The Strategy of Satan: How to Detect and Defeat Him by Warren Wiersbe (Audiobook)

Coming Soon

All Is Grace: A Ragamuffin Memoir by Brennan Manning (Audiobook)

Disturbed. That’s the best word I know to describe how I felt after finishing this book—but not for the reasons one might think. I was disturbed in a good way (more about that later). Having read much of Brennan Manning’s work over the years, I was looking forward to hearing his story in his own words. I wanted to know the missing pieces, to understand better how the ragamuffin came to be such a wounded healer. I had gathered parts of Manning’s story from his books and messages. However, hearing the earthy descriptions of some of his setbacks surprised me—but then again they didn’t. 

Manning has had an unusual life compared to some, full of diverse experiences in Europe and the United States (military service, joining a Franciscan order, campus ministry, leaving the priesthood, marriage, becoming a prolific author and speaker). However, his struggles are the struggles of everyone who recognizes his or her own frailty and need for God’s grace and mercy. Just substitute the names and details of your own heartaches, failings, and fractured relationships. But he’s also been blessed to have dedicated, grace-giving friends who have lavished him with love along the way, a reflection of God’s heart.

Throughout the book, I found myself hitting two buttons over and over—the thirty-second rewind and the stop—to meditate on a profound thought or reflect on how something Manning wrote informed an aspect of my own life.

Manning wanted to be brutally honest in sharing his story, though admittedly, he chose to leave some parts out. Nevertheless, what he did share about his upbringing, the lack of a close relationship with his mother (he does know the freedom of forgiveness regarding this issue), leaving the priesthood, a marriage that ended in divorce, and his life-long struggle with alcoholism was revealing. As the apt title infers, that someone who wrestled as he did could write books that have brought healing to so many (The Ragmuffin Gospel, Abba’s Child, and more) is evidence of the grace of God in his life—and through Brennan Manning, to us.

In his old age, he has three words to answer the question of how someone who wrote the books he did could repeatedly lapse into alcoholism. “These things happen.” He responds to critics who claim he preaches a cheap grace, saying “not so,” that his message is a “banana peel” to the orthodox. 

The narrator did an excellent job—his style was conversational, his inflections were appropriate. His speaking cadence was neither too fast nor too slow (as in some audiobooks). In short, I felt as though I was sitting in a large comfy chair in a cozy room by a fireplace, listening to Brennan Manning share his wounded, yet joyful, heart.

So how did this book “disturb” me? It reminded me of what I know but need to remember every day—that the Savior came to bind up the broken-hearted, offering His yoke to those with heavy burdens, that we bring nothing to Him except our brokenness—and that is really where it begins for those who are truly poor in spirit (Matthew 5:3).

If you haven’t read any of Brennan Manning’s books, read them and then read this one— or read this one first and then marvel at the wisdom that only a broken man can dispense.*****

A complimentary copy of the book was provided by the publisher, christianaudio.

The Three Trees text by Elena Pasquali, illustrations by Sophie Windham

A traditional tale, told for a new audience—three trees dream of riches, power, and the ability to point to heaven. What the trees are eventually used for—a trough, a boat, and a cross—and the moral of that story is the plot of the book. 

By default, one notices pictures before text in a picture book. Colorful folk art illustrations grace the pages. I especially enjoyed the opening panels of trees in seasons on the first two pages and was hoping for more of the same to follow.

Though pretty to look at, the drawings seem anachronistic. Men and women dressed in traditional Pennsylvania Dutch clothing fill the pages. They stand beneath the the cross and are pictured in farm and woodcutting scenes. A number of men are shown (Jesus’ disciples in the boat, for example) with beards but no moustaches (which would not have been the case). Two men wearing wide black hats with flat crowns and broad brims (one is wearing blue overalls) are pictured building the cross. Women with white aprons stand behind medieval soldiers (Roman guards perhaps?) with pointy hats and spears, watching the construction. Also out of place is a Mediterranean coastal scene with an ancient ship in the background as a man with a broad brimmed, flat black hat builds a boat. 

As a collector of pictorial works and children’s picture books in particular, I understand that imaginative anachronism has value and can be a creative tool on the part of an artist to spur thinking . . . but it seems misplaced here.

All of the above said, the illustrations are attractive and gentle in tone with a sometimes muted palette. The illustrator excels in her depiction of animals and nature (as on the cover)--but her forte is not human faces. However, if I wrote a children’s picture book about animals, I’d be delighted to have her illustrations grace my text (though after this honest critique, she might not be open to that possibility).

A layout issue, the publisher usually placed the black serif font text against a white background. However, on a couple of pages, the text was placed on top of an illustration, making the words difficult to read. While obviously not wishing to obscure the artist’s work, the layout person adding the text to the page might have used a subtle font effect to highlight the words or added a white background behind the text. ***

A complimentary copy of the book was provided by the publisher, Kregel Publications (Lion Hudson).

From the Garden to the City: The Redeeming and Corrupting Power of Technology by John Dyer

coming very soon . . .

The Liberating Truth: How Jesus Empowers Women by Danielle Strickland

Before starting to read this book, I read several reviews.  A number of folks panned the book completely—so I wasn’t quite sure what I’d find. The role of women and the issue of women in ministry or leadership are still hot topics in many circles. A plethora of books and papers have been written on the subject over the past few decades. I’ve read many of them and have thought long and hard about these issues.

I looked forward to a fresh voice on the subject. Some might consider the book a rant for evangelical feminism. Perhaps, and it does seem as though the author has little tolerance for views that differ from hers. She lets you know what drives her “nuts.” Nevertheless, regardless of the camp you’re in, patriarchal, complementarian, or egalitarian, the book is a worthy read—if only to help you understand how others think or find support for what you already believe. Warning: if you’re in the first two camps, strap your seatbelt on—the ride will get bumpy.

What I liked:

1. The author’s verve and passion. Anyone who would spend time bringing cupcakes to prostitutes is someone I respect. Anyone who isn’t afraid to move beyond their comfort zone and strike up a conversation with someone from a different culture—getting to know how they think, who they are, is someone who has my vote.

2. The author’s honesty and freedom of expression. Anyone who isn’t afraid to say what drives her nuts is someone I’d like to know personally.

3. The author’s encouragement of women to use their God-given gifts.

Strickland’s style is engaging. I enjoyed a few of the personal anecdotes in the first half of the book. She’s a gifted storyteller. But she spends a great deal of time presenting the issues of trafficking and persecution of women (especially in two-thirds world nations). She includes a number of quotes from “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide” a groundbreaking book on the topic, written from a “secular” rather than biblical perspective. 

And that is where the author may run into trouble. The subjects of trafficking women and persecution of women (in the U.S. and in two-thirds world nations) do deserve the attention they have received in the press. They do demand our outcries. Increasingly, people are becoming more aware of these horrific practices as well as other social justice concerns. That’s a good thing. However, Strickland seems to equate these issues with opportunities for women in ministry. This is a simplistic, (and at times, subtle) big leap. The issues are not equal. Good people who disagree with her views also abhor those practices. Strickland (who kept her maiden name after marriage) seemed to be saying that unless you hold an egalitarian position, your kind of thinking leads to those practices. Not. I found myself saying “wait a minute” more than a few times. With a subtitle like “How Jesus Empowers Women,” one might expect to find comprehensive biblical support for the author’s reasoning. It’s not there, at least in the first half of the book, where she speaks much about those issues.

The latter half of the book is dedicated to presenting “what the Bible says.” Some explanations of the cultural context of a passage (such as those that speak of women keeping silent in churches and submitting to their husbands) provided food for thought. But saying something is irrelevant due to context can be a very slippery slope. That kind of reasoning leads to throwing out whatever passage of Scripture one deems difficult or personally offensive.

I would have liked to hear the author’s response to the following questions. 

1) If Jesus’ view of women was so radical (and yes, it was, in many ways), then why weren’t women among the original twelve? (Yes, women travelled with the disciples but that’s not the point of my question.) 

2) Why were the leaders of the Jerusalem Council (Acts 15) men only? 

3) While she seems to debunk the qualifications for elders, the fact is, Scripture does state that elders were to be men. She does not adequately deal with this issue. 

If she reads this review, the author may find these questions boring and familiar. But rather than respectfully dealing with those who disagree with her, Strickland tends to put them down repeatedly, implying they are ignorant and backwards. This attitude won't win friends or influence people.

In a list of women leaders who made great contributions, she lauds one who, despite the naysaying of her pastor and husband, went on to do important work. What happened to her marriage? There seems to be something wrong with this picture. In this case, where is even the mutual submission that Scripture speaks of? Many men who have problem marriages and secret sins build ministries and work for the Lord. But God examines the motives of our hearts.

There was one thing in her book—to use her expression—that every time I see it, drives me “nuts.” She cites the oft-quoted fact that Jewish men thank God they were not created women. However, what Strickland misses is that religious Jewish men prayed (and still do pray) this as a way of thanking the Creator for the privilege of honoring His commandments. I would encourage her to read through several Jewish prayer books. Some modern ones also include a related prayer for women, thanking God for the privilege of being a female. While Strickland provides quotes from rabbis that portray women in a negative light, what she doesn’t tell you about (perhaps she doesn’t know) are the passages which praise women, the Jewish customs that honor women.

Strickland closes by saying she wrote the book out of obedience to God. That sounds like she’s saying God told her to write this book in which there is ultimate truth (implying everyone who disagrees with her is misguided and isn’t led by the Holy Spirit). How often do people say God told them to do something to rationalize whatever is they want to do? Saying God told me to do thus and such (though she didn’t state it that way) as well as personality conflicts and theological arguments have given rise to thousands church splits and new denominations over history. 

Also in her closing, Strickland states, “let’s challenge the structures that are based on faulty translations and poor exegesis.” Sounds good. However she has some faulty exegeses of her own. Here’s one example. She cites Luke 15:8-10—the passage about the woman searching for the lost coin. In her explanation, as support for the premise that women are created in the image of God (of course they are), she states that Jesus was “choosing to describe God as a woman.” Not really. Let's be careful not to read things into the text that aren't there. The point is the dedicated search and the rejoicing of the angels over one who repents. But yes, of course Scripture contains nurturing images of God.***

A complimentary copy of the book was provided for review by the publisher, Kregel Publications.

Branded: Sharing Jesus With a Consumer Culture by Tim Sinclair

Hmm. Youngish husband with kids (the voice of experience to singles about the kinds of discussions old married folks have—ahem), professional marketer, PK*, immersed in Protestant church culture from an early age exhorts 21st-century Christians to relate authentically (always advisable), drop off-putting Christian jargon (of course) to reach unbelievers around them—in short, to market Jesus differently.

This book is part of a growing genre of popular titles from Christian publishers encouraging the development of caring, honest relationships with those outside the Church. Important and beneficial, naturally. What distinguishes this title from the others is the marketing rhetoric. On occasion, ideas seem forced to fit neatly into this theme. And while the author explains his rationale for using the words marketing and Jesus in the same breath . . . it can be disconcerting. I was uncomfortable with ad world language used to describe One who is the spotless Lamb of God (1 Peter 1:19), One who is the radiance of God’s glory (Hebrews 1:3). The author may suggest I’m missing his point. I’m not.

As someone whose upbringing and cultural milieu is markedly different from the author’s . . . as someone who regularly relates to those who consider Christianity irrelevant (and offensive) . . . as someone whose interest in the book’s subject matter is more than passing, I didn’t resonate with several of the author’s assumptions about Jesus’ followers today. Perhaps my experiences are the exception and his are the rule.

Of course (as the author reminds us), we’re to be all things to all people (more about this in a moment). The gospel may come as an offense . . . we just need to ask God for help in making sure we’re not the offense (which, I’m guessing, is the author’s main point, though he didn’t say it that way). 

However, some things can’t be “marketed” differently, consumer culture aside. Some truths will never be popular no matter how they are branded/packaged/marketed . . . whatever word one chooses to use. (The author maintains it’s just semantics. Not always.) The New Testament is replete with examples of preaching an unpopular gospel . . . unpopular regardless of how culturally relevant the presenters were. And sometimes (again Scripture contains examples) there are occasions when authentic relationships aren’t a prerequisite for “sharing Jesus” (though one could argue how short or long it takes to develop authenticity). And that’s where things get tricky. One person sees an issue as supra-cultural. Another sees no room to budge. One person’s “I need to wait until I have more of a relationship with so-and-so before I share Jesus,” or “I do it without words,” is another’s “now is the time, what are you waiting for?” 

Churches in countries outside the United States are growing . . . often where persecution is greatest. A pure gospel is being preached. The Good News is the power of God for salvation. We need to be careful not to throw out the baby with the bath water (irrelevant forms, off-putting lingo). No doubt, the author would agree . . . but I didn’t get that from the text. God has always used fallible believers who bungle things—in every age and culture, consumer and otherwise—to bring people to himself. From the text, one might glean that the drop in Protestant church attendance is merely due to faulty methods of communication and archaic forms. Revamp your methods and churches will fill up. Not. Other influences abound.

Other issues I found problematic in a book about communicating the Good News (isn’t that what “Sharing Jesus”—the book’s subtitle—means?):

What was *glaringly* missing from the text were any words about the work of the Holy Spirit in drawing people to God. From the author’s explanations, one would think that everything is up to Jesus’ followers. Market Him correctly, think outside the box in the way you relate to the culture around you and you’ll see results. There was no mention of ongoing spiritual battles, that the minds of unbelievers are blinded by the god of this world (2 Cor. 4:4). 

Relating authentically, relating in love and being all things to all people are not novel concepts. (Though I do take issue with the author’s statement that 1 Corinthians 9:20-22 might be written differently today. Au contraire, Mr. Sinclair. That kind of thinking leads to spiritualizing Scripture. Paul’s heart for his Jewish people is evident throughout his writings. A Gentile Christian writer, having grown up in a Midwestern Protestant enclave, with perhaps, little association with other cultures, including Jewish people would—not surprisingly—make a statement such as that one.)

But the omissions didn’t surprise me. The author isn’t a pastor, isn’t a theologian, isn’t a missiologist, isn’t an experienced evangelist . . . he’s a marketer. (That gives him a unique perspective but it also means he misses crucial aspects of the issue.) What surprised me was how Kregel’s editorial department missed seeing the importance of including certain scriptural truths in this text about “sharing Jesus.”

Sinclair states from the get-go that his book is a “pep talk” and “not a playbook.” But his audience may not read the text with his understanding of the gospel message. He’s not specifically telling people how to do it, or what to say . . .  just tossing out food for thought. Some of the morsels are tasty and flavorful . . .  thoughtful and bold ideas—beneficial for those who’ve been trained to stick to a formulaic gospel presentation or are clueless about moving beyond established comfort zones. His wit comes through when he describes, for instance, prayers for “traveling mercies.” And there were several laugh-out-loud descriptions of pompously pious attitudes.

Despite its faults and the author’s blind spots, I give the book 3 stars. While Sinclair’s ideas for authentic relating and suggestions for moving into the worlds of others have been presented elsewhere, there are many for whom the discussion will be new and thought-provoking. The book seems to be written for a twenty/young thirty-something audience. ***

*pastor’s kid

A complimentary copy of the book was provided for review by the publisher, Kregel Publications.

Love & Respect by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs

This best seller about the marriage relationship has helped many couples move from "The Crazy Cycle" to "The Energizing Cycle." The book cites numerous examples of marriages that moved from hanging-by-a-thread to joy and wholeness.

In Part One, veteran pastor, counselor and conference speaker, Dr. Emerson Eggerichs explains the most basic needs of men (respect) and women (love) based on Ephesians 5:22-28. He highlights the ways in which women see and hear the world—she, through pink glasses and hearing aids/he, through blue glasses and hearing aids. Eggerichs shows how couples become entrenched in a never-ending, unhealthy spin cycle. His superb insights zero in on the emotional makeup of men and women. He shows how failing to understand these truths exacerbates crazy relating. One analogy he uses is that of an air hose. When one partner is stepping on the other’s air hose, it’s impossible to relate in healthy ways.

Part Two is dedicated to showing how to move to the kind of relating that will energize your relationship and meet the needs of husband and wife. Chapters are divided into advice for husbands about wives, using the acronym “COUPLE” and advice for wives about husbands using the acronym “CHAIRS.”

Part Three discusses “The Rewarded Cycle,” with biblical support and encouragement for relating in godly ways despite fears. Ultimately, the journey is about one’s personal relationship with God.

Throughout the book, Eggerichs offers snippets of conversations he’s had with couples trying to break out of unhealthy patterns of relating. Also included are portions of many letters he’s received from his conference participants. The letters from those who have put the author’s ideas into practice are helpful and prove his points. However, sometimes, the constant reference to his seminars seemed like a little too much advertising. That’s my only criticism of the book.

While clearly distinguishing between unhealthy relating and outright abuse, Eggerichs offers hope to those who think the principles won’t work for their situation. He believes that the Church has done well in explaining the importance of husbands loving their wives but has been weak in teaching about the husband’s need for respect. He cites many examples of people who say they’ve never heard it taught so clearly. However, many popular Christian books on marriage teach these same principles. 

Finally, the author was refreshingly honest in depicting his own past and current struggles in these areas. His openness will encourage those who are looking to break out of unhealthy patterns. Valuable appendices help you do your own marriage inventory, provide advice on how to ask your mate to meed your needs, and offer thoughts about exceptional situations.*****

A complimentary copy of the book was provided for review by the publisher, Thomas Nelson.

When the Hurt Runs Deep by Kay Arthur

Coming Soon

A complimentary copy of the book was provided for review by the publisher, WaterBrook Multnomah.

Max on Life by Max Lucado

Organized offering of spiritual Q & A on a wide range of topics

Mostly culled from the author's previous responses to letters and emails, this new work from Lucado will appeal primarily to new and near believers. Those who are theologically literate or who have been walking with the Lord for many years will find most of the questions basic. "How can I know what God is like?" "How do I get out of a bad mood?" "Why should we pray?" The problem of pain and suffering. "How do I get along with my mother-in-law?" 

Lucado's answers affirm scriptural truths. As always, his writing is lucid and engaging. For those who are learning biblical values and wonder what a life committed to God is all about, this book from a veteran pastor will be helpful. At times, however, he seems not to deal with the anguish in a query. Instead he uses the question to present (what may appear to be) platitudes to a weary heart.

At other times, Lucado treads on shaky ground—for example, in his discussion of "eternal truth and historical particularity" (pages 92-93), a discussion of holy kisses, feet washing, and the wearing of veils. While in principle, his explanation makes sense, this kind of thinking can lead to throwing out babies with bath water all over the New Testament, to spiritualizing specific behavioral exhortations. 

Lucado makes a grave and sloppy mistake as a Bible expositor when he uses Hebrews 9:15 (words comparing the old and new covenants and specifically written to Jewish believers in Messiah) to support his premise that heaven will be comprised of people from every tongue and nation (it will, but that's not what this verse is about) who may never have heard of Jesus (also what this verse is not about). In fact, some may interpret his words on pages 222-223 as a universalist view of salvation. However, his responses on the next several pages seem to refute that argument. Ultimately, God is judge. 

Finally, if you're an aspiring writer, you'll be heartened by Lucado's closing words, an addendum called "The Write Stuff." As there are a plethora of books on the market on spiritual guidance, this offering will appeal mainly to Lucado fans and pastors seeking to expand their libraries. A relatively quick read. *** 

A complimentary copy of the book was provided for review by the publisher, Thomas Nelson.

The Final Summit by Andy Andrews

A quasi-entertaining romp through time with dangerous flaws. Historical figures convene (not a unique idea) to determine how to save the human race from destroying itself. Four stars for character and plot development in the first few chapters but the text slides downhill rapidly from there. 

Though several rough nuggets of truth can be found (as truths can be found in the teachings of  all religions but not all religions are true), unfortunately, much of the narrative is pop psychology, pseudo-intellectual psycho-babble in response to the quest to answer the ultimate question. Discussions about the definition of wisdom or hope become tedious. Conversations between historical figures seem contrived on occasion (though the rhetoric of one British leader is engaging and spot-on). The author, who describes his research at the end of the book, could have investigated Thomas Edison’s anti-Semitic leanings (for example) before placing him in conversation with Albert Einstein. Undoubtedly, this was an oversight by the author (along with his mention of Henry Ford, whose anti-Semitism has been well-documented). However, Andrews’ efforts to show appreciation for Jewish people and African-Americans is clear in his (at times naively patronizing) characterizations. 

The book’s opening pages cite numerous glowing reviews. One reviewer suggested the author was a mix of C.S. Lewis, Tony Robbins, and Alfred Hitchcock. Hmmm, maybe the latter two. If you’re looking for C.S. Lewis, read C.S. Lewis, not this book (this reviewer happens to be a fan of Lewis’ fiction, so it’s not the genre per se that is objectionable). Andrews is merely a story teller . . . neither an academic nor a theologian of Lewis’ caliber. If you’re a devotee of Tony Robbins and his ilk, you’ll enjoy this book. If you’re looking for true spiritual and scriptural nourishment, you won’t find it here. The publisher placed this book in the “Spiritual Growth & Christian Thought” category on their website (as of this writing). It is decidedly not that. While I won’t give away the conclusion, the answer to the book’s main question is anything but “Christian,” anything but biblical (just more feel-good pep talk). Placing this book in the fiction and self-help categories would have been wiser choices.

While not “biblical fiction” per se (an oxymoron anyway), Andrews takes too many liberties with Bible imagery. His descriptions of archangels and inferences to heaven (and who might be there) and hell—including describing in one sentence, a last minute “decision” not to go there—reveal a lack of concern for handling the word of God. Allegories can be illuminating and inspiring (think “Pilgrim’s Progress”) but this book isn’t one of those. Don’t look to this work for careful theology or doctrine faithful to Scripture (even in fiction). Written and edited for a broad market, that wide swath, by default, makes for a watering down of truth (see Matthew 7:14 re: the narrow way, something a “Christian” publisher should care about). Keep that in mind if you choose to read it. 

While thousands of marketing dollars may rocket this book to bestseller lists and movers and shakers may laud it as inspirational, this reviewer gives it 1 star. Use your time wisely and read something else . . . or read it (take it out of the library) so you can discuss the One who is the real answer to mankind’s problems when this book comes up in conversation. The author neither mentions nor alludes to Him or the reason He came, a glaring omission considering the question at hand. *

A complimentary copy of the book was provided for review by the publisher, Thomas Nelson.

King's Cross by Timothy Keller

Coming Soon

Transforming Grace by Jerry Bridges

Coming Soon

A complimentary copy of the book was provided for review by the publisher, NavPress.

Bo's Cafe by John Lynch, Bill Thrall and Bruce McNicol

This hip, southern California (marinas, cafes, and cruising in cars figure prominently) spiritual-psychological saga of marital discord and restoration may appeal to twenty and thirty-something readers. It's about coming clean and owning your stuff. It's about pretending you have it all together when you don't, about dealing with pride and self-protective, hurtful ways of relating, about rebuilding lost trust . . . and about the difference Jesus wants to make in the healing process. It's about finding safe people who will support you in your journey to wholeness. 

A colorful, motley cast of spiritually wise "been there, done that" characters hang out at Bo's. On occasion, the dialogue seems forced to make a point (not uncommon in novels of this genre). Perhaps one of the most important themes in the book is the truth that deciding to become a follower of Jesus is just the beginning. Religion and going to church aren't substitutes for a life-changing, ongoing encounter with the One Who sees and accepts us without our masks. And our healing enables us to turn around and be instruments of the same for others. ***

Publisher: Windblown Media