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.