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Blog
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Book Review: Philosophy of Revelation
Philosophy of Revelation by Herman Bavinck
My rating: 5 of 5 starsThis is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and surprisingly applicable. While it is aimed at answering many of the demands of modern critical philosophy, it even applies to postmodern critical philosophy.
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Book Review: The Deacon
The Deacon: The Biblical Roots and the Ministry of Mercy Today by Cornelis Van Dam
My rating: 4 of 5 starsThis is a very thoughtful examination of the nature of the office of deacon. The author looks at the term deacon, the term office, the history of the office of deacon, the role of women in the office of deacon, and current practical uses for the office of deacon. I recommend this to any Church that seeks to conform the diaconate to a biblical standard.
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Book Review: Slogging Along in the Paths of Righteousness
Slogging Along in the Paths of Righteousness: Psalms 13–24 by Dale Ralph Davis
My rating: 5 of 5 starsDale Ralph Davis has written another thoughtful, yet concise and pastoral, explanation of the Psalms. Within the book you find a mixture of token phraseologies, pithy statements, and scholarly summaries that flesh out the substance of each Psalm. This is an extremely helpful pastoral commentary to add to the collection.
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Book Review: History of Christian Education
A History of Christian Education by James E. Reed
My rating: 3 of 5 starsThis is a swift overview of the history of Christian education with a pronouncedly pro-feminist, anti-Puritan angle.
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Book Review: Parenting by God’s Promises
Parenting by God’s Promises: How to Raise Children in the Covenant of Grace by Joel R. Beeke
My rating: 4 of 5 starsThis is a well-written, insightful, though somewhat lengthy book on parenting. Thankfully, it avoids the typical cliches of Christian parenting books, and does an excellent job focusing on both the duties required of parents, as well as the grace of God that enables us and motivates us to parent. In my sincere opinion, this book is much-needed. I only limit this rating to four stars because there is a good bit of “filler” explanation that could be cut out or skipped. Aside from this, I found the book delightful.
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The Benedict Option: Short Review
The Benedict Option: A Strategy for Christians in a Post-Christian Nation by Rod Dreher
My rating: 3 of 5 starsThis is an important book in that it challenges readers to consider the issues in American Christian Culture today, and to ponder a way to preserve Christianity. Drehrer does a good job exposing the problems with present-day Christianity in America, but his analysis of where these problems come from, and proposed solutions for what to do with these issues are substantially lacking. He argues that there are at least five main causes to today’s problems in American Christianity, three of which I agree with, and two of which he grossly misunderstands (ie. the Reformation and Medieval Nominalism). The solution(s) that he proposes to the issues in American Christianity have some level of truth to them, but there are numerous flaws. All in all, I think this is an important read because it could lead to a more precise examination of the root of today’s issues in American Christianity, as well as a more fruitful discussion about how to seek to establish a lasting faith in Christ in America.
I’m considering doing a longer, and more in-depth analysis of the book, to be posted later.
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Washington’s Spies
Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring by Alexander Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 starsThis is a well-researched, and fascinatingly written examination of the spy rings present during the American Revolution.
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If God Already Knows, Why Pray?
If God Already Knows Why Pray? by Douglas F. Kelly
My rating: 4 of 5 starsThis is one of the most interesting books on prayer that I have ever read. It contains a great deal of thoughtful and insightful remarks on prayer, but occasionally verges into more speculative arguments (in my opinion). I found this beneficial to my prayer life, and generally sound in its exposition of the Scriptures.
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Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics, Vol. 1
Prolegomena to Theology, Volume 1 by Richard A. Muller
My rating: 5 of 5 starsWhile the first edition is poorly edited, the subsequent edition is an excellent revision. Muller’s thesis is phenomenally insightful, and, in my opinion, impossible to refute. This book has opened the door to years of further scholarly work concerning the relation of Post-Reformation Reformed Scholasticism to Reformation theology.
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Prayer by Tim Keller
Prayer: Experiencing Awe and Intimacy with God by Timothy J. Keller
My rating: 5 of 5 starsDespite his critics, I found this overview of prayer exceedingly helpful. He bases his explanation of prayer primarily on the works of Martin Luther, John Calvin, John Owen, and secondarily on a few patristic and contemporary sources. The most beneficial part of this book, for me, is that it has given me impetus and resources to reform my method of prayer in a way that I believe will be more God-glorifying.