iCrucified

Posts Tagged ‘Book Reviews’

I received a copy of the Voice New Testament from Thomas Nelson for review. I’m not sure if I like it or not. My first impressions are a mixed bag; there are definitely some things that I like, but there are also things that I do not like. Let me explain my reasons…

It goes without saying this is a personal review and my opinion only; however, I’m a bit of a translation junkie when it comes to Bibles and the Greatest Story Ever Told. I love reading different translations and versions…always excited to read a “fresh” retelling of the Story. I’m always a little bit leery when the story seems “too fresh.” While I haven’t gone cover-to-cover in the Voice New Testament, it seems there are some portions that are, in my opinion, too fresh. By this I mean, there might be some biased interpretation, or so it seems by the way the reader is led through interpretive “call out” boxes and italicized statements placed in the text for inference. This isn’t necessarily wrong or bad, but I don’t particularly care for it (personally). I find that it can be misleading when trying to accurately understand the text; not always, but sometimes. In fairness to the Voice, I feel the same way about most study Bibles. Also, with respect to the translation team, they do qualify the nature of the italicized statements and the call-out boxes and instruct the reader these elements are not in the original texts.

I appreciate the “spirit” behind the translation. I also respect the teams that have put in work to make the translation. I enjoy the flow and screenplay format of the reading; I found it to be very fluid and easy to follow…definitely as though I were reading a story rather than a verse by verse recounting. There were no repetitious stumbling through the verses, chapters, and books; this made the reading easy and pleasant too. I do think a chronological approach to this work might be something I’d enjoy more than the present version.

I want to spend more time with the Voice, but my recommendations for now are as follows: I recommend it with a few caveats. I don’t think it should be a primary study Bible; I don’t care for the liberties taken that I observe when I place the Voice alongside versions like the ESV, NSRV, and even NIV, and NLT. I think it would serve very well as a devotional-supplemental reader (once again, the authors and publishers call this a “personal devotional Bible”) as it is titled in point-of-sale material. I’m up in the air as to whether I’d recommend it for curious seekers or not. I’d probably be more inclined to determine that on a case by case basis. I think if it did not have the call-outs and italicized inferences I might be more open to those recommendations…especially when I consider other dynamic translations and paraphrased Bibles that would serve this same purpose without leading interpretation.

All in all, I plan to spend more time with it, do additional side-by-side comparisons with other Bible translations and checking some of the “call-outs” and italicized inferences with my study Bibles and commentaries. I will update my review at a later date when I have had the opportunity to be more thorough. In the interim, try it, you may enjoy it. Mine is just one opinion, and even with my points of contention, there are many things that I still like.

Send article as PDF to

I received a copy of Dug Down Deep: Unearthing What I Believe and Why It Matters by Joshua Harris from WaterBrook Multnomah who provided it for my review. My first impressions are solid; the book is good and I would (will) recommend it for reading. Pardon my pun, but I found the book “earthy,” meaning it was easy to read in a manner that is very conversational. The book addresses the building blocks of doctrinal theology and Harris follows a very systematic approach as he develops each of these foundational blocks. Below is my own chart comparison (First column is the name of the doctrine of study; second column describes the study; third column is Joshua Harris’ chapter title that teaches on that description and doctrine. This may or may not have been the author’s intent, but it is my gleaning) from my interpretation and reading.

The book is not about systematic theology as much as “why it matters” (as reflected in the title). Harris follows his own experience with stories, anecdotal experiences, metaphors that help to keep the reader involved. I don’t want to sound condescending with my next statement and I hate stereotypes, but I don’t know how else to articulate my impression. This book is a great resource for the “unstudied” Christian, the seeker-curious, new convert, and anyone else that might fall into any category outside of Bible scholar. I think it might be helpful for the egghead-academic-ivory-tower-sanctified-saint too. It might help us to get over our sanctimonious self-importance and think more toward the practical when talking to others about our faith.

Personally, I think the book might be a little too “western flavored” for my tastes; and by that I mean traditional evangelical in its temper, but that is my opinion. Regardless of my opinion, I think it is a great addition to my useful resource list of tools and books to help people understand why it is necessary to know what and why they believe what they believe. I firmly agree that we should “own our faith” rather than “parrot” someone else’s faith. To this end, I am encouraging my fourteen year old son to read Dug Down Deep now that I have finished it…and will be placing it on a recommended reading list in my local church.

Read the rest of this entry »

Send article as PDF to

Book Review: The Tangible Kingdom

The Tangible Kingdom: Creating Incarnational Community by Hugh Halter & Matt Smay

Hmmm…what to say, what to say…

LOVED IT.

A book like this requires some degree of back-story, and it was provided, so it was a little long for me to get to the nitty gritty of what I was searching for in the story. It was around chapters nine and ten that I found myself getting “sucked in” to the heart of what Hugh Halter was driving at. I am incredibly excited about the community described in the tangible kingdom. It brings great joy to me to hear that people are living the life that Jesus taught…and not some cheaply interpreted facsimile of it.

Chapters ten through around fourteen were mostly about deconstruction from the “way we have always done things.” I appreciated that Halter was not overly critical toward the methods he was deconstructing; in fact, he seemed very sensitive to the people entrenched in those systems.

Chapters fifteen through eighteen were rebuilding chapters; teaching the foundational elements of this “incarnational community.” Everything that was shared in these chapters just seemed to make such beautiful sense… I found myself saying over and over; “yes, yes, yes, yes…!!!”

The final chapters, nineteen through twenty-one, were about the focus and outcome of the three primary components of the community once people decide to “join” the community. This focus hinges on togetherness, oneness, and otherness…and I’ll stop there. The teaching and the illustrations used by Hugh Halter and Matt Smay are very clear and easy to understand. It would be my great desire to see this community with my own eyes. I would love to get some one-on-one leadership development from an existing-healthy-functioning community.

In my opinion, this is another 5-star book and another must read for those people and leaders desiring to live missionally and incarnationally (buzzwordsy I know, but I don’t know how else to describe it). Personally, I don’t know that I’d follow everything from this book… I have some personal convictions that differ from the authors, but I understand the heart of his passion and with that I agree 100%. I recommend this book very highly. I’m glad to kickoff my 2010 reading year with this one; a great way to start it out.

Send article as PDF to

Book Review: Tales of a Mad Mystic – New Parables to Amuse and Confuse Seekers of Truth

A few weeks ago I received for review a copy of the book, Tales of a Mad Mystic: New Parables to Amuse and Confuse Seekers of Truth. The book is a self-published work and written by “John the Methodist,” a nom de plume or penname of the author who (presently) wishes to remain anonymous. The book is available for purchase through Amazon marketplace.

First impressions:

The book is arranged into eight groups of parables. The groups are cleverly titled to reflect the nature of the parable(s) they head. Most of the little narratives are less than ten pages in length making the book a relatively quick read. While a reader could easily read this collection in a single sitting or two, I wouldn’t recommend doing so. The parables invite consideration and reflection in order to fully appreciate what the author offers to the reader. Personally, I found reading one group of parables at a time to be the most beneficial practice allowing me time to consider several lessons within a theme before moving on to the next subject group. Overall, I liked the book and found it thought-provoking on many levels.

Highlights:

Before the reader begins the first group of parables, John the Methodist includes ten articles of religion (actually he calls them The Ten Great Laws of Organized Religion). While I found these “great laws” humorous, often chuckling out loud as I read them, I was also saddened by the truth of them. Interestingly, I do not think these articles of religion were random, but they served as a backdrop for the parables themselves…

The synopsis from the back cover of the book states that, “All the stories in this book are amusing and childlike in their simplicity, but, look a little deeper and you may find much more.” I think this claim is fair and accurate. I did not encounter any great and profound truth, but I was stirred to think and I agree that the stories included in Tales could be an excellent tool for discussion groups.

I think each person will find their favorites from this little collection of narratives; I landed on a few that I particularly liked. The parables that appealed especially to me were; The Bishop and the Begger, The Reluctant Ruler, Heirlooms, Jaws, Speak No Evil, and ALERT LA318… I can’t tell you why, you’ll have to read the book and come to your own conclusions and favorites.

Final Thoughts:

A parable is supposed to be brief and succinct…even simplistic in order to portray a simple, and often universal, truth. The parable is often devoid of back story and character development, but this does not mean they are not skillfully and intricately woven in their simplicity of meaning. If I have any criticism of the Tales (constructively intended), it would be the intended “aha” moment for some of the stories. In several of the parables, John the Methodist, drew me into a narrative; my curiosity piqued…anticipating the next turn of the page…when suddenly the story dropped very flatly and abruptly. In these instances I was left unfulfilled and slightly disappointed. I think, gauging from the delight I found in some of the other parables, and given a little more thought…these lackluster stories could have been much more invoking and insightful. All in all, I give the book a “thumbs up” approval. Tales of a Mad Mystic is a good read and most readers will find something in this collection of tales that bring them enjoyment.

Send article as PDF to

Book Review: Primal – A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity

By Mark Batterson

Before I get into the meat of my review, I have to confess that Primal started off rather slowly for me. I’m accustomed to the writing style of Mark Batterson and pretty familiar with his speaking and teaching style. I’ve listened to his sermons from NCC and followed his blog for several years in addition to reading his books. It is/was probably me, but it just seemed that this book seemed a little sluggish in getting moving with the storyline, but I might be getting ahead of myself. Let me tell you a little about the premise of the book; the following is from the back cover:

“Our generation needs a reformation. But a single person won’t lead it. A single event won’t define it. Our reformation will be a movement of reformers living creatively, compassionately, courageously for the cause of Christ. This reformation will not be born of a new discovery.  It will be the rediscovery of something old, something ancient.  Something primal. What would your Christianity look like if it was stripped down to the simplest, rawest, purest faith possible? You would have more, not less. You would have the beginning of a new reformation—in your generation, your church, your own soul. You would have primal Christianity.”

—Mark Batterson, Primal

Mark takes the heart of his premise, primal, from the great commandment; “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your mind, all your soul, and all your strength” –Jesus (Mark 12:28-30). He then breaks this down in the book into four parts, deliberately and methodically unpacking these primal elements:

• The heart of Christianity is primal compassion…
• The soul of Christianity is primal wonder…
• The mind of Christianity is primal curiosity…
• And the strength of Christianity is primal energy…

So, while (and this speaking according to my personal preferences) I thought the book started a little slow, the cadence picked up rather quickly and by the time I reached part two (The Soul of Christianity) momentum was “full-on” and I found it difficult to read more than a page or two before I was having “Oh wow, I gotta write this down” moments.

I’m still debating this, but I think the Seventy Faces chapter (chapter five) may be my favorite. There were a number of great quotes in it that I’ll be “borrowing” (Don’t worry Mr. Batterson; I’ll be giving credit where it is due). This chapter is about reading, study, and becoming the word. I especially loved the following thoughts on the need to meditate on Scripture:

“Meditating on it (the Word) turns one-dimensional knowledge into two-dimensional understanding. Living I out turns two-dimensional understanding into three-dimensional obedience… Meditation is the way we metabolize Scripture. That’s how it gets into our soul.”

—Mark Batterson, Primal

I mentioned following Mark’s ministry at NCC and his Evotional.com blogsite. One of the endearing qualities for me with Primal is my noticing some of the teaching illustrations and metaphors that have evolved and become crystal clear in this work. Several years ago I remember a teaching series at the NCC I listened to many times on my iPod (still have this one saved actually) called The Neurology of Faith. I recognized quite a few points from the Neurology series as well as a number of illustrations from various blogging posts. I particularly enjoy seeing things that have developed from the “now and raw” into cohesive and fully formed teaching. I believe that Mark Batterson is a very gifted teacher and speaker; his latest book as well as those that have preceded Primal: A Quest for the Lost Soul of Christianity are proving him to be an equally gifted writer as well.  You can get a sneak peak from the publisher, Multnomah, here. Read the rest of this entry »

Send article as PDF to

As the year closes out I have started my reflection on the books I have read this past year and the ones that have impacted me most. It was tough to pick out a “top-ten” and all but impossible to order them one through ten in any relevance to importance or impact. So, without any more bantering, here’s my list of the Top Ten reads from 2009. As I have already made note, these are in no particular order. Each one has had a significantly huge impact in my thinking and my vision for this year, and I am sure, for years to come. Most of these I have provided a review for (some more detailed than others); you can find book reviews here. The full reading list of 2009 books can be found here.

If you’re looking for a list of prospective books for the upcoming year, these are my personal best recommendations:

Send article as PDF to

Book Review: 40 Loaves – Breaking Bread with Our Father Each Day by C. D. Baker

The book 40 Loaves: Breaking Bread with Our Father Each Day was provided for review by the WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group. I’ve spent the last 3 weeks now participating in the daily readings in 40 Loaves. Let me share a summary from the back cover of the book before sharing my own thoughts; the daily readings ask questions such as these…

“Why don’t I have more faith?”

“Why am I so bored with Jesus?”

“Why are Christians so hard for me to like?”

There are many questions we’re not supposed to ask when playing by the religious rules. It makes people uncomfortable. So why is it that Jesus invited questions and even asked some of them himself? What is it that you’re afraid to ask God? It’s a risky prospect to begin asking–but far riskier to continue simply trying to get by without knowing. Author C. D. Baker asked himself 40 soul-searching questions which started a conversation in his heart and ultimately showed him more about God than He ever expected.

Can we become more honest with who we really are and find who God says He really is at the same time? Come indulge yourself in daily readings with an honest exploration of your secret fears and thoughts, and know that you will always be welcomed in God’s unconditional love.

Search me, O God … and know my anxious thoughts. (Psalm 139:23 NIV)

The book is written in a very manageable format. The daily reading begins with a question, followed with some devotional-experiential-anecdotal thoughts from C. D. Baker (author) and completes with a few introspective questions and a prayer. The actual reading and devotional time takes under 20 minutes…very doable for the active and busy person.

Personally, I’ve had a “love-hate” relationship with this little devotional book. At first glance, I thought (assumed) that the book would be “fluffy and shallow.” I was wrong. I’ve found many of the readings and subsequent meditations to be very provocative and challenging. On several accounts I was downright disturbed, and subsequently, spent most of the day pondering the questions posited from the reading. There have some occasions where I was pressed to consult Scripture to reinforce my position or find affirmation to what the author, Baker, was pushing at me. I think this is the sign of a worthy read. The subtitle reads; “Daily Readings to Renew a Hungry Spirit.” I think this rings true. This 40 Loaves is “good bread” and worthy of the 40 or so days of investment. Check out a sample from Waterbrook Multnomah. Your soul and your mind will be enriched.

Send article as PDF to

The Sacred Meal, by Nora Gallagher (The Ancient Practices Series)

The Sacred Meal by Nora Gallagher is a delightful book; period. There was nothing that I disliked or even remotely found issue within its contents. This is a lofty claim when speaking about something as sacramental as the Eucharist or Lord’s Supper. There are very diverse and polarizing positions regarding this holy practice, but Nora Gallagher has done an absolutely wonderful job of sharing insight about this communal, personal, sacred, public, and intimate practice. I loved reading the journey of her personal experiences and the gentle way she used them to explain the practice and purpose of this holy meal.

This book isn’t about instruction, nor is it about defining doctrinal perspective… it is about communion; coming together in order to remember and experience the breadth and body of our Savior Lord, Jesus Christ, and His Church universal. The Eucharist is much more than holy writ carried out by holy “roters.” The Lord’s Supper summons us (the church) to come to the table of our Lord forcing introspection and examination while in the presence of visible union with other believers doing likewise; unity and oneness that cannot be escaped. Nora Gallagher paints this picture using multiple scenes that give the reader permission to explore their own beliefs, but almost inescapably arriving at similar destination-conclusions regarding this practice…unity and oneness with Christ and with His Body, the Church.

As I have written, I loved the stories and experiences shared by Nora Gallagher in this book. Without giving too much away, I especially enjoyed her parallel comparing the Lord’s Supper with a soup kitchen; A Sacred Meal indeed. I think, if you are looking for instruction and information regarding the Eucharistic practice, this is a great book to supplement your journey. I don’t think it should stand alone, but it is an excellent companion to any other work you might have at your disposal. Highly recommended – more reviews here.

This book was provided by Thomas Nelson through their blogging for books program.

Send article as PDF to

Forgotten God: Reversing Our Tragic Neglect of the Holy Spirit by Francis Chan

I just finished the latest book by Francis Chan, Forgotten God. I definitely connected and agreed with his heart in this follow up to Crazy Love. There was a continuing theme throughout this book formed in questions, comments, stories, and testimony that never changed: Your life should be led by and filled to overflowing with the Holy Spirit of God. There is not a lot to be said by me that can further illustrate or explain what Francis Chan has already done in the book. You can preview the book here with this link from publisher David C. Cook. Also, you can find Q/A with Francis here concerning Forgotten God. Finally, an audio version is available for purchase as well at this link.

Forgotten God is well documented with (perhaps arguably; although I would not be one to argue) scriptural references. I really am at a loss as to what to say or write about this particular book. As I have said, I am tracking perfectly in sync with Francis’ words and discernment and I just find it difficult to add or share…more than what has already been, so clearly, illustrated.

I suppose the sum of the book is this; Jesus Christ calls his followers to abundant life, both here (in the present) and eternal. Abundant life should not be confused with material and physical prosperity, although sometimes this occurs in the context of abundant life. Abundant life is, at the core, walking in unity with the Triune God; Jesus said, “I am in the Father and the Father is in me…and I am in you.” Christ Jesus has empowered us with gift and blessing of the indwelling Spirit of God in order that our lives on earth might give testimony to, and glorification of, God Almighty.

Sadly, one of the greatest attacks against the Church has been perpetrated by misinformation, extenuation, and exploitation of the ministry and indwelling of God’s Holy Spirit. In one camp we have people that minimize and limit the power and work of the Holy Spirit, and in the other camp we have people who want to grandstand and (attempt to) exploit God’s Holy Spirit. Both camps are in error and propagate mockery of the Holy Spirit before an already cynical and watching world. If this is not outright blasphemy of the Holy Spirit, it is dangerously close (in my opinion).

Perhaps you have misunderstood the purpose and ministry of the Holy Spirit. If so, you might find this book enlightening, challenging, and inspiring…or perhaps your own desire and conviction needs encouragement and affirmation. Personally, I have found some ways of explaining this wonderful gift of God to others and hope to see more people walking in joyful, and victorious, fellowship with God. My recommendations are to purchase and read the book.

Francis shares a little about Forgotten God in this video:

Send article as PDF to

Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional by Jim Belcher

I couple or more weeks ago I completed the book Deep Church by Jim Belcher. There have been a number of very detailed and thoughtful reviews for this book, so I don’t feel compelled to echo what has already been shared (Google Deep Church or check the amazon.com site for more in depth reviews). One thing I can say about this book is I connected with it in a big way…although I may have missed the point; maybe.

The book is about, in several ways, the history of the emergent-emerging church movement in North America; it is also about something more, and that something more is what appealed to me so much. The subtitle of the book is “A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional,” and many reviewers and much more knowledgeable people than myself have agreed that Belcher’s proposal in Deep Church is a “third way” (opposed to the traditional church and the emerging church). I, on the other hand, do not think of it as much as a third way as much as the way. Let me share my thoughts on why.

First, my thoughts and conversation may seem somewhat out of context to talk about without some knowledge of the book, so let me say that a working knowledge of the emerging-emergent movement as well as the orthodox evangelical movement is needed if you plan to track with my thinking.

Moving on…

Jim Belcher has done a wonderful job on the research end of this proposal. Much of the opening dialogue of the book shares Belcher’s personal testimony and “insider’s look” at the formation of the emerging movement. Not only does he share experiential insight, but Belcher is well-read and well-informed outside his personal experience. I find his (seemingly) unbiased and educated insight very helpful in filling in some gaps in my own understanding. The book is extremely well documented and the endnotes are a treasure trove of resource references.

More to my personal connection with Deep Church was the heart with which Belcher conducted his study. It seems, if I am not mistaken, that he has a deeply passionate love for the Church, the Living Bride of Christ. I do not know Jim, although I traded emails with him, but I get the impression his motivation is sincere and God-pleasing…with a desire to help grow the church into becoming the glorious spotless bride the Bible ultimately proclaims that She will be. Read the rest of this entry »

Send article as PDF to