Headed in the Right Direction

I have not seen the "popular film series" of the same name that was put together by Chuck Colson; so I cannot comment as to whether Scott Rae's book -- Doing the Right Thing:  Making Moral Choices in a World Full of Options -- is an exact duplicate.  Rae  mentions, during the introduction, that there would be an attempt at some similarity between the two.  Chuck Colson was to write this companion book; however, he passed away before that could be completed.

The book can really be separated beyond its chapter demarcations.  Simply, the book has two sections:  (1) the philosophical underpinnings of morality or virtue, and (2) the application of those foundational statements within contexts -- decisions related to the dignity of life, interactions within the marketplace, and the proper functionality of government. 

Being someone with a background in philosophy, enjoyed the first three chapters and believed the last half of the book was its weakest. The author clearly has a command of the arguments for and against the foundation of ethics.  Obviously, the author comes from the Judeo-Christian position and holds to the opinion that God is the source of all truth.  He has participated in many debates and showcases weaknesses for many arguments about a singular, moral standard. The interweaving of Biblical truth and sound reasoning does produce strength in the opening chapters of the book.  I would normally critique the author for retreating from the Biblical foundation of truth; however, I will not do so here -- because he did not retreat from the position.  He simply stated that he wanted to show how to use an antagonist's own reasoning against them.

The latter chapters that applied the foundation pieces were lacking.  The immediate application, dealing with the dignity of life, was soundly reasoned.  As he stated on page 100:  "the way treat those who are weak is a reflection of what we value.  If we prize the God of all creation, we will value the life he has made."  Our culture, with its penchant for abortion or end-of-life options, shows that we do not prize the God of all creation.  The other applications were weaker and, overall, cut the effect of the book.  Again, I have not seen the video series and do not know how much the author had to be bound to the topics or information.

Is this worth some time to read?  Yes.  Is it what I would consider an absolute must read before you die?  No.  The book does have value, but I wish the author would have pressed the point of Redemption further.

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.”

Complacency Does not Make Men -- Leadership Does

How God Makes Men by Patrick Morley is a quick and easy read for those wishing to learn more about developing men.  The beauty of Morley’s book on the opportunities facing men is that he turns to the Bible – not the world’s wisdom -- for the inadequate display of manhood in our culture.  Knowing that he has written other books (primarily The Man in the Mirror) and founded an organization in 1991 that bears the name of that first book, I expected shameless plugs for the company throughout.  I was pleasantly surprised that he did not do so.  In fact, the only mention that I could find of his company is in the “About the Author” section.

While I will discuss some shortcomings of this work, the idea of how God makes men is vital to changing our culture.  The secondary lines of the title tell the full story:  “Ten Epic Stories.  Ten Proven Principles.  One Huge Promise for Your Life.”  Wait!  What’s the huge promise for our lives?  The author states it this way in his preface:  “If you will absorb and embrace the timeless principles offered by these ten men, you can get past the shallow cultural Christianity that wants to gut your manhood and get to – or back to – a more biblical Christianity” (xiii).  Shallowness is synonymous with complacency, and neither of those strategies develops men.  It takes leadership to develop into a man as described in the Bible.

This book is important because we live in a society where the idea of manhood is being assaulted.  Stop for just a moment to pause and think about how men are portrayed in modern society, particularly on television.  Men are type-cast as weak, immoral, and partying goofballs that are more interested in abdicating responsibility.  The unfortunate aspect is that men are “living down” to these expectations.  Rather than rising to the challenge, men are choosing the easy path.  Instead of doing what is right, the choice is made to do what they want in the here and now – rather than thinking about the future.  

The focus on all forms of entertainment (such as watching sports or video games) devalues the importance of responsibility and preparation for manhood as complacency is enjoyed.  Do you need proof?  Look at the results posted by the Entertainment Software Rating Board:  (1) the average “gamer” is 34 years old, (2) the average age of the “most frequent game purchaser” is 39 years old, and (3) adult gamers have been playing video games for an average of 12 years.  Commercials for the newest games or game systems are filled with adult, male players; and that demographic clearly matches the averages above.  While I am not arguing against video games, I am arguing that time spent playing video games has a significant familial and societal opportunity cost.  

In turning back to the tenets of Morley’s book, the author provides a series of ten Biblical men and extrapolates principals from each of their lives.  At the end of every chapter, he provides 3 discussion or reflection questions that drive the reader to a deeper application of the principle.  Morley studies Abraham, Joseph, Moses, Gideon, Job, David, Solomon, Nehemiah, Peter, and Paul. 

As far as a critique of Morley’s book, I have two issues.  The first, which is more significant than the other, rests in this question:   if the author wants men to exemplify Biblical Christianity, then why did he not mention Jesus as the foundation of Christianity?  I believe he missed a tremendous opportunity explain Christianity and showcase Jesus as both a teacher and leader.  Real men love others in such a way that they are willing to sacrifice self for the benefit of the loved one.  Christ did that for us when He bore our sins on the cross.  Further, since modern men need to know how God makes men, why not highlight how Jesus worked with His disciples.  He chose typical men in that society, challenged the norms of culture, shaped them into strong leaders that repudiated complacency, and then commissioned them to (in the power of God) turn the world upside down.

The second critique focuses solely upon his chapter on Gideon, and I must admit an immediate bias – my dissertation considered Gideon through the lens of leadership.  Morley missed another opportunity to challenge complacency of men, and he did so by stopping too soon in the story of Gideon.  The author focused on the rosy, amazing, and unexpected things Gideon did by obeying God; yet, Gideon became complacent and left a horrible legacy.  If men every stop applying the principles of God by going their own path, then disaster is on the horizon.  Again, Morley’s intent was to challenge shallow and cultural Christianity but that is the very trap into which Gideon fell.

I do believe this book is worth a read and consideration; however, I would urge any reader to spend time studying the Scripture surrounding these men.  Anytime that a human filter is utilized in writing about the Bible, some important truths end up missing.  In challenging complacent manhood through Biblical leadership, seek to understand God’s redemptive plan that incorporated these characters.  

To lead as a man, we must go to the only One who existed before time and created the world.  God, alone, has the right to rule the world; and He will do so as the Righteous Judge.  That, my friends, is real leadership that men need to study and apply.

Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.  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.

Strange Fire is a Strong Rebuke

John MacArthur's latest book --  Strange Fire -- offers a strong rebuke against the charismatic movement that many include within the umbrella term of evangelicals.  MacArthur rails against the charismatics as false teachers that purport special revelation from God.  Instead, he argues that their actions area not rooted in Scripture and, in fact, make a mockery of the God from whom they have supposedly received some type of special revelation.

Strange Fire opens with statements from former charismatics that have left "the movement" to join Biblical Christianity.  After a strongly worded introduction, the book is clearly divided into three sections -- the counterfeit revival (some history as to the formation of the charismatic movement), exposing fake gifts (a systematic deconstruction of the tenets of charismatics), and then an exposition as to the true work and nature of the Holy Spirit.  

In using Scripture as the basis of the argument, MacArthur says that charismatics twist or ignore the Bible when it seems to undercut their beliefs.  According to the Gospel of John, the Holy Spirit points others to Christ never self; yet, charismatics exalt the prominence of the Holy Spirit as THE goal to be attained.  Charismatic theology no longer espouses redemption by grace through faith in Christ alone because one must not be "slain the Spirit" or be "filled with the Holy Ghost" as show by tongues, prophecies, or other odd manifestations. 


To say that this book has stirred a controversy, well, that is a huge understatement.  MacArthur's church hosted a conference of the same name that drew barbs from the likes of Charisma magazine (a major publication for the charismatic movement) and charismatic pastors Mark Driscoll and James MacDonald (who showed up at the conference to pass out their own materials).  Blogs on both sides, Tweets and Facebook posts claiming seizure of materials, and articles reporting the issues, only heightened the controversy further.  Whenever these types of things occur, an observe must simply ask this question to really figure it out:   so what?

MacArthur blisters charismatics with statement such as:  "in reality it is a sham -- a counterfeit form of spirituality that continually morphs as it spirals erratically from one error to the next" (xvi).  Yes, he uses strong, stinging, forceful, and confrontational language; however, he backs us his claims with evidence.   For instance, how is it that modern day prophets of the charismatic movement are not held to the same standards as those of Scripture?  How is it that people continually believe the so-called prophets, who speak on behalf of God, that cannot get things right?  If they say "thus says the Lord" but the prophecy is in error, then that means God is not truthful but does contain error.  If He contains error, then Christ could not have been our perfect, redemptive sacrifice.  In other words, this aspect of pneumatology has a direct correlation with soteriology.

Is it possible that the tone of his language has immediately turned off many charismatics?  Sure.   Does the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth need to be spoken?  Yes.  Is this a book worth reading?  Absolutely.  In reading Strange Fire, look up every Scriptural reference for yourself and evaluate whether or not you believe John MacArthur is, in fact, teaching the truth.  As Jesus has said -- "the truth will set you free."

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.”

 

Success but a Shortcoming

Larry Osborne's book Innovation's Dirty Little Secret: Why Serial Innovators Succeed where Others Fail is but one of several books in a series put forward by the Leadership Network.  This manuscript fits their Innovation Series, and do not let the size fool you.  Yes, this is a small book with very short chapters, but they have some mighty themes running through them.  The book is logical, practical, and rational.  It is a quick read -- which must be read and then digested again later. 

If you want to find the "dirty little secret" related to serial innovation, you will not have to read far into the book.  You, however, will need to keep reading to see how it all fits together.  He divides the book into several sections to fully develop the secret throughout:  (1) igniting innovation, (2) accelerating innovation, (3) sabotaging innovation, and (4) a legacy of innovation.  Between the 3rd and 4th sections, he shifts by looking at decision-making and visioneering.  While not symmetrical with the others, it does fit his progression -- if you want to stop sabotaging but leave a legacy of innovation, then it is all about decisions and vision.

Chapter 7 of the book is one of the best summaries I have seen related to a mission statement.  Leadership gurus talk about the need for a mission, but they rarely dig into the "meat" of that conversation.  Osborne puts it this way:  a mission, to be effective, must be "ruthlessly honest, widely known, and broadly accepted" (p 55).  He points out some common, but infrequently discussed, issues with mission statements -- they are confused with a marketing strategy or committees should create the mission.  He challenges those issues by saying that a mission is operational strategy as you decide what to "feed or starve" in order to accomplish the mission.  In running contrary to modern scholarship, he says the mission should be created by the leader to avoid a statement that is too broad and too politically correct.  If the mission values everything as important and uses flowery language to say it "just right," then the mission cannot help the organization focus.

Although I rate this book very well, I am still somewhat perplexed as to why this is touted as a "Christian" leadership book.  Yes, the author is a former pastor and does share some experience about his work in the ministry, the manuscript does not speak of Christian principles that are found in God's Word.  It is a leadership book that fails to mention that God is the First and Ultimate example of leadership.  If innovation is our only goal, then we miss the commission that we have been given by God -- to show the love of Christ to a needy world.  That, in my opinion, is a significant shortcoming. 

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.”

The Hope...and It's not Happiness

31 Days to Happiness:  How to Find what Really Matters in Life, by David Jeremiah, is a solid book that every Christian should read.  Before jumping into the review, understand that this book was previously released under a different title -- Searching for Heaven on Earth.  In my opinion, the previous title is the one that should have remained; however, that decision was the author's or the editor's to make.  Either title fits, but my preference is the former.

Simply put, 31 Days is an in-depth examination of the Old Testament book Ecclesiastes.  While it falls into the "wisdom literature section" of the Bible, Ecclesiastes can be a rather depressing book as it constantly references the worthlessness of things on earth.  The only true satisfaction that we can find is when it is given to us by God through His grace.  For that reason, I believe the former title was  a better fit because searching for "heaven on earth" is impossible without God. 

As the title implies, the book is neatly divided into 31 chapters, so that any reader can consider one chapter a day.  Think of that -- you can read through Ecclesiastes and gain direct life application in one full month.  Dr. Jeremiah has a unique ability to transform complex and gloomy passages into thought-provoking and challenging ideas.  I am not saying that he is improving upon God's Word, but he does have the knack to apply God's Word into our daily lives. 

If you are looking to build a resource library on the books of the Bible, you cannot neglect this one for Ecclesiastes.  I am not going into great detail about the exegesis -- which is sound -- but I do want to implore you to get this book.  Unfortunately, other than the first few verses of chapter 3, Ecclesiastes is generally avoided but its lessons are valuable for the modern-day Christian.  As the title of my review says, the hope...it's not happiness!

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.”