Tag: Theology Page 1 of 22

The Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church and Every One of the Faithful by Girolamo Zanchi, translated by Patrick J. O’Banion

DETAILS:
Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
Publication Date: November 27, 2021
Format: eBook
Length: 150 pg.
Read Date: October 25, 2026

What’s Spiritual Marriage About?

This is an excurses from Zanchi’s commentary on the book of Ephesians, the only part published during his life (the Translator’s introduction suggests there’s no known reason why this was the part he published). In it, Zanchi sets out to explain the benefits of salvation in Christ through the idea of spiritual marriage.

Whatever is conveyed in various passages of Holy Scripture concerning the church’s origin and her spiritual marriage with the Son of God, the apostle deduces, explains, and confirms from the first creation of humankind, as from a fountain of the mysteries of Christ, when, in the epistle to the Ephesians, chapter 5, he says, “Husbands, love your wives even as Christ loved the church” [v. 25], and so forth.

He does this, primarily, by looking at what Genesis 2 teaches about human marriage (he uses the term “carnal,” without any negative connotations, merely to distinguish from “spiritual”) and then applies that to the marriage between Christ and his Church. And then makes a few applications to human marriage from that, too. But his overwhelming concern is not human marriage—seeming to hold that Western culture has the essence of that down (while noting some areas it could be improved), but that Christians are missing out on the idea of the Spiritual Marriage.

He also uses this to address some problematic Protestant ideas (and one or two Roman Catholic notions)—primarily those of Gnesio-Lutherans (unnamed in the text itself, but the Introduction will prepare the reader to see it).

Zanchi’s Method

First off, this is written in a series of theses—not all of which are that thoroughly worked out. But they’re given enough that you don’t need him to turn every 2-5 sentence paragraph into several paragraphs (although there are more than enough theses that do get a multi-paragraph explanation).

Secondly, Zanchi is incredibly Aristotelian in his approach—both in language and the way he breaks down each topic.

The book covers the topic like this:
Chapter One: The Creation of Eve and Her Marriage to Adam
Chapter Two: The Doctrine of Carnal Marriage
Chapter Three: The Doctrine of Spiritual Marriage
Chapter Four: The Final Causes of the Spiritual Union
Chapter Five: The Duties of the Husband and of the Wife

The final chapter being a mix of applications for the believer in relation to the Church as well as to their own spouse.

So, what did I think about Spiritual Marriage?

I expected this to be a thornier work than it is, expecting to spend a couple of weeks on it, rather than one long afternoon. The use of thesis rather than intricate arguments help with that. But also, Zanchi isn’t going for intricate—he has his points to make and he does so. This doesn’t mean he avoids subtlety, or small ideas—he just deals with them in a direct manner.

The Translator’s Introduction says that Zanchi wasn’t an original thinker—you get no new ideas here. Several that I’ve read before (even without the patristic sources he looks to)—and that’s nice. I’m not saying some original thought would’ve been out of place, but just encapsulating a lot of thought into an easily digestible book is just as valuable sometimes.

I really appreciated the way he made his argument and explained things—some of the language about spousal relations and duties may be off-putting to contemporary readers, but in the historical context of the work—and the Christ-like nature of husbands that he assumes/calls for, it shouldn’t.

This isn’t a work that will shake anyone’s understanding of anything—but I do think his use of the Spiritual Marriage between Christ and His Church will be helpful to understand the nature of salvation and the benefits from it. At least it should serve to refresh one’s understanding and see it in a fresh light.

It’s a helpful work, and a good introduction to a Reformer I’ve seen referenced plenty but had never read before.

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.
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Theology for Life: A Joy-Filled Introduction to Christian Doctrine by Ronni Kurtz: Does exactly what it says on the tin

By HCNewton

On October 11, 2026

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Theology for Life: A Joy-Filled Introduction to Christian Doctrine

by Ronni Kurtz

DETAILS:
Publisher: Baker Books
Publication Date: September 8, 2026
Format: Hardcover
Length: 256 pg.
Read Date: September 27-October 4, 2026

This book is built on a rather simple conviction: One of the most practical things we can do in the Christian life is get an eyeful of the beauty of the Lord. In a world overflowing with to-do lists and self-help manuals, where pragmatism feels like a gravitational pull, giving sustained attention to the glory of the Lord is among the most preeminent ways to cultivate our souls and shape ourselves as persons.

Contemplating the beauty and glory of the Lord might not feel practical, if by practical we mean helping to meet some utilitarian goal like getting that promotion or being a better whatever. On the contrary, if getting an immediate payoff is the full depth of what it means for something to be useful, then much of theology would be useless. However, if we reconsider what it means for something to be useful and desire more than a shallow behavior or circumstantial modification; if instead we strive for the much more difficult goal of being formed as a person, where we are not merely modified but truly conformed, then what was once “useless” theology will show to be gloriously purposeful.

For example, take the apostle Paul’s instruction for the church in Corinth: “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Cor. 3:18). Notice Paul’s goal for his readers: to be “transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another.” The image Paul is referencing in this vital verse is none other than the image of Christ. Paul wants the Corinthian Christians to not merely modify a few behaviors or become a better version of themselves. Rather, Paul wants them to be transformed into the image of Christ. What is easy to miss in this passage, however, is that Paul not only gives the Corinthians a goal—to be transformed into the image of Christ—but also tells them the way they will achieve this goal. It is through beholding the glory of the Lord that believers will be transformed into the image of Christ.

What’s Theology for Life About?

To accomplish this—or at least to introduce readers to this lifelong practice—Kurtz examines “ten doctrines and theological ideas” of Christianity, examining them in a way that is approachable—but that might challenge some readers.

After defining and describing them, he looks for some ways (not exhaustively) that these ideas and doctrines will help the reader to behold the glory of the Lord and be transformed in them.

These doctrines/ideas are:

The Trinity
The Divine Attributes
Creation (and not just in a focus on creationism vs. other ideas)
Scripture’s Authority
The Incarnation
Justification
Union with Christ (one could argue that this should come before Justification, but…eh)
Preservation
Ecclesiology
Eschatology

Each item on that list gets about twenty pages—enough to satisfy the reader of an introduction, and enough to make someone want to learn more about some of these—with good footnotes to indicate further reading. I know I added a couple of titles.

Doctrine that Leads to Delight

…in this book, we will turn toward Christian doctrine not just to become better thinkers and theologians but with a particular goal in mind: delight. To put it plainly: Delight is what this book is after, and beholding God in Christian doctrine is the intended means to get us there.

It’s a truism oft repeated, but not oft (enough) seen in practice that good theology leads to doxology. And really, that the latter depends on the former.

Kurtz doesn’t invoke that phrase, but it lives within these pages. Each chapter ends with a section focusing on delighting in the subject—and the whole chapter leads to it. All the theology and discussion of the Scriptures is setting the stage for the idea: how does this lead to delight? How does this lead to worship and joy in my life?

I knew that the book intended to focus on this idea, but I didn’t understand how much it would be bent this way until I dug in. I’d have been more eager to read it if I had.

Preservation: Delighting in Your Security

That’s the title of Chapter 8, and I’m going to pause for a moment on it. I like to focus on a chapter or two per book that really strikes home for me in this type of book. We’ll count the previous section as one of those aspects, and Chapter 8 is the second.

It starts off with a discussion about Preservation of the Saints vs. Perseverence of the Saints, and as I’ve long abandoned any affection for the TULIP, I started to tune out (sorry, Dr. Kurtz). But as he moved on from that into discussion of assurance (or, as he prefers, preservation) in general, I engaged a bit more.

He then begins the “Delighting” section by noting this isn’t an academic doctrine to be argued about.

Rather, the doctrine of preservation of the saints is a doctrine for the pew, for the hospital bed, for desperate prayers, and for the dark nights of the soul. God’s preserving faithfulness ought to be a balm for the weary and life-giving in days of suffering.

He then spends some pages focusing on resting and repenting in light of it, and my notes simply read, “Gold.”

So, what did I think about Theology for Life?

This reminded me, in scope and purpose, of Essentials of Christian Theology, that I read earlier this year. I do think that this is more successful as an introduction—partially because Kurtz didn’t try to do as much as the editors of Essentials did in roughly the same number of pages—but also because of his focus on “Doctrine that Leads to Delight.”

I haven’t focused on the explaining/defining parts too much—Kurtz does a really good job lining out the essentials, showing why it matters and helping his readers to have a good handle on the ideas. As I said above, there’s enough to launch the reader into further reading, too. Solid effort throughout.

But it’s the delighting, the beholding the Lord in such a way that transformation can occur, where this book shines. That’s why we should study theology. Kurtz not only makes the argument, but he shows how to do it. The book is worth your time for this alone.

But it’s worth your time for the rest, too, I should stress.

Basically, this is a book more than worth your time and more than worth the effort in reading (which isn’t that great)

Disclaimer: I received this book as a participant in the Baker Publishing Group Nonfiction Reviewer Program—a book that I requested. However, as always here, the opinions expressed are my own.

The Restoration of All Things by Benjamin Vrbicek: Hope In The End

By HCNewton

On August 23, 2026

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

The Restoration of All Things:
How the Promise of Christ’s Return Brings Us Comfort Today

by Benjamin Vrbicek

DETAILS:
Publisher: Baker Books
Publication Date: June 23, 2026
Format: eARC
Length: 176 pg.
Read Date: July 12-26, 2026

What’s The Restoration of All Things About?

So, I grew up in the shadow of The Late Great Planet Earth, even if the churches my parents attended weren’t big on preaching about eschatology (phew!) Hal Lindsey was the default position. And it terrified me—even as little as I understood. As Larry Norman put it: “Life was filled with guns and war / And everyone got trampled on the floor / Children died, the days grew cold / A piece of bread could buy a bag of gold.” There’s nothing there that sounds appealing. Chick Tracts and related comics about The End didn’t help, either. Frankly, the last thing I wanted was Jesus to return—I knew I was supposed to, but I didn’t want to go through all that.

As I got older, I started to understand that the Scriptures—from both Testaments—didn’t speak that way of The End. Yes, there are some warnings—some stark warnings about it, particularly from our Lord’s mouth. But also, there were all these promises—Earth would be renewed, the groanings of creation would be answered, justice would be established (for the first time post-Fall), suffering would be ended. I’m not talking about some “pie in the sky after you die”—but real change, real restoration on the and of the Earth.

It’s this that Vrbicek writes to remind his readers of. Possibly to inform them of it for the first time—but it largely doesn’t read that way. For those who get weighed down by the world and their circumstances, those who face the end with trepidation for one reason or another (including childhoods—or adulthoods—like mine), Vrbicek wants us to remember that typically, the writers of Scripture point to the End with hope, with confident expectation, even longing—that all things will be restored.

So, what did I think about The Restoration of All Things?

The concluding chapter is called “Loving His Appearing.” This is pretty much the call of the book—to take seriously the warnings, to take even more seriously the promises of Christ, to take seriously the problems and struggles of a world broken by sin—and to love His anticipated return. He’s clear that this should be the goal no matter what one’s eschatology is (although he suggests it’s easier as an amillennial). Then he goes on to give a solid list of reasons to love that appearing.

The book as a whole, is a solid work. Vrbicek isn’t trying to introduce a revolutionary understanding to anything—he’s just trying to blow off a layer or two of tradition and extra-biblical culture of dust off of classic understandings. But more than that, he’s trying to remind his Christian reader of the “main and plain” teachings, to focus on that, rather than to get distracted by the details of this or that eschatological topic. He will return. He will judge. He will restore all things—creating a new heavens and a new Earth for his resurrected people.

It’s that we should long for, should anticipate—should love.

I do think his section on the imprecatory Psalms could use some re-working, if not a reconsideration, it’s just not that convincing of an approach (while better than most, it’s not as good as others). That’s my major criticism of the book as a whole—and if we’re just talking about a few paragraphs, likely a couple of pages at best—that says a lot about the book as a whole, no?

In contrast, the primary thing I appreciated about this book is how Vrbicek kept returning to the Gospel. Reminding us of the heart and character of the Judge. Of the assurances we can draw from the gospel when it comes to considering things like death and the afterlife. To considering our approach to hardship and suffering in this life. And all the other topics. We’re all really good at thinking in terms of X prophecy and how it might be fulfilled, Y promise and what we should anticipate, and so on. But we need reminders like Vrbicek’s to tie X prophecy to the gospel, Y promise to Christ’s work, and so on.

Without resorting to—or slipping into—any type of triumphalism, Vrbicek gives one of the more encouraging books on the future and eschatology I’ve read in a while. The goal isn’t rescue from this life, or to get to heaven—it’s to look with sure hope to the restoration of all things. I recommend you grab this book and enjoy the reminder.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Bethany House via NetGalley in exchange for this post which contains my honest opinion—thanks to both for this.

The Culture of God’s Word by Harold L. Senkbeil & Lucas V. Woodford: Doing Things the Acts Way

By HCNewton

On February 22, 2026

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

The Culture of God’s Word:
Faithful Ministry in a Post-Christian Society

by Harold L Senkbei, read by Lucas V Woodford

DETAILS:
Publisher: Lexham Press
Publication Date: February 18, 2026
Format: Hardcover
Length: 176 pg.
Read Date: February 1, 2026

What do we mean by “culture of the word”? The culture of the word encompasses this kind of compassionate understanding, while acculturating individuals from distinctively different identities and customs into one overarching transcendent culture of the church universal and eternal. Paul’s compassionate and considerate approach to gospel proclamation shows how to best foster the culture of the word. But there’s no need to compromise Christian ethos or teaching to gain a hearing within a given subculture and grow the culture of the word.

What’s The Culture of God’s Word About?

The authors describe their starting point pretty clearly right from the start:

The book of Acts is a practical guide to mission in every generation. It shows how the first Christians were driven not by their cultural context but by the word of Christ to change the hearts and lives of people living very much in the world, yet not of it. They weren’t seeking to convert cultures but people who lived in various cultures.

Faithful mission in a chaotic world builds on this New Testament template; people in every context—every nation, tribe, and language—should be acculturated by the word of Christ. For two millennia Christians have held that the church cultivates its own transcendent culture in a rapidly shifting social context—the culture of the word.

In a culture that is safely described as post-Christendom*, their argument is simple: go back to the way that the book of Acts describes evangelism and church life. Don’t try to ape the world, adapt the Christian message to passing cultural trends, embrace the world’s values, etc. Just do what the Church and her leaders did in an equally non-Christian culture.

They spend about five chapters making the case for the reasoning behind that and what it should look like, and then wrap it up with a chapter on applying that.

* However you want to define that.

Chapters 1-5

These chapters focus on developing the above quotation. Here’s the list:
1 The Church Is Created by the Word of God
2 The Church Lives in One Transcendent Culture
3 The Church Proclaims Christ Jesus
4 The Church’s Worship Transcends Cultural Context
5 The Church Lives in the World, Not of the World

That pretty much shows you how they go about building the case—again, focusing their examples and illustrations from Acts.

Not too surprisingly, chapter 4 was the highlight of these chapters for me—I’m a sucker for a good chapter on worship. I did have some quibbles with a few things in it—but I assume that’s because I’m wrong about something they argued. Overall, it’s probably worth half the price of the book.

The Church Grows from the Culture of the Word

To faithfully grow the culture of the word there were four areas of good soil the New Testament church chose as places in which to sow the word: worship, catechesis, hospitality, and vocation. These areas remain vital to the church and must be engaged to ensure the seed is sown robustly.

That’s from the first page of Chapter 6 (that shares a title with the section heading above), and it made me instantly think of Stephen O. Presley’s Cultural Sanctification: Engaging the World like the Early Church—a book that makes the same argument (essentially) as this one, but it leans primarily on the first few centuries of the Church, rather than the inspired history of the first few decades after Pentecost.

Focusing on “worship, catechesis, hospitality, and vocation,” the authors apply the previous chapters and call ministers to work in these areas. I thought it was a wonderful and needed conclusion to the book.

So, what did I think about The Culture of God’s Word?

The task of mission and evangelization in our neo-pagan world today is exactly as it was in the pagan world of the first apostles and evangelists: to rescue and to save people by the word of the gospel accompanied by deeds of love. The culture of this word brings renewal and hope because God’s word always does what it says. The word of Christ Jesus crucified and risen heals holistically: it erases guilt, eradicates shame, and mends illnesses of both body and soul.

Now, I’m not a minister, and this book is written primarily for them—so take what I say with a larger grain of salt than you typically would. I do think that the laity can and should read books written for those who are (or are about to be) ordained to ministry—if only so we know what standards to hold them to. But still, this book wasn’t written for someone like me.

I do think I’d have gotten more out of it if I were one. But that doesn’t take away from all the things I appreciated about the book. I don’t know if it’s really all that revolutionary or unique in its outlook. This doesn’t take away from the book either—it just means that these authors find themselves in good company. If you find yourself thinking about the Presley book, or The Core of the Christian Faith by Michael W. Goheen (or other books by Goheen), or other books along those lines—don’t be surprised.

That said, it’s a short, punchy read that accomplishes what other books do in fewer pages. It could be seen as a refresher on them, or a solid introduction to this kind of thinking for those new to it.

I found myself nodding a lot, appreciating the wisdom, and making notes to talk about certain ideas with others.

I heartily encourage others to pick it up—you won’t regret it.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a participant in the Baker Publishing Group Nonfiction Reviewer Program. However, as always here, I read this book because it interested me and the opinions expressed are my own.

Slow Theology by A J Swoboda, Nijay K Gupta: No Quick Fixes. Just Wisdom.

By HCNewton

On January 24, 2026

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

I don’t normally publish review-ish posts on Saturday, but I have a deadline—and after weeks of trying, I have a draft I can live with (deadlines are my friend). So, hope you don’t mind this out-of-place post.

Slow Theology:
Eight Practices for Resilient Faith in a Turbulent World

by A J Swoboda/Nijay K Gupta

DETAILS:
Publisher: Brazos Press
Publication Date: September 23, 2025
Format: Paperback
Length: 208 pg.
Read Date: January 4-11, 2026

Wouldn’t it be great if we were simply given simple and immediate answers to all our questions? Lord knows, it certainly would make all our lives easier if God sent us a quick note the way a friend would send us a text message. But the deepest questions do not necessarily deserve quick answers. In fact, the quick answer very well may cheapen the sacredness of a holy question. Moments like these—when we seek to understand as best we can the theological conundrums that Christians have been meditating on for centuries—actually demand from time to time that we resist the temptation to offer quick answers and shallow hot takes. Deep questions deserve deep responses, which require lots of time, energy, and toil. Sometimes, deep Christian formation is possible only when we embrace the unanswerable. To try to solve a question that has been wrestled with for thousands of years with a short tweet, YouTube clip, or pithy bumper sticker is the most dangerous and flippant of responses.

Not every question that we may ask about God can come back to us as a neat and tidy package with a pretty bow on top. We believe that the importance of creating space for unanswered or unresolved questions is modeled by the inspired Scriptures.

What’s Slow Theology About?

We live in a hurried world, where untold information is at our fingertips (and the amount of it grows all the time), rushed “hot takes,” we demand answers—fast—and seem to receive them on all subjects at all hours, we want instant results from exercise/financial investments/diets/self-improvement schemes. This is the atmosphere we in the West are immersed in, believe in, and live by. Quick Fixes, Fast Solutions.

But the Bible doesn’t tell us to be that way—particularly when it comes to our understanding of God, His revelation, or our sanctification. Instead, we’re told to patiently slow down, persevere, listen, and think.

The authors give us eight practices—practices, not disciplines, not steps, not a “just add water” approach—to help build this into our lives, minds, and hearts.

They include: taking a long view of faith, applying the Sabbath to our theology, talking to God through our difficulties, believing with the Body of believers, appreciating mystery, and perseverance.

That’s probably an oversimplification of the book—but if I don’t oversimplify, you’re going to get a novella-length summary. And neither of us has time for that (especially when we could be reading/re-reading/chewing on this book instead)

Highlights

My practice with Non-Fiction books is to talk about the parts of the book that I found particularly helpful, informative, or whatever. In keeping with that practice, I should note Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapt—yeah, that’s just not going to help. This book started off strong and went from strength to strength.

But there were a couple of things that really stood out to me. There’s a good section on Asaph and Psalm 73. I admit to a little bias there—ever since a sermon series my pastor delivered in the 90s, the psalms by Asaph and his sons have been my favorite. But I think this section on Psalm 73, and the honest and faithful way Asaph dealt with challenges would’ve stood out to me regardless. Things don’t all work out for Asaph in this psalm, but he knows his God is with him as he works through them.

I’d also point out the section on lament. I’ve pointed to books discussing it well a few times in the past (I’m sure, don’t ask for examples), and here’s another one worth turning to time and again. The authors focus on Jesus and David in this exhortation, and it struck home to me. In response to so much of the news lately—this is a practice I fear we’re going to need to focus on.

There is a wise saying that gets passed around: “To cry is human. But to lament is Christian.” Lament is the biblical practice that we have been given to process our hurt and anger with God and not just against God. Lament actually invites us to be openly upset with God, not to push him away but to invite him to respond. Not long after Jesus questioned the presence of God, he was raised from death to life. Lament, in the end, is hope-filled desperation.

Drawbacks

I’m sure there are some. I didn’t take note of them on an initial read. Hit me up after a few re-reads, if you’re dying to hear about any quibbles.

So, what did I think about Slow Theology?

You ever read one of those books, and by the time you’re mid-way through, you just know that it’s going to be living in your head for the rest of the year or so? That was the case with this one by Chapter Two. Nothing happened to change my appreciation after that. This is going to be one of those books I’m going to be bouncing off of for at least 12 months.

I should say that I’ve never listened to the podcast by the authors with the same title. I probably should start.

This is a book full of wisdom. It’s something to chew on—meditate on—to come back to and reason with. This shouldn’t be something read once and discarded, thinking you’ve got it down cold. It’s not about information or answers, it’s about practice. (mentally insert the Heidelcast’s riff on the “Not a game, not a game. It’s about practice” quotation here, if you know what I’m talking about)

I strongly encourage you, reader, to pick this one up. I think you’ll be rewarded.

Essentials of Christian Theology edited by Nathan D Holsteen and Michael J Svigel: A Solid Attempt at Doing Too Much in a Small Package

By HCNewton

On January 22, 2026

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Essentials of Christian Theology:
Foundations of the Christian Faith

by Nathan D. Holsteen, read by Michael J. Svigel

DETAILS:
Publisher: Bethany House Publishers
Publication Date: November 18, 2025
Format: Paperback
Length: 304 pg.
Read Date: January 12-18, 2026

What’s Essentials of Christian Theology About?

About a decade ago, these editors edited a trilogy called Exploring Christian Theology. It seems to be written by Dallas Theological Seminary faculty (I didn’t spend a lot of time looking, so I’m not going to state it strongly).

Now, the editors have taken that set and compressed it into one volume, covering Scripture, The Trinity, Humanity and the Fall, Salvation, The Church, and Eschatology. The emphasis is on the areas of agreement throughout Evangelicalism (and beyond, when possible), and points to some areas of controversy.

Each chapter also contains the following elements:

“In Short…” provides brief surveys of each doctrine with points of unity and diversity.

“Passages to Ponder” explains key Scriptures related to each doctrine.

“Realities to Remember” presents the foundational truths for each doctrine.

“Errors to Avoid” exposes false teachings associated with the doctrine.

“Lessons to Live” explores practical implications and applications for each doctrine.

“Snapshot of History” summarizes the history and development of each doctrine.

So, what did I think about Essentials of Christian Theology?

So, I clicked the wrong button when picking some books for Baker’s Review Program, and didn’t intend to get this book. I didn’t have any active disinterest (or worse), I just didn’t expect this to be for me—I’ve read enough of Svigel online to know that our traditions are enough that I’d have plenty of quibbles (at best) with this. Also, the last thing I was in the mood for is another survey of the essentials of the Faith—I’ve just read too many in the last few years.

But this was in the box, so I gave it a shot. And…it wasn’t bad. It’s not the kind of thing I’m going to be handing out to anyone—but I’m not going to pan this. There’s a lot of good here—just not enough.

My biggest issue doesn’t actually come from the areas I disagree with—it’s just that it’s too shallow. It’s to be expected—it’s about one-third as long as the series it’s based on. So, right there, a lot is going to be missing. Also, and this reminds me of the Christian Essentials set I talked about a few years ago—it’s trying too hard to be something for everyone. It’s a noble ideal, but you can’t do justice to the swath of American Evangelicalism’s (sadly present) diversity in a few pages.

The editors clearly tried their best, but it’s too hard—you come out with something that’s just too shallow. I’d have preferred a stronger Dallas Theological Seminary perspective that I’d have stronger issues with than a watered-down take. I do have some questions about how they present some historical perspectives, and some theological points—but the text is vague enough that I can’t be bothered to talk about them.

Well, except for the Eschatology chapter—which is to be expected. But I went into it, expecting something a DTS-flavored eschatology. But I don’t think they did a good job of representing amillennialism or postmillennialism—and I’m not crazy about the limited perspective they have of Eschatology’s place in Christian Theology. But as far as the position they were most interested in advancing and describing? It was just bland and not particularly compelling. Like just about everything else.

I thought the sections on the Trinity were helpful, and I had no great exceptions to the rest of the book. I also didn’t feel challenged or pressed to look into anything more. I didn’t expect that, but I was hoping.

This is a perfectly fine book. But it could’ve been stronger if they’d narrowed the audience they hoped to reach. I wouldn’t discourage anyone from buying it or reading it—in fact, I know a few people who’d probably appreciate it. I just think you could do better. I imagine the Exploring Christian Theology trilogy that served as a basis for this book would be one place.

Disclaimer: I received this book as a participant in the Baker Publishing Group Nonfiction Reviewer Program. However, as always here, opinions expressed are my own.

My Favorite Theology/Christian Living Books of 2025

By HCNewton

On January 11, 2026

In News/Misc., Theology/Christian Living

It’s finally time to wrap these lists, with my favorites in Theology and Christian Living (and related things). There’s some overlap in some of these titles, which just shows what kinds of things I was thinking about this year, I guess. I didn’t read as many books along these lines as I expected to/usually do–mostly because the ones I did read took some work to get through (and I had too many “project reads”). But these would’ve floated to the top in any year.

As always, re-reads don’t count for these lists.

(in alphabetical order by author)

Wisdom for Life: 52 Old Testament Meditations

by Michael P. V. Barrett

Barrett writes brief devotional meditations on some Old Testament passages (I’m not sure how brief because I read electronically, but they didn’t take terribly long to read). Which is good enough for a book–but Barrett writes with a depth that I don’t think I’ve come across in a devotional before. He gets to the heart and the nitty-gritty of the passages he looks at–and writes in a way that the reader will find application for their life, understanding of the passage, and a new/renewed reason to worship and serve the One who bought them.

The only thing that impressed me–almost every week–as much as the content was Barret’s ability to accomplish it so briefly.

Walking the Way of the Wise: A Biblical Theology of Wisdom

by Mitchell L. Chase

My original post
I personally benefited from Chase’s definition of “wisdom” and how to find it in Scripture. I really appreciated his unwillingness to make Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and James the epicenter of his discussion, but to look for it throughout the Scriptures (see above). Tackling the topic of wisdom from a Redemptive Historical point of view rather than a Systematic perspective (which is what I’m used to, as I expect most are), really helped me to see the breadth of it—and even to help with my Systematic understanding of it (as it should).

All in all, this is a truly helpful and insightful read.

The Anti-Greed Gospel:
Why the Love of Money Is the Root of Racism and How the Church Can Create a New Way Forward

by Malcolm Foley

I’ve tried on at least four occasions to write a post about this book, and keep failing. I’m going to keep trying, but in the meantime, I’ll just say that this is one of the best books I read in 2025 regardless of genre/topic. Foley starts with Ida Wells’ point tying racism to money, and expands on that. He traces the connection between the love of money (which we know to be the root of all sorts of evil) and racism/racism-friendly policies and attitudes throughout U.S. History–particularly after the Civil War. And how the Church, to her shame, participates in those.

Then he points the way forward–using a variety of theological tools. Including the Westminster Larger Catechism’s teaching on the Eighth Commandment. It’s inspiring, it’s convicting, it’s full of hope.

Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters

by Carmen Joy Imes

My original post
Is this the most rigorous, robust work that I’ve ever read on The Church? No. Is this the most technical, theological work I’ve come across? No. Did this take a lot of effort to get through? No (and what a relief). Is this perhaps the most passionate work on the subject I’ve read? Yes. Is it perhaps the most persuasive about the need for individual believers (particularly in an individualist culture) to be involved with the Church? Also, yes.

It’s warm, it’s approachable, it’s learned in a non-off-putting way. Imes is a great guide through the topic and a fun companion through the stroll. She pointed out some things I hadn’t thought of before—and helped me grasp a couple of texts that I’ve struggled with for years.

Letters to Malcolm, Chiefly on Prayer

by C. S. Lewis

There’s a lot of this book that I disagree with–but I appreciate the way that Lewis got to his conclusions. I also admit that Lewis might be closer to right than I am on those points. But the opening letter on prayer is one of the best things I’ve read on the topic, and while the rest of the book doesn’t reach those heights, I truly enjoyed and benefited from considering them. This is one of those books by him I hadn’t gotten around to reading in the past until my little Lewis-immersion project last year. It won’t be the last time.

The Commentary of Dr. Zacharias Ursinus on the Heidelberg Catechism

by Zacharias Ursinus

As this is written by one of the chief authors of the Heidelberg Catechism, it’s impossible to get a more authoritative take on it. This is essentially the director’s cut of the catechism. Sure, we all know the answers, but how’d you get to that answer? Well, you think like so….

This is a treasure for anyone trying to understand and use the Heidelberg Catechism for personal use or for trying to raise the generation to follow.

The Canvas of Creation: A Biblical Response to the Heresy of Racial Superiority

by Drew Poplin

My original post
I hate the fact that books decrying the sin (or, in Poplin’s argument, heresy) of racism need to be written now. But the need for them is pretty clear to anyone in the American Church. This brief (perhaps too brief) book is a compelling read, calling racism what it is, an attack on God and His creation. Convicting, and hopefully convincing. It’s well worth the time to read.

Christ of Consummation: The Testimony of Acts and Paul

by O. Palmer Robertson

Did this floor me as much as the first volume of this set (on the Gospels) did? Nope. But am I going to study Acts or Paul’s letters without consulting this in the future? Bigger nope. Robertson first traces the development of revelation and the Church’s understanding of it through Acts, then he spends the bulk of the book watching Paul’s themes develop and change over the course of his career–never contradictory, never inconsistent, but starting with certain emphases that develop into new ones given the events of his life and the needs of the Church throughout the First Century. It’s really a handy book to work through and to keep on hand for future use.

Did Jesus Really Say He Was God?: Making Sense of His Historical Claims

by Mikel Del Rosario

My original post
Del Rosario’s approach to the subject alone could put him on this list–let’s take an in-depth look at two passages and see what Jesus is claiming for himself in both. Let’s consider what the original audience heard–and seek to understand that by the way they reacted. Then let’s consider the implications of both. Del Rosario writes clearly and compellingly. The text—even when it gets technical—is straightforward and approachable by people who aren’t historical scholars.

Not only does reading this help buttress the confidence a reader has in the passage and Jesus’ claims in them, but Del Rosario gives his readers a model to follow when they come across similar passages.

The Ten Commandments

by Cornelius Van Til

My original post
This is some pretty clear writing from a man widely considered not to be terribly clear all the time. Some of the commandments don’t get the same level of attention as others–and it makes sense given who Van Til is and his own driving focus.

It’s a very sound introduction, in line with the bulk of the Reformed stream of thought on the Law and its usage from the time of the Reformation forward. But a little more approachable given the length and the fact it was written in the 20th Century.

Becoming God’s Family: Why the Church Still Matters by Carmen Joy Imes: A Household for Former Aliens and Strangers

By HCNewton

On November 2, 2025

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Becoming God’s Family:
Why the Church Still Matters

by Carmen Joy Imes

DETAILS:
 Publisher: IVP Academic
Publication Date: October 28, 2025
Format: eARC
Length: 256 pg.
Read Date: August 17-31, 2025

What’s Becoming God’s Family About?

This is, to use a phrase from Imes’ Introduction, a love story. It began with a conversation with a friend who was convinced they didn’t need the Church. Imes became convinced that someone needed to make the case that such was not the case. The idea that Christians need the Church—in all of its fallible, messy, disappointing, loving, supportive, worshiping ways.

Imes surveys the Scriptures from Genesis through Revelation, looking at what redemptive history shows us about the Church—how we need it, how it’s grown (and developed—not always in its favor), how we’re called to be part of it (and who that “we’re” is), and what it should do.

My Favorite Chapter

Well, they could all make a strong case for it, honestly—the last two chapters, particularly. But Chapter 6, “Processing Family Trauma,” takes the cake. Now, you may not think if from the title—but this is an encouraging chapter, and probably doesn’t focus on what you think it does.

It’s about communal worship. Singing the Songs of Zion, really. Both those of Lament and those of Praise. Imes talks about these in ways that may not seem intuitive (and probably aren’t, but maybe should be).

They’re about—first, “us” and “we,” a communal activity. The local congregation seeing hardships, challenges, and blessings together. It’s about recognizing the trauma and tragedies and trials that believers have—and are—suffering and how God has kept them from succumbing to them, how He’s been with His people—and therefore will be with them even now. How in a culture with many other options, His people declare His wonders in opposition to the false idols and lures around them.

I’m not doing a great job here, because I’m not going to try to replicate Imes’ work—but I assure you, it’s great.

So, what did I think about Becoming God’s Family?

Is this the most rigorous, robust work that I’ve ever read on The Church? No. Is this the most technical, theological work I’ve come across? No. Did this take a lot of effort to get through? No (and what a relief). Is this perhaps the most passionate work on the subject I’ve read? Yes. Is it perhaps the most persuasive about the need for individual believers (particularly in an individualist culture) to be involved with the Church? Also, yes.

I’ll take those last two any day over the others (not that I have a problem with the others, but…come on). Imes undoubtedly approaches this subject from the perspective of someone in her tradition—or her particular mix of traditions. But I can’t imagine any Protestant or Evangelical finding substantial grounds for disagreement. While I have a tendency to read primarily works in the Continental or Scottish/English Reformed traditions, I’m glad to see something so catholic in nature (particularly when it would fit just fine in my traditions).

I’ve struggled to write this post—I’ve been chipping away at it for two months, and still am not satisfied with it. I keep getting distracted in wanting to respond to her arguments—pointing out a couple of areas I think could’ve been done better, and talking about the ways that she really nailed the discussion. But I’m supposed to be focused on the book and reading experience.

I do think that any discussion of the Church should have more to say about the sacraments than she managed (she did mention them), but I understand how that doesn’t fit into what she’s trying to do and would’ve added controversy and disagreements she didn’t need (I’m fairly certain I’d have critiqued heavily anything she said—so it’s good for me that she didn’t).

The “Digging Deeper” sections she included in each chapter are a great resource, and I’ll be using it for some time to come (I’d previously read some of the works she’d listed there, and if the rest are as profitable, I’ll be well-sated).

Basically, I’m a fan of this and strongly recommend you invest your time and attention (and book-buying money) into it.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from IVP Academic via NetGalley—thanks to both for this. Sorry it’s up late, it’s been a couple of those months.

4 1/2 Stars

The World’s Last Night by C.S. Lewis: An Interesting (if Somewhat Scattered) Collection that Starts Off With a Banger

By HCNewton

On August 24, 2025

In C.S. Lewis, Further Up and Further In, Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Further Up and Further In A Year with C.S.Lewis

The World’s Last Night
And Other Essays

by C. S. Lewis

DETAILS:
Publisher: HarperOne
Publication Date: February 14, 2017
Format: Paperback
Length: 122 pg.
Read Date: August 3-10, 2025

What’s The World’s Last Night About?

This is a collection of essays by Lewis, quite simply. I don’t know that they belong together more than that. GIven the original date of publication (1952), he was alive when this was collected, but I have no idea if he was involved in the selection—I am curious about that. So much so that I’ve written 3 more sentences (including this one) about it than I intended to.

Here’s what the jacket flap on my copy says:

In these seven satirical yet poignant essays, C.S. Lewis tackles the temptations of evil. He challenges readers to decide how they would live on thew world’s last night and writes, “We are not the playwright, we are not the producer, we are not even the audience. We are on the stage. To play well the scenes in which we are ‘on’ concerns us much more than to guess about the scenes that follow it.” The infamous Screwtape makes a special appearance with a toast that explores the prospects for exploiting evil. Blending irony, humor, and paradox, Lewis tackles religion’s most difficult and intriguing questions regarding immorality, belief, and the meaning of prayer.

I’m also not sure “satirical” applies to all seven essays. But I didn’t come here to pick a fight with anyone involved with putting this together. So let’s move on with a quick look at each essay (the premise should be clear for most from the title).

The Efficacy of Prayer

I loved this essay. I’m glad I read the collection, if only for this—sadly, the rest of the collection really didn’t live up to it. But I’m okay with paying most of the $17 I spent on the book for this essay. It’s one I will be returning to.

On Obstinancy in Belief

This is sort of a Science v. Faith (a ridiculous debate). Lewis made some pretty good points, and it was generally good. But I’m not sure it’s a home-run.

That demand for our confidence which a true friend makes of us is exactly the same that a confidence trickster would make. That refusal to trust, which is sensible in reply to a confidence trickster, is ungenerous and ignoble to a friend, and deeply damaging to our relation with him. To be forewarned and therefore forearmed against apparently contrary appearance is eminently rational if our belief is true; but if our belief is a delusion, this same forewarning and forearming would obviously be the method whereby the delusion rendered itself incurable. And yet again, to be aware of these possibilities and still to reject them is clearly the precise mode, and the only mode, in which our personal response to God can establish itself. In that sense the ambiguity is not something that conflicts with faith so much as a condition which makes faith possible. When you are asked for trust you may give it or withhold it; it is senseless to say that you will trust if you are given demonstrative certainty. There would be no room for trust if demonstration were given. When demonstration is given what will be left will be simply the sort of relation which results from having trusted, or not having trusted, before it was given.

Lilies that Fester

This is an interesting take on anti-intellectualism and related ideas. It really feels like it could be a recent composition.

There’s a paragraph about a child reading Science Fiction that sold me.

Screwtape Proposes a Toast

I was just going to refer you to what I wrote about this as an add-on to The Screwtape Letters, but apparently, I never finished that post. So, um, that won’t work.

This fell short of the original Screwtape material. It doesn’t have the wit, the insight. It feels like a sequel to The Abolition of Man crammed into Screwtape’s mouth, and it didn’t work nearly as well.

Good Work and Good Works

Second-best essay in the batch.

‘Good works’ in the plural is an expression much more familiar to modern Christendom than ‘good work’. Good works are chiefly alms-giving or ‘helping’ in the parish. They are quite separate from one’s ‘work’. And good works need not be good work, as anyone can see by inspecting some of the objects made to be sold at bazaars for charitable purposes. This is not according to our example. When our Lord provided a poor wedding party with an extra glass of wine all round, He was doing good works, But also good work; it was a wine really worth drinking, Nor is the neglect of goodness in our ‘work’, our job, according to precept. The apostle says everyone must aot only work but work to produce what is ‘good’.

Religion and Rocketry

Huh. Interesting take on extraterrestrial life, etc. I’m not sure what else to say.

The World’s Last Night

There are many reasons why the modern Christian and een the modern theologian may hesitate to give to the doctrine of Christ’s Second Coming that emphasis which was usually laid on it by our ancestors.

It’s hard to believe that someone in the 20th Century could start an essay about escathology that way. But there it is, in black and white.

We must admit at once that this doctrine [of the Second Coming] has, in the past, led Christians into very great follies. Apparently many people find it difficult to believe in this great event without trying to guess its date, or even without accepting as a certainty the date that any quack or hysteric offers them. To write a history of all these exploded predictions would need a book, and a sad, sordid, tragi-comical book it would be.

I’ve read some of those books, and he describes them well.

Overall, this is a really good look at the doctrine of the Second Coming and Judgement and how we should act before then—and why we should do so.

So, what did I think about The World’s Last Night?

I liked this more than some of what I’ve read by Lewis this year, but it doesn’t hold a candle to him at his best. There are moments of brilliance. Moments of spiritual insight and wisdom. Some moments of wit and common sense (which should never be sneezed at). Some moments where you wonder why he has impacted so many (including myself) in such a strong and lasting way.

Still, it’s worth the time—not just for completistis, either. Just know going in that not every essay is going to wow you.

I’m tempted to give it 4 Stars just for the first essay, but let’s not get carried away by such a strong start.

3.5 Stars

Walking the Way of the Wise by Mitchell L. Chase: The Walk of Life

By HCNewton

On July 27, 2025

In Uncategorized

Walking the Way of the Wise:
A Biblical Theology of Wisdom

by Mitchell L. Chase

DETAILS:
Series: Essential Studies in Biblical Theology
Publisher: IVP Academic
Publication Date: June 3, 2025
Format: Paperback
Length: 162 pg,
Read Date: June 15-22, 2025

Wisdom in the biblical sense is more than street smarts. It is more than cleverness on a particular field, Biblical wisdom is the result of living in glad submission to God’s Word in God’s world. Biblical wisdom is believing what God has revealed and seeking to live in light of it.

What’s Walking the Way of the Wise About?

This is an attempt to show a biblical theology of wisdom—focusing on how the various genres “showcase” or tell (as well as show) an understanding of the concept.

This will incorporate various elements of the revelation throughout Scripture, showing how they contribute to an understanding along a salvation-historical trajectory.

It’ll be easier to let Chase describe this:

Chapter 1 roots us in the early chapters of Scripture, where the seeds—and even a tree—of wisdom are found. Chapter 2 discusses the story and person of Job, since I think his life was very early in biblical history. With chapters 3 and 4, we follow the stories and steps of Abraham and his descendants—the Israelites. In chapter 5 we see the rise of David and we hear his songs, his psalms. The shadow of Solomon looms over chapters 6,7, and 8, as we reflect on his life and on the books of Proverbs, the Song of Songs, and Ecclesiastes. Our exploration of wisdom in the Old Testament concludes with chapter 9, where we follow the Israelites into exile, which is where folly takes its disciples. Chapter 10 directs our attention to the incarnation and ministry of Jesus, the true and greater Solomon. In chapter 11 we consider the importance of walking wisely as Christ’s people, for the days are evil. And finally, in chapter 12, we cast our eyes toward the end of the wise road—the way that leads to life and blessing, the life we were made and saved for.

This salvation-historical trajectory will help us situate Scriptures teaching about wisdom in light of the big story of Scripture itself. With a canonical perspective on wisdom, we will see the various ways that the biblical authors instruct us about this topic. And we will more fully appreciate how they summon us to join the blessed and joyful saints who are walking the way of the wise.

Proverbs/Ecclesiastes

An interpretive danger to avoid when reading through Proverbs expecting earthly fulfillment of these promises in an absolutizing sense, as if life were not complicated and inexplicable things did not happen. Do the righteous not suffer? Do the wicked not sometimes prosper? Do people who walk with integrity not still face obstacles? Do the wise not sometimes die young? Do the wicked sometimes not seem to get away with their schemes and escape consequences? Consider the earthly ministry of Jesus. The wicked came against him with conspiracy and intrigue. He, the holy and righteous one, was killed. His vindication occurred through his bodily resurrection—a kind of resurrection that comprises our hope when Jesus returns.

We can affirm two things: the book of Proverbs is true, and life is complicated. The proverbs are statements about how life typically works.

The book of Ecclesiastes does not exactly feel like a warm hug. It is more like a splash of cold water to the face. But if you are being lulled to sleep when you need to be alert and sober-minded, a splash of cold water can be a pift, a lifesaver.

If we are going to be wise, we have to welcome uncomfortable truths, We have to be willing to sit with difficult realities, such as unanswered questions, the futility of work, and the inevitability of death. One manifestation of folly is the resistance to dealing with reality. Foolishness does not want to acknowledge the way things are. So, when the writer is helping readers grow wise, he gives a heavy dose of what life is like in a fallen world.

It’s probably cheating to find some of the best material in this book to be from Chase’s discussion of the OT Wisdom Books, but it’s also not surprising that he’d be able to get much of his material from Proverbs and Ecclesiastes (as well as other books in the genre).

Many people—including people I typically think of as worth paying attention to, will take Proverbs and apply it without nuance or real understanding of life being complicated. This not only does a disservice to the reality we all see every day, but it also fails to understand the book properly. Obviously, in the few pages Chase can give to the book, we’re not going to be able to get a full understanding of the book—or of what it tells us about wisdom/wise living. That said, what he does help the reader to understand will help the reader to tackle the book on their own—at least to know better than trying to see the book as a straightforward look at life.

The same can be said for Ecclesiastes—not that nearly as many people will try to take a reductionistic approach to the book—and those who do will typically see it as a dark, mysterious, and maybe cynical/hopeless look at the world. Chase shows that the answer is not as simple as that.

Other Highlights

I truly appreciated the way he discussed the whole of Job—obviously not in a lot of depth, he only had 11 pages for it. But he starts off by showing that the book is not just about Job’s suffering in faith—but that the crux of the book is a discussion of wisdom and its source being God.

Another highlight for me was seeing the Pentateuch—particularly Deuteronomy—serving as the background for so much of the book of Proverbs. It’s easy to see the book as a semi-random collection of couplets and droplets of good advice. But if you see it as the work of a father carrying out the instructions in Deuteronomy to explain and apply the Pentateuch to his children (for example, but not limited to that)—it takes on a new life and vitality.

But the biggest highlight for me—and there were many—is Chapter Eleven, “Walking Wisely in Evil Days.” This chapter covers the Christian Life (essentially), drawing on the Pauline and General Epistles. The second section of that chapter, “Growing in Wisdom in Christ,” contains the best two pages of the book. Obviously, you need more of the book to get everything he’s saying there—but if you only read two pages of the book, those should be it.

So, what did I think about Walking the Way of the Wise?

Wisdom is not merely hearing. Wisdom is hearing with a readiness to obey. The Lord lavs out a myriad of commands while the nation gathers at the base of Mount Sinai, and the wise response is the embrace of and submission to these commands. There is a relationship between wisdom and God’s law. God’s commands are for the good of his people as he directs them in true worship and holy living. Wisdom, like God’s laws, is for our good. Wisdom orients our lives toward God and neighbor in ways that are honorable. While it may be too simplistic to say that God’s laws and wisdom are identical, we can certainly affirm that God’s laws are an example of wisdom. His laws are wise and direct his people wisely.

I’m glad to see this series back, with a new editor* and second-phase in its focus. If nothing else, both of those promise more volumes to come—and they’ll likely to be as valuable as their initial counterparts.

It’s frequently the case, but it seems to be more the case with this book than usual. The footnotes could serve as a TBR for several months’ reading. I’ve added a few books to my list (and could’ve easily doubled that number).

I personally benefited from Chase’s definition of “wisdom” and how to find it in Scripture. I really appreciated his unwillingness to make Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs, and James the epicenter of his discussion, but to look for it throughout the Scriptures (see above). Tackling the topic of wisdom from a Redemptive Historical point of view rather than a Systematic perspective (which is what I’m used to, as I expect most are), really helped me to see the breadth of it—and even to help with my Systematic understanding of it (as it should).

All in all, this is a truly helpful and insightful read, and I commend it to you.

* I have no complaints about Dr. Gladd’s time on the series, was just noting the new general editor.

4 Stars