A stock broker analyzes the market in order to determine which stocks to buy, to sell and to ignore. A book reviewer does much the same. As I peruse the book market, I’d like to recommend all the books, but some are simply bad buys. This reality was underscored by two books that I recently […]
Reviews
Review of books, articles, or other media
Poolside Reading Recommendations
While on vacation, I had the opportunity to read several books. I found them to be works that provided a feast for my mind and my heart. They instructed and challenged. The first book I read was Rewilding the Way: Break Free to Follow an Untamed God, Todd Wynward (Herald Press, Harrisburg, 2015). Reading this […]
Seeing Jesus from a New Perspective
A friend recently gave me a book entitled The Wisdom of Jesus: Transforming Heart and Mind—a New Perspective on Christ and His Message, by Cynthia Bourgeault (Shambhala, Boston, 2008). I found the book an interesting and challenging read. Bourgeault’s challenge to her readers is to take a fresh look at Jesus from a different perspective. […]
Tales of Love and Grace
During my Lenten journey this year, I’ve had the opportunity to read a book entitled, Accidental Saints: Finding God in All the Wrong People. This book is written by Nadia Bole-Weber a Lutheran pastor, writer and speaker. Accidental Saints The book has been a refreshing blessing for me. I recommend the book to you because […]
Book Review: “A Family Apart,” by Craig Steffens
Book Review A Family Apart Craig A. Steffen Greyden Press, Dayton, Ohio, 2014 I just finished reading, A Family Apart, by Craig Steffen. I must confess that it is one of the strangest books that I’ve ever read. The book is a journal of Steffen’s journey to find his birth family. It’s not a normal […]
Book Review: “Abandon,” and ” Unkingdom”
“I By My Works Will Show You My Faith” (James 2:18) In the branch of Christianity labeled “The Emerging Church” or “Progressive Christianity,” there is an increasing emphasis in acting out one’s faith. We’re resurrecting one of the central characteristics of the early church. Those early followers of “The Way” understood that they were to […]
“Families and Faith” a Book of Answers and Hope
“Families and Faith a Book of Answers and Hope” There is a great deal of concern—bordering on fear—in congregations across America. From leaders to laity, people are concerned about declining attendance figures. People of all ages, but especially the young people, are dropping out of the church. In response to this dilemma books have been […]
Thumbs Up and Thumbs Down
“Did you see that?” I look around trying to catch a glimpse of what I missed. “No, no I didn’t,” I reply, “What was it that I missed?” I don’t know why, but it appears that I miss a lot of things in life. I just don’t notice them unless I’m intentionally watching for something. […]
Pot Shots or Progress?
The stillness of the quiet night was broken by the voices of millions upon millions of angelic beings singing, “Glory to God in the highest and peace upon people with whom he is well pleased.” The words echoed off the surrounding hillsides quieting with each repeated phrase until the stillness of the quiet night returned. […]
A Tale of Two Books
I recently had the opportunity to review two books—books that were vastly different in their topics, but both powerfully written. I’m not much of a blood and gore guy. I avoid movies of that genre, and if I’m watching a movie that has a gory scene I usually feel the call of nature or decide […]