 month old needing a feeding tube, oxygen, a central line to give him medicine straight to his heart and more dressing changes and methadone to wean him from heavy dose narcotics.

Since then Caleb has had 3 surgeries to repair his tummy, many ultrasounds to check for tumors as well as many tests on his heart to make sure the issues are not causing problems.  Today he looks like a normal boy (unless he lets you see his tummy). He was diagnosed with ADHD and an anxiety disorder about a year and a half ago. While there are no studies on what large doses or narcotics do to a baby’s development when exposed post-natal, we can’t help but wonder if the behavior issues are caused by his addiction. He still requires to be seen by a surgeon.

That’s our oldest. 

Our youngest, Josiah, was born with bilateral clubbed feet (his legs were straight but the feet turned in at the ankles – his toes were pointed right at each other).  While we began a long series of  treatments to correct this (and correct it, they did – you should see him run), we noticed that he was eating poorly and wouldn’t keep much down.  We checked with several specialists.  During an ultrasound, they found gall stones in our 3-month-old baby.  They also noticed that something wasn’t right with his kidneys.  Josiah has horseshoe kidneys; essentially the two kidneys are fused together as one.  There was also an obstruction at the UPJ – the point where the urethra leads out from the kidney which was causing some hydronephrosis.  This is particularly dangerous for Josiah because of the horseshoe kidneys.  On someone with normal kidneys, if one fails, they can live with the other – in Josiah’s case, if one side fails, the other will soon follow.  He’s had 4 surgeries in his almost 3 years including the removal of his gall bladder and 2 recently on the kidney.  He still sees a nephrologist and urologist; he requires ultrasounds every 3-6 months to monitor kidney function and check for cancer (he has a 62% chance of developing kidney cancer) as well as a more invasive MAG-3 scan this fall.

Some may say that our kids have probably had more than their share of medical trials.  Yet God has always been faithful to provide the support to bear us up under such circumstances.  We know He is sovereignly in control – He has never failed us and never will.

Book Review: Has God Spoken? by Hank Hanegraaff

In Has God Spoken?, Hank Hanegraaff, “the Bible Answer Man” turns his attention toward the attacks on the reliability of Scripture.  He does so through catchy (if sometimes forced) alliteration and acronym-filled arguments while sprinkling in the occasional pop culture reference, possibly to lighten the mood from what he fears may be getting too academic (though I obviously can’t predict his reasoning).

Hanegraaff opens the book by stating the problem of popular attacks on Biblical inerrancy, specifically citing Barak (Obama), Bart (Ehrman) and Bill (Maher) among a “procession of political pundits, professors, and public personalities” that call into question its reliability.  (I told you he liked alliteration.)

Having established the attacks, Hanegraaff proceeds to answer some key questions while providing evidence, utilizing the tool of acronyms for memory purposes.  He offers MAPS to follow in this debate - Manuscripts, Archeology, Prophecy and Scripture.  These main headings he breaks down further.  I’ll discuss them briefly.

Manuscript COPIES – Copyist practices, Oral culture, Papyrus and parchments, Internal evidence, External evidence and Science of textual criticism.  In this section, Hanegraaff offers a look into the stringent practices of historical copyists of Scripture while examining the impressive precision of oral tradition in cultures that thrived upon it.  He also points out the many pieces of manuscripts and early dates of them while marveling at the harmony within Scripture and historians’ support of what Scripture says. 

Archeologist’s SPADE – Steles and stones, Pools and fools, Assyrian archeology, Dead Sea Scrolls and Epic of Gilgamesh.  Hanegraaff points out that other religious writings, the Book of Mormon for instance, make many claims about places and events that simply cannot be backed up archeologically.  The Bible stands in stark contrast.  Many of its places have been excavated and archeology is time and again revealing that Scripture is accurate in what it says.

Prophetic STARS – Succession of nations, Typological prophecy, Abomination of desolation, Resurrection prophecy, Superstar ABCs.  Pointing to various prophecies and their fulfillments, Hanegraaff highlights the impressive track record of Scripture.  From the notable progression of national powers offered in the book of Daniel to specific prophecies regarding the Messiah, he lays out events that could not happen simply by coincidence.

Scriptural LIGHTS – Literal principle, Illumination principle, Grammatical principle, Historical principle, Typology principle and Synergy principle.  Having used Manuscript Copies, Archeologist’s Spade and Prophetic Stars to illuminate the reliability of Scripture, Hanegraaff focuses this last chapter on ways in which one may read and study Scripture well – interpreting it accurately and applying it faithfully.

For a layman, this book is a good starting point.  It will bolster your assurance in the reliability of Scripture, offering sound reason for believing the truth that is found in the pages of your Bible.  However, it falls short in what seems to be Hanegraaff’s main claim, to provide a sound, academic defense of inerrancy.  Before you stone me as a heretic, let me explain.  He repeatedly alludes to Bart Ehrman, a notable professor who writes and teaches against the accuracy of Scripture.  Hanegraaff also uses some very technical terms for textual criticism, terms which he uses incorrectly and which are very familiar to Ehrman (and any other textual critic regardless of whether they side for or against inerrancy).  If Hanegraaff were to enter into an academic debate with Ehrman using the material he presents here, he’d be torn to shreds.  That said, if you’re looking for an academic discussion, this is not the book you’ll choose, for the casual reader concerned about the reliability of their Bible, this is  a great place to start.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Free Literature

I was perusing Christian Book Distributers for some bargain-priced books.  [Yes, even faithful bookcenter employees seek out books from other sources sometimes.]  As I was looking at volumes of Philip Schaff's church history set, I noticed that they also sell e-books (an endeavor of CBD to keep up with the changing book market).  For the low price of $2.39 (or somewhere around there), they will gladly sell you an electronic version each of these volumes, saying below the price "Christian Classics Ethereal Library / 2010 / ePub."


Ah, there it is - Christian Classics Ethereal Library.  This is a website I found a few years, that offers public domain Christian literature at no cost.  Calvin, Bunyan, Owen, Edwards, Schaff - all sorts of wonderful classics.  Their well-priced e-book came to them FREE (as it can to you) from www.ccel.org.  


Boo, CBD, says I.

Book Review: Why God Won't Go Away by Alister McGrath

Alister McGrath is one of the finest theological and apologetic minds of this generation, holding the chair of theology, ministry and education at King’s College in London. McGrath, a former atheist himself, has a keen interest in discussing questions of faith with atheists - hearing their objections and demonstrating the reason behind his beliefs. He has frequently debated leading atheists in public forums.

In his new book, Why God Won’t Go Away, McGrath turns his intellect and insight toward the movement known as New Atheism (a specific movement that goes beyond a simple denial of the existence of God to the nearly militant destruction of such a view), revealing it as “a hopelessly simplistic view that cannot be sustained in the light of subsequent scholarly research” (page 6). That is one of the beauties of this author – he is a Christian and a scholar, when much of modern media and general public opinion would suggest one could be one or the other.

By way of introducing “the four horsemen” of New Atheism, McGrath traces a very brief history of the movement highlighting some key figures and literature.  This sets the scene for the quick and militant rise of the New Atheist movement which followed the devastating terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001, which key spokesmen within the movement used as an example of the irrational and violent end to which any and all religion leads. McGrath then uses this backdrop provide a brief summary and critical analysis of the writings of the four most popular authors of New Atheism – Sam Harris, Richard Dawkins, Daniel Dennett and Christopher Hitchins.  He offers scientific and philosophical views of their work and positions.

Having addressed the key proponents of the movement specifically, McGrath then turns to the chief arguments they bring against faith – namely, 1) religion leads to violence, 2) reason shows belief in God to be irrational and 3) science should be the main (or perhaps only) determining factor of truth.

After effectively walking the reader through these arguments and handily refuting them, McGrath gives a final look at where New Atheism goes from here. Before closing the book, he provides 3.5 pages of selections for further reading on New Atheism, atheism and criticisms of and response to New Atheism from both Christian and secular viewpoints.

This was a fantastic read.  It is a short book, one that can be run through quickly while providing a great overview and analysis of the movement, key arguments against it and an arsenal of resources for further study.  I highly recommend this book.

Book Review: The Sacred Journey by Charles Foster

Charles Foster brings a fresh look to an all but forgotten discipline in The Sacred Journey.  Mainline Christianity does not practice or, for the most part, even talk about pilgrimages anymore – a truth that Foster finds reprehensible and saddening.  In this installment, the last of eight, to The Ancient Practices Series, he explores Biblical support for pilgrimages, working through the narrative and highlighting favored wanderers, as well as looking at what a pilgrim may expect along their journey and interacting with some of the key opponents to the discipline.  Along the way, this work is riddled with portions of accounts from those who have made such pilgrimages.

Unlike my experience with several other volumes from this series, The Sacred Journey often recounts passages or directly cites the Bible (a trait that was sadly deficient in others). Regarding Biblical support, Foster sets out to “articulate a theology of pilgrimage” (xiii).  In an overly simplified form, it goes something like this: traveling is fundamental to the way we are designed which can be nicely laced into the discussion of imago Dei – we’re created in God’s image and so in our journeys, we encounter “the King himself, inveterate walker that he is” (163).  Foster then flies through Biblical narrative, stopping to highlight some specific sojourners as well as categoric wanderers.  He begins this discussion in Genesis by considering Cain (the farmer tied to his land) and Abel (the shepherd always on the move).  He moves on through the wanderings of Israel and all that they learn of God through them, even highlighting the pilgrimage inherent in keeping several of the commanded feasts.  Foster proceeds into the New Testament, citing Jesus’ words (“follow me” Matt 9:9; “foxes have holes …” Matt 8:20) and affinity for the outsiders, the rejected wanderers.

Foster urges us to embark on pilgrimage to get rid of old rubbish to which we so tightly cling as well as to gain something new.  He points out that, for the Christian, pilgrimage is more about the journey than the destination.  It is the journey that forces us to leave comforts behind, to shed preconceived notions, to embrace the provision of God and see Him anew.  The trials, walking long miles, enduring rain or heat, accepting company and aid from fellow travelers and being the same to them - all of these help us to learn important things about ourselves and about God.  Foster argues that pilgrimage, with its strain on the body, is the perfect antidote for the gnostic mentality that still rears its head today.

In her forward to the book, Phyllis Tickle (general editor of the series) says, “every one of you who reads this book will find at least one thing you totally disagree with and a whole handful of those you want to question.  Please do so” (xii).  This certainly holds true.  Foster unapologetically draws from pilgrimage literature and accounts from many faiths, including Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim.  Inviting travelers to the outskirts, he refers to God as a “hippie.”  At times his view drifts heavily toward mysticism and seems to flirt with universalism.  However, when he ventures onto shaky terrain, Foster usually regrounds himself in orthodox confession – perhaps this too is an example of pilgrimage.

All considered, this was an excellent read.  It was a joy to consider the ideas Foster presented and to continue to ruminate on them, evaluating how each day could be offered as a pilgrimage seeking God.  As to whether I’ll ever physically embark on a proper pilgrimage, I don’t know.  Where, when, how?  According to Foster, these aren’t the most important considerations.  He offers this pithy maxim, “wherever you go, go” (135).

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Book Review: Max on Life: Answers and Insights to Your Most Important Questions by Max Lucado

As I approached this addition to the Lucado library, I was a bit leery, perhaps even skeptical, based solely on the cover.  Generally, Lucado’s books come with some sort of artwork that illustrates the main idea of the book in a clever and understated way.  What is the projected main idea if the cover is engulfed with the author’s picture?  In my opinion, this has generally shown a leaning toward overpublicizing the importance of the person to the detriment of the message they have to give (cases in point: Joel Osteen, Joyce Meyer or T.D. Jakes).

Hesitations aside, I dove into this book.  What I found (as was publicized) was snippets, usually about a page or two long, with a question that has been posed to this pastor/author and his response.  Lucado’s responses are always heartfelt and warm.  Often they’re presented in his signature story telling fashion as he weaves an anecdote from his life or the world around into a nice answer.  Other times he offers Scripture verses or passages, giving a brief commentary on them and allowing the person to come to their own conclusions from these holy words.

The questions are divided up nicely into several categories: hope, hurt, help, him/her, home, haves/have nots, and hereafter.  The questions (which I’ve mentioned are 1-2 pages) are short enough to jump in and tackle several of them without being overwhelmed by a sense of committing a great deal of time to a long subject. 

Just a few of the questions asked are following.

• ·      I know the Bible says I’m forgiven.  But my conscience says I’m not.
• ·      My anxiety is affecting my health, family and work.  Where do I turn?
• ·      Exactly how does [the Holy Spirit] function in the life of a believer?
• ·      The seven-year-old son of our neighbor died last week.  They are devastated.  So are we.  What can we tell them?

All in all, this is a fine read and can equip you with some pithy answers to some questions that you may have or may encounter from friends.


(As always ... the disclaimer junk:)

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Book Review: Tithing: Test Me In This by Douglas LeBlanc

“I think most American Christians are living in sin by the way they spend their money” (page 27).

In his addition to the Ancient Practices Series, Douglas LeBlanc pursues the concept of tithing.  Tithing is a particularly touchy subject; it is one of the ancient practices that most churches still observe, which requires personal sacrifice on the part of the giver.  That can makes it quite difficult for Christians to act faithfully in this area, particularly in these hard economic times. For this reason, people can get very uncomfortable when discussing it.  Admittedly, I have even been hesitant in reading this book.  Though recently we have been much more faithful to the Lord in the practice of tithing then at other times in our lives, I still anticipated being greatly convicted by the work of LeBlanc on tithing.  I had expected a Biblical and historical study on the practice.

Such was not to be the case with this book.  Rather than an in depth study on tithing, this book is a compilation of stories about people who have been faithful to the practice and the ways they’ve been blessed through it.  In his introduction to the book, LeBlanc acknowledges, “I am no theologian or exegetical writer.  To the extent that I am capable of exhortation or teaching, it is mostly through telling stories of other people’s lives” (xx).  Through their stories, these people’s lives propose some pieces of sound theology (or at least advice) on tithing; they will encourage you and may even challenge.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Awesome video

<iframe src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/20960385" width="400" height="225" frameborder="0"></iframe><p><a href="http://vimeo.com/20960385">G.O.S.P.E.L.</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/humblebeast">Humble Beast Records</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com">Vimeo</a>.</p>

Book Review: Sabbath by Dan Allender

"My soul needs more than a respite; I need a sanctuary in time.  I desperately need to hear the delight of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit bubble up through the beauty of creation" (page 193).

Dan Allender brings his introspective and vulnerable passion to Sabbath, his installment to The Ancient Practices Series.  

It is certainly not an exhaustive treatment of the Sabbath, although it was not intended to be.  For instance, there is only a cursory mention of the Sabbath year used to connect it to the year of Jubilee.  Even Jubilee is only dealt with briefly to address the concept of justice in relation to Sabbath.  But, as I said, Allender's book is not meant to be an exhaustive treatise but meditative look at the Sabbath as a spiritual discipline.

He begins by introducing the Sabbath as the epitome of delight in this life, a theme to which he returns often in the book.  For most, this seems to be a completely foreign concept, one which must be driven home again and again in differing ways.  "The Sabbath is far more than a diversion; it is meant to be an encounter with God's delight" (12).  We tend to find it hard to believe that such pleasure is acceptable, even worshipful.  With that groundwork laid, Allender demonstrates how little we understand of the Sabbath, how few Christians observe anything resembling a Sabbath and exposes misconceptions of the Sabbath.  While a few minor errors slipped through the proofreading process, this doesn't distract from the message.

Celebrating the Sabbath, whether in simplicity or extravagance must be greater than our simple human efforts.  Allendar suggests it is a day for beauty, sensuality and feasting.  Through it God invites us to play, to risk, to enjoy Him and His creation.  We are to laugh deeply, share intimately and enjoy thoroughly.  Sabbath "is the day that bridges two great events in time: creation by God and the re-creation of the new heavens and earth by God" (56).  In Sabbath, God invites us to shake off our cares and meet with our beautiful Creator.

As with other works from The Ancient Practices Series, Sabbath is light in Scripture.  I won't say that the topic and the discussion within the book is un-Scriptural (though there are moments where he reaches to the fringe of what I can see as orthodox theology), but Allender doesn't spend time expositing texts; (as I continue to say) that's not his purpose here.  His take on the Sabbath is eye-opening.  It is a good work that will be beneficial to consider.

Allender also points out early on that "to read a book on the Sabbath and not enter the holy day is somewhat like waiting for an exquisite five-star meal and then forgetting to eat when it arrives" (15).  Knowing the truth in his point, I've tried to make attempts to recognize opportunities for Sabbath (although it's certainly not like spending a full day).  For instance, when my wife and I are able to sit on a blanket outside in the grass and watch the kids play on a Friday afternoon following my last class...ah, that's a good time.  I'm trying to see that not as just a breather, but to thank God for the gift of that time.  In another small exercise of Sabbath, I took a few minutes to write to a friend, thanking him for the way he demonstrates Sabbath and encouraging him (at least I hope it was encouraging to him).

Anyway, if you read the book, I hope you'll take some time to let me know what you think.  I'd love to enter into some dialogue with you.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255

Learn to Simply Enjoy

As I lay myself down in bed tonight, a bird alighted in our courtyard and began singing.  It was an elaborate and beautiful song, one I can't describe so I won't try.  The song was so clear and beautiful that I decided to capture a recording of it to play back later.

Quietly I slipped out of bed and grabbed my laptop.  Taking it to the desk by the window, I opened it up and accessed the audio recording program - all the while, the haunting song continued.  I named the new project (bird song - nocturnal) and clicked the button to "Create" - still the bird sang.  Just before I hit the record button, he stopped singing.

After recording a few minutes of quiet night air, I came to this conclusion: the song is not for me to capture.  Truly the song isn't for me at all, but I'm privileged to be witness to it.  Admitting this truth, I went back to the desk, stopped the recording and walked away with the computer.  As I sat to write, you guessed it, the bird started singing again.

I just laughed.

One year

Today is Focus Day here at Dallas Theological Seminary - the main visitation day for possible incoming students.  It's been a very surreal time watching the preparations around campus, the arrival of some of the potential students and then remembering that one year ago, that was us.  We stepped onto the DTS campus for the first time one year ago.  Excited and nervous, it was a time to see the school and explore what God may have in store for us.  I had applied but was not yet accepted.  We weren't sure if God was going to open up the possibility of seminary to us or if this would be the place.  We really didn't know what was going to happen.

That was one year ago.  We found out (at one of the Focus sessions) that I'd been accepted.  Prayerfully considered that God was calling us to move to Dallas and pursue school on campus full-time.  And the whirl wind proceeded from there.

One year ago.  Wow.  Is that really all it was?

As we've been considering this in disbelief and excitement, we're also reminded of our friends Justin and Megan Bebb and who are amidst that same kind of whirlwind and Jeremy and Emily Karg who (to my knowledge) are still praying for God to open that way to them.  We're praying for you guys.  We love you.

iPod "A" Night

One of the jobs I'm doing while at seminary is as a security guard/facilities guy at a large church down here in Dallas.  This job affords me some opportunity to do a little homework while at work as well as some flexibility to listen to music while doing rounds.  Last night was apparently A night for my play list.  Most I thoroughly enjoyed, some I tolerated to give them a shot, I think there were two that I just forwarded through.

Athanasius
Abandon
Abandon Kansas
Abel's Offering
Accafellas (this is well before Glee came out btw)
Astaire
The Archies
Ambassador
Antonio Carmona
Arrested Developement
Ayeisha Woods

I know I have some Anberlin, but couldn't find it (must be tucked away in Various Artists).  I'm not sure how I didn't take in any The Almost, The Afters or Addison Road or Aerosmith.  Anyway...just thought I'd throw that out there.  To anyone who actually read all of this and feels that I've wasted a couple of minutes of your life, I apologize.  I'll try to come up with some more significant things to write.

Book Review: The Sacred Meal by Nora Gallagher

I've been quite excited for The Ancient Practices Series that's been released by Thomas Nelson and was looking forward to reading and interacting with this book.  Communion is a beautiful time in the life of the church.  Sadly, for many it is prone to become just a rote tradition, losing much of the emphasis of Christ asking His disciples to "remember" Him.  With this ebb in the significance of communion, I eagerly anticipated reading this book.  I have to say, that anticipation was unfounded.  There were certainly some high points in Gallagher's work but for the most part, I was quite disappointed with the way she handled the subject.

It seems that Nora Gallagher truly approaches the Lord's table with a passion and enthusiasm that is exemplary.  The way she delights in the eucharist, truly giving thanks (as the word would suggest) is an encouragement and should serve as a model for the church.  She delivers this passion in an engaging manner of story-telling, including several very touching moments and an easy, inviting tone that draws the reader into conversation.

Unfortunately once that conversation begins, it seems that her theology on the Lord's Supper lacks development.  She relies far more on moving stories than she does on developing a Scriptural approach to communion and its place in the believer's worship of Christ.  At times her reverence for the sacred meal seems to elevate the practice of communion to the subject of worship rather than a means of worshipping our Lord.  Her desire to see the church identify as a great community in the practice of taking communion (which is a noble ideal) gets stretched to the point of a mystical connection that focuses far too much on us and too little on our Savior.  

While there were some good concepts offered and ideals with which the reader should struggle and consider, overall I would not recommend this book.  I'm sure there are much better books on the Lord's Supper.  If you can't find one, a great place to start would be Luke 22 and 1 Corinthians 11 - just a thought.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 

Book Review: Fasting by Scot McKnight

Fasting - the title of Scot McKnight's offering to "The Ancient Practices Series" leaves no doubt as to the subject matter of the book.  McKnight does a fine job of dealing with the concept of fasting and bringing to light a few challenging concepts.

The book opens with McKnight briefly tracing the practice of fasting from the Scriptural accounts all the way to the current generation.  The author then lays his cards on the table with his definition of fasting: "Fasting is the natural, inevitable response of a person to a grievous sacred moment in life" (page xviii).  McKnight spends some time in supporting this proposal, laying out a formula for right fasting (A à B à C).  A is the sacred moment experienced - be it revelation of God's glory, of our sin, of social injustice or whatever.  This experienced sacred moment leads one naturally into "a response (B), in this case fasting."  Only after the proper relation of B to A does fasting produce a result, C (xix).  All too often, people approach fasting looking only at B and (mostly at) C, without regard to a sacred moment.

Another key element that McKnight brings to this work is the notion that Christians have seemed to draw a distinction between body and spirit.  The author makes an attempt to reveal this as untrue and unholy.  He shows fasting as a whole-person worship response to God. 

McKnight then spends the bulk of the book discussing the various forms of fasting.  Drawing from Biblical accounts and using modern parallel illustrations, the author couches each form in terms that shows the bodily response to the spiritual question and sets each within the formula that he laid out in the introduction.

This was a good book for a quick survey of Biblical fasting.  For deeper study into the subject, I'd recommend a different source.  That being said, this work will provide plenty to consider on the topic of fasting and has challenged me in my conviction to the discipline of fasting. 

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Time is not my own.

A great temptation (specifically, but certainly not limited to, being in an academic environment like seminary) is to retreat to studies at the expense of human involvement.  It seems that the Lord has been challenging this issue in my heart lately.  Last week I headed into chapel and found that my desire was to find a seat away from people and get a little bit of reading done (I certainly have enough of it to fill many spare moments).  I didn't want to have to interact with anyone.  What to do, what to do?  Why are we here in seminary?  Is it to be better equipped to help people or is it to gain as much knowledge as possible?

Again, today I'm enjoying a fairly quiet afternoon at work and had just got out my Greek books to study some for an hour or so between activities when a couple of guys walk in and engage me in conversation.  I want to be very sensitive to not neglect my studies.  Yet, I also definitely want to be careful of neglecting those individuals that God may be sending my way to show His love.  Lord, help me to know.

Well, I guess I'll get back to studying Greek participles for a bit.  :)

Joining the movement.

Well, I'm jumping on the bandwagon; I'm a blogger.  I have no misgivings that my thoughts are worth great and wide reading, but perhaps someone will find some entertainment in these mind-wanderings and musings.