Saturday, March 31, 2012
Pertinent Philosophy on the Presence of Providence
Before launching into a review of Mitch Stokes’ A Shot of Faith to the Head, I must first confess some intrinsic bias. I have graduate and undergraduate degrees in history and, in both instances, minored in European Intellectual History. I present that information for one reason – this type of philosophy manuscript rests squarely within my “wheelhouse” or area that I enjoy reading.
Typically, defenses of belief in God tend to become overly deep and are inaccessible by most Christians; or, in other words, they are written for the Christian intellectuals or philosophers. Stokes has NOT done that with his brilliant book. I have several words that can be used to describe A Shot of Faith to the Head: scholarly, delightful, witty, deep, enthralling, genuine, and powerful. He has the ability to breakdown a complex subject into terms that allows an everyday Christian to arm themselves against supposed rational attacks against irrational belief in God.
Stokes tackles opposition by atheists through a unique scaffolding approach. Instead of writing long chapters, he chunks them into smaller divisions that can be read and reread without much time. Each short section advances and argument that the next chapter builds upon. As an aside, I do suggest that you start reading at the beginning to fully feel the force of his philosophy at the end. Stokes' scaffolding reveals he has the heart of a teacher and the mind of an intellectual. Teachers want to make sure that students know, understand, and do what has been provided while intellectuals desire the advancement of particular complexities. He accomplishes both in this wonderful read.
One of the grand parts of his work is at the end of every chapter. Stokes has a short section entitled “For Your Arsenal.” The author provides short bullet summaries of the major ideas in that chapter. These allow a reader to access the vital ideas and review. Further, if the book has been set aside for some time, one simply needs to reach those scaffolding bullets to remember all that went before. That way, you can quickly jump back into the depths of his analysis.
As I blazed through the first section, I began to detect a problem within his philosophy – namely, that he was purely advancing a philosophical thesis for believing in God, thereby, removing God’s grace from the entire scene. That assumption soon proved false due to the dazzling section on pages 55-57. I will not spoil that for you but will say this – he provides one of the most clear and cogent statements for how one will come to believe in God. There is definitively a “wow factor” or “aha moment” here!
Quite frankly, I do not like Christian works that advance an author’s thesis that peppers in some Scripture while primarily utilizing neat little stories or quotes from humans. While Stoke utilizes that very format, I can honestly say that I completely overlook that issue. It is rare that I am giddy for books with so little Scripture; however, A Shot of Faith to the Head is a must read for any serious Christian. It will not let you down and you will not be disappointed. As a reader, you will emerge stronger than before with a better understanding of the “basic” tenets of belief in God and the Christian faith (you’ll understand the play on words there after reading it).
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Friday, March 30, 2012
Next Christians has some needed Next Steps
The Next Christians by Gabe Lyons, unfortunately, does not stand up to the quality of the first, major work he produced – unChristian. This book starts off with a bang as he introduces his idea and begins to lay the foundation for the dual choices he presents later. He goes back to that first book and reproduces some of the research on the world’s perspectives of Christians. He does provide a harrowing forecast for Christianity in our modern times because, for the most part, Christians have disengaged.
After his opening chapters, he presents a contrast between what “next Christians” (whom he calls “restorers”) should be doing rather than what they are currently doing. Those actions are: (1) provoked, not offended; (2) creators, not critics; (3) called, not employed; (4) grounded, not distracted; (5) in community, not alone; (6) civil, not divisive; and (7) countercultural, not relevant. It is here, within these discussions, that Lyons’ work reveals signs of weakness. I do realize that big name individuals have endorsed his manuscript; however, I hope to clearly outline my objections with opinion and analysis of his arguments.
Before I go on, I highly recommend that anyone struggling with questions of God’s will and their current workplace read chapter 7 very carefully. In my mind, this was the strongest chapter of the book that provided a cogent analysis of our situation. We cannot continue to separate our current occupations from “real ministry” that God has provided. As Lyons says, “work provides the only real contact many Christians have with outsiders” (p 109). That reality is a sad one that must be changed. We cannot be lights in this world (Matthew 5:16) without being in the world.
My major problem begins with his early chapters as he describes the differences between “separatists” and “cultural.” He advocates for a more middle ground and wants “next Christians” to be “restorers.” These individuals take both extremes, merge them together, and make Christianity relevant in our pluralistic and relativistic society. While that sounds great, Lyons seems to be reacting to his stringent upbringing. For instance, he readily and perpetually acknowledges that he grew up in a separatist home and all of his examples swing to the “restorer” or even “cultural” side.
In one of his examples for a restorer, he concedes that the positive example may have made “unjustifiable compromise” and that separatist concerns may be “valid” (p 88). Those very statements undercut his argument for this individual being a restorer. Remember, restorers are the middle ground; however, that example seems to indicate Lyons advocates for more cultural solutions instead of those advanced by separatists. Maybe I am reading too much into this particular example, but it fits the pattern that his personal pendulum may have swung from separatist to cultural.
Another issue that I noted is with chapter 6 – Creators, not Critics. This chapter was incoherent, weak, and thoroughly disappointing. He opens with the mention of some cultural magazine named Paste that is supposedly run by two Christians. Other than discussing the topics covered by this print media, he makes no case for how this periodical creates beauty and advances the cause of Christ. Throughout, he uses esoteric terms like beauty and common good but never truly connect them to our purpose in life – glorify God as we live in the redemptive grace He alone provides.
Lyons own example in this chapter 6 creates major problems with this theory. For instance, in detailing the appeal of Paste, he noted they created culture “not by censoring music with questionable lyrics” (p 91). So, this cultural journal glorifies God by including and discussing material that a holy God may consider offensive? Lyons omitted completely any reference to Psalm 101:3 (NIV) that says: “I will set before my eyes no vile thing.” He also fails to consider the implications of Philippians 4:8 (NIV): “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” I cannot know the mind of God, but would questionable lyrics fit the principles advanced in either of those two verses?
My overarching issue with the work is its structure. Christians are to be followers of Jesus; and as a follower of Jesus, I should be consumed by study of His word. Lyons utilizes snippets of Scripture here and there to bolster one of his points. Instead, I wish he would have stated specific Biblical examples and then peppered in the modern, human examples that match the Word of God. For instance, he mentions that Zacchaeus was changed by Jesus and not instructed to change his occupation. Rather, Jesus told him to live as an example within his profession. Where was the detailed analysis of that entire scene that could have bolstered his argument? It was missing other than a few, random lines.
There are some good qualities in this read – like the chapter on employment – and the last several contrasts are quite wonderful. Chapters 7, 8, 10, and 11 are highly relevant and authentic for us to consider. At times, Lyons has a tremendous ability to turn a wonderful phrase. At the end of chapter 6, which I have already unpacked, Lyons has two SUPERB paragraphs. While those thoughts stick with you, the examples he selects detract from them. If I can spend as much time as I did in pointing out my issues of this chapter while having positive things to say about the rest, my suggestion is simple: either rewrite chapter 6 or throw it out altogether.
Despite my reservations, I think it is worth a read to find some of those buried nuggets.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. For additional details, please visit http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
After his opening chapters, he presents a contrast between what “next Christians” (whom he calls “restorers”) should be doing rather than what they are currently doing. Those actions are: (1) provoked, not offended; (2) creators, not critics; (3) called, not employed; (4) grounded, not distracted; (5) in community, not alone; (6) civil, not divisive; and (7) countercultural, not relevant. It is here, within these discussions, that Lyons’ work reveals signs of weakness. I do realize that big name individuals have endorsed his manuscript; however, I hope to clearly outline my objections with opinion and analysis of his arguments.
Before I go on, I highly recommend that anyone struggling with questions of God’s will and their current workplace read chapter 7 very carefully. In my mind, this was the strongest chapter of the book that provided a cogent analysis of our situation. We cannot continue to separate our current occupations from “real ministry” that God has provided. As Lyons says, “work provides the only real contact many Christians have with outsiders” (p 109). That reality is a sad one that must be changed. We cannot be lights in this world (Matthew 5:16) without being in the world.
My major problem begins with his early chapters as he describes the differences between “separatists” and “cultural.” He advocates for a more middle ground and wants “next Christians” to be “restorers.” These individuals take both extremes, merge them together, and make Christianity relevant in our pluralistic and relativistic society. While that sounds great, Lyons seems to be reacting to his stringent upbringing. For instance, he readily and perpetually acknowledges that he grew up in a separatist home and all of his examples swing to the “restorer” or even “cultural” side.
In one of his examples for a restorer, he concedes that the positive example may have made “unjustifiable compromise” and that separatist concerns may be “valid” (p 88). Those very statements undercut his argument for this individual being a restorer. Remember, restorers are the middle ground; however, that example seems to indicate Lyons advocates for more cultural solutions instead of those advanced by separatists. Maybe I am reading too much into this particular example, but it fits the pattern that his personal pendulum may have swung from separatist to cultural.
Another issue that I noted is with chapter 6 – Creators, not Critics. This chapter was incoherent, weak, and thoroughly disappointing. He opens with the mention of some cultural magazine named Paste that is supposedly run by two Christians. Other than discussing the topics covered by this print media, he makes no case for how this periodical creates beauty and advances the cause of Christ. Throughout, he uses esoteric terms like beauty and common good but never truly connect them to our purpose in life – glorify God as we live in the redemptive grace He alone provides.
Lyons own example in this chapter 6 creates major problems with this theory. For instance, in detailing the appeal of Paste, he noted they created culture “not by censoring music with questionable lyrics” (p 91). So, this cultural journal glorifies God by including and discussing material that a holy God may consider offensive? Lyons omitted completely any reference to Psalm 101:3 (NIV) that says: “I will set before my eyes no vile thing.” He also fails to consider the implications of Philippians 4:8 (NIV): “whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.” I cannot know the mind of God, but would questionable lyrics fit the principles advanced in either of those two verses?
My overarching issue with the work is its structure. Christians are to be followers of Jesus; and as a follower of Jesus, I should be consumed by study of His word. Lyons utilizes snippets of Scripture here and there to bolster one of his points. Instead, I wish he would have stated specific Biblical examples and then peppered in the modern, human examples that match the Word of God. For instance, he mentions that Zacchaeus was changed by Jesus and not instructed to change his occupation. Rather, Jesus told him to live as an example within his profession. Where was the detailed analysis of that entire scene that could have bolstered his argument? It was missing other than a few, random lines.
There are some good qualities in this read – like the chapter on employment – and the last several contrasts are quite wonderful. Chapters 7, 8, 10, and 11 are highly relevant and authentic for us to consider. At times, Lyons has a tremendous ability to turn a wonderful phrase. At the end of chapter 6, which I have already unpacked, Lyons has two SUPERB paragraphs. While those thoughts stick with you, the examples he selects detract from them. If I can spend as much time as I did in pointing out my issues of this chapter while having positive things to say about the rest, my suggestion is simple: either rewrite chapter 6 or throw it out altogether.
Despite my reservations, I think it is worth a read to find some of those buried nuggets.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. For additional details, please visit http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Good Chase but Needs a Tweak
The Wild Goose Chase by Mark Batterson serves as a solid read for any person struggling with uncertainty and making decisions related to God’s will for their life. Batterson coined a term “inverted Christianity” to reflect the modern worldview - we do not follow God but want Him to follow our dreams and our passions. His solution is nothing new but his approach brings a smile. Batterson references the Celtic word for the Holy Spirit which, when translated into English, means the wild goose. In other words, we need to exchange our penchant for safety and predictability for a spiritual adventure that glorifies God.
To accomplish this task, Batterson discusses 6 cages that we can become trapped within, and those cages serve as the chapters for his book. The six cages are: responsibility, routine, assumptions, guilt, failure, and fear. He describes each in detail and points out the fallacy while also providing some solutions to circumvent then. To conclude the book, he fills the last 3 pages with one-liners that summarizes the previous points. That format is a great way to allow those ideas to “stick.”
Batterson’s overall conclusion is solid. He admonishes us to live every day as if it were our last. Page 170 contains a sobering quote that I have to include in this review. He says that we must “remember, ultimately, it’s not about you. It’s about the One who wants to write His-story through your life.” That change in focus releases anyone from the cages of life as they recognize that God is always in control.
My sole issue rests in the fact that this is a great book with great thoughts but it is “goose light.” Batterson spent a great deal of time dealing with his church and other neat stories, but I would like to have seen a more detailed exegesis of Scripture. If we are supposed to chase God (i.e. the wild goose chase), then should that pursuit not begin and end with His recorded Word to us? He seemed to bring in Scripture where it fit his point rather than operating from the perspective that here is what God’s Word says and now we must apply it in this fashion. While some people may view that as semantics, I do not. If God’s Word, the source of all truth, is the foundation upon which we can base our knowledge of God and our eternal destiny, then it must serve as the pillar of any discussion about chasing God.
Despite my reservation of the format, this is a must read for those wrestling with the direction of their life. I would temper that recommendation by suggesting a detailed read of the Romans!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. For additional details, please visit http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
To accomplish this task, Batterson discusses 6 cages that we can become trapped within, and those cages serve as the chapters for his book. The six cages are: responsibility, routine, assumptions, guilt, failure, and fear. He describes each in detail and points out the fallacy while also providing some solutions to circumvent then. To conclude the book, he fills the last 3 pages with one-liners that summarizes the previous points. That format is a great way to allow those ideas to “stick.”
Batterson’s overall conclusion is solid. He admonishes us to live every day as if it were our last. Page 170 contains a sobering quote that I have to include in this review. He says that we must “remember, ultimately, it’s not about you. It’s about the One who wants to write His-story through your life.” That change in focus releases anyone from the cages of life as they recognize that God is always in control.
My sole issue rests in the fact that this is a great book with great thoughts but it is “goose light.” Batterson spent a great deal of time dealing with his church and other neat stories, but I would like to have seen a more detailed exegesis of Scripture. If we are supposed to chase God (i.e. the wild goose chase), then should that pursuit not begin and end with His recorded Word to us? He seemed to bring in Scripture where it fit his point rather than operating from the perspective that here is what God’s Word says and now we must apply it in this fashion. While some people may view that as semantics, I do not. If God’s Word, the source of all truth, is the foundation upon which we can base our knowledge of God and our eternal destiny, then it must serve as the pillar of any discussion about chasing God.
Despite my reservation of the format, this is a must read for those wrestling with the direction of their life. I would temper that recommendation by suggesting a detailed read of the Romans!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. For additional details, please visit http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 25: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
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