"John Wesley's Teachings, Vol 3" (Thomas Oden)

TITLE: John Wesley's Teachings, Volume 3: Pastoral Theology
AUTHOR: Thomas C. Oden
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Academic, 2013, (304 pages).

John Wesley is one of the most prominent figures in the Christian world. Known as a reformer in England, and credited with the rise of England from the ashes of social despair and discouragement, he has preached thousands of sermons, and written even more. Widely read, he shares his knowledge, his discernment, and his wisdom far and wide. Even today, many people, especially Methodist and Wesleyan groups still continue to learn and cherish his teachings. This book, compiled from many of Wesley's writings brings together Wesley's teachings in themes. This series, masterfully worked upon by the Methodist theologian, Thomas C Oden categorizes the works into four volumes:

1. Vol 1 - God and Providence
2. Vol 2 - Christ and Salvation
3. Vol 3 - Pastoral Theology
4. Vol 4 - Ethics and Society

There is a general progression of thought in Oden's design. Beginning with God in Volume 1, Oden tries to lead readers to appreciate the theological movement from God to man, through Christ and the Church, and ultimately to society and the world at large. This volume touches on the pastoral ministry and how ministry leaders are called to minister. The scope is breathtaking. While the material is Wesley's, the arrangement of the themes of systematic theology, ministry, pastoral care, and general flow of applications belongs to Oden. That said, it is still quite correct to credit Wesley for the teachings. Written specifically for "non-professional readers," Oden attempts to present this volume of core insights of "the heart of Wesley’s argument, his intention, and his relevance for today." After distilling from Wesley's wide repertoire of writings, hymns, sermons, essays, and homilies, Oden then applies them to various aspects of pastoral care and ministry. As an avid scholar of patristic literature, Oden focuses on primary sources so that he can let Wesley speak for himself as much as possible. Like Wesley who prefers to go back to the original biblical texts instead of the popular King James Version of the Bible, Oden mines the depths of Wesley's works like "The Works of the Rev John Wesley," "The Journal of John Wesley," "The Letters of John Wesley," "The Poetical Works of Charles Wesley and John Wesley," and so on.

A) Ministry and Soul Care

“The most conspicuous feature of Wesley’s work on the church and pastoral care is his persistent focus on the church as a work of the Holy Spirit .Everything follows from this premise .The Spirit is bringing into being the communities of faith in Christ.’ (Oden, 29)

It is Wesley's conviction that pastoral theology is not something reserved for the clergy or ministers of the Church. Like Wesley, whose concern is largely for the laity, the care of souls is the responsibility of the whole laity, clergy included. After all, the laity can participate in the care of souls, and clergy is also a member of the laity. One particular point that Oden mentions is worth taking note. “Some will find this volume most useful for quiet spiritual formation.” Central to Wesley’s teachings is the role of the Holy Spirit in the inspiration of pastoral care for the flock. It is shown through the “gifts and graces” of God to men called to lead in the ministry of care. He makes a close connection of vocation and soul care as follows: 

“Soul care is not strictly speaking a job, but a vocation .A job is a paid position of regular employment .A vocation is a calling from on high, transcending the economic, political, and domestic spheres .To receive God’s call, Christians must listen for his voice .” (38) 

Whether one is called to ordination or not, all are called to the ministry of the laity. The difference is the level of caring needs to be according to the gifting of the called. Having a quick and sharp mind, understanding Scripture, learning from the forefathers, and a need for steep educational qualifications are trademarks of the Wesleyan minister. Character and regular self-examination forms the spiritual syllabus of every servant. Wesley uses the word “higher calling” to indicate the seriousness of the call, not the privilege of the office. It is quite easy to discern Wesley’s conviction for the methodical structure for ministry. It must be orderly, connected, and designed in order to maximize the reach of the Holy Spirit to the rest of the flock, through the channels of the called, both clergy and laity. Some people may find Wesley’s teachings too “authoritative” for comfort. For example, the part about simply doing what the spiritual adviser says to do, without questioning or doubting, certainly does not fit into the Post-modern mindset of suspicion before obedience. On pastoral counsel, Oden has done readers a great favour by summarizing Wesley’s scattered thoughts on modern pastoral responsibilities like visiting the sick, caring for people in need, mediating conflict, and various counseling matters. It makes reading more structured and flows better along “Pastoral Theology.” Hey, Oden is a Systematic Theologian in the Wesleyan tradition after all! Soulcare is a core component of pastoral theology. Generally, healthy workers can be counted upon to do healthy work. Thus, Wesley places great emphasis on discernment, and to counsel those facing temptations, both clergy and laity. He even touches on the dark night of the soul, with ample advice on how Wesley points out four ways to discern the "darkness of mind" from "heaviness of the soul." He points back to the role of the Holy Spirit, which especially means the need to be patient.

B) Pastoral Care and Family

Ministry to families is particularly important for Wesley. Three teaching homilies speak into that, to remind all that family relationships are to be based on biblical foundations, and how God deals with humanity family-by-family, and how sin and grace can also be transmitted through the family. With great detail, Wesley lays down instructions for parents and children, from children's education to adult learning, that education is for all. Even music and aesthetics are to be used as a way to teach Christian Education. Five stages of the family life are described; namely, the single life; marriage; parenting; mature adult; and death.

C) Church and Sacraments

Church is a crucial part of any pastoral theology. The later half of the book focuses on Church ministry and the sacraments. Going back to the theology of the Church, readers will come across the 25 Methodist Articles of Religion, adapted from the Anglican Church's 39 Articles. This is still widely used by many Methodist around the world. Wesley takes pains to describe the Church as the body of Christ, and also a double emphasis on the role of the laity and the clergy to be actively engaged in this body. The call for unity is strong, and separatist stances are frowned upon. Thus, excommunications are not something easily approved of. There are even instructions for pastors who are caught in sin, whether they can be allowed to administer the sacraments. Fundamentally, the belief is that if God blesses a ministry, then one must never separate. In true graciousness, unholy ministers can still minister the sacraments because all are under grace, not merit. Wesley struggles with the issue of whether members ought to go to churches that supposedly preach erroneous doctrines. His conclusion? "They unanimously agreed, first, that it was highly expedient, all the Methodists (so called) who had been bred therein should attend the service of the Church as often as possible."

D) Baptism & Holy Communion

Of Baptism, Oden compares the Lutheran, the Anglican, and the Methodist views of baptism side by side, to show us how Wesley himself has struggled to remain within the Anglican tradition, choosing to let exclusion of certain words be his argument from silence, and at the same time, not explicitly denying his Anglican heritage. Oden's main point is to show the continuity of thought Wesley had through the various traditions. The words "New birth" and "regeneration" figure widely in Wesley's understanding of baptism. It is an outward sign of an inward grace. Child baptism is retained, so is baptism by multiple modes. Five sure benefits of baptism as a means of grace are:

1. Those baptized experience the "value of Christ's death" and personally to our sins.
2. Welcomed into the covenant community
3. Becoming members of the body of Christ
4. In baptism, one is grafted in and become members of the body of Christ
5. In baptism, we are made heirs with Christ in the new kingdom.

Recognizing that a common fear among laity is the fear of taking the Lord's Meal unworthily, Wesley takes pains to call the Communion a "duty of every Christian," as God's providence for the soul, and a means of grace received. However, Wesley makes a distinction between consuming unworthily versus feeling unworthy to consume. Wesley also addresses the fear of routine taking of the meal that makes the whole ritual less meaningful. Oden summarizes Wesley's thought on this as follows:

"True reverence flows out of our receptivity to God, not out of our concentration on our feelings." (221)

E) Unity

For Wesley, unity is a big thing. He believes that any splits, schisms, or separatisms, are primarily issues of the heart, and do not necessarily mean churches must break up and separate. Schisms are evil. He speaks out against any partisan spirit. Even if a church is under accusations of heresy, the unity of the body of Christ must take priority. Wesley's thought is as follows:

"Suppose the church or society to which I am now united does not require me to do anything which the Scripture forbids, or to omit anything which the Scripture enjoins, it is then my indispensable duty to continue therein."

My Thoughts
This series of works on John Wesley's teachings are arranged systematically and will be a precious resource for Methodist ministers and laypersons to read, to research, and to treasure. Sometimes, just seeing the mountain of writings by John Wesley himself can discourage any prospective learner to read Wesley. In bringing together themes and issues that are very relevant to life in the Church, Thomas Oden has given us a great set of works to refer to, so that we need not re-invent the wheel with regards to trying to resolve difficult issues. While I find it helpful to get a compact volume of Wesley's thoughts and teachings, the serious student of Methodism will not use this set of works as the only resource. The way to use this book is as a launchpad to dig into the treasure house itself. This is basically for two reasons.

First, we must learn to read Wesley in context as well. While Oden is a respected theologian and scholar, there is only so much systematic theology can highlight. There is history to be appreciated. There are contexts to be understood. There is the flow of argument in Wesley's writings that can only be fully comprehended if we go back to the sources, like what Oden has done. All of these cannot be achieved just by reading this book. Serious readers will need to read beyond this book.

Second, readers need to constantly ask themselves: Is this Wesley's thought or Oden's? This is important for good scholarship will need to credit the right sources correctly. Sometimes, the thinking of both men converged. Other times, I struggle with trying to understand if Oden has interpreted Wesley correctly. This is where a knowledge of the primary sources will help immensely. This question will also remind readers to stay attentive to details. It is easy to mistake Oden for Wesley, and vice versa.

Still, I will give this book high marks for the good work Oden has put in. If you are a Methodist, you will probably want to read this book. If you are a Methodist minister, start budgeting for your library. If you are interested in how theory and practice of Methodism comes together, this book is a great way to start.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Zondervan Academic and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Awake" (Noel Brewer Yeatts)

TITLE: Awake: Doing a World of Good One Person at a Time
AUTHOR: Noel Brewer Yeatts
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2012, (176 pages).

Good works that flow out of the Good Word in the heart. Doing good to the world one person at a time. Reaching a larger world regardless of how small or how limited one is. All it matters is a big heart and willing hands. This is exactly what Noel Brewer Yeatts has done. Spurred in part by Timothy Keller's book, "Generous Justice," Yeatts attempts to help believers "wake" up to the reality of a world that needs us more than we can ever imagine. She makes a bold call to try to take readers through various shifts. I summarize some of my seven reflections as I read the book.

First, we need to move from guilt-driven kind of a help toward a justice minded perspective. Using the example of Mother Teresa and the story of the Tuohy family who helps a boy get back on his feet, Yeatts points out the need for a kind of help that will aim to make a difference one person at a time. If one is guilt-driven, one may only get to help on a knee-jerk manner that does not last. If one is led by justice, one will persevere in being creative and convicted about helping a person a long way.

Second, we need to move from sleepy knowledge toward wakeful action. So often, we allow our accumulation of knowledge bog us down to inaction. Like Aquinas, we need to choose to "feel compassion than to know the meaning of it." It is not enough simply to be aware of what is going on. We need to take responsibility for this knowledge and to do something about it. The trouble is, far too many people o not think their participation will make any difference. This is tragic not only for the needy, but also for us. So what are the rich of the world, who as a minority possess the majority of the world's wealth, doing about the rest of the world, who not only are poor, but seem to exist only to serve the desires of the rich?

Third, we need to move from a mentality of handouts to compassionate action. Giving handouts is a cop out to reduce one's guilt feeling. Action that stems from a deep compassion will resemble Jesus' being moved by compassion to action. That means learning to move from mere giving to actual serving, distant awareness to up close and personal human touch.

Four, our giving and helping need to move from haphazard help to strategic assistance. Women in general are more vulnerable. They are also more influential. Like the saying in Ghana, that if a man is helped, it is just one man; but if a woman is helped, the nation is also helped. One strategy then is to pay special attention to the needs of women and to train them to develop help channels in their respective contexts.

Five, move from vague ideas about help toward crystal clear ideas. Take the issue of the lack of clean water. It spawns a host of problems with regards to diarrhoea, malaria, typhoid, as well as the good health. Without good health, one cannot have a good quality of life. Helping the poor does not mean just addressing symptoms. It also means addressing root causes.

Six, we need to move from a boring but safe lifestyle to a bold and significant form of faith. It means radical plans with our own lives. It means learning to make our lives count. It means living a worthwhile life for others. Helping the poor is not simply just wearing a T-shirt. It means wearing the needs of the poor through active engagement with the rich AND the poor. We need to evangelize the former and to be an agent to touch the latter. We need to speak up for the voiceless, listen to the silenced, see the marginalized, and to feel that the world as it is right now, is moving toward injustice.

Seven, we need to move from a sense of complacency to a sense of urgency. I think it is an apt reminder that the biggest tragedy for many people is not because they are successful, but when they are successful in things that ultimately do not matter much. Yeatts urge readers to actively join groups that advocate for the poor and vulnerable; to invest in a child; to be an active part of infrastructure improvements in the needy world; and even to make a trip to the poorest of the poor to experience first hand the reality of injustice, poverty, and suffering.

This book is about changing the world, beginning with changing the hearts of anyone who wants to do some good in the world. The primary audience is essentially the rich West, but the scope can be easily enlarged to include other groups. Containing many stories of faith and trust, success and disappointments, Yeatts encourages us not to look at the problem, be discouraged and then do nothing. Instead, she urges us to look at what is possible, be encouraged, and then do something, even if it means just one life or one small situation at a time. Three thoughts come to mind as I marvel at the resilience and the industry of Yeatts. First, we are not responsible to solve all the problems of the whole world, just part of it. Second, we are not meant to help everybody in the world, just who we can reach. Third, we are not responsible for the ills of the world, but we are responsible if we do not do anything about it. If any of these thoughts can be planted in the reader, this book will have done its job. I'm sure readers will be moved. It is a fitting reminder that while we are not responsible for solving all the problems of the world, we are responsible for those things that we can do something about.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Baker Books and Graf-Martin Communications without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Sacred Compass" (J. Brent Bill)

TITLE: Sacred Compass: The Way of Spiritual Discernment
AUTHOR: J. Brent Bill
PUBLISHER: Brewster, MA: Paraclete Press, 2012, (208 pages).

Spiritual discernment is often talked about but rarely lived out. It is about sensing God's presence and guiding hands, rather than forcing our own ideas into a I-know-what-is-best mentality. Using a compass as a metaphor for spiritual discernment, Bill makes us realize that our deepest desires to find meaning and purpose for ourselves, stem from our attentiveness of our inner compass to God. It makes us sensitive to God's direction and to discover not simply a path we ought to go, but to discover God himself. Along the way, we become more self-aware and more God-aware.

Beginning with the famous Quaker-phrase, "As way opens," Bill describes the differences between a tourist and a pilgrim. Pilgrims recognize that the spiritual life is a long journey. It is an expedition of continuous learning from others. As one cultivates trust in God, one learns to see God in the many details. They travel together. Pilgrims let their lives speak to one another, that in the process of trying to discern one's own path, one helps others to discover both their paths as well a their uniquenesses. It teaches us to develop attentiveness. Learning becomes transformative, and one then learns to lead others in their journey too. The leadings come in many ways. It is patient. It is persistent. It is creative and beautiful. It is both calming and exciting. However, all of these leadings need an acute sense of testing whether they are from God. Bill provides seven helpful ways to test. He also provides some spiritual disciplines we can adopt to sharpen our awareness.

What is also helpful is how Bill brings out the dangers of the dark side. We need to discern whether the valleys are in fact mere spiritual dryness or some warfare. The former we need to cling on to God's promises. The latter we hang on to God's strength.  Bill provides tips on how we can still maintain that compass direction in spite of dark times. Some traveler's aids are listed for the benefit of readers, and excites readers about the dance of heaven on earth.

I appreciate this book a lot for its clarity. Five things strike me powerfully. First, the whole is greater than the sum of all its parts. Sometimes, we tend to highlight only one part of our lives over the rest. That is wrong. As pilgrims, we are not to base our lives on some highlights or high periods of positive experiences. Pilgrims travel the entire journey, and let the whole journey tell the full story. Second,  it is about God, not us. For those who are experiencing spiritual fatigue, it is an apt reminder that whatever we do or not do, does not change God's love for us. Third, even in dark moments, we can still learn spiritual discernment. Good spiritual discernment happens at all times, not only during feel-good moments. Four, the tools and tips provide readers an arsenal of resources to use. At times, when we feel like we have run out of ideas or resources, this book not only provides additional ideas for us to contemplate and put into action, but also to cast new light on old tools. One example is the way to "listen deeply." Most of us talk about the importance of listening. Bill's wide repertoire of listening pointers help us to listen beyond ourselves or our own needs. We are urged to engage in community sensitivity in listening. We are encouraged to listen for movements that benefit others, even when it does not lead to any direct self-benefit. More importantly, listening is putting the interests of others above our own. Finally, I enjoy the leading chapter of the book. It is not just about spiritual leadership. It is about true leaders are those who have been lead in the first place. The essence of leadership is about listening to God, and to lead like Jesus has led. Leading is learning. It is waiting when it is the time to wait. It is moving when it is time to move. It is gathering when it is time to gather. The interesting thing is this. True discernment is not about leading forth like a spiritual Rambo. True discernment is being led by the Holy Spirit to go to any place, willingly and joyfully, even to places we do not want to go. Above all, pilgrims on the spiritual journey will not be too caught up with what to do, where to go, who to meet, or how to go about the travel. They will be utterly content, knowing that it is God who is their traveling partner all the way.

This is an excellent guide for spiritual discernment.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Paraclete Press without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"The Briarpatch Gospel" (Shayne Wheeler)

TITLE: The Briarpatch Gospel: Fearlessly Following Jesus into the Thorny Places
AUTHOR: Shayne Wheeler
PUBLISHER: Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale Momentum, 2013, (186 pages).

What is a BriarPatch Gospel? It is a place of spiritual dryness or darkness, where instead of the promised faith, joy, and hope, there is that doubt, despair, and discouraging spiritual life. It is a place where the blues seem to take over the skies of bloom, covering it with dark clouds of gloom. The types of people who enter the briarpatch include those who are often ostracized for their sexual orientations, as social outcasts, the depressed, sinners, the marginalized, and those struggling to spring out of the boredom-crisis pendulum. Even in churches, there are many who feel worn out or utterly discouraged for whatever reasons. Take heart. If you are in any of these situations, do not let your hearts be troubled. For if you are a Christian, Jesus will be calling you into the briarpatch. He wants to love us and to heal us. Then he wants to send us into the world to do the same for others. Wheeler reminds us that regardless of our spiritual conditions, rain or shine, thorny or comfy, Jesus will be right there with us. Wheeler deals with two types of briarpatch conditions. The first is external, like home which is where we feel welcome. It is a place where we feel accepted even though we fall short on many fronts. It is a place where we can freely connect without having to sign our names in the blood of commitment. Home is where visitors and strangers will not feel like visitors or strangers, but as family. Instead of abandoning or avoiding friendship with people who are different from us, we address the differences and try to accept one another as best as we can. The way of love is how Jesus accepts people as they are.

The second kind of briarpatch is internal. How possessive are we about our material possessions? Have we shared well with the poor? What is the place of money in our lives? Are we putting relationships above accumulation of things? Inner briarpatches also exist as doubts. How do we deal with pressing questions of faith when there seems to be no answers? Even the early disciples were stunned when Jesus, their Teacher and Master was killed. The sad thing is that many Christians not only allow their doubts to linger without being addressed. As a result, many fail to grow. Like the character Eustace in The Voyage of the Dawn Trreader, one needs to undress the dragon scales, to be freed and naked before God. Let God heal us, and make us whole. God wants to change us from the inside out, if we let him.

While the first two parts of the book deal with the external and internal briarpatches of one's life, the third part helps to show us how God can build us up in the midst of journey through the parched land. There is a trajectory of hope. There is the promise of God who is trustworthy and true. God will shape us. God will use us to shape others. Wheeler shares about how reaching out to others has reaped much spiritual dividends and encouragement for him and his church. About a Mr Buford who murdered the man who raped his wife. Even in his brokenness, Buford found Christ. He found faith. Another story is about a man who was just released from prison. He was jailed for drug offenses. What is the meaning of Jesus in the midst of such brokenness. Wheeler helps us realize that life is complicated. Jesus died for all people, not just those who are nicely dressed on Sundays, live a respectable life, and holds a decent job.

Without the rain, we cannot see the rainbow. Without recognizing the briarpatches of our own lives, we deceive ourselves. Without learning to grow in spite of these spiritual dryness, we will not bear fruit. Transformation begins when we realize it is all grace. Grace is free. Grace is radically free. Grace is given to us. Grace is in the person of Christ. Yet, it is also an invitation to us to accept. We are not force to take it. How does a transformed briarpatch pilgrim look like?

According to Wheeler, he will be living out heaven's reality on earth. He will embody the life and presence of Christ in his work and his relationships. He will be "ambassadors of grace and mercy." He will be praying and hoping that God's kingdom will come soon, and make not just one, but all things new.

Shayne Wheeler has written a very sensitive book. It reaches out to the down and out, the marginalized in society. It also touches the emotionally down or the spiritually outcast. In doing so, he strikes a chord with many who are going through rough times right now. In some way, this is not exactly a typical feel-good kind of an inspirational that charges one up to storm the battlefield. There is something more subtle in the way that it motivates readers. This is the goal of the whole book, which is worth quoting:

"As we enter the briarpatch of our tangled, fallen world, we take the presence of Jesus with us, and we find that he is already there, in the midst of the thorns and thistles, preparing the way for restoration, reconciliation, and redemption." (Shayne Wheeler, p171)

The gospel is bigger, way bigger than any briarpatch.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Tyndale House Publishers and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"The Connecting Church 2.0" (Randy Frazee)

TITLE: The Connecting Church 2.0: Beyond Small Groups to Authentic Community
AUTHOR: Randy Frazee
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2013, (256 pages).

No man is an island. In fact, authentic churches are not collections of individuals, but communities of disciples who are constantly on a lookout for one another, and to share the kingdom of God's love far and wide. In a follow up of the first book published ten years ago, Randy Frazee not only updates the book, he presents new ideas with regards to how to become a better and more effective "connecting church" in our times. Three quarters of the book are allocated to defining the problems of the common Church life, and to help rediscover the purpose of Church, the place of neighbourhood witness, and the need to let community take priority over possessions. The last part of the book provides some implementation strategies using best practices of four churches and a presentation of a hybrid starfish model. The book is essentially about community.

A) The Problems
Frazee flashes out the three problems that prevent authentic community building. Firstly, there is the problem of individualism that diminishes community, creates breakdowns in common beliefs and purposes, causing any highest virtue to be mere tolerance rather than wholehearted acceptance of one another. Secondly, there is the problem of isolation that has been fueled by individualistic cultures. Loneliness, separation by physical distance, and a lack of interactions, turn many people and families into isolated enclaves, where people hardly know their neighbours. The third problem is consumerism, that assumes self-dependence, distrust of people, readiness to file lawsuits, lack of social accountability, and unending greed. The book is about addressing these problems head on first to stem the tide of decay. After that, Frazee proposes a constructive approach to redeem people, relationships, and society at large in order to build a connecting Church that reaches out to people and touches lives.

For each of these problems, Frazee provides a series of helpful strategies to counter them. Against individualism, Frazee proposes five ways to counter individualism.

1. Authority: Inculcating a healthy respect for the authority structure so as to establish a working framework for community building.
2. Common Creed: Using shared beliefs, people can work together for a common purpose
3. Traditions: This is a crucial vehicle to impart knowledge, history, values, purposes, heritage from one generation to the next
4. Standards: With recognized guidelines, communities can feel safe and are able to work together to uphold the standards.
5. Common Mission: Having a clearly defined mission often draws communities closer together.

There are also five ways to counter the problem of isolation.

1. Let there be Spontaneity that it is not the schedule or time that directs the relationship, but real needs of people that determines the time and place.
2. Let there be Availability where people in a community put each other as more important, and where community goals trump individualistic concerns.
3. Let there be Frequency of getting together, for all kinds of reasons. Daily interactions are far better than rare meetings.
4. Let there be Sharing of Meals where people can hang loose, relax, and share naturally.
5. Let there be Geographic proximity, where people can build communities without the threat of distance. 

In countering the problem of consumerism, Frazee proposes five characteristics to develop.

1. Interdependency: Instead of trying to build up independent lifestyles that express no need for others, take time to question ourselves that just because "I could" (ability) does not necessarily mean that "I should" (application).
2. Intergenerational Life: Learn to appreciate the challenges of different challenges and work together to live, to learn, and to leave a legacy.
3. Children: The raising of children is not simply the parents' responsibility, but the responsibility of the whole village or community.
4. Responsibilities: In an individualistic culture, people talk more about rights. In a community, people are ready to exercise responsibilities.
5. Sacrifice: This negates consumerism straightaway as it not only refuses to fatten oneself up, but to sacrifice for the sake of others. In giving to others, we will truly receive something more important in return.

The final part, Part IV supplies the "2.0" content of the book. Frazee shares his top ten learning tips from his ten years of teaching and preaching "Connecting Church." He proposes a "starfish church" structure that decentralizes rather than a "spider structure" that centralizes. While the latter attracts people fast, it is the former that helps the process of discipleship better. Four churches of various sizes are highlighted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the strategy. It helps readers to appreciate that the theory has been successfully put into practice. In belonging, growing, and serving, one builds the connecting church.

I appreciate this book for its clarity and practical applications. Frazee has powerfully described the three problems of modern society, especially the rich West. It is most applicable to churches that are sub-urban, middle to upper class, and some may say, mostly white communities. When compared to other cultures like parts of Asia and Africa, community building can come more naturally than many communities in the West. One can argue that an Asian living in the West can also become individualistic and consumeristic over time. Culture is a powerful force that can mold people into a new state. That is why we need to counter society not as individuals but as communities, not as self-sufficient persons but as humble learners ready to learn the ropes of interdependence. Some of the strategies can be immediately applied to churches that look similar to the examples given in the book. That said, it is important to remember that culture is a strange animal. Unless we learn to read and diagnose our own culture correctly and accurately first, we cannot apply. Unless we read this book with a readiness to apply, we cannot establish any purpose in reading culture.  Most importantly, we need to change not because it is a new idea worth trying out. We need to start moving because it is one powerful way to live out the Great Commission. I like the way Frazee opens with a problem and closes with some positive recommendations on what to do about it. In fact, he goes much farther to help readers see the grand story, that apart from mere solving of the three problems of individualism, isolation, and consumerism, one needs to push toward strengthening communities. After all, life is not about solving problems. It is about linking people up toward a common purpose and to grow a common identity that fully appreciates our uniqueness. The Church as the Body of Christ must show the way.

Rating: 4.75 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Zondervan and CrossFocusedReviews without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Understanding Spiritual Warfare - 4 Views"

TITLE: Understanding Spiritual Warfare: Four Views
AUTHOR: Walter Wink, David Powlison, Gregory Boyd, C. Peter Wagner and Rebecca Greenwood.
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012, (230 pages).

Spiritual warfare means different things to different people. Some underplay its significance, while others hype up its importance. Even scholars and theologians are not able to agree. Instead of trying to pit one another in order to find out who is right or wrong, this book brings together four diverse but important perspectives of spiritual warfare. Walter Wink advocates the "World Systems Model," where if there are institutions and world systems that have been taken over by evil forces and principalities, the Christian is to name them, unmask them, and "engage them." Wink then makes a bold call for Christians to take on a counter-offense against the principalities of evil, to a "collective exorcism" believing that God will empower believers to wrestle against the spirits of the age. At the heart of Wink's view is the place of Satan, whose fall from being a 'servant of God' to a spiritual rebel has become a spiritual objective of Satan to do the same for the rest of the world. He makes a useful observation that actions and counter-reactions by humans against themselves can often make people forget that the enemy is out there, not our fellow people. I do agree with David Powlison who argues against Wink's excessive use of prayer as a form of spiritual battling. Prayer is more than that. While Wagner agrees that prayer is a powerful weapon in intercession and spiritual warfare, how much prayers and intercessions change history remains debatable.

David Powlison promotes the "Classical Model" where spiritual warfare is centered on fighting the flesh. Powlison describes spiritual warfare as a term for "describing the moral conflict of the Christian life." Using Ephesians 6 as his launching pad, he sees the warfare more as a defensive approach. In dealing with deliverance, he points out three biblical examples of how sin is dealt with through "repentance" and not "exorcism." Through Christian disciplines of prayer, evangelism, spiritual growth, one automatically fights the sinful desires of the flesh. Boyd makes a useful critique when he says that spiritual warfare cannot be limited to lifestyle strategies, and asserts a need for binding and loosing spirits. I agree with Boyd that Powlison's model tends to be an over-reaction to the excesses of exorcism and sensational spiritual deliverances. That said, Powlison does gives us a good "classical" reminder that when we follow the ways of Jesus, and obeys his teachings, we are already equipped for spiritual battle, in character.

The third model is the "Ground-Level Deliverance Model" which is advocated by Gregory Boyd. He says that earth is the battle ground where evil rebels constantly against God's purpose on earth. That is why the prayer "Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven" is a specific spiritual warfare prayer. Boyd frowns at how some modern theologians have not only downplayed, but denied the reality of Satan and evil powers by rendering them as mythological. Boyd offers four objections. First, believing there are perhaps some mythical character in the Bible does not mean these characters' thoughts and teachings are mythical. Second, there is no reason why a person who believes in science and technology, cannot similarly believe in spirits and forces in the spiritual realms. Third, one must beware of modern arrogance, thinking that our modern technological advancements dispel any reality of historical beliefs. Four, we need to abandon any arrogance or forms of cultural superiority over ancient times. In short, spiritual warfare is real, physical, and exists right now. That said, Boyd then deals questions surrounding the need to deal with personal demons that requires exorcism, and whether Christians can be demonized in the first place. Wink and Hardin takes issue with Boyd's use of a "personal devil" as a key way to deal with spiritual warfare. For them, spiritual warfare is more than that. Powlison claims that Boyd  has unwittingly denied God's sovereignty over evil, and argues that spiritual disciplines that battle against evil must be tied together with mercy. Wagner prefers to take issue with Boyd's "strategic level" kind of warfare, saying that while spiritual warfare need not be the centerpiece of ministry, it can be an important central strategy.

Finally, Peter C. Wagner and Rebecca Greenwood helms the view of "Strategic Level Deliverance" where spiritual warfare is of a territorial and cosmic dimension. Both Wagner and Greenwood highlight the realty of dark forces, quoting personal experiences from different corners of the world. Their version of spiritual warfare covers many territories, like land, war, idolatry, sexual immorality, broken covenants, and many power encounters. Believing that the Church is the chief vehicle for spiritual warfare, their conviction is that if we do not pray, we become prey for the evil one. Even the issue of abortion is a result of evil. Wink critiques Greenwood's exegetical method and her use of "federal theology" that basically ties American society as breaking her covenant with God. Powlison too questions Greenwood's exegetical exercises, saying that he remains unpersuaded that abortion is a direct result of spiritual rebellion. Boyd accuses Wagner and Greenwood's "triumphant theology" that is too "Constantinian" for comfort. Rather than working toward a victory on earth, Boyd calls for humble living, and wait for Christ to come and bring to completion the final victory.

My Thoughts

There are so many things to learn from in this book. Like iron sharpening iron, these four views are ably argued for and against by the different writers. It highlights issues that bring clarity to the original propositions, adds in important nuances to the understanding of spiritual warfare, and maintains a healthy respect for persons who agree or disagree. While I am tempted to say that the biggest beneficiaries for this book are the contributors themselves, readers are in for a treat as they are invited to listen in to the conversations and to be reminded that spiritual warfare is real, wide-ranging, and deeply mystifying too. Readers ought not to be distracted by the different views and opinions of the authors and editors. Instead, readers can acknowledge the variety of differences based on contexts, understanding of differences, and an awareness of how each perspective deals with spiritual warfare. There is nothing to lose when we learn from others. There is everything to gain when we are humble to acknowledge that together, we are stronger. This book shows us the way on how Christians may differ in views, but united in their stance against principalities and powers of evil. In Christ we stand.

I like Wink's way of seeing spiritual warfare with a worldview of systems, and how we need to be on the alert that evil does reside in many structures and systems in the world. I appreciate Powlison's wide treatment of what spiritual warfare is, how to understand the occult, how to help those in addiction and bondage, how to understand exorcism as recorded in the Scriptures, and the experiences of warfare in other native cultures. Boyd's essay is particularly instructive, especially when he deals with the postmodern skeptics who dispel the reality of spiritual realms. Wagner and Greenwood's more radical perspective of warring against evil in a more forceful manner, stem out of personal experiences they have encountered, and while they may sound radical, their views ought not to be dismissed outright. After all, some experiences cannot be explained. The responses by the other writers make this book a highly educational one for the reader, and keeps us humble to know that spiritual warfare is much bigger than any one view. In fact, four views only go to scratch the surface of this very important topic. That said, this book can help begin our learning and our equipping for spiritual warfare. This is perhaps one of the best books, if not the best book on comparing spiritual warfare perspectives. For four capably argued perspectives, with rebuttals and positive engagement, readers are in for a treat and a great learning experience, learning from those who not only argue for it, but live it.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Baker Academic and Graf-Martin Communications without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"No Matter the Cost" (Vance Brown)

TITLE: No Matter the Cost
AUTHOR: Vance Brown
PUBLISHER:  Minnesota, MN: Bethany House Publisher, 2012, (208 pages).

Are you exhausted from the insatiable demands of life? Have you been discouraged by work or relationships that wear you down more often than not? Are you a man who needs some form of hope to turn from a discouraged individual to become a mighty man of God? Recognizing that there are many discouraged men out there, Vance Brown sets out to tackle the challenge of exhorting tired men to break out of their shell of despair, so that they can be charged up, and take responsibility, no matter the cost. This comes about when men can stand up for one another, grasp the purpose of life, and to live for something, and in particular Someone. Like how Clarence the Angel brings hope to George Bailey in the Christmas classic, "It's a Wonderful World," or how William Wallace rallies his troops in Braveheart, Brown attempts to encourage the man's soul, and to stand up and fight for things that matter.

Let hope awaken the potential in your heart. This is the crux of this book, written to exhort men to rise up, take courage, to live well and bring hope. It begins with a call to listen to the King. Instead of living lives of quiet desperation, men are called to live out their potential in great expectation. Using the Lord's Prayer as a framework, Vance Brown sends waves after waves of powerful messages of encouragement for the weary, explication for the perplexed, and enthusiasm for the energized. With God as our redeeming Light, God as our constant Guide, and as our Great God, men do not need to linger around as helpless lambs of doubt but mighty lions of faith. Part One of the book prepares the ground by affirming the worth of the individual. It urges the men not to go it alone, and that the words of Jesus are an "invitation to live, a call to arms, a bracing cost of discipleship, a ground-level map to hold on to for dear life."

Part Two speaks to readers in plural. Two war stories are used to rouse up the men to action in the name of the Father. As brothers, we are called to action, to do God's will together. In unity, brothers learn to trust God, to forgive one another, to go the distance in power and in humility.

Part Three is an essential reminder about the purpose of it all, for God's glory. It is no use to remain stuck in self-fulfillment or in brotherly togetherness for their own sake. Only a higher purpose fits a higher calling. The book also contains a 6 weeks study guide and call to commitment. Designed for men, the study guide gives men a clear and easy to follow guide to talk about their issues. Whether you are a busy executive or a tired professional, the book provides a means for men to come together, to share, and to carry one another's burdens. The short chapters help in quick reading and understanding. The questions give readers a chance to re-read passages that demand closer study. The overall flow of the book helps us appreciate the Lord's prayer even more. Above all, this book will bring a fresh dose of encouragement to anyone tired from the mundane or challenging agenda of life.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided courtesy of Graf-Martin Communications and Bethany House Publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Truth Speaks to Power" (Walter Brueggemann)

TITLE: Truth Speaks to Power: The Countercultural Nature of Scripture
AUTHOR: Walter Brueggemann
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2013, (176 pages).

This book essentially focuses on this main theme. Truth speaks. Not power. Truth must show any use of power the way. Power must not subvert truth or be used to manipulate people for its own purposes. In an age where political agendas are high and personal vendettas are prevalent, even truth can become a means to an end. Whether one tries to justify it on the greater good or something more beneficial for society, when truth is not allowed to speak or manifest its entirety, we will become impoverished in every possible way. In other words, God cannot be reduced to human agenda. Neither can anyone use the Word of God and reduce it for their own purposes. According to Brueggemann, power used in society tends to be wielded by people in influential positions, the elites, and those who have massive resources at their disposal. The danger is when these people use their power and influence to control and manipulate truth. Brueggemann makes an observation of the "cartesian kind" of knowledge and over-knowledge that can be used to impose their power and exert control over others. Interestingly, Brueggemann affirms the "common opposition" of the three masters of suspicions of seemingly "established truth." All three, Karl Marx, Sigmund Freud, and Friedrich Nietzsche contest the "primacy of the object," where the ends justify the means. Learning from Marx, there is a need to connect ideal with reality. Learning from Nietzsche, truth needs to be interpreted and continually understood. Learning from Freud, we learn to question the status quo. Learning from Michael Foucault, we notice how truth and power can so easily become enmeshed with each other. Brueggemann believes that the Bible speaks to counter the culture and is often subversive of the world. There are many ways to voice truth. There are also many ways to manipulate truth. What is necessary is to let truth be truth and all other ways be subject to the Truth Giver through the Bible. The rest of the book shows the way how.

Beginning with Jesus' engagement with Pontius Pilate on their various understanding of power and authority, Brueggemann highlights the story of Moses and Pharaoh  where the latter wields power of food and control over the helpless Israelite slaves. Readers get to understand how the power of Pharaoh is forced to deal with the mighty Truth of God's Hand and Purpose. The narrative for the Church is to recognize the cries of the world, fight for an alternative worldview, live out the alternative, and lead people to freedom.

The second narrative is about Solomon's reign and power. Is Solomon a bearer of truth simply because of the riches and power he holds? Maybe, the story of Solomon is one of irony rather than affirmation of his power or use of power. Quickly, Solomon rises to the glorious heights, and quickly he falls to devastating humiliation. Brueggemann even alludes to Solomon being another form of Pharaoh, through his taxation, his boastfulness, his excesses, and his womanizing lifestyle.  Positive piety in the building of the temple does not negate the requirement to keep on being faithful like his father David. The irony of Solomon's reign is that we learn NOT to compromise on steadfast faithfulness, justice, and righteousness. The way the narrative of Solomon's life is written shows us in the modern world, that power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. More importantly, truth stands forever.

With the continuing fall of Israelite kings and princes, the Lord raises up prophets. One of them is Elisha that the Lord raises in the midst of a terrible Ahab reign. Continuing the work of the prophet Elijah, we read about how the power of the kings are countered by the truth telling by the prophets. It is a classic truth subverting the power of the land at that time. Truth speaks out for the needy, while power hangs on without appropriate regard for the poor. Truth gives life, while power takes life. Truth is true power. Worldly control is impending doom. Brueggemann makes a sharp observation that "established power specializes in explanations. But Gospel truth does not wait for that. It rushes on to new life."

Fortunately, in Josiah, we have hope of a good king. Primary to this truth and power at work is in the obedience to the Scriptures. The great reform is focused on the Deuteronomic teachings. Indeed, the book of Deuteronomy is about "social responsibility and public policy." It reminds us of the blessings, the curses, and the proper use of power. Lest we, together with the very power we hold, get cut off.

The final chapter consolidates and highlights the role of the Church and disciples. It encourages believers that God's truth will rise up from humble grounds. We cannot let modern ideologies dictate or direct our view of truth. We need to let God's Word guide and lead us in letting the biblical worldview shape everything else. We need to be ready to tell the truth in love, to stand up for the truth, and to speak out for truth. In conclusion, we need to obey God rather than earthly powers.

My Thoughts

Brueggemann's writings have always been inspiring and thought provoking. He is well read and very perceptive of the world reality. At the same time, he is steep in the tradition of Scriptures, in particular, the Old Testament, and sense how God has moved in the hearts of the kings, the prophets, the priests, the people, and even showing us that truth subverts everything. Whether it is in the Old or the New Testament, God is sovereign. Whether it is through evil powers held by Pharaoh or ungodly kings, or whether it is through temporary success and power in Solomon, truth will stand firm to the end. I like the way Brueggemann integrates Old Testament narratives, the New Testament teachings, and his observations of the political powers in different eras, to drive home this single point: It is truth that speaks to power, and not vice versa. The essence of truth is in obedience to God more than man. It is to grow gradually from the richness and fertility of God's Word, rather than the temporal deceitfulness of the world. It is to stand up for truth, regardless of power or powerlessness, riches or poverty, fame or unknown. Truth subverts simply because the world that we know, will always want to protect and to consolidate their power and authority at all costs, even subverting truth.  Eventually, truth wins.

Rating: 5 stars of 5

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Westminster John Knox Press and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Singing Grammarian" Video Bundle (H. Daniel Zacharias)

TITLE: Singing Grammarian 17 Video Bundle [Video Download]
AUTHOR: H. Daniel Zacharias
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2013.

With catchy melodies and sometimes humourous linkages of memory mneumonics, this package of videos makes learning Greek memorable and fun. It reminds us again that the study of Greek need not be dry or difficult. If we can be creative in our learning methods, chances are, we can make learning a meaningful experience. Using music, powerpoint transitions, highlighted Greek paradigms, parsing tools, grammatical highlights, vocabulary, pronunciation, and many other tips for learning the biblical Greek, Zacharias sings with an encouraging voice supported by a clear visual presentation.

How should this tool be used? For a start, it can be used by teachers just before the teaching of the grammatical topic, and again at the end of the lesson. In the middle, the student will need to do the hard work of writing down the actual Greek, to be familiar with the words themselves, and how the endings, the nuances of the language, and the way each Greek table is constructed. This is the hard work that needs to be done first, and the video cannot replace this actual learning. The video aids a little bit in terms of helping the student to remember. It cannot be used to replace the need to memorize the table in the first place. Secondly, students will benefit by using these videos to remind them of what they have learned. Especially helpful before any test or exams, the videos can instill a melody to pull out stuff at the back of our heads. That is where the hard work done initially will prove helpful. Learning melodies can be easy, but without the actual content to be reminded about, the melodies remain useless melodies. Thirdly, the tool is a good way to refresh previous Greek students who have long forgotten their introductory Greek. Finally, if you can let your creativity run while, there are many other possible uses of this video bundle. Let me share one creative gem. This is especially for those of us who are young parents. What do we do if we want to sing our kids a bedtime melody, and at the same time, we have to prepare for an upcoming Greek grammar exam the next day? Do not fret. Play the melodies by Zacharias over and over again to charm our kids to sleep. Such parents who are also Greek students will not mind playing the melodies over and over again. The kids will love it. The Greek student will savour it. Maybe, the spouse may not find it as amusing but, well, if the kids can sleep well, and the Greek can be learned well, why not?

The list of 17 videos covers:

1. Articles
2. Greek Alphabet 
3. Aorist Active and Middle
4. Future Active and Middle
5. First Declension
6. Second Declension
7. Third Declension
8. Imperatives
9. Infinitives
10. Liquid Verbs
11. Participles
12. Passives
13. Present Active Indicative
14. PluPerfect
15. Present, Middle and Passive
16. Secondary Endings
17. Subjunctive

I find some of the videos a little too quick, especially with all the different Greek characters coming in and out of the transitions. This should not be a problem with modern technology. With the pause and rewind on the computer, it is easy to either slow down, replay, or to pause at any time to pace ourselves. The first time may take some getting used to. After a while, it's a breeze. Hang on to the videos. Learning Greek need not be dry and monotonous. This singing grammarian puts the fun back into learning Greek.

Note that this item can be purchased from Christian Book Distributors here. It is not available on Amazon.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This resource is provided to me free by Kregel Publications without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Opening Paul's Letters" (Patrick Gray)

TITLE: Opening Paul's Letters: A Reader's Guide to Genre and Interpretation
AUTHOR: Patrick Gray
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2012, (190 pages).

How can we make sense of Paul's letters and appreciate them not just for what they are, but also for what they mean for us in the modern era? Indeed, one of the difficulties for modern readers is to make sense of ancient letters written in a different time and place, to a different group of people and in a different genre that can often be understood in different ways. Do we read the letters like the way we read the constitution of our countries? Are the texts all capable of interpreting themselves? If there is any discrepancies, how do readers make sense of them? How do we prevent ourselves from superimposing our modern perspectives into Paul's times? In what way can we fairly and accurately interpret the epistles? The fact that many of these letters are canonized as Holy Scripture makes this guide an invaluable one. Readers at large need some way to understand the past, relate it with the present, and to let the letters point some direction toward the future for us as well as our descendants. The first thing to note is genre, where forms and structures differ a lot in content, and how they are used determine the context. In other words, before anyone attempts to interpret, the genre of the letter needs to be recognized first.

As long as we fail to recognize the historical contexts, the literary genres, and the appropriate way to read the epistles of Paul, we will not be able to understand, let alone apply the teachings of Paul. That is why this book has been written. Using a series of probing questions, filled with multiple insights from the world of genre categories, the nature and purpose of Paul's letters, Gray gives readers a guide as to how to read the text.

• When should we read "in front of" the text, meaning that Paul is writing directly to us?
• When should we read "behind the text," meaning that we need to probe deeper into the original contexts, the audiences, etc?
• When should we be reading "of" the text, meaning it all depends on reader interpretation?

These questions and many more are ably dealt with. Moreover, with modern readers more used to electronic communications and social media on the Internet, it brings in a whole new challenge in trying to appreciate Paul's writings in a modern age. Scholars generally take on at least one of the three approaches when studying Paul. The first approach is historical or chronological, where the original contexts are learned, to make some sense of the ancient puzzle. The second approach is theological or thematic, and here is where applications are more freely offered through themes that are not necessarily time-dependent. The third approach is to see Paul's letters as "epistolary," where the medium of communications is key to understanding what the message is all about. There is a conversation going on. There is a personal touch amid the theological arguments in place. There is care and tenderness as well as rebuke and harshness.

As the reader plunges into the book, the depth and richness of nuancing Paul's letters quickly becomes evident. There is a multi-dimensional reading of the letters. Chapter 1 adopts the historical approach where the culture and nature of society in 1st century Palestine are described. Gray calls this step "absolutely necessary" if anyone wants to seriously understand what Paul is trying to say. Only by understanding the ethnic, social, cultural, linguistic, and various laws of the land. It compares the Hebrew worldview with the Romans and the Greeks. It touches on the politics of the lands and the philosophies at that time. It describes the social relationships, and to highlight the uniqueness in understanding the many facets of life in the 1st Century, as well as their view of spirituality and religion. Chapter 2 is a fascinating comparison of modern letter writing and the letters of Paul. It helps readers understand what Paul is trying to say, as well as what he is NOT trying to say. This chapter alone helps us avoid some common errors in saying things about Paul, that Paul obviously will frown on. Pseudo-Libanius even lists 41 different types of letters! Of particular interest is chiasm, where rhetorical and content are beautifully placed to exact maximum effect. Gray then goes through each letter of Paul to classify them accordingly. Chapter 3 goes into the letters viewing Paul as a skilled lawyer through argumentation and precise reasoning. It is a challenge to understand the implications and also a beauty in appreciating the whole flow of thought. There is healthy exhibition of ethos (from character of person), pathos (emotional), and logos (intellectual). Paul knows his audience well, and writes in a way for the benefit of the audience. Chapter 4 focuses on Paul knowing this very audience. Drawing from both biblical, non-biblical, and extra-biblical sources, Gray gives readers a kaleidoscope of knowledge about the target audiences of each letter. Here, Gray brings clarity to the question of who the primary audience and the secondary audience are. Chapter 5 reveals Paul as an Old Testament reader himself. Paul quotes and alludes to the Old Testament often. He is very familiar and demonstrates his mastery of the Hebrew Scriptures. In fact, Gray comments that if one is to remove all the Old Testament references, very little of Paul's letters will be left for us! Chapter 6 talks about the authorship issues, confirming the authenticity of letters such as Romans, Corinthians, Galatians, Philippians, Thessalonians, and Philemon, while remaining agnostic about Ephesians, Colossians, and the Pastoral epistles. Finally, Gray brings out some pointers for interested readers to ask and to research further upon. The appendices contain some historical information and classification for preachers, teachers, leaders, and laypersons to use for their teaching ministry.

My Thoughts

I have often wondered about how one man can exert such a powerful influence then and now. His letters having been canonized by the Church make for much reflection and obedience by those of us who call ourselves disciples of Christ. Paul is one disciple who has written the most, argued the most eloquently, and debated the most passionately. Imagine with me this. If the letters by themselves can be studied without knowing all the facts about the author, the audience, or the contexts, how much more will readers gain, if they get a better understanding of the background, the purpose, the original climate, as they study the letters. It will not only shed light on understanding. It raises new perspectives and powerful insights not just on how best to read Paul's letters, but a more glorious view of the Kingdom of God, for which Paul has fought a good fight, finished the race, and kept the faith. All Pauline scholars, or anyone interested in the epistles of the New Testament ought to pick up this book. For in this book, it brings about greater clarity, a more nuanced understanding, and above all, a more appreciative view of what one man in Christ had to endure, in order to be a witness for God. Gray makes the technical, the scholarship, and the seemingly dry part of theology, and turns it into a concise logical flow, with thematic and highly readable style, coupled with a deep love for Scriptures that is infectious. I highly recommend this book for students and teachers of the Bible. For lack of a personal encounter with the Apostle Paul, this book is perhaps the best available for now.


Rating: 5 stars of 5

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Baker Academic and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"My Soul Feels Lean" (Joyce Rupp)

TITLE: My Soul Feels Lean: Poems of Loss and Restoration
AUTHOR: Joyce Rupp
PUBLISHER: Notre Dame, IN: Sorin Books, 2013, (176 pages).

This warm and gentle book of poems and reflective meditations are written by a spiritual teacher who has sometimes been called a "spiritual midwife." She helps people navigate between the past and the future, in the challenging phase of now. She has written many books on spirituality and is a popular teacher at retreats and conferences.Taken from her years of interactions with people facing loss, death, and despair, she brings together her wealth of knowledge and reflection in 107 poems that reflect about how a lean soul looks at loss and restoration.

The first part of the book leads the reader through the ups and downs of loss. It asks what loss means to the soul. Is there a way to continue through life during times of grief? Instead of a how to manual on how to do this or why we do that, Rupp invites the reader to journey along the valley of questions without any impatient demand for quick answers. It is more descriptive of the emotional condition rather than prescribing a solution for the problems of life. Both positive and negative emotions are simply treated as is, reserving judgment on whether they are good or no good, preserving as accurately as possible the feelings without making a judgment, and gently flowing words that move with the heart. There are poems to encourage the meek to step forth in courage, the comfort of hope even when losing a job, the longing for mother, a mood of rejection and regret. Rupp expands her poems beyond North America, into the African continents, seeking a sense of meaning for the hunger, disease, and thirst. Where is love? What emotions do terrorism evoke? What about the loss of friendship? These and many more issues of life are dealt with not by prescribing solutions, but by engaging the mood of the moment, to express the deeper longing of the heart, so vulnerable to modern technological putdowns and human impatience.

The second part of the book takes a look forward to search for restoration and hope. This means new growth amid the Winter drought. It means learning to hear the breathing of Spring. It means that even in dying, there is hope for the living. In quietness and trust, one looks for a sense of freshness and a new beginning of New Year's Day. It encourages one not to run away from problems, but to be resolute to face them and tackle them in good time. Singing a melody, pacing with the rhythm, and waking up to the oft-missed little details of life in a fast-paced world, readers are encouraged to let go of non-realistic expectations and be more aware of the existential framework, anchored by hope.

There is very little references to the Christian faith, except for some brief allusions for hope and anticipation of a more restorative future. Nevertheless, this book is about journeying through life, and is a good companion for our spiritual walk through life. Loss is something that we will face from time to time. Restoration is something we need to have most of the time. Most of all, this book is a reminder that life is not to be treated as a giant jigsaw puzzle to be solved. It is to be appreciated for what it is.

Rating: 4 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Ave Maria Press and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Pilgrim Theology" (Michael Horton)

TITLE: Pilgrim Theology: Core Doctrines for Christian Disciples
AUTHOR: Michael Horton
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011, (512 pages).

Who needs another theology textbook? We all do. We need to be reminded over and over again that we are pilgrims on a journey, needing food and guidance to complete it. We need to learn the core doctrines over and over again in a world of many conflicting philosophies and worldviews. We need resources to help teach and guide younger believers among us. Enter's "Pilgrim Theology" that aims to bridge reality and theology as one.

This is an abridged version of Horton's magnus opus book on Systematic Theology, "The Christian Faith." While the original is more than 1000 pages long, this book of "core doctrines for Christian disciples" is about half the size. Like the bigger predecessor, Horton explains the reason for the title of his book, that it is meant for Christian disciples on a journey of spiritual growth, underpinned by a common theological statement of faith.  It is the author's convictions that theology needs to be learned humbly, obediently, and practically. It is reality that forces the disciple to want to learn theology. It is our need for God that we have to develop an understanding of core doctrines as followers of Christ. Knowing the story of God helps guide our own spiritual direction. Just like the directions that a compass provides, Horton uses "four coordinates" to help guide one's theological expedition. The first one is "drama" that begins with God, the history of the world, and the eventual glory of God. As this drama unfolds, the second coordinate, the "doctrines" help disciples navigate life from God's perspective. The third coordinate, "doxology" presents to disciples the way of life, the manner in which we ought to conduct ourselves in our relationships to God, to people, and to all of creation. Finally, the last coordinate, "discipleship" represents the essence of what the Church and the community of God need to do. More importantly, all of these coordinates are dynamic and asserted together. Thus, knowing the truth, practicing the truth, experiencing God, mental or spiritual, physical or experiential, when it comes to practicing pilgrim theology, life cannot be compartmentalized.

In a nutshell, this book works on the assumption that theology begins with God, with life, in Christ through the gospel, and continues with growing theological awareness, learning, and practice. Roughly following the way the Bible is written, the book begins with the Word, and starts with a brief engagement with the philosophies of the new atheists. It compares theism with other philosophies like polytheism, pantheism, panentheism, deism, as well as new atheism. It talks about the different ways we understand God as good. For example,  is good being used univocally (same meaning), equivocally (slightly ambiguous), or analogically (roughly speaking)? It talks about general and special revelation, rationalism, and affirms the death and resurrection of Christ. Chapter 1 sets the stage on how theology can be learned. The book goes through the fundamentals of the Bible as the Word of God, with explanation of authority, inspiration, inerrancy, and the covenants of redemption and grace. It covers God's incommunicable attributes of simplicity, aseity, immutability, impassibility, and eternity, as well as communicable attributes. Other topics include:

• Theology of the Triune Godhead
• Creation, 
• Sin and the Fall
• Christology
• The Holy Spirit
• The Kingdom of God
• Union with Christ
• Sanctification
• Salvation
• Sacraments of Baptism, Communion and other rites
• Church
• Eschatology
• and many more.

I find the book very well laid out. With tables and fluent flow of arguments, readers will not only find much clarity in the explanation of core doctrines, the overall readability is rather enjoyable. The tables that compare the different attributes and features of each theological point are alone worth the price of this book. To cap it off, Horton provides a helpful summary with questions, key pointers, and terms at the end of the book to jiggle the reader's memory, and to provide a quick reference to what has been presented. This provides the busy reader a quick reference guide to jump back to relevant portions where needed. The glossary and the tables at the end help to put together the doctrines according to the four coordinates of this book's theme. This book is a teacher's dream for teaching theology to the layperson. There is a free study guide to accompany this book too. You can download it here.

I highly recommend this book for teaching theology for the Church as well as the classroom.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Zondervan and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Charts on the Book of Hebrews" (Herbert Bateman IV)

TITLE: Charts on the Book of Hebrews (Kregel Charts of the Bible and Theology)
AUTHOR: Herbet Bateman IV
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Academic, 2012, (272 pages).

This book brings together a host of scholarship material and sources in the form of visual charts. Easily accessible and clear, Bateman distills into a small book what many researchers, pastors, teachers, scholars, and theologians will need hours and large resources to discover. Written in four parts, Bateman brings together a wide variety of scholarship through history to bring us an easy and convenient reference rolled into one volume. Part One considers the introductory information surrounding Hebrews. There are lots of information with regards to the sources and authorship of the ancient book of Hebrews. There is a historical spread from the ancient Church fathers, theologians, scholars, and leaders through the centuries, to modern critical scholarship. In just a few pages, readers are treated to a breathtaking view of perspectives through the centuries. Just on authorship alone, the many viewpoints on who wrote the book of Hebrews provide a glimpse into the complexities and difficulties of determining with any scientific accuracy the originators of the book. Some say Paul while others say Barnabas, or another of Jesus' disciples. Some even mention Mary and Clement of Syria as possible authors! Even modern commentators are not in agreement about it. This is why many modern Bible commentaries on Hebrews will indicate "unknown" as a better way to answer the authorship question. The genre and structure of Hebrews are highlighted with ample references and explanation of the different viewpoints. Of lesser dispute is the destination of Hebrews where most of the scholarship agree that it is Rome. That said, the other possible destinations are Colossae, Antioch, or simply unknown. Generally, it is agreed that Jewish Christians are the primary audience of the book of Hebrews.

Part Two goes deeper into the content of Hebrews, providing helpful references to Old Testament allusions, Jewish cultic practices and rituals, priesthood, and many Messianic figures mentioned in Hebrews.  There are dating considerations. This section is important, espcially for non-Jewish readers because the book of Hebrews can be better appreciated if one understands the Jewish practices of old first.

Part Three highlights the differente views of the theologies in Hebrews. It focuses on the Person of Jesus, suggests how Hebrews paint the portraits of God, each with biblical references. It points out the different characteristics of Jesus and how the Triune Godhead works together to sustain creation, radiate God's glory, how God guides, and many more. There are constant parallels between Hebrews and the Old Testament to cement the tight relationship between the testaments. Jesus is wisdom. The Word of God is wisdom. God is wisdom. Of particular interest is how Hebrews refers to Jesus through many different titles, royal, priestly, and messianic.  There are also non-regal as well as divine titles.

Part Four will be of particular interest to students of exegesis and word study interest. Reading like a concordance in many ways, the various biblical texts and translations are carefully compared and contrasted.  It does to Hebrews what Burton Throckmorton has done to the synoptic gospels. While Throckmorton has compared the synoptic gospels side by side, Bateman compares the Hebrew text side by side with the Septuagint and the relevant Old and New Testament texts. However, there is a slight difference. Bateman leaves the reader to do most of the reading and interpretation. In fact, the book is basically there to highlight the nuances of the text, as well as the different perspectives through the ages. The reader needs to do the interpretation, and the application of the text. The figures of speech tables show us how important it is to understand the symbolic nature of much of the language in Hebrews. Addressing this step well is key to applying the text.

Hebrews is not an easy book to study, let alone understand the plain reading of it. There are lots of background information that the modern layperson or the casual reader will miss out. This book is an exegetical swiss knife to understand the background, the symbols, the history, the theology, and many aspects of Hebrews. It lists down ready references for students to use as a primer in Hebrew studies. It is also a quick reference for pastors and teachers to use in their powerpoint slides or preaching outlines. What I appreciate most is how Bateman has concisely put complex information into simple tables and charts for ease of reading and appreciation of the complexity when studying the book of Hebrews. With this book, no one should be afraid to study Hebrews. In fact, this book will empower any interested reader to learn more and to appreciate Hebrews even more.

If you are a pastor, professor, scholar, researcher, or Bible teacher, this book is certainly a must have as part of your biblical resource.

Rating: 5 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Kregel Academic without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"Utmost" (Oswald Chambers)

TITLE: Utmost: Classic Readings and Prayers
AUTHOR: Oswald Chambers, (edited by James Reimann)
PUBLISHER: Grand Rapids, MI: Discovery House Publishers, 2012, (112 pages).

A classic will continue to be revered through the ages, in many different forms and formats. Since 1927,  "My Utmost for His Highest" has been re-published many times due to popular demand. This testifies to the power and durability of the devotionals which are often thought provoking, but always Christ honouring. It challenges readers to give of their utmost, to let the devotional be a challenge each day. This book attempts to bring together 90 of Chambers's best devotions. Each day, the devotions begin with a Scripture verse and end with a prayer. It creates a context for thinking and followed by a challenge to apply. It calls for surrender. It pleads for constant remembrance of the call of God for us. It points to Jesus as the Author and Finisher of our faith. In just a page a day, readers will find that there is no need to hurry through the words. Its brevity invites quiet reflection. Its depth creates ripples of spiritual movements. Its simplicity and directness gives readers a quick understanding of what the text is saying. Its challenges remind readers that following Christ means giving our utmost for God's highest.

With this small book of devotions, even for the busy professional, devotions are not only made easier, it becomes an enjoyable experience. The selections are quite wide in covering the ups and downs of the spiritual life. In 90 days, we get a glimpse of each. Read through the devotional and grow spiritually.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Discovery House Publishers and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.

"God is on the Cross" (Dietrich Bonhoeffer)

TITLE: God Is on the Cross: Reflections on Lent and Easter
AUTHOR: Dietrich Bonhoeffer
PUBLISHER: Louisville, KY: Westminster John Knox Press, 2012, (112 pages).

We are at the midpoint of the Season of Lent for 2013. Ideally, this devotional is best used at the beginning of Lent, that is, Ash Wednesday. That said, it is good to go, we can still benefit from learning how to reflect and ponder over the meaning of God on the Cross. It is one thing to read something from an author in a world of peace and comfort. It is yet another to read something from Bonhoeffer living in a time of war with much distress and discomfort. Thus, we have a book here from an author who has been called a modern prophet, a passionate pastor, and of course a suffering martyr. Executed just days before the end of World War II, Bonhoeffer identifies closely with the season of Lent, chiefly because of his deep love for Jesus and an earnest desire to follow him all the way, even surrendering his life. Five weeks of meditations are laid out. Note that these works are selected from Bonhoeffer's other writings, and Bonhoeffer himself did not compile the whole book as it is in our current form. This has been done by the editor. The editor has also put together the selected writings into five major themes, one per week. This too is the work of the editor.

Week One focuses on "Prayerful Reflection." Bonhoeffer leads readers through meditations on the temptations of Christ in the wilderness, how to adjust our heart's attitude to God when praying, that our desire to pray must be independent of our moods.

Week Two follows with "Self-Denial," a trait of Bonhoeffer's writings, especially the "Cost of Discipleship." We deny ourselves not for ourselves' sake. We do so for God and for love of our people. We avoid cheap grace. We do not idolize our own needs. In fact, self-denial means being fully focused on following Christ, only Christ. Is that a difficult thing? No, says Bonhoeffer. In fact, the irony is that such a "yoke" that we are called to carry is light, for the heaviest yoke has been borne by Christ.

Week Three is about "Temptation." Going back to the temptations of Christ in the wilderness, we are reminded that temptations are not to be taken lightly. We must be on our guard. We need to be prayerful for temptations will come to us in a matter of time. We must cultivate an inner power of resistance. We need to resist any attitude of reciprocal evil. We need to be prepared to die for Christ' sake. This time is also about watching out to resist temptation and waiting for the coming of Christ.

Week Four touches on the "Question of Suffering." Based very much on personal experience and deep meditation on Scripture, Bonhoeffer dives into the meaning and motivation behind suffering. In doing so, we identify with the weak and powerless, the sick and the distressed, the bullied and the despised. Most importantly, suffering is temporary. Salvation will come. Following Christ means following at all costs, both good and bad times. It means participation in Christ, who himself suffered. It means learning to be patient and in constant remembrance of Christ.

Week Five is the culmination of Lent, where the highlight is the Cross and the Resurrection. Commonly referred to as Holy Week, our attention is on the cross, and how God's love is expressed. From Palm Sunday to Easter, one must go through Maundy Thursday when Jesus was betrayed, and Good Friday where Jesus was crucified.

Devotional books are meant to help us develop an awareness of the presence of God, and not meant to be theological journals or philosophical analyses. The way to use books like these is consistency, reflective, slowly, and purposefully. This book moves gently from Week One to Week Five of Lent in such a way that the reader will find it helpful not to rush, but to ponder carefully the purpose, the power, the people, and the passion of Christ. There are short quips from his letters and notes. Scripture verses are placed at the end of each day to aid prayer. It's a great book for Lent.

Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.

conrade

---

This book is provided to me free by Westminster John Knox Press and NetGalley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.