Rumor's of God - mroe of the same

Rumors Of God; Experience the Kind of Faith You´ve Only Heard About.  Written by; Darren Whitehead and Jon Tyson and Published by Thomas Nelson.
This book takes your through many of the issues today that Christians feel unfulfilled with; generosity, love, grace, freedom, commitment, community, justice, and hope.  These issues are broken down and studied against scripture to see if biblical application can be tied to these issues.
While I think that scripture is used adequately I think that it is also selective. The idea’s of this book are based more on stories they know either theirs or those around them, instead of deeply researching scripture. I think that these issues are not disposed of through proper hermeneutics; rather they are viewed through the prism of modern Christianity.  One of seeker thoughts and everything can be fulfilled if we believe it to be so.  Not surprising considering it is a Willow Creek product.
Many times we see issues such as success as a bench mark for faith.  If someone is successful they must have more faith or God loves them more.  That is not the case.  It is, I feel, not simply a coincidence that while reading this book I also came across another one that sort of deals in the same realm as Rumors of God.  It is Just Do Something written by Kevin DeYoung.  Both books ask the same question, why are we waiting for God when we are called to place faith in Him and proceed?  While they are close in their teachings, there are some areas where they are worlds apart.  I think for me it comes down to whether I want to learn about issues through the cultures definition of abundant or if I want to live through the Biblical definition of abundant.
If you are looking for another feel good book then I suggest Rumors.  If you enjoy the “teachings” of Andy Stanley, Rick Warren, and other seeker preachers then this is a book for you.  If you are looking for something educational, Biblically truthful, and humbling, then I suggest moving on.
I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishing through their website booksneeze.com

Why God Won't Go Away

When I started this book I was not aware there was a “New Atheism”.  I guess I assumed that atheists were who they were and their views don’t change.  To an extent that is true.  The new medium in which they us however has changed remarkably with the internet.  No longer is a person hindered by their identity or help back by the fear of people knowing who they are; we are free to be the worst in us because who will know the difference.  The “new atheists” have used this to their advantage.   The basic change in their philosophy has been a more violent outcry against any and all religions.

“While atheism is the lack of belief in any god, anti-theism means that actively seeking out the worst aspects of faith in god and portraying them as representatives of all religion.  Anti-theism seeks to shame and embarrass people away from religion, browbeating them about the stupidly of belief in a bellicose god” (pg 36)

This book isn’t a point counterpoint against atheism; rather it is an informative book regarding the subject of the new ideas of atheism from the interesting perspective of an ex-atheist.  It is not exhaustive and doesn’t claim to be; it touches on issues that Christians should be aware of if engaging an person who is a new atheist.  There is an interesting and surprising story towards the end of the book, you will enjoy it.

I received this book free from booksneeze.com.  The opinions expressed are my own.

A Place Called the Blessing; Trent and Smith

I recently read A Placed Called Blessing by John Trent and Annette Smith.  This is a novel derived from the ideas taken from the best selling non-fiction book by John Trent named; The Blessing.

This concept book starts with a tear and ends with one, in between you will go on an emotional rollercoaster through what could be the life of any child in or out of the social services program.

My wife works for a behavior center for troubled children she will tell you that this book can be considered mild compared to the trauma that our society can place on a child in the system.

The book is a wonderful example of the struggles and successes that life throws at people.  While most of us never experienced anything close to the story of this novel we all have things that we deal with, hurt we swallow, instances in our lives that we can’t think about without feeling guilt or remorse, or we have hurt others.  This book shows how even in the worst of situations a blessing can provide healing, comfort, and a reminder that we our future doesn’t have to be determined by our past; we can triumph over our failures and until that final whistle of life is blown, we are not to give up.

I recommend this book for anyone struggling with a past issue, or have children.  This book along with the non-fiction can provide a blessing for your children that will last generations.

I received this book for free through booksneeze.com however the opinions expressed are my own.

Billy Graham in Quotes

While I am young enough to know Billy Graham best through books and stories; I am old enough to remember when he was a powerhouse name.  Billy Graham has always been for a concept then a reality, an idea of what a Christian should be rather then a person.

Because of this I was looking forward to reading Billy Graham in Quotes, the man and his own words.  Once I started looking through this book I realized that I should have had this book last year when I was in Christian undergrad school.  While the quotes are interesting they are quick quips rather than contextual quotes.

I would have rather read a book with fewer quotes but more of a story behind his thought.  If you are looking for a facebook message or twitter type thought from Billy Graham then this book is perfect for you.

I received this book for free from booksneeze.com.  The opinion expressed is my own.

“If we believe in what God made and what God said, we will believe in the One whom God sent.”

The Blessing - powerful, emotional, and vital

When my wife recommends a book to me it usually is for a reason, this time I wasn’t sure what it was.  After reading The Blessing I understand.  The Blessing revealed in me something that I didn’t even know was there.  I wanted and needed the blessing of my parents.

This book teaches the importance of the blessing in the lives of people as they grow older and either consciously or subconsciously feels that emptiness that resides from never receiving the blessing.  This book breaks it down in 5 elements; meaningful touch, spoken message, high value, a special future, and commitment.

I grew up in a “normal” family.  That isn’t a guarantee of unconditional love and acceptance.  This book teaches that there is more to parenting then simply providing, disciplining, and teaching your children.  While each of these things is important, acceptance and pride towards your children as well as unconditional love is what a child will hold on to during the tough times.  Thankfully this book teaches what to do if you never received this blessing or never received it fully.

I recommend this book highly to anyone who is a parent, has parents, or was ever born into the world through parents (I guess that is simply everyone).

I received this copy courtesy of booksneeze.com.  The opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Be the People

Because I happen to hold to two steadfast beliefs about this country that Be the People claimed to address I was interested.  These claims are;

                1) That we are a chosen nation founded under the direct providence of God.

                2) We are heading in the wrong direction.

These two truths are evident by historical evidence as well as current realities that we face each day. 

The Founding Fathers are a fascination of mine and I hold back nothing in proclaiming my most humble appreciation and respect for the men who shaped our country.  These men according to their own writing were certain that the Lord was on the side of the Patriots.

She takes many of the modern ideas of these brave men and doesn’t research beyond the basic information.  The writings of these men themselves would discredit some of what the author has to say about them.

Currently in this country we are heading down the wrong path, away from God.  We have removed Him from our school, yet wonder why violence has entered.  We have removed Him from our homes, yet wonder why the family is falling apart.  We have removed him from the political landscape yet wonder why we are being led to slaughter by corrupt and deceitful people.

 What can we do about it?

This is the part of the book that I liked better, the plan.  Dr. Swain takes the current administrations own words to showcase what they are doing to America, weakening our power.  This is a direct attack on our way of life, a direct assault on our future and Dr. Swain proves that is is not by accident.

I received this book for free from booksneeze.com.  Regardless I am free to give my own opinion.