A fruitful allegory of the Christian life.
936092
I have, many times, been encouraged by Mr. Bunyan. Pilgrim's Progress is in my top five favorite books ever written.
4820937
ME and WE -- God's New Social Gospel  is a lively and lovely introduction to a re-imagined, metaphorically rich  present/future church. This church, Dr. Sweet contends,  must learn how to face three of the biggest challenges of today's culture: individualism, racism and consumerism.

 The title of the book does not prepare the reader for the beauty contained within it. I must say the book is beautiful, in many ways.  First, the book is beautifully planned: It is presented in three short parts. Part I is about the Me/We Gospel - A Biblical Story; Part II is about  Me/We Creation - A Birthing Story, and Part III is about the Me/We Economy - A Garden Story.

 Second, the book is  beautifully written, especially Part II, which is a deep and meditative look at the need to sever the identification of black with evil and white with good. This imagery runs through the "whole range of human behavior", according to Dr. Sweet, and deserves our honest attention as well as our best, prayerful efforts at correction.

Third, the book is beautiful in its application. Using the symbol of the menorah, Part III offers a seven-branched view to incarnating light and life giving practices. The emphasis is on relational theology and individual responsibility as we live together in God's House and Garden communities -- our churches.

Dr. Sweet notes early in the book that 19th century efforts at implementing a social gospel were a dismal failure. He warns, "Any attempt to see Jesus's understanding of the kingdom of God as a political movement, an apocalyptic regime or social justice program-- anything other than the revelation of God with a trinitarian personality and path to the heart -- is to put ideology in the place of faith."

My favorite description of Me/We social gospel living is the section on "Conserve and Conceive". In Genesis, God asked Adam to "till and keep" the garden. Dr. Sweet prefers to use the phrase "conserve and conceive". This term is then used to refer to a broad scope of holiness-living activities, beginning with conserving and conceiving "God's creative identity in our current relationships and (to) conceive God's creativity in new relationships. It starts with Me and moves to We... When Christ is in control and the body is being re-formed by the Spirit into wholeness and harmony, the body remains organic, living, growing, healthy. A Me/We gospel is a salvation gospel."

I have been reading Dr. Sweet's books for many years. He is a brilliant thinker and writer, and there is no missing the fact that the Lord Jesus is preeminent in everything he produces. But this book took me by surprise. I believe it is not only one of the most beautiful books Dr. Sweet has written, but it may also be one of the most important.
3758518
Tozer brings a beautiful piece in this latest "The Crucified Life." This book helps bring about the death of one's self and ways to live to the fullest of God's glory in our lives. Its material may be too heavy for some, though I would suggest that this is a very good thing. I agree with Tozer that a shepherd who does not make you feel uncomfortable with yourself at times is not doing his full job as a pastor.

This book is all about self-denial, self-death, self-distrust, and denial of your carnal desires/temptations. The beauty of it all though is it also is ALL about Jesus and how to orchestrate your life as a song for His glory and love. Anyone can turn their life into a fragrant offering before the Lord our God, and this book is just another method to open your heart and soul for this beautiful task.
3216626
This book is strongly Calvinistic.  I cannot confess to make too much of the same claim for myself.  However, having said this, the book represents a powerful portrayal of seventeen attributes of God.  Above all, it portrays God as a sovereign God, "above all praise", whose omniscience and omnipotence reach to the farthest imaginable recesses of this world.  Each section is well supported with appropriate Scriptures, some word studies, and fascinating observations.  This is not merely a systematic theology.

The usual questions of Calvinism arise of course.  I shall note just one overriding emphasis of the book.  Pink states:  "He [God] fixed all the circumstances in the lot of individuals, and all the particulars which comprise the history of the human race from its commencement to its close.  He did not merely decree that general laws should be established for the government of the world, but He settled the application of those laws to all particular cases . . . to the most insignificant creatures, and the most minute events."  On the positive side, Pink portrays a God who is alive and all-powerful.  On the other hand, there would seem no doubt that God, as He is portrayed in the Bible, has a dynamic, responsive, living relationship with His children.  One finds little if any room for such a view in the book.

I recently had an interesting discussion with a colleague, with whom I graduated at a Calvinist seminary.  As we remembered fellow graduates, he noted that a strength of Calvinists is that they tend to endure in ministry.  They are not wearied by petty opposition, or worried that things might run out of control.  However, another minister disagreed -- and she listed some examples.  Calvinists, she said, enter the ministry with a rigid set of beliefs -- yet there they come face to face with people of the real world.  That is where it all comes unstuck.  Pink himself has the following to offer, as he contemplates Christian ministry:  "How refreshing, then, how unspeakably blessed, to . . . behold the One who is faithful, faithful in all things, faithful at all times."  This, he says, serves to "much quieten the minds of God's people".

In the Foreword to the book, Pink notes that a true knowledge of God is foundational.  "An unknown God can neither be trusted, served, nor worshipped."  From this point of view, the book does much to fulfil its purpose.  Although it takes a strongly Calvinistic stance, it has stood the test of time, and deserves to have a broader appeal.  It deserves to be read for its strengths, even if one is unable to swallow it whole.
1044252
If anyone claims to be a Christian or has an interest in what it means to become one, he or she should read this book. Scougal, who began his illustrious ministerial and academic career in his teenage years and only lived into his late twenties, has some of the deepest insights into the definition of being a Christian that have ever been printed. He discusses a person's conversion, thoroughly describing the roles of God and man in justification. Scougal then goes into great detail concerning the ramifications of that experience into a Christian's life: he dives deep into the effect of a person's new-found way of life upon his or her mind, will, and affections. His ability to describe the process of sanctification in an orderly, vivid, descripitive, and passionate way in unparalleled. The book is actually a long letter from Scougal to one of his theological peers who had recently lost heart in his pursuit of God, so the book itself challenges the reader to grow, yet reads warmly and is uplifting. The only obstacle is that most editions of this book (if not all) are in the original Middle English, making the full meaning of the words and phrases a little difficult at times for the modern reader. The author's logical flow and warmth of spirit make up for that, though, and make this book one of the most thorough and challenging descriptions of Christian justification and sanctification theology ever.
3170215
The Table is a wonderful story that easily transports the reader from the birth and life of Jesus to the present day and back again as the significance of the table and its journey is revealed.  The descriptive writing brought the characters to life and I often felt embedded in the story.  The author cleverly weaves Biblical stories throughout this fictional tale making me wonder if the events and characters actually existed.  Faith, hope and love are beautifully expressed and reminds us that all things are possible with God.
J. Morris
4451431
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe and "The Matrix" are one and the same.  Well, okay, maybe that's not entirely true, but they both display Christian narrative parallels that have sparked interest amongst Christians across the world.  However, though the Christian themes in "The Matrix" are clear, their impact is debatable as several other religions could make claims that "The Matrix" represents their views and influences.  The same cannot be said of C.S. Lewis's wonderful novel, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.  Lewis paints a wonderful parable of the Biblical story that can be enjoyed not only by children but adults alike.  As a young adult who hardly remember the story from when my mom read it to me as a young child, I found the genius in Lewis's work.

  For those of you who are unfamiliar with the story, four children are evacuated from wartime London to stay with a professor.  The children soon find a wardrobe that leads to a magical land called Narnia, where they meet talking animals who speak of a ruling lion that is coming to save Narnia from the White Witch.  They join forces with their new friends and this great lion, Aslan.  Though one of the children, Edmund, turns against his siblings to join the White Witch early in the story, Aslan's Christ-like actions (which I will not go in to full detail for fear of ruining the story) save Edmund and break the witch's magic.  The tale is still powerful if the Christian connection is not made, but for those who recognize Christ in Aslan's actions, the book is all the more powerful.

  To better understand Lewis the writer and his goals for writing this story, specifically its Christian messages, I read relevant excerpts from The Christian World of C.S. Lewis by Clyde Kilby and The C.S. Lewis Encyclopedia by Colin Duriez.  Duriez says, "Lewis's delight in God's creation was the heart of his fantasy writing."  He also adds that Lewis "enabl[es] people in our modern world to see again the meaning of God's reality."  Kilby believes that while Lewis wanted to "tell a good tale," he was also motivated to "suggest analogies of the Christian scheme of things."  These analogies don't stop with this book. The series ends with Aslan receiving the children after they pass away.  He takes care of them and leads them on everlastingly exciting adventures, symbolic of the eternal life in Heaven.

  Personally, I think this series is so popular because of these faith-based messages.  The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe book offers an easier, alternative read for those who struggle with reading segments of the Bible.  It reinforces the strength and sacrifice of God's love in Christian readers, all the while smoothly chronicling an enjoyable tale.  While I could not fully appreciate Lewis's cunning use of symbolism and teachings in this story as a young child, I now think even more highly of Mr. Lewis.  Yet, I will never forget my Mom reading me this book many years ago, and I will certainly do the same to my children when the time comes.  This book is a masterpiece that transcends the children's story category and speaks to all people, young and old.
2631729
This charming poem tells the story of the little angel who watches the Baby Jesus grow into a man and who struggles to understand the basic message of Christ. He watches the Passion unfold with horror and concern, but finally comes to the answer that we must all seek to submit to God's will and emulate Christ rather than seeking worldly solutions. Written from the perspective of a child, A Little Angel Dressed in Red puts the young reader in the position of the little angel to learn Christ's message. A good read for your children.
3202947
This allegorical book, supposedly aimed at children, provided Mr. Lewis with a wonderful medium to deliver a Christian message to readers of all ages.  He casts the perennial contest between good and evil as a secret adventure of four displaced children in a land frozen under the control of a wily wicked witchy ruler.  While good prevails, it does not come without struggle and sacrifice.  Along the way the Lion of Judah acquires a new name and important lessons of loyalty and courage are learned.

I really like books that are inspiring, thought-provoking, and fun.  It makes me wonder what is in the back of all my closets!  This book makes a great gift for young people that they will treasure throughout life.  Another Christian fantasy book I like, aimed at a somewhat older audience, is&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/ARROWS-THROUGH-TIME-A-Time-Travel-Tale-of-Adventure-Courage-and-Faith/dp/0979745926/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">ARROWS THROUGH TIME: A Time Travel Tale of Adventure, Courage, and Faith</a>.
3247217
As a previous reader of Steve Chalke and Alan Mann's The Lost Message of Jesus, I leapt at the opportunity to review their Different Eyes: The Art of Living Beautifully for Zondervan.  Chalke and Mann see the pursuit of a virtuous Christian life as categorically different from a moral existence based exclusively in rule following and different from one based in a utilitarian pursuit of the greatest good.  In so doing, they come along side a slew of philosophers and theologians attempting to meld virtue ethics and Christian theology.  They are among those attempting to utilize resources found in the virtue tradition of Aristotle and Aquinas within the bounds of Christian ethical reflection.

They argue that this particular ethical paradigm is rooted in an accurate envisioning of holy God.  The Dame Iris Murdoch once wrote, "True vision occasions right conduct."  This is a bit of what Chalke and Mann mean.  However, whereas Murdoch espoused that the true vision would be beholding something of a Platonic form of the good, Chalke and Mann have their eyes set on the God of Israel who is not only transcendent, but immanent as well.  Further, they envision of God in whose image humanity is created.  Envisioning God helps humanity understand for what purpose they were made.  In short, humans are made to reflect the image of God in this earth through word and deed. Said another way, God's followers are to join in and become co-narrators of the ongoing story of redemption and renewal God is currently telling.

Chalke and Mann provide a pithy introduction to the virtue ethics.  Theirs is a good first step for the virtue ethics dilettante.  As for further reading, the authors provide a worthy "Suggested Reading" list at the end of their work for those hoping to delve deeper into some of the many areas addressed in this book.  As for further doing, this reader hopes to envisage God better and therefore act in better accord with the purpose for which I was created.
2953974
This book is well written, with a storyline that is engaging. The characters are portrayed in ways that each of us can identify with at various times of our lives. It is a wonderful illustration of God's free gift of grace and the individual freedom given us to accept or reject it.
4375180
Lamar Wadsworth has crafted a warm and fascinating story in which a young woman who senses a divine tug to ministry faces both opposition and opportunity with grace.
 The story neither argues nor scolds; it just unfolds in a readable and enjoyable way that highlights the great gifts of one generation influencing another.
 Wadsworth gets the dynamics of rural church life and the broader community context in which he sets his moving story. From Sacred Harp singings to dinner on the ground to Colonial Bread, he paints a vivid and familiar picture as much from memory as imagination.
 Readers who've experienced such an upbringing will feel at home -- perhaps even smelling the altar flowers or tasting the fried chicken with the turn of a page.
On one hand, this story reminds us that the "Everyone Welcome" signs in front of many churches carry unadvertised exclusions. Yet, on the other, this story -- like daily doses of reality -- reveals that grace and mercy often emerge from unexpected places.
1170029
This book had been a delight to read. It shows that Christian are people too, that is why God should not cease in our lives, because we can't make on our own or rely on our own understanding. It was also realistic, in the secular setting and keeping a relationship with God To Christ. I enjoy reading this book and hope to see many more to come.
4889006
Rev. L. C. Douglas wrote this book at age 63 and dedicated it to Bessie. Good for him, it was a worthy choice. The central character is the Chicago clergyman Rev. Dean Harcourt, whose religious joy derives more from pastoral counseling than preaching to a congregation of 2,000. Harcourt uses the Pygmalion myth as a metaphor for his counseling, and for the aid that a benefactor may give to a needy one. The needy one is sculpted from the block of ivory, then Invited to Live, a la Galatea. If accepted, serious obligations befall the sculpter. Although the book opens with young, wealthy, heiress Barbara Breckenridge, she is one of a matrix of six young persons whose lives are either entangeld by chance, or by the design and machinations of Rev. Harcourt, master sculpter commissioned by God, not ego. Harcourt, however, is eventually revealed to have marvelous wit, with comments that remind one of Robert Benchley. That was an unexpected surprise for the famous author of The Robe. This novel resides forgotten in an undeserved purgatory of obscurity. My fantasy is that Janet Turnbull Irving reads it, then slam dunks it into her husband's hands.
4127491
At a time when most Christians are functionally strict monotheists in a Muslim sense, not acknowledging or appreciating the fact that we are created in the image of the Trinitarian God, this book serves as a welcome reminder of the true riches that lay at the very heart of our lives as believers. Taking as his guide the 14th century Flemish mystic Jan Ruusbroec, the author explores the meaning of God as Trinity in the spiritual life. As the title suggests, the Common Life has a double meaning: We participate in the communal life of God (what Ruusbroec terms "marriage") while at the same time reaching out to God's creation (other humans and the world) to image the communal life of God inour own lives. Replete with detailed primary quotations, some quite lengthy, the result of this book's reading will be a deeper appreciation for your own life's journey into God and a closer communion with your neighbor, and hopefully your enemies may be loved more deeply. I find that this book goes well with Maloney's "Uncreated Energies". Both have a technical side that prohibits easy reading, but with prayerful attention much fruit can be reaped here.

The works of Vladimir Lossky, especially his&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Mystical-Theology-of-the-Eastern-Church/dp/0913836311/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Mystical Theology of the Eastern Church</a>, and Kallistos Ware's&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Orthodox-Way/dp/0913836583/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Orthodox Way</a>,<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/The-Inner-Kingdom-The-Collected-Works-Ware-Kallistos-Works-Vol-1-Ware-Kallistos-Works-Vol-1/dp/0881412090/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">The Inner Kingdom: The Collected Works (Ware, Kallistos, Works. Vol. 1.) (Ware, Kallistos, Works. Vol. 1.)</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/How-Are-We-Saved-The-Understanding-of-Salvation-in-the-Orthodox-Tradition/dp/1880971224/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">How Are We Saved?: The Understanding of Salvation in the Orthodox Tradition</a>would also compliment this reading. Enjoy!
1282428
Childrens books of late have been less and less concerned with the truths of scripture, even books which claim to tell the story of Gods redemptive historical plan of salvation.  Yet out of this mire rises a book which is a shining light in the darkness proclaiming that Gods love triumphs over our sin.  This book is called The Garden, The Curtin, and The Cross by Carl Laferton and illustrated by Catalina Echeverri.  Produced by the Good Book Company this work takes a creative look at the Bible as a whole, retelling the creation account and the subsequent fall, how this placed a separation between man and God, leading to God sending Jesus breaking the curtain of separation with His victory on the cross.

The Garden, The Curtin, and The Cross has two major strengths the articulate teaching of Gods Word and the illustration. With regard to the teaching of Gods Word, The Garden, The Curtin, and The Cross is doctinary sound while being fast paced, sharp, and witty.  With regard to communicating the truths of Gods Word, Laferton goes to great lengths to communicate to young children, the Gospel starting with original sin, the need of a savior, and the provision of the savior in this unqiuqe approach to evangelism.

With regard to the illustration The Garden, The Curtin, and The Cross, has vivid colors and is masterfully drawn so that it not only captures a childs attention but their imagination as well.  Furthermore the illustrations start out bright then get darker as the story progress until Jesus is risen from the dead, these illustrations advance the story in a way words cannot do.

If you are looking to purchase, The Garden, The Curtin, and The Cross, it is a delightfully articulated and beautifully illustrated, the audience is for ages 3 to 7, yet when I read it to my daughter (age under 2) she was captivated the entire time.

This book was provided to me free of charge from The Good Book Company in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.

The Garden, The Curtin, and The Cross

 2016 by Carl Laferton

Publisher: The Good Book Company

Page Count: 32 Pages

ISBN: 978-1784980122
19046
This is a classic of the Christian faith presenting the concepts of Heaven and Hell through fiction.