"Matthew Through OT Eyes" (David B. Capes)

TITLE: Matthew Through Old Testament Eyes
AUTHOR: David B. Capes
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2024, (392 pages).
 

Recently, there has been a spate of literature and biblical resources to interpret the Old Testament from New Testament eyes. A key contribution was G.K. Beale's and D.A. Carson's edited collection of articles in "Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament." This has helped to spur modern readers to read the Old Testament with greater fervour. Whether it was the prophets or kings, scribes or teachers, disciples or record-keepers, Old Testament or New Testament authors, all were "Old Testament" people.  In fact, the Old Testament Scriptures were the only ones they had. Yet, even today, many think of the Old Testament as outdated and irrelevant, preferring the New Testament texts over the Old Testament. This is partly the fault of the nomenclature where the words "Old" and "New" erroneously shape our perception. That is why some scholars prefer to rename the Bible into "First Testament" and "Second Testament" respectively. At that time, the Scriptures were written in a particular context relevant to the hearers.  Modern readers will need to bridge the ancient and modern contexts. Thankfully with this resource, the work of researchers, scholars, and teachers are made available for us.12` 

"40 Questions About Bible Translation" (Mark L. Strauss)

TITLE: 40 Questions About Bible Translation
AUTHOR: Mark L. Strauss
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2023, (352 pages).
 

The Bible is the bestselling book in the world. It is one of the most read, studied, referred to, quoted, and translated works in history. The originals were all written in ancient Aramaic/Hebrew and koine Greek. Since the rest of the world doesn't generally know these biblical languages, translations are needed. This book looks at many aspects of Bible Translation, focusing mainly on English translations. The questions start from the basic like, "Why do we need Bible Translation?" strengths and weaknesses of literal, formal equivalence, functional equivalence, and philosophies used in translation.  It then moves toward a more technical area to help readers appreciate the challenges of Bible translation. Toward the end, we get a survey of modern English translations and the many different revisions. The 40 questions are divided into six parts:

1. Necessity, Goals, and Methods of Bible Translation
2. Preparing to Translate
3. Challenges for Translators
4. History of English Bible Translations
5. Contemporary English Versions
6. International Bible Translation

"Persuasive Apologetics" (Jeffrey M. Robinson)

TITLE: Persuasive Apologetics: The Art of Handling Tough Questions Without Pushing People Away
AUTHOR: Jeffrey M. Robinson
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2023, (152 pages).
 

Apologetics is not simply about facts or clever arguments. It has a lot to do with emotional sensitivity to the receiver. Like the age-old phrase, "People don't care how much we know until they know how much we care." In this book, the author's key point is that one needs to speak respectfully in order to persuade effectively. The mode and tone of communication matters because people matter. Instead of a typical comparative religion manner of argument, Robinson guides us through several levels of doing apologetics. One of the key reasons why people find apologetics difficult is because they lack anticipation of the objections thrown at them. Being able to explain our theological reasons is one thing. Responding in a manner that does not become combative is yet another. That calls for both self-examination and preparation. In self-examination, we are called to avoid positional pitfalls such as the "Church Curmudgeon" who does not care about the opposition. Neither should we go to the other extreme of compromise. In addition, we should not remain silent but need to be prepared to give an answer to anyone asking why we hope in Jesus. Anticipation also means understanding the worldviews the opposition might have. Many objections are often based on erroneous presuppositions. Dealing with these will help remove a major obstacle. Anticipation also means equipping, which is why Robinson gives an overview of various approaches one should learn of. From the abrasive classical methods to the use of Reformed Epistemology, there are many popular ways in which Christians tend to adopt primarily, at the risk of pushing biblical reasons to the secondary level. Respectable apologetics also means we learn to listen well without compromising our biblical faith. If there is one key point, it is the importance of biblical grounding for anyone who wants to do apologetics. 

"40 Questions about the Text and Canon of the New Testament" (Charles L. Quarles and L. Scott Kellum)

TITLE: 40 Questions about the Text and Canon of the New Testament
AUTHOR: Charles L. Quarles and L. Scott Kellum
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2023, (352 pages).
 

Where are the original manuscripts of the New Testament? If all the original manuscripts were lost, how then do we verify the authenticity of the copies? Are the copies we have today reliable? How many manuscripts are there? What is Textual Criticism? How do we know if the New Testament is accurate? What about the Canon and the canonization process? How did the Bible get canonized? What about the gospel of Thomas? How do we deal with claims that there are more books that ought to be added to the canon? These questions and more are part of the 40 questions to deal with the text and canon of the New Testament. For the authors, they simply condense all of these into one question: "What is the New Testament?" Charles Quaries is the key person answering the questions about "The Text of the New Testament" (Part One) while Scott Kellum deals with questions pertaining to "The Canon of the New Testament" (Part Two). 

"Tending the Fire That Burns at the Center of the World" (David F. White)

TITLE: Tending the Fire That Burns at the Center of the World: Beauty and the Art of Christian Formation
AUTHOR: David F. White
PUBLISHER: Eugene, OR: Wipf and Stock, 2022, (192 pages).
 

There is a saying that claims in a subjective sense, that beauty is according to the eyes of the beholder. In other words, if one thinks it is beautiful, then it is. Otherwise, it is not. That is how many love relationships begin. What if beauty is not just something that is subjective? What if the revelation of Truth is beauty in itself? What if admiring beauty draws us closer to Truth and the Giver of all Truth: God? In a book that goes beyond criticizing subjective mindsets, author David White shows us the real issue of how modernity has reduced the search for Truth into pieces of facts and tangibles that have little bearing on the significance of faith, mystery, and transcendence. This book's premise is that beauty is "a way of attending to God’s speech that awakens, empowers, and forms us in Christ’s lovely way." The author laments how modernity has alienated mankind by suggesting a limited form of objectivity. Descartes and Kant popularized the Enlightenment as "I think  therefore I am." Pragmatists claim that "I do, therefore I am." Some modernists even teach us about the primacy of feelings, "I feel therefore I am." All these philosophies are reductionists at their very core. White asserts that the Christian faith pushes back against all of these frameworks by recognizing the importance of  the "hallowing of all incarnate matter." Using art and beauty as ways to inculcate Christian formation, the way forward is toward wholeness and holistic living. Christianity encourages aesthetic spirituality that leads not only to awareness but an encounter with the living God. Thankfully, White does not commit the same errors of reductionism by reducing spirituality to the domain of aestheticism and beauty. Beauty inspires, not replaces the need for spiritual exercises or abstract theology in tending the spiritual fire. White begins with a description of beauty as the start of any "social imaginary" or initial assumptions, against the widespread use of rational analysis. 

"Mouth of the Donkey" (Laura Duhan-Kaplan)

TITLE: Mouth of the Donkey: Re-imagining Biblical Animals
AUTHOR: Laura Duhan-Kaplan
PUBLISHER: Eugene, OR: Cascade Books, 2021, (94 days).
 

Children are often fascinated with animals. They ask interesting questions like, "What does this animal eat?" "If this animal fights against the leopard, will it win?" "Will the deer outrun the tiger?" For Sunday School teachers and those teaching children in churches, animals in the Bible often bring out curiosity in kids. That is why animal narratives in the Bible are some of the most popular stories to tell little children. They paint Noah's Ark with glee. They imagine pairs of animals living inside the ark. They participate in plays that reenact Palm Sunday when Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a colt. Even the Old Testament prophecies give us images of sheep, lambs, wolves, and many others. Animals are not just the domain of children. Adults too sing the classic hymn, "All Creatures of our Lord and King," as well as the popular choruses, "As the Deer" and "Lion of Judah." How do we interpret the use of animals in the Bible? According to author and professor, Laura Duhan-Kaplan, she adopts a four-level interpretation based on Kabbalistic teachings. 

1. Plain literal (peshat)
2. Exposition of recurring ethical themes (derash)
3. Allegorical (remez)
4. Secret allusions to God's nature (sod)

"40 Questions about Prayer" (Joseph C. Harrod)

TITLE: 40 Questions About Prayer
AUTHOR: Joseph C. Harrod
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2022, (296 pages).

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to do it. Pastors and preachers pepper their sermons with it. Church services are full of them. Sunday School teachers start their classes with them. We do it before we eat our meals. In the most desperate of situations, we utter these words to the Divine. Even the Bible has lots of examples in it. Prayer. Most people would say prayer is an important expression of faith. Prayer is to spirituality as oxygen is to breathing. Many of us have heard of people praying during difficult times. Others pray when they need guidance. Sometimes, we would comfort one another with a promise to intercede for needs. What is there to ask about prayer? Apparently, a lot, at least 40 questions! In this popular series that condenses spiritual topics into a question-and-answer format, author Joseph Harrod has compiled a list of 40 questions about prayer covering five aspects. The purpose of this book is to enable readers to re-engage more intimately with Scripture and to consider the theological basis of prayer. These five  aspects that Harrod covers are:

1. General questions about Prayer (4 Qs)
2. Theological questions about Prayer (10 Qs)
3. The Bible and Prayer (11 Qs)
4. Practical questions about Prayer (12 Qs)
5. Historical Contexts of Prayer (3 Qs)

"Reprobation and God’s Sovereignty: Recovering a Biblical Doctrine" (Peter Sammons)

TITLE: Reprobation and God's Sovereignty: Redeeming a Biblical Doctrine
AUTHOR: Peter Sammons
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2022, (296 pages).
 

It has often been said that the Gospel is Good News. Literally, that is true. For the gospel brings faith, hope, and love, all perfectly embodied in the Person of Jesus Christ. Unfortunately, sin has affected our understanding of the gospel. Instead of seeking the whole truth, people tend to prefer the nice and pleasant ones. Instead of what is real, they prefer the falsehood that appears good on the outside but rings empty on the inside. For sin has made one preferring to hear what one craves and to see what one covets. Corrupted by sin, the mind begins to make hell out of heaven and heaven out of hell. While acknowledging the Sovereignty of God, man still tries to usurp control from time to time. As the popular saying goes, one cannot have the cake and eat it too. Like the marriage vow, the woman's choice to marry the man also means the decision to reject all other suitors. Acceptance of one automatically meant the rejection of others. Likewise, in the doctrine of election, being the chosen one (Predestination) also means that there are also those who are not (Reprobation). Author Peter Sammons aims to help us understand the doctrine of "Reprobation" which is essentially the "eternal, unconditional decree of God for the non-elect." In other words, if predestination is for the elect, then reprobation is for the non-elect (aka reprobate). This is sometimes referred to as "double predestination." When talking about God's Sovereignty, God exercises justice for all which includes reward as well as punishment. Using Romans 9 as his key passage, he states that the purpose of election is for both nations and individuals. He provides several interesting interpretations of:

"40 Questions About Roman Catholicism" (Gregg R. Allison)

TITLE: 40 Questions About Roman Catholicism
AUTHOR: Gregg R. Allison
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2021, (336 pages).

What do Roman Catholics believe? How do Protestants view the Roman Catholic Church and its beliefs? How can evangelicals relate to Roman Catholic believers? What is the history of the Roman Catholic Church? These questions and many more form the basis for this book. Continuing the topical series of 40 questions, Kregel Publications has decided to focus this book on some of the common questions about Roman Catholicism. 

Roman Catholicism is one of the largest religious groups in the world. From time to time, we hear of powerful leaders and famous figures who hail from the Roman Catholic Church. The current President of the United States and Prime Minister of Canada are all Roman Catholics. Stars like Mel Gibson, Nicole Kidman, Liam Neeson, and Stephen Colbert are all Roman Catholics. Wherever the Pope goes, the press and media follow along. 

The three categories of questions are:

1. Historical and Foundational Matters
2. Theological Matters
3. Contemporary and Personal Matters

"A More Christlike Word" (Bradley Jersak)

TITLE: A More Christlike Word: Reading Scripture the Emmaus Way
AUTHOR: Bradley Jersak
PUBLISHER: New Kensington, PA: Whitaker House, 2021, (288 pages).

How do we read the Bible? What do we mean by the Bible as the Final Authority for our faith? How do we apply the Truths revealed? These questions might seem elementary but they are important questions that need to be asked frequently. The Bible is the revealed Word of God and the more we understand the Word, the better for Bible believers and practitioners. Like the two disciples struggling to understand the Scriptures when they were on their way to Emmaus, author and professor Bradley Jersak brings us back to the Emmaus experience in Luke 24, how Jesus helped shed light on interpretation. He does this by following Peter Enns's five words for biblical interpretation. 

• Genre-Calibration: Be aware of the genre of the text concerned;
• Christotelic: Reframe the story of Israel toward the Person of Jesus Christ
• Incarnational: Read the Bible both as God's Word and Christ the Living Word;
• Ecumenical: Be open to the different readings and interpretations from the different Christian faith traditions;
• Pilgrimage: Be humble to learn on the way.

"John Through Old Testament Eyes" (Karen H. Jobes)

TITLE: John Through Old Testament Eyes: A Background and Application Commentary
AUTHOR: Karen H. Jobes
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2021, (376 pages).

How do we read and interpret the gospel of John? Some recommend that for beginners, it is the best gospel to read first due to the simplicity of language. For theologians, that is not so. The gospel of John has been said to be shallow enough for one to wade in and also deep enough to drown an elephant. Simply put, the language in the fourth gospel is simple but theologically profound.  Many commentaries work on an inductive verse-by-verse format, exegeting the Greek to find out the key meaning of the text. This has been one of the most popular formats because it lets Scripture speak for itself. Other commentaries adopt the deductive format to guide us through themes such as the seven signs, the seven I AM's, and other prominent symbolism mentioned in the gospel. As the gospel contains many Old Testament allusions, why not let the Old Testament guide our reading and interpretation? This is exactly what this new addition to the "Through Old Testament Eyes" series seeks to do. Readers not only get to understand the background of John with new insights from the Old Testament, but they also have a competent Bible Professor who had spent many years marinating in the gospel of John to guide us. The central conviction is that the gospel writer is steeped in Old Testament literature. When we understand the contexts of John, we see the Truth according to what the original author sees. Readers would then be able to appreciate the deeper meaning of the gospel with Old Testament "eyes." From feasts to festivals, rituals to religious teachings, the author's singular concern is to use the Old Testament lens as her interpretive framework. She leaves the literary analysis, the Johannine tradition, the extra exegetical work aside so that she could focus on the parts that relate to the Old Testament and Second Temple Jerusalem. The general framework comprises four key segments:

"The Parables" (Douglas D. Webster)

TITLE: The Parables: Jesus's Friendly Subversive Speech
AUTHOR: Douglas D. Webster
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2021, (352 pages).

Storytelling is one of the most powerful ways of spreading a message. Jesus used lots of them. Parables communicate. They disarm. They clarify. They also rebuke. Used appropriately, they transform lives. There are 2 Old Testament parables and 35 in the New Testament. How and why do we study the parables? For author Douglas Webster, he discovers that the parables are transformative strategies rather than merely an alternative way to teach. After many years of teaching and preaching, while trying to help students make sense of the Sermon on the Mount, he realizes that Jesus uses parables not to teach but to use parables to "penetrate people’s defenses, circumvent the opposition, extend his gospel ministry, and creatively train his followers." In other words, parables are not just another way of telling gospel truths. They are there to prick the conscience and to open hearts up for the message of the kingdom. They reveal the truth that sets people free. Jesus uses ordinary characters from common life. He bridges heavenly truth with earthly objects. Concentrating on the parables in Matthew and Luke, the author deals with each of Luke's parables individually to paint the gospel story. He organizes Matthew's parables according to the Passion Week narrative. He structures the book dealing with the 22 parables in a chronological fashion. Beginning with the Parable of the Sower (Matt 13:1-23), and ends with the end of the world judgment parable. 

"40 Questions about Pastoral Ministry" (Phil A. Newton)

TITLE: 40 Questions About Pastoral Ministry (40 Questions Series)
AUTHOR: Phil A. Newton
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2021, (336 pages).

What is a pastor? What do pastors do? What does it take to remain spiritually healthy? How could pastors lead the Church? How do pastors handle conflict? What do pastors do when expectations clash? What about discouragement? How do pastors conduct marriages, funerals, and other landmark rituals? Why should pastors aim for long pastorates? These questions and many more are covered in this comprehensive volume of advice for pastors present and future, young and old. Written in an easy to reference Question-and-Answer format, author and pastor Phil Newton shares from his over 40 years of pastoral experience about what a pastor is, what it takes to develop a pastor's health, some key practices, the ministry of preaching, Church leadership, and many more matters related to the pastoral ministry. Burdened for the pastoral ministry, Newton shares his conviction that any pastoral ministry must stem from the foundation of God's Word, with appropriate reflection theologically, and applied contextually to the modern Church environment. He writes this book even as he deals with chemotherapy challenges. The questions mainly provide a framework for issues commonly faced by pastors. In five sections, he gives answers to 40 of the most important questions with regard to pastoral ministry.

"40 Questions about Typology and Allegory" (Mitchell L. Chase)

TITLE: 40 Questions About Typology and Allegory (40 Questions Series)
AUTHOR: Mitchell L. Chase
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2020, (320 pages).

The general agreement among Christians is that they believe the Bible is Truth, and that they would want to know the Bible more. Many study it and read books about it. They desire to know how to interpret and to apply God's Word into their lives. With the diversity of theological backgrounds, there is also a diversity of interpretations and hermeneutics. This ought to be seen more of a blessing because the greater the amount of tools and discoveries, the richer our collection of resources to help us grow closer to the Truth. For God's Word is infinitely rich, and our finite minds could only approach that wealth of knowledge over time and experience. Author and Professor Mitchell L Chase's key purpose in writing this book is to enable readers to "be more faithful readers of Scripture." He does this by presenting 40 questions for us to appreciate, ponder, and discover things that many of us normally would not have known how to ask. It is a kind of "seeing" via the lens of typology and allegory. In order to improve the way we see the Bible, we need to start with the big picture, which is exactly what the author has done: Re-read and re-read into a deeper experience. Before entering into the questions, Chase asks a question that all of us ought to ask: "What Story is the Bible Telling?" He then answers it in three ways: "Slowly but Surely"; "Leaning Forward and Looking Ahead"; "Promise and Fulfillment." The first is about seeing the Bible as being revealed over time. The second is the overarching themes from Genesis to Revelation, themes that reflect God's character and consistent messages throughout time, especially the Old Testament. The third is about the fulfilment of the promises made, and more specifically, Christ. With these, by linking historical and organic developments, and using Scripture to interpret Scripture, the author equips us by describing the different words used in the study; such as:

"The Attributes of God Vol 1" (A.W. Tozer)

TITLE: The Attributes of God Volume 1 with Study Guide: A Journey Into the Father's Heart
AUTHOR: A.W. Tozer
PUBLISHER: Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2020, (112 pages).

Who is God? What is God like? What are the attributes of God? This is the focus by a beloved and well-respected author and pastor. It is also one of Tozer's best known books in his spiritual pursuit of God. This endeavour is lifelong, and his books all reflect this common desire: To know Christ more and to make Christ known more. Collected from ten of his sermons, this book comprises ten attributes of God:

1. God is Infinite
2. God is Immense
3. God is Good
4. God is Just
5. God is Merciful
6. God is Grace
7. God is Omnipresent
8. God is Immanent
9. God is Holy
10. God is Perfect

"40 Questions About Islam" (Matthew Aaron Bennett)

TITLE: 40 Questions About Islam
AUTHOR: Matthew Aaron Bennett
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2020, (304 pages).

Whether it is inter-religious dialogues, defending the faith, or trying to build bridges or to explain one's faith, it is always necessary to speak or listen with understanding. Without understanding, one might misinterpret or misconstrue another party, and propagate fake news. For Christians, speaking without understanding might lead to reduced credibility and hamper the testimony of the gospel. People tend to be open to those who are open. In the classic prayer of St Francis of Assisi, there is a line that says: "Seek not to be understood but to understand." In this spirit, that is what this book is about. Using a question-and-answer format, author and professor Matthew Bennett tackles forty questions about Islam, with the purpose of informing and educating non-Muslims about Islam. It may not make one an expert overnight, but it sure helps us be more knowledgeable and more importantly, not to misrepresent the Muslim faith. As much as Christians would like to be understood fairly, so too are Muslims who would be pleased if others could understand correctly what they believe. Written by an author who has many Muslim friends and who has lived many years in Muslim-majority countries, he hopes that the spirit of dialogue and understanding would continue through this book. The book is sub-divided into seven parts:

"Following Jesus Christ" (John K. Goodrich and Mark L. Strauss)

TITLE: Following Jesus Christ: The New Testament Message of Discipleship for Today
AUTHOR: John K. Goodrich and Mark L. Strauss
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2019, (392 pages).

The big problem with the modern Church is that it is far more apt at receiving the gospel of grace but less prompt in following Jesus. Perhaps, that is why discipleship is often considered secondary among many believers. Discipleship is essentially about following Jesus. When asked to describe what the Bible says about discipleship, many believers would point to the gospels about Jesus' tough call to discipleship. It is so demanding that the famous WWII martyr, Dietrich Bonhoeffer even titles his book as "The Cost of Discipleship." Apart from the gospels, when asked about how the rest of the New Testament talks about discipleship, it becomes more challenging. Editors John K Goodrich and Mark L Strauss have gathered a team of scholars to contribute an essay for each of the New Testament books. They show us the concepts of biblical discipleship. They consistently remind us that discipleship is not simply something embedded in a few verses in the gospels but throughout the New Testament. By broadening our understanding of discipleship throughout the New Testament, it is hoped that readers will be able to go beyond the gospels. More importantly, they will see the process of following Jesus is the consistent messaging of discipleship. Matthew's gospel talks about discipleship from a narrative angle. Mark emphasizes the cost of discipleship. Luke summarizes the link between discipleship and the Great Commandment. John's gospel is an invitation to readers to "come and see." In Acts, we see how discipleship is lived out as the early believers venture from Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the outer parts of the earth. Paul's epistles are consistently Christocentric, with traits on a Christian disciple (1 Corinthians); presence of Christ (Colossians); Community (Philippians); Holiness (1 & 2 Thessalonians); Church leadership (Titus and Timothy); etc. Hebrews recovers the lost concept of discipleship while James reminds us of the need for single-mindedness in following Christ. Peter's letters exhorts believers toward the themes of holiness, orthodoxy, resurrection, and hope as we follow Christ. Revelation shows us the prophetic vision of discipleship. By looking at the New Testament from the angle of discipleship, we get to see a fuller picture of the purpose of Christ.

"40 Questions about Heaven and Hell" (Alan Gomes)

TITLE: 40 Questions about Heaven and Hell (40 Questions Series)
AUTHOR: Alan Gomes
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2018, (384 pages).

What happens once a person dies? What kind of afterlife is there? What about the questions surrounding the intermediate state of being between death and resurrection? What about the final judgment? What does the Bible say about the eternal state of believers and the eternal state of hell? These questions are part of 40 well thought-out questions and answers about heaven and hell. Written in a way like the catechism of old, this book categorizes the questions in four parts:

1. Overview of the Afterlife (9 questions)
2. The Intermediate State (5 questions)
3. The Final Judgment (6 questions)
4. Eternal State for Believers (9 questions); Unbelievers (11 questions)

Some of the questions may not reflect the way the sections are named. For instance, the part about eternal state for animals don't exactly fit into the believers category, but the authors put the question there. At the same time, some questions do cover across different categories. Thus, I would say that the categories are mainly to be used as a general guide. A more accurate guide would be the the question set forth. The style reflects a catechism style of questions and answers. A key difference would be the length of answers. Catechisms give brief answers. This book provides much more. The answers look more like detailed articles to teach and to serve as a resource for anyone interested in the topic. Some of the very interesting topics for me are:

"Into His Presence" (Tim L. Anderson)

TITLE: Into His Presence: A Theology of Intimacy with God
AUTHOR: Tim L. Anderson
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2019, (280 pages).

How do I grow closer to God? What does intimacy with God means? What do I do if I don't feel close to God? These are some common questions and confessions from Christians yearning for a deeper relationship with God. As society becomes more feeling-oriented, many are asking questions about how to cultivate divine intimacy. Recognizing this need, author Timothy L Anderson helps us on this journey with a focus on the theology of intimacy. He qualifies his effort by saying that it is not a book meant for devotional reading. Neither is it a book to make one feel closer to God directly. Instead, the book serves two purposes: to affirm the reality of the Holy Spirit in our lives; and to intercede for a deeper relationship. Before one embarks on the journey to intimacy, it is helpful to know the different windows to pursue God. "Catholic Mystical" writers such as Thomas Merton, St John of the Cross, and Augustine seek God in a two-way relationship, with the sole objective being union with God. The "Pentecostal Experiential" finds intimacy in signs, visions, and wonders. The "Evangelical Devotional" focuses on the pedagogy of discipleship and spiritual practices. Anderson cautions us from adopting either extreme absolutism or extreme liberalism on any of them. The way toward intimacy needs to begin with a theological framework. Anderson paints this framework using a hub and spokes metaphor. He defines intimacy with God as "the movement of God and Christians toward a place of true knowledge and close contact." With this hub as the object, Anderson goes on to describe the various spokes of intimacy. Before that, he describes the four biblical elements of intimacy:

1. Movement toward intimacy
2. Intimate knowledge
3. Intimate place/location
4. Intimate contact/touch

"And Social Justice For All" (Lisa Van Engen)

TITLE: And Social Justice for All: Empowering Families, Churches, and Schools to Make a Difference in God's World
AUTHOR: Lisa Van Engen
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2019, (335 pages).

We may have heard about social justice. We know the importance of doing the right thing in a world that has gone terribly wrong. For some, social justice may simply be something we may talk about but lack the opportunity or knowledge to do something about it. Better still, start early. Start young. This is where this book comes in. By creating awareness at an early age, it is hoped that the next generation will their their part in ensuring social justice for all. Writing from hindsight, author Lisa Van Engen shares how she relates to the story of the "Princess and the Pea." Seeing life as a collection of personal stories, many of us will never truly know someone until we peel away the mattress layers. The impact of knowing social justice issues such as poverty, human trafficking, and even clean water could not be over-emphasized. The main idea in this book is essentially education about 14 global justice issues. These are:

1. Clean Water and Sanitation
2. Creation Care
3. Disabilities
4. Education
5. Fair Trade
6. Families
7. Health Care
8. Human Trafficking
9. Hunger
10. Immigration and Refugees
11. Peace
12. Poverty
13. Race
14. Changemakers