Tag: Christian Living Page 5 of 16

REPOSTING JUST CUZ:What Are Christians For? Life Together at the End of the World by Jake Meador: A View for Living in Culture and Nature

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On September 17, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

What Are Christians For?What Are Christians For?:
Life Together at the End of the World

by Jake Meador

DETAILS:
Publisher: IVP
Publication Date: February 21, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 170 pg.
Read Date: March 27- April 3, 2022
Support Independent Bookstores - Visit IndieBound.org

God looks at this world and loves it, which is why we can and should do the same. This world is not something we should seek to escape through conquest or bend to our will through technique, power, or control. Rather, it is a gift given to us by God for our joy and his glory. Because God is love and his law is good, we can look at our neighbor and love him or her. Because God gave himself to us, we can give ourselves to others. We can confidently and joyfully enter into these debts of love that we build up over a lifetime of living in the world, and we can dispense them with extravagance, trusting that whatever wrongs we might experience today as a result of such living will be gathered up and made right in the glorious and perfect love of God.

The Back of the Book

What does a Christian political witness look like in our day?

Politics ought to be defined by fidelity to the common good of all the members of society. But our modern Western politics are defined by a determination to bend the natural world and human life to its own political and economic ends. This wholesale rejection of the natural order is behind the dominant revolutions in our history, and defines our experience in Western society today—our racialized hierarchy, modern industry, and the sexual revolution.

In What Are Christians For?, Jake Meador lays out a proposal for a Christian politics rooted in the givenness and goodness of the created world. He is uninterested in the cultural wars that have so often characterized American Christianity. Instead, he casts a vision for an ordered society that rejects the late modern revolution at every turn and is rooted in the natural law tradition and the great Protestant confessions. Here is a political approach that is antiracist, anticapitalist, and profoundly pro-life. A truly Christian political witness, Meador argues, must attend closely to the natural world and renounce the metallic fantasies that have poisoned common life in America life for too long.

Faithful Presence

In his discussion of the Christian response to those revolutions, Meador borrows a scheme from James Davison Hunter describing the four postures Christians have taken: defensive against, relevance to, purity from, and faithful presence.

He doesn’t spend a lot of space—but sufficient space—defining and then critiquing the first three, but gives more space to faithful presence. And actually, everything he argues for in the remainder of the book could fit in this category. I want to say I’d heard of Hunter’s categories before this, but I can’t remember where (in print or lecture). But first off, I really appreciated the schema in terms of describing how the American Church has responded. But even more, I appreciated Meador’s explanation of faithful presence and then his application of it.

Influences

Meador builds the arguments in this book on the work of Herman Bavinck—particularly his book, Christian Worldview. But he’s drawing on several other thinkers and writers from across the theological spectrum (a methodology borrowed from Bavinck). You can see the fingerprints of Lewis, Tolkien, Wendell Berry, John Paul II, Solzhenitsyn, Martin Bucer—and others. There’s a breadth of influences here that’s impressive and adds a lot to the arguments (and makes narrow-minded guys like me a little uncomfortable).

So, what did I think about What Are Christians For??

What did [Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn] propose as a way through the revolution? We must turn, our eyes upward to the heavens, he said, not as a place to conquer, as his compatriots in the space program believed, but as a reminder that our lives exist as a vapor in the wind, and then comes the judgment.

We do not conquer the heavens; we are judged by them. And if we fail to discover the sources of spiritual health, there is nothing else for us. Our spiritual lives will continue to be trampled on by the weight of our age. And if our spiritual lives are destroyed, no amount of wealth or power can atone for such a loss.

This seems like one of those books that I need to read a handful of times and then read some scholarly reviews—pro and con—before I can really say I have a handle on the strengths and weaknesses of the arguments. Thankfully, this isn’t that kind of blog.

How did it read? Very nicely. Meador’s writing is strong, it’s clear, and he’s able to express complex thoughts in a very digestible manner. Sure, I think I need to read it a few more times before I could say I mastered the thoughts—but that’s on me, not the text, this is just not the kind of thing I spend a lot of time thinking about. I appreciated Meador being critical of both the American Left and the American Right (you rarely see that in Christian literature), while putting forth a vision built on the best of the Christian traditions.

I don’t think Meador offers a perfect solution to the situation we find ourselves in, but there’s a lot of insight and wisdom to be found in these pages. And even if it’s not perfect, it’s a whole lot better than anything else I’ve found.

4 1/2 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

REPOSTING JUST CUZ: The Christian’s True Identity by Jonathan Landry Cruse: An Introduction to the Glory that is Being “In Him”

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On August 20, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Okay, I’m too tired to get something new ready. So instead of talking about Jonathan Landry Cruse’s newest book, let’s take a look at his previous one.

The Christian’s True Identity

The Christian’s True Identity:
What It Means to
Be in Christ

by Jonathan Landry Cruse

Kindle Edition, 144 pg.
Reformation Heritage, 2019

Read: March 21, 2021
Grab a copy from your local indie bookstore!

Many of us are raised believing that Jesus is simply the way to salvation. But no—He is salvation. He is the way, but He is also the life! He is both the giver and the gift. He is not a means to an end; He is the end. We are not to come to Christ looking for Him to give us something (like salvation, sanctification, a better life—or at least a better car), but instead we are to come to Christ looking for Him.

What’s The Christian’s True Identity About?

I’ve spent too much time trying to be clever or profound with this, it’s a short book, I can be brief here. The book’s point is pretty simple—despite all the noise and hubbub today about finding ourselves, choosing/shaping our identity. For the Christian, our identity comes from being rooted in Christ.

One of the—possibly the—greatest truths recovered by the Reformation was that union with Christ is at the core of all the blessings, all the amazing things that are true of the Christian, the Christian Life, and the Life of the World to Come. It’s all rooted and grounded in Him.

John calls it “abiding in” Christ. Paul repeatedly describes our blessings “in Him.” Cruse looks at ten passages from Paul’s epistles where he uses the phrase “in Him,” reviewing the passage, explaining how the passage reflects and teaches this truth about Christian identity, and applying it to the reader.

So, what did I think about The Christian’s True Identity?

Throughout this book we have considered how an identity in Christ far excels any identity the world might offer us. When we are in Christ we are chosen, forgiven, accepted as righteous, adopted into God’s family, placed in community, made new, and kept perfectly secure come what may. Our blessings in Jesus Christ are so expansive that it can truly be said that our union began in eternity with election and will forever continue in eternity with glorification.

That’s pretty much what’s covered in the book—done effectively, warmly, and clearly. Cruse has an easy-to-read, engaging style—he’ll draw you in and make you want to learn more. He skillfully uses writers from throughout Church History, contemporary scholarship, and current cultural examples to help bring these truths to life.

I think it could be deeper, I think it could be more detailed. But that’s not what the book aimed for—it’s an introduction or a refresher, that’s all. It’s supposed to drive the reader to further study, further reading. It accomplishes that goal while pointing to glorious, foundational truths. I commend it to you for that.

3.5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

PUB DAY REPOST: Impossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung: A Call for Assured Disciples

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On August 15, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Impossible ChristianityImpossible Christianity:
Why Following Jesus Does Not Mean You Have to Change the World, Be an Expert in Everything, Accept Spiritual Failure, and Feel Miserable Pretty Much All the Time

by Kevin DeYoung

DETAILS:
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: August 15, 2023
Format: eARC
Length: 160  pg.
Read Date: July 23-30, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s Impossible Christianity About?

On the one hand, the twenty-eight(!) words of the subtitle give a handy summary of what the book is about—but there’s still more to say. But it’s difficult to summarize outside of that without going on too long. Still, it’s worth a shot.

While exploring things like personal wealth, corporate guilt, and the call to individual holiness and sanctification, Kevin DeYoung reminds readers that our goal isn’t to change the world, it isn’t to achieve a perfection in behavior or ability, nor is it to wallow in our shortcomings and weaknesses. Rather, we are to press on when we stumble, ask God for forgiveness and help; keeping our eyes on our goal, see how far we’ve come; and rejoice in the work of grace in our lives—knowing that our Father is pleased with us.

There’s more to it than that (obviously, he spends eight chapters developing what I just used two sentences to convey). But that’s a decent thumbnail sketch.

The Highlights

In chapter 2, “Who Is It That Overcomes the World?,” we get an exploration of some of the more challenging material in 1 John. This treatment of 1 John and assurance is enough to justify picking the book up in the first place (for me, anyway. But I doubt I’ll be alone).

Where DeYoung will take these ideas from the epistle to encourage believers, to see signs of their faith and draw assurance from them, too many have taken the same words to use as tests of faith, to spur an attitude of “I must do more to earn God’s favor” or “I need to prove my devotion.”

While avoiding any kind of “cheap grace” (or whatever people call it today), DeYoung points to John’s heart in dealing with “little children” and encouraging their continuation in the faith.

He does something similar in Chapter 7 when reminding us of God’s Fatherhood and what the Scriptures tell us about Fatherhood. It’s an encouragement to fidelity and activity, not a whip to drive us to it. We’re called to virtues, not to-do lists—to reflect a character, not to change the world. The world (or at least things in our immediate vicinity) may be changed as a result, but that’s not our goal. Rather (as he argues in Chapter 8 ) is to live a quiet life of faithful discipleship.

I Could’ve Used a Bit More

DeYoung is known for frequently being on the pithy side with his books, and that’s certainly the case here. As it is characteristic of him, I don’t want to complain about that too much—I knew what I was getting into when I picked this book up.

Still, it felt a bit too brief. I wanted a little more from some of the chapters—a little more explanation, a little more depth, a little fuller idea of what he was trying to convey. It’s hard to explain while speaking broadly (and without citations because it’s an ARC), but I need 10-20% more of everything.

One thing, in particular, I wanted fleshed out was some criticisms he pointed at Christians who teach that we’re constant failures and should feel that weakness. I’d have appreciated less vagueness—direct citations, or at least references in a footnote would’ve been helpful so I could compare what he was arguing for to what he was arguing against.

So, what did I think about Impossible Christianity?

I think that’s my largest complaint—the book’s just a bit too brief. DeYoung was his typical engaging, clear (with the exception listed above), and helpful self in these pages. His illustrations and examples from his own life were amusing and helpful. If nothing else, I enjoyed reading the book.

On top of that criteria (in this type of book, it’s the least important), the book was helpful, encouraging, and gracious. Which is what it set out to be, so kudos for that. There was some material that was good to chew on, some healthy reminders of truths easy to forget or neglect, and a few moments to inspire a renewed activity.

Would I have appreciated more? Yes. Do I appreciate what DeYoung delivered? Also, yes. I’m afraid I come across as too critical, so let’s be clear—I wanted more of something helpful so it could’ve been more helpful.

From the smile-inducing opening illustration to the closing paragraphs of benediction (what a great addition to this book)—this was a pleasure to read. I do recommend this book and encourage others to pick it up.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Crossway via NetGalley in exchange for this post and my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Facing the Last Enemy by Guy Prentiss Waters: A Good Primer on Preparing for the The End

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On August 13, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Facing the Last EnemyFacing the Last Enemy

by Guy Prentiss Waters

DETAILS:
Publisher: Ligonier Ministries
Publication Date: June 29, 2023
Format: Hardcover
Length: 132 pg.
Read Date: July 30 - August 6, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s Facing the Last Enemy About?

Chapter 1 beings,

We all have questions about death. “What is death? Why do we die? Why do we all die? Why is death so scary? Why did Christ die? Why do Christians have to die? How can I face the death of someone I love? How can I prepare for death? How can I help others prepare for death? What happens after death?”

Essentially, the book is his attempt to answer those questions—largely along Scriptural and theological lines, but he also addresses some more practical aspects of preparing for death.

But before he answers those questions, Waters addresses some obstacles that 21st Century people face when thinking and talking about death seriously. We live in a culture of distraction, he says, which is nothing new but “we have taken distraction to new heights” between sports, movies, streaming services, the Internet, etc., etc. Secondly, we live in a “a culture of distancing and denial. We have all sorts of ways to try to keep death at arm’s length.” As a general rule, people go through the final stages of dying and death itself in an institution or facility of some sort—not home, surrounded by family and friends.

Those are the cultural obstacles, but there are some ecclesiastical obstacles as well. He points to the Evangelical embracing of consumerism—we treat people attending churches as customers, so we want to give them what they want to hear (things other than death) so they keep coming back. Secondly, there’s the embracing of an entertainment mentality. Death and dying are not entertaining at all—so we don’t discuss those things. Lastly, is the trend to divide congregations by age and stage of life, resulting in “a whole generation of Christians is deprived of witnessing the truth of Scripture exemplified and lived out in the lives of older Christians.”

Given these obstacles, it’s all the more important that people take steps to think about, study, and discuss things like death and the preparation for it.

The book is broken down into three parts. Part 1 “Defining Death” covers things such as the definition of death, why death is part of the world, why Christ died—why those who’ve trusted in Him continue to die, and so on. Part 2, “Encountering Death,” focuses on how we face the death of others—friends, acquaintances, family, and so on. How do we prepare ourselves to deal with (and grieve over) their deaths, how can we help them (both practically and spiritually) as they walk through the valley of the shadow of death? Then he spends two chapters on preparing for our own deaths—again, both spiritually and pragmatically (wills, living wills, burial choices, etc.) Then in Part 3, “Beyond Death,” Waters focuses on personal eschatology—the Resurrection, the Intermediate State, Final Judgement, and Heaven and Hell.

So, what did I think about Facing the Last Enemy?

The best thing that I can say about the book is that this is a good introductory—just look at the list of topics covered—in 132 pages you can’t say a lot about any of them. He does give some suggestions for further reading in the endnotes, which is good. But I wanted more. This feels like a well-developed outline than a book exploring the topics. It’s very likely the notes (or transcripts) of classes he taught for Ligonier that they put into book form—and those chapters would probably work for the time of Ligonier lessons. But if you’re going to take the time to turn those things into a book, you should as least expand on them a little bit.

Aside from that, there’s a lot to commend—on the purely theological issues, Waters is expectedly careful and thoughtful (or at least as thoughtful as he can). When it comes to definitions and explaining concepts he’s in line with the Westminster Standards—and the Christian thought throughout Church History. When it comes to contemporary concerns and the practical things that will vary from culture to culture—he’s careful to give advice and suggestions. When things are a matter of wisdom, prudence, or liberty, Waters says, “here’s some good ideas” or “think about this,” going out of his way not to label other options as sinful or his as “right.”

I think a conclusion wrapping things up, recapping some themes, and tieing into Chapter 1’s Introductory material would’ve been helpful. But that’s a matter of taste, I think. And the number of times I’ve said something like that over the last couple of years suggests that I really need to get over the idea of a concluding chapter.

Did I want more? Yes, particularly from someone of the caliber of Waters. Did I appreciate what we were given? Yes. It’s a great introductory volume and will undoubtedly be helpful for many.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

Impossible Christianity by Kevin DeYoung: A Call for Assured Disciples

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On August 6, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Impossible ChristianityImpossible Christianity:
Why Following Jesus Does Not Mean You Have to Change the World, Be an Expert in Everything, Accept Spiritual Failure, and Feel Miserable Pretty Much All the Time

by Kevin DeYoung

DETAILS:
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: August 15, 2023
Format: eARC
Length: 160  pg.
Read Date: July 23-30, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

What’s Impossible Christianity About?

On the one hand, the twenty-eight(!) words of the subtitle give a handy summary of what the book is about—but there’s still more to say. But it’s difficult to summarize outside of that without going on too long. Still, it’s worth a shot.

While exploring things like personal wealth, corporate guilt, and the call to individual holiness and sanctification, Kevin DeYoung reminds readers that our goal isn’t to change the world, it isn’t to achieve a perfection in behavior or ability, nor is it to wallow in our shortcomings and weaknesses. Rather, we are to press on when we stumble, ask God for forgiveness and help; keeping our eyes on our goal, see how far we’ve come; and rejoice in the work of grace in our lives—knowing that our Father is pleased with us.

There’s more to it than that (obviously, he spends eight chapters developing what I just used two sentences to convey). But that’s a decent thumbnail sketch.

The Highlights

In chapter 2, “Who Is It That Overcomes the World?,” we get an exploration of some of the more challenging material in 1 John. This treatment of 1 John and assurance is enough to justify picking the book up in the first place (for me, anyway. But I doubt I’ll be alone).

Where DeYoung will take these ideas from the epistle to encourage believers, to see signs of their faith and draw assurance from them, too many have taken the same words to use as tests of faith, to spur an attitude of “I must do more to earn God’s favor” or “I need to prove my devotion.”

While avoiding any kind of “cheap grace” (or whatever people call it today), DeYoung points to John’s heart in dealing with “little children” and encouraging their continuation in the faith.

He does something similar in Chapter 7 when reminding us of God’s Fatherhood and what the Scriptures tell us about Fatherhood. It’s an encouragement to fidelity and activity, not a whip to drive us to it. We’re called to virtues, not to-do lists—to reflect a character, not to change the world. The world (or at least things in our immediate vicinity) may be changed as a result, but that’s not our goal. Rather (as he argues in Chapter 8 ) is to live a quiet life of faithful discipleship.

I Could’ve Used a Bit More

DeYoung is known for frequently being on the pithy side with his books, and that’s certainly the case here. As it is characteristic of him, I don’t want to complain about that too much—I knew what I was getting into when I picked this book up.

Still, it felt a bit too brief. I wanted a little more from some of the chapters—a little more explanation, a little more depth, a little fuller idea of what he was trying to convey. It’s hard to explain while speaking broadly (and without citations because it’s an ARC), but I need 10-20% more of everything.

One thing, in particular, I wanted fleshed out was some criticisms he pointed at Christians who teach that we’re constant failures and should feel that weakness. I’d have appreciated less vagueness—direct citations, or at least references in a footnote would’ve been helpful so I could compare what he was arguing for to what he was arguing against.

So, what did I think about Impossible Christianity?

I think that’s my largest complaint—the book’s just a bit too brief. DeYoung was his typical engaging, clear (with the exception listed above), and helpful self in these pages. His illustrations and examples from his own life were amusing and helpful. If nothing else, I enjoyed reading the book.

On top of that criteria (in this type of book, it’s the least important), the book was helpful, encouraging, and gracious. Which is what it set out to be, so kudos for that. There was some material that was good to chew on, some healthy reminders of truths easy to forget or neglect, and a few moments to inspire a renewed activity.

Would I have appreciated more? Yes. Do I appreciate what DeYoung delivered? Also, yes. I’m afraid I come across as too critical, so let’s be clear—I wanted more of something helpful so it could’ve been more helpful.

From the smile-inducing opening illustration to the closing paragraphs of benediction (what a great addition to this book)—this was a pleasure to read. I do recommend this book and encourage others to pick it up.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Crossway via NetGalley in exchange for this post and my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

I Will Build My Church: Selected Writings on Church Polity, Baptism, and the Sabbath by Thomas Witherow, Edited by Jonathan Gibson: Presbyterianism 101

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On July 23, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

I Will Build My ChurchI Will Build My Church:
Selected Writings on
Church Polity, Baptism, and
the Sabbath

by Thomas Witherow, Edited by Jonathan Gibson

DETAILS:
Publisher: Westminster Seminary Press
Publication Date: January 29, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 251 pg.
Read Date: July 2-16, 2023

What’s I Will Build My Church About?

Thomas Witherow was an Irish Presbyterian pastor in the mid-Nineteenth Century, who later became a professor. Over the course of his ministry–in part thanks to the revivals of the time–he saw more competition in Ireland to the Presbyterian Church from a variety of Protestant groups. He also saw that too many Presbyterian members or ministers couldn’t define or defend the distinctives–many seeing them as a tradition more than a conviction.

One of Witherow’s driving missions was to help the Presbyterians he taught amongst to see that their distinctives were serious and defensible. He also wanted to explain them to the other Protestants and possibly convince them to at least consider them.

This is a collection of three of his works along those lines–about ecclesiology, sacraments, and the Sabbath–slightly edited for modern standards. Long sentences turned in to multiple, spelling updates, and so on–and the Bible citations modified to be the ESV. That sort of thing.

A Prince of Irish Presbyterianism

Before we get into the works, the editor, Jonathan Gibson, provides an almost 80-page biography of Witherow–sketching his education, family life, pastoral work, writing, and professorial work.

I just picked this up to read Witherow, and hadn’t counted on learning anything about him and it was a great bonus for me to get more context for his work both in terms of his own life and the Church situation he found himself in.

The Apostolic Church

Odds are, if you know anything that Witherow wrote, it’s this short book (in this edition, it’s about seventy pages long). The subtitle to this is “Which is it? – An Inquiry at the Oracles of God as to Whether Any Existing Form of Church Government is of Divine Right.” Which is a pretty good summary of the work.

Witherow’s convinced that too many people (no matter their preferred ecclesiology) see it as a matter of convenience, taste, and traition. He cannot abide by that kind of thinking–convinced that if the Church cannot find Scriptural endorsement of a way of doing something, it ought to be abandonded.

Witherow starts this work by listing and explaining six principles he sees in the Apostolic Church then he looks at the three forms of church government–prelacy (whether in Roman Catholic or Anglican form), congregational, and presbyterian–to see which, if any, does the best job of embodying those principles.

Scriptural Baptism

This is a slightly shorter book on the subject of Baptism–tackling (in turn) the mode of baptism and the subjects of it.

He deals with the question of mode pretty quickly–first by Scriptural evidence and then moving to practical considerations.

Then he moves on to the issue of the subjects of baptism–from the outset, he’s careful not to let prominent Irish Baptists set the terms of the debate, instead he reframes the typical way these conversations went in his circles. Rather than starting with the positions of the baptists and then responding to them, he sets out a few points he wants baptists to answer–and then shows how (from his vantage point, anyway) they cannot.

The Sabbath

The book on the Lord’s Day/Sabbath is more pointed than the others. Witherow takes a pretty traditional path–defining moral and ceremonial law at the outset. Then he addresses Christ’s attitude toward and teaching about the Sabbath before getting into the abrogation of the ceremonial law and the practice of the New Testament church.

Then Witherow addresses a move to adjust the equivalent of the Blue Laws there to make Sunday a day for amusement (I’m a little vague on the details and it’d take to long to explain my guesses). Basically, where you could go pay for theaters and shopping and the like. Witherow follows his explanation for the Christian observance of the Lord’s Day with a warning about what will happen if the laws are changed–how it will negatively impact workers, businesses, and the economy–in addition to the church.

Say what you will about Blue Laws (and I have plenty to say in other contexts), Witherow was spot-on with his predictions.

So, what did I think about I Will Build My Church?

I spent a lot of time with The Apostolic Church almost twenty years ago–I used it and a paper by him to compare with some contemporary American ecclesiologies. I haven’t read it since for a variety of reasons (mostly overkill), but man, it was fun to come back to it.

I appreciate the footnotes Gibson added, but I’m not so sure that we needed the ESV update. I don’t know what it gained, outside of maybe making it more accessible for contemporary readers. But those who are going to need an ESV rather than the AV for translation are really going to be put off by Witherow’s insistence to call the baptists Anabaptists throughout the second book. He’s definitely not a 21st century writer🙂

I enjoyed all these books–and Gibson’s biography was a great bonus. The photographs of Witherow and his family were unexpected, too.

Sharp, concise writing, with a little bit of punch (but not quarrelsome). This is a great introduction/tutorial on Presbyterian Church distinctives. Highly recommended.

5 Stars

The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood: How God’s Word Consistently Affirms Gender Equality by Philip Barton Payne: Almost thou persuadest me…

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On July 9, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

The Bible vs. Biblical WomanhoodThe Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood:
How God’s Word Consistently Affirms Gender Equality

by Philip Barton Payne

DETAILS:
Publisher: Zondervan
Publication Date: April 04, 2023
Format: Paperback
Length: 183 pg.
Read Date: May 14-29, 2023
Buy from Bookshop.org Support Indie Bookstores

The Back of the Book Says

A biblical defense of egalitarianism

In The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood, New Testament scholar Philip B. Payne shows how Scripture affirms gender equality in the church and in the home. This issue is important because it affects the freedom of Christians to proclaim the gospel and advance God’s kingdom. Payne carefully examines each Bible passage alleged to teach gender hierarchy and demonstrates that the Bible does not endorse gender hierarchy but instead emphasizes:

  • The Holy Spirit gifting all believers for ministry
  • The oneness of the body of Christ (the church) and the priesthood of all believers
  • Humility, service, and mutual submission required of all believers

Payne concludes each chapter by defending his position by providing detailed answers to common objections.

The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood is for those struggling to reconcile the Bible’s seemingly contradictory teachings about man and woman. Readers will come away with greater confidence in the reliability of Scripture’s consistent, harmonious message of gender equality.

What’s This Look Like?

Essentially Payne looks at 11 Biblical passages that are frequently used to support complementarian/patriarchal positions in the church. He critiques those interpretations and offers his own. The critical portions of each chapter are smaller than the positive portions, I should stress. Payne’s focus is on explaining and defending his interpretations.

Some Problems

I’m not evaluating Payne’s arguments or positions—that’s not what this blog is about. But as a reader, there were a few flags raised that made it hard for me to take the work as seriously as I might otherwise.

So, I got a little uneasy when in one of the introductions, Payne referred to his “discoveries” in his studies of the Biblical texts. At this stage of Church History discoveries are pretty suspect.

What made me really suspicious of Payne’s work was the way he’d slip between Bible translations frequently—essentially you get the idea he cherry-picked translations to support his arguments for him, rather than sticking with one translation (or translating each passage himself) and then explaining his issues with a word choice or two—on the whole, I find that a lot more convincing.

Two of his most pivotal chapters utilize a lot of textual criticism prior to his interpretation of the text—Payne does a thorough job of explaining that criticism and then constructs his argument. I don’t know enough to evaluate his critical work there—I find both arguments plausible, but his positions rely so heavily on them that multiple chapters would crumble without them. I don’t know if his positions can stand without him being right on these points.

I’d love to read good scholarly reactions to his textual critical arguments, I wonder how much water they hold.

So, what did I think about The Bible vs. Biblical Womanhood?

I really liked a lot of the book—and found myself agreeing with most of his critiques of complementarianism/patriarchal positions. I was able to appreciate many—maybe most—of his positive arguments, I don’t think I was won over totally by any, but I didn’t expect that to happen off of one popular-level book (nor was I looking for it).

The book was well-written, engaging, and clear. Payne takes complicated (and almost convoluted) ideas and expresses them in a way that anyone can get their hands around. And even if you’re not convinced—but I can see him convincing those who are looking for it—you will understand the positions, and see a lot of things that look easy are a lot murkier, and require wisdom to work through.

I do think this is worth the time to read and think through, I’m glad I did. I would read other things by Payne in the future. I’d love to hear what other people think.

3 Stars
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You’re Only Human by Kelly M. Kapic: The Reality and Comfort of Creaturely Finitude

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On June 25, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

I don’t have time to re-read this book today, so I’m going to read this (and I might as well repost it while I’m at it, right?). Am really feeling the whole “creaturely finitude” thing these last few days—see that opening quotation—and need the reminder that there’s a comfort in it.

You're Only HumanYou’re Only Human:
How Your Limits Reflect
God’s Design and Why
That’s Good News

by Kelly M. Kapic

DETAILS:
Publisher: Brazos Press
Publication Date: January 17, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 228
Read Date: January 23-30, 2022
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What’s You’re Only Human About?

Creaturely finitude is less an idea we discover than a reality we run into.

When we do run into this idea (as we all will), we frequently interpret that reality incorrectly—not recognizing that our limits, our finitude, as part of who we are as creatures (or forgetting that if we do recognize that). As such we can push against them in unhealthy ways, ignore them to our own peril, or see them as the result of sin, not the result of creation.

What Kapic sets out to do is to remind us that part of being a creature is having limits. When we remember that, we can live as we ought—in dependence on the God who made us that way. As he puts it,

Many of us fail to understand that our limitations are a gift from God, and therefore good. This produces in us the burden of trying to be something we are not and cannot be.

Particularity and Limits

Kapic reminds his readers that the doctrine of Creation shouldn’t just be limited to our understanding of Genesis 1-2, but to reflecting on the design, abilities, and limitations of humanity. These limitations would be in place regardless of our fallen state—sure, the fall twists those limitations—but they’re part of the original state.

In the first part of the book, Kapic lays out the theology necessary for this—and ties it to the Gospel, lest we get distracted from what matters most.

Healthy Dependence

The second part of the book talks about the creaturely dependence that flows from this—we aren’t capable of everything we need or want to accomplish, but He is. This is part of created humanity, and it takes on new meaning in Christ.

Tied to this idea of dependence is humility.

Humility consists in a recognition of (and a rejoicing in) the good limitations that God has given us; it is not a regrettable necessity, nor simply a later addition responding to sinful disorders. Even if there had never been a fall into sin, humility would still have the essential character of gratitude for our dependence on God and for his faithful supply of our need. Humility is built on the Creator/creature distinction; its response to sin emphasizes our further need for God to restore us to the fellowship that he always intended us to inhabit.

Kapic spends a lot of time drawing out the implications of this—in light of both Creation and Redemption.

Lament and Gratitude

We can express our humility and dependence in both our lament and our gratitude—this part of the application section of the book was probably the most rewarding to me. Kapic makes the case that they’re mirror concepts rooted in humility and dependence on our Creator and Redeemer, and both ought to be embraced by the believer.

So, what did I think about You’re Only Human?

It took me over a month to be mostly satisfied with what I wanted to say about this book—an example of creaturely finitude, come to think of it. I struggled over this—really wanting to get into all of his ideas and arguments. But that’s not what this blog is for (thankfully, or I’d be working on this post for another six months, minimum). I’ve trimmed this post a few times while putting it together, in fact, because I kept getting in the weeds.

You’re Only Human is the kind of book that I really don’t think I got a handle on after one read—I’m planning on a re-read this summer, in fact. I’ve got a general sense of it, but I want to return to it having a bird’s-eye view, so I can appreciate more of the details.

I don’t know if this is going to hit every reader like it did me—very likely it won’t—but this is just what I needed. Still, I think what Kapic has to say will resonate with and be helpful for many.

4 1/2 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

Non-Toxic Masculinity: Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality by Zachary Wagner: A Good Step in the Right Direction

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On May 21, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Non-Toxic MasculinityNon-Toxic Masculinity:
Recovering Healthy Male Sexuality

by Zachary Wagner

DETAILS:
Publisher: IVP
Publication Date: April 04, 2023
Format: Paperback
Length: 194 pg.
Read Date: April 23-May 7, 2023


What’s Non-Toxic Masculinity About?

This is one of those books where I could easily go on and on about the arguments and ideas presented within—and I’d like to interact with some of those a bit, too. But this isn’t the place for that—I have to remind myself again—I’ll touch on some of it, but not much.

Wagner starts by reflecting on the Purity Culture that blossomed in the 90s (and since) in Evangelicalism and Conservative Protestantism—and the not-helpful to harmful ways it has impacted the lives of men and women since then. This first part of the book defines the issues and what kind of damage they have wrought.

The next two parts look to define and construct a healthy, i.e., non-toxic mascultinity, based on a Biblical view of masculinity—redeemed masculinity to be precise. After laying out this vision, he suggests ways to implement this vision. Wagner’s idea is rooted in sanctification—not to the exclusion of other areas, but that’s not what this book is about. His view of a sanctified, or at least growing in sanctification, masculinity is not that found in the Purity Culture or some of the works around it, but something greater.

Problems with the Book

I don’t have a lot to quibble with here—my main problem is that I think too much of this book is Zachary Wagner’s story. I think it has its place in this book—and it’s important to see what got him headed down this path of investigation. But I think we got too much about him.

I can easily see other readers disagreeing with me—and perhaps seeing themselves in him and his struggles. At the very least being able to relate to them and appreciating him sharing those struggles—and how he’s come through them. And I do, too. I just think we could use 15-30% less of it.

Similarly, I do wonder if he made the same points too many times in general—maybe accented differently depending on the chapter, but on more than one occasion I wondered “didn’t he already make this point in the last chapter?” Even there, that’s something I wonder with about half the non-fiction works I read anymore, so Wagner’s just fitting in.

An Unexpected Feature

Running throughout the book, but found in a couple of places in particular, is a critique of the more problematic aspects of Every Man’s Battle, the influential work by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker.

Now, true, the book has become a whipping boy for several authors recently—but I think it’s largely deserved.

Wagner, like me, once swallowed the book and its vision of male sexuality—redeemed or not. But, Wagner argues (convincingly, I’d say) that Every Man’s Battle‘s vision sees all men as permanently adolescent, immature, and lacking any kind of self-control. But if you read Paul, he’s clear that this is not what a mature Christian should be—absolutely, no Christian will reach full maturity in this life—but if you have no more self-control as an adult as you did as a teenager, you’re missing something vital in your spiritual (as well as physical and mental) life.

That’s, of course, a very brief summary of Wagner—his critique is more thorough (and more convincing). Now, is that what I got the book for? No. Did I expect something like that? Also, no. Am I glad Wagner gave it? Yes.

So, what did I think about Non-Toxic Masculinity?

The last chapter, “Death and Resurrection: The Beauty of Redeemed Masculinity,” is a winner. It sums up everything he’s been arguing for in the whole book and then focuses it. Wagner reminds the reader that Christianity is a call to self-denial, self-sacrifice, and dying to self. This includes in the bedroom. If you haven’t been convinced before this point, you likely won’t be by this chapter, but I found the terms he framed in this last chapter in the most convicting. I’d suggest that readers who don’t agree might have missed something. Those chapters leading up to it, are almost as good, too.

Ultimately what Wagner delivers is what I wanted in last year’s How Not to Be an *SS—and then some. So just on those terms, I’m a satisfied reader. But he delivered more than just that—laying out a compelling positive case for a masculinity defined by Scriptural terms, not merely cultural—whether in lock-step with it or in reaction against it.

I can’t—and wouldn’t want to—sign off on every jot and tittle of the work. But it’s far superior to every other thing I’ve read on the subject of what it means to be a man, male sexuality, and ideas of that nature, that I’m tempted to. (although Keith Ronald Gregoire and Andrew Bauman aren’t that far off)

No matter where you fit on the spectrum of those reacting to the purity culture, it’s worth a read. It’s good to consider, and helpful to sharpen your iron.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.

What is Love? by Kyle Borg: A (too?) Brief Look at a Deep Topic

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On May 7, 2023

In Theology/Christian Living

What is Love?What is Love?

by Kyle Borg

DETAILS:
Series: The Bedrock Series 
Publisher: Grassmarket Press
Publication Date: December 20, 2022
Format: Paperback
Length: 135 pg.
Read Date: February 26, 2023

…deep down we know that love isn’t all we need. We also need to love well. We need to love rightly. So who gets to define that? Which voice is worth listening to, and which voices should be ignored? Is philosophy right? Is psychology right? Sociology? Biology? Politics? Economics? Literature? Hollywood? Music? Social media? Porn? Who gets to tell you what love is?

In the midst of these noisy voices, we need a louder voice. We need a voice that can break through the chatter and clearly, authoritatively, conclusively define for us what love is.

What’s What is Love? About?

This is Borg’s attempt to show what the Bible’s authoritative and conclusive definition of love is. He looks and several texts from all over the canon—spending (naturally) a substantial time in 1 Corinthians 13.

It’s a multi-faceted look at love. Borg considers the love of God demonstrated between the persons of the Trinity as well as toward His creation. But he also looks at the love that humans are to show each other as well as that we’re supposed to show to God.

The seventeen chapters are brief (in 135 pages, they have to be), but he doesn’t shy away from going deep into the topic of the chapter.

So, what did I think about What is Love??

There’s a lot of good material here—helpful, persuasive, and Biblical. But…it seemed to miss the intended goal of the book of giving a strong definition for love. Don’t ask me what was missing, but it just felt to me like Borg fell a little short.

I’ve been listening to Borg for a few years now on a couple of podcasts, and really appreciate his insights and explanations for various topics. So I was a little surprised that I didn’t connect with this the way I expected. I halfway expect that he tried to do too much in such a brief book, and if his goal hadn’t been so lofty, he’d have done better.

The writing is clear and concise—it’s as approachable as you could hope for, no matter your age or groundedness in Christian teaching. This seems to be the intent of the books in the Bedrock series, and Borg succeeded there.

I do recommend the book and think readers will benefit from reading it—I did. While I’m not sure Borg delivered the conclusive definition he intended to, he gave a lot of clear teaching on what the Bible says to lead to that definition, and that’s a good enough place to start.

3 Stars

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