Off the Shelf

2009 Christmas Book Reviews
From the November 2009 Philogian

It has been my usual custom since introducing this segment of the Philogian many years ago, to use the final year-end issue to help you as you make decisions as to what to get that “reading friend” for Christmas.  Recently I walked into a local national book retail chain and I was overwhelmed with the number of books upon the shelves.  Each one was screaming out to be read by someone.  Then I was reminded of those words from Solomon, who himself was an author: Of making many books there is no end, and much study wearies the body (Ecclesiastes 12:12).

There are some books written for the “now moment.”  Their impact is very temporary.  Many of them focus upon cultural and political issues.  These books are important as they better enable us to understand the society in which we live.  But, be careful; these books cut across a wide spectrum of political philosophies – from liberal to conservative.  I must admit that I tend to shy away from these volumes unless the book is highly acclaimed by pundits. 

There are authors that I tend to gravitate toward because I have found both encouragement and blessing in their works.  One such writer is John MacArthur.  Over the years of my ministry, the writings of this man have challenged both my heart and mind.  He has a clear grasp of Scripture and is able to communicate those truths clearly and precisely.  His most recent work, A Tale of Two Sons, is a powerful study of the Parable of the Prodigal Son.  I have also referred many students to two other volumes that came from his pen.  First, The Truth War resonates with the need to rediscover a solid foundation of biblical truth as opposed to much of the experiential approach to preaching that is being shared today.  This book so gripped my heart that I have read it twice.  A second book is titled, Twelve Extraordinary Women.  This is a fascinating study in the lives of women mightily used by God.  By the way, each of these books would make for a fascinating and lively small group discussion.

A second name I highly respect and whose writings fill one of my library shelves is that of C.S. Lewis.  If there is one person who helped me to wrestle with the foundational truths of Christianity, it was this brilliant Oxford scholar.  Let me just mention of few of his writings that would make an excellent gift that would literally change a life.  Mere Christianity is one of the best introductory doctrinal studies that I know.  Its pages are a part of my regular reading habit.  And, in these days of increased awareness of spiritual warfare, I can highly recommend Screwtape Letters.  And, for those of you who have younger children or grandchildren, let them experience the joys of Peter, Edmund, Susan, and Lucy, Aslan, and the other wonderful creatures in the Land of Narnia. 

Other writers that I rely upon for encouragement in my spiritual journey include: J.I. Packer – one of the great Bible scholars of our time; Joel Rosenberg – a man who has great insight into prophetic truths as applied to our contemporary world scene – his fictional works will cause you to beg for more, and his nonfiction will cause you to dig more deeply into the message of the prophets; and Philip Yancey – a man who will get you to thinking deeply about what you believe.
Finally, as many of you know, I enjoy reading history.  This past year was the celebration of the 200th anniversary of Abraham Lincoln’s birthday.  In honor of that momentous occasion, I read Doris Kearns Goodwin’s outstanding book titled, Team of Rivals.  This book is a study of Lincoln and the relationships he had with those men who served on his cabinet.  As you know, a majority of those who were part of that cabinet had strongly opposed Lincoln in the 1860 presidential campaign.  Some were even of the opposing political party.  But Lincoln was enabled to see beyond the petty political differences to the great abilities each man would bring to his administration.  This book will be acclaimed for many years as the definitive study of Lincoln, the leader. 

And speaking of history, I need to refer you to the recent multi-volume series of historical novels being written by Brock and Bodie Thoene.  There are now eleven books in the A.D. Chronicles series.  I have not read any in the series, but my wife has thoroughly enjoyed them.  It is the story of the life of Jesus.  I know what many of you are thinking, but I also know that the Thoenes are very careful in their research before writing any of their historical novels.  They have a grasp of geography, culture, and history of the period of which they are writing.  Fortunately, many of the earlier volumes in this series are now in paperback so they are more economical. 

The long winter months will soon be upon us.  Those cold, blustery nights beckon us to escape into the world of reading.  So, enjoy a warm fire, a steaming cup of cider, and a good book.  Your heart and your mind will thank you.

 

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