Book Review: The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary
The Professor and the Madman: A Tale of Murder, Insanity and the Making of the Oxford English Dictionary by Simon Winchester
My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This book is the history of the Oxford English Dictionary, focusing somewhat on the editor, James Murray, and focusing primarily on one of the major volunteer contributors, Dr. William Minor. The tale of Minor’s life is fascinating, tragic, sad, and highly disturbing. The author does not sensationalize, but the truth of Minor’s life is unsettling. I cannot recommend the book unqualified, but with a little investigation you can discern what you’re in for.
Book Review: Supernatural: What the Bible Teaches About the Unseen World-And Why it Matters
Supernatural: What the Bible Teaches about the Unseen World – And Why It Matters by Michael S. Heiser
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book is a shorter, more accessible version of the author’s book, The Unseen Realm, which I reviewed here. This book continues with some of the same problems I mentioned of the other book, particularly issues of God’s sovereignty, will, and human autonomy. Heiser sticks mostly to biblical references in this book, but his conclusions are also drawn from extra-biblical writings, which are more documented in the first book.
The subject matter is Heiser’s specialized field of academic scholarship and these books illustrate one of the weaknesses of narrow specialization–to the man with only a hammer, everything is a nail. I think some of the conclusions he comes to are a stretch, at least based on the Bible alone. However, I still think the work is valuable and, at least, he will provide commentary on some things in different passages that a lot of commentaries don’t deal with at all. Read it carefully.
Book Review: No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came From, What It Is, and Why It’s Harmful
No Quick Fix: Where Higher Life Theology Came From, What It Is, and Why It’s Harmful by Andrew David Naselli
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This excellent book is a clear, concise critique of higher life theology, or Keswick theology. You may have never heard of the Keswick conferences, which began in the 19th century. You may have never heard of higher life, deeper life, or victorious life theology, at least not openly under those names. You probably have heard the phrase, “Let go and let God.” But, if you’ve gone to church, listened to Christian radio or TV, or read any Christian books, then you have heard some of these erroneous teachings and you definitely should read this book.
To start with, the title is an appropriate nutshell of the pursuit of higher life, second blessing, or higher plane Christianity. It is the relentless pursuit of some experience or crisis whereby a believer is propelled to another level where they live above sin and with full Spirit power in their life. It that sense, it is seeking a quick fix. The title is also appropriate because emotionally high-charged atmospheres become an addiction where people are constantly seeking that high. Some think they experience it multiple and others think they must not have got it because it wears off and they need another fix. They try to create this weekly in services, in special meetings, and in special conferences or events. You can hear reports of consecrations, decisions, rededications, break throughs, deliverances, etc.
Naselli starts with the history of higher life theology. He traces some of the major proponents of the teaching and highlights some of their differences in approach to it. For instance, higher life theology is a form of perfectionism, but there have been different approaches and beliefs as to what that perfectionism is and how it works.
Naselli proceeds to objectively state what higher life theology is. As opposed to some forms of charismaticism, higher life theology bases its teaching on the Bible. Some other forms of charismatic teaching are nearly entirely experience based, with little thought or effort at reconciling the positions to Scripture. This makes the errors of higher life theology even more dangerous because it pretends to be based on Scripture, giving authority to the teaching.
The last part of the book lays out ten reasons why higher life theology is so dangerous. One of those reasons, obviously, being the misuse and misinterpretation of Scripture. The book ends with some recommendations for reading better books on the Christian life and sanctification.
Book Review: Gospel-Centred Church: Becoming the Community God Wants You to Be
Gospel-Centred Church by Steve Timmis
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is a practical treatment of Gospel-centeredness in a church. “Gospel-Centered” is a buzz word you see and hear a lot. Not everyone means the same thing by it and there are reasons to be very cautious with the approach. Though not agreeing with everything, I think Timmis and Chester are using it mostly right–how the Gospel shapes and directs the community of the church, including discipleship, evangelism, etc.
The book is designed as a study, so there are questions for discussion and such. It would be a good study for groups to work through. Some things will seem outlandish, but hear them out. I assure you will be challenged and convicted. The authors goal is not to give a church template but to help direct focus and provoke strategic thinking.
Review: Conversion: How God Creates a People
Conversion: How God Creates a People by Michael Lawrence
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This book is an excellent, brief treatment of the subject. Christians in general wobble between extremes on what conversion is and does in the life of a convert. Michael Lawrence speaks clearly on repentance, faith, change of life, holiness, etc. He treats conversion as the life and death matter it truly is. Lawrence also places conversion in the context of the local church, which is rarely done.
The author has called us to a clearer presentation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and the cost of discipleship. It’s a book I would want every Christian to read and consider, but especially pastors.
