Review: The Texas Baptist Crucible: Tales from the Temple
The Texas Baptist Crucible: Tales from the Temple by James Spurgeon
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Fantastic read that you will not want to put down. This is the account of the author’s experience at fundamentalist Texas Baptist College, a ministry of Longview Baptist Temple. At the helm of LBT and TBC was Bob Gray, the other fundamentalist Bob Gray. If you have never seen fundamentalism from the inside, you will probably think Spurgeon is exaggerating. Those who have been inside will know better. It is an eye-opening book and I recommend it.
Review: The Secret File on John Birch
The Secret File on John Birch by James C. Hefley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Secret File on John Birch by James and Marti Hefley is the life story of John Birch. Birch was born in India to missionary parents, but he grew up in the United States when, for medical reasons, his family had to return home. He was a Southern Baptist missionary to China.
Birch went to China before the U. S. entered the second World War. He arrived when China was partially occupied by the Japanese. After Pearl Harbor was attacked, the U. S. entered the war and many missionaries in China were evacuated, but Birch stayed in China. Birch volunteered for the Army and became an intelligence officer in China. He was murdered by the communists after the end of the war.
This book is written from the conspiratorial perspective, which is disappointing because the spiritual aspects of Birch’s life are much more important and edifying. I highly recommend this book so long as you are not caught up with the conspiracy aspect.
Review: Famine in the Land
Famine in the Land by Steven Lawson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Famine In The Land by Steven Lawson sets forth the virtues of expository preaching. As the title suggests, the author sees a shortage of this food from the Word. Lawson makes a good case for the mode of preaching as being expository.
Exposition should make up a majority of the ministry in the church. Even when preaching topically, exposition should be used. Though the expository method should be used extensively, it is not the only method. The skilled preacher will be versed in various methods, using them carefully and skillfully to best communicate the truth of God’s Word to his hearers.
Lawson’s book is worth reading and hopefully it will stir up some fire for this most excellent method of preaching.
Review: Linchpin: Are You Indispensable?
Linchpin: Are You Indispensable? by Seth Godin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Excellent book. Most everyone would benefit from reading this book. Godin is uncommon and much of what he writes has application beyond business and marketing. Ideas that are not acted on are worthless and so are projects that don’t ship. I imagine the "lizard brain" speak will jar some, but don’t get hung up on it. I need to be pushed. You need to be pushed and this book will push you. I recommend it.
Review: A Rulebook for Arguments
A Rulebook for Arguments by Anthony Weston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Argument here does not refer to the equivalent of a verbal fistfight. Rather, argument refers to reasoning and rhetoric. It is generally persuasive in style, or at least should be, and should reasonably follow standards of logic or critical thinking. Argument is defining, expounding, and defending a proposition or premise. It may also be the reverse if it is aimed at deconstructing an erroneous conclusion.
Therefore, argument is of extreme importance to preachers. It is the preacher’s vocation to be defining, expounding, and defending the propositions of Holy Scripture. For that matter, every Christian is to conscientiously defend and contend for the faith and should be concerned about good argument evaluation and construction.
In this vein, I recommend A Rulebook for Arguments by Anthony Weston. This is a rulebook as the title suggests, but it is concise and readable. The book should be read through one time and then referred to often when analyzing or building arguments. Its brevity is one aspect of its value. You can refer to a section and quickly refresh your memory about some concept. The author does also give some sources for larger works if the reader is interested.
