Protestant Books

Amish Grace: How Forgiveness Transcended Tragedy

Donald B. Kraybill, Steven M. Nolt, David L. Weaver-Zercher

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Total reviews: 41 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

On Monday morning, October 2, 2006, a gunman entered a one-room Amish school in Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania. In front of twenty-five horrified pupils, thirty-two-year-old Charles Roberts ordered the boys and the teacher to leave. After tying the legs of the ten remaining girls, Roberts prepared to shoot them execution with an automatic rifle and four hundred rounds of ammunition that he brought for the task. The oldest hostage, a thirteen-year-old, begged Roberts to "shoot me first and let the little ones go." Refusing her offer, he opened fire on all of them, killing five and leaving the others critically wounded. He then shot himself as police stormed the building. His motivation? "I'm angry at God for taking my little daughter," he told the children before the massacre.

The story captured the attention of broadcast and print media in the United States and around the world. By Tuesday morning some fifty television crews had clogged the small village of Nickel Mines, staying for five days until the killer and the killed were buried. The blood was barely dry on the schoolhouse floor when Amish parents brought words of forgiveness to the family of the one who had slain their children.

The outside world was incredulous that such forgiveness could be offered so quickly for such a heinous crime. Of the hundreds of media queries that the authors received about the shooting, questions about forgiveness rose to the top. Forgiveness, in fact, eclipsed the tragic story, trumping the violence and arresting the world's attention.

Within a week of the murders, Amish forgiveness was a central theme in more than 2,400 news stories around the world. The Washington Post, The New York Times, USA Today, Newsweek, NBC Nightly News, CBS Morning News, Larry King Live, Fox News, Oprah, and dozens of other media outlets heralded the forgiving Amish. From the Khaleej Times (United Arab Emirates) to Australian television, international media were opining on Amish forgiveness. Three weeks after the shooting, "Amish forgiveness" had appeared in 2,900 news stories worldwide and on 534,000 web sites.

Fresh from the funerals where they had buried their own children, grieving Amish families accounted for half of the seventy-five people who attended the killer's burial. Roberts' widow was deeply moved by their presence as Amish families greeted her and her three children. The forgiveness went beyond talk and graveside presence: the Amish also supported a fund for the shooter's family.

AMISH GRACE explores the many questions this story raises about the religious beliefs and habits that led the Amish to forgive so quickly. It looks at the ties between forgiveness and membership in a cloistered communal society and ask if Amish practices parallel or diverge from other religious and secular notions of forgiveness. It will also address the matter of why forgiveness became news. "All the religions teach it," mused an observer, "but no one does it like the Amish." Regardless of the cultural seedbed that nourished this story, the surprising act of Amish forgiveness begs for a deeper exploration. How could the Amish do this? What did this act mean to them? And how might their witness prove useful to the rest of us?

The Courage to Be Protestant: Truth-lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World

David Wells

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 13 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

A must read for serious Christians 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

You must read this book if you desire to understand why Christian churches are heading off in so many bad directions. Read this especially if you are grieved over the decisions your own church leadership is making.

A Stinging Critique of Contemporary Evangelicalism 3 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

In his newest book, The Courage to Be Protestant: Truth-lovers, Marketers, and Emergents in the Postmodern World (Wm. B. Eerdmans, 2008), David Wells launches a stinging critique of contemporary evangelicalism, particularly in its market-driven and Emerging forms. Bundling together the insights from his previous books, Wells advocates a return to doctrinal fidelity and a renewed trust in Scriptural authority.

David Wells reminds me of a curmudgeonly grandfather - a man full of wisdom who is also highly opinionated. The Courage to Be Protestant contains piercing insights into the problems of today's evangelical movement along with a good dose of "attitude" that keeps the book entertaining. (Take for example Wells' description of the hip-hop culture "set apart by their getups, their tattoos, their piercings, jewelry, hoodies, off-kilter baseball caps, and pants that look like they were made by a drunken tailor." [15])

Wells is at his best when offering insight into why our culture is going through its contemporary turmoil. He rightly notices how our terminology has shifted (for example, we no longer look at lost people as "unconverted" but as merely "unchurched" [45].) He sees through the market-driven mentality of many churches, where "the benefits of believing [Christianity] are marketed, not the truth from which the benefits derive. (53)"

Wells' chapter on God is terrific. He writes: "Culture does not give the church its agenda. All it gives the church is its context. The church's belief and mission come from the Word of God." (98) He argues that we have lost our center, and this because we have lost the God that is outside of ourselves. We have misunderstood God's nearness and immanence as if he were inside us. The truth of the God that stands outside of us is what gives us the Law, defines sin, and makes the cross necessary. Here, Wells calls us to recover God's transcendence.

In later chapters, he makes his case for the public nature of Christian truth claims. Particularly insightful is the way that Wells shows how many Christians have become both secular and spiritual. "Secularization does not mean that all religion and spirituality must wither away. It simply means that all religion and spirituality need to be kept private." (187) Wells articulates a robust understanding of the penal substitutionary atonement, and yet he nuances it in all the right places. For instance, he believes we should make the distinction that Christ took upon himself the penalty of our sin, not that he was punished for sin. (201). In other words, God condemned sin in the flesh of Jesus; God did not condemn Jesus.

Yet The Courage to Be Protestant has several problems. Wells puts too much stock in surveys and polls. For example, he worries that only 32 percent of evangelicals believe in absolutes (93). I cannot help but wonder if most evangelicals even speak in these categories enough to be able to answer such a survey question accurately.

Other times, he makes sweeping generalizations without the documentation to back up his point. For example, he argues (without any documentation) that the overwhelming majority of evangelical pastors have become seeker-sensitive (44). A brief glance at the layout of the large number of smaller, rural evangelical churches might change that perception.

Or take his common refrain that Americans are "spiritual, but not religious" (60, 185). Researchers are beginning to see how this generalization is not only undocumented, but simply untrue. (See Robert Wuthnow's After the Baby Boomers for some surprising statistics.)

Throughout the book, Wells advocates a return to the doctrinal convictions of previous eras, but he sometimes conflates doctrinal conviction with the re-adoption of certain forms and traditions not specifically prescribed in Scripture. In a terrific chapter that takes the evangelical church to task for making Christianity "for sale" through the embrace of a market mentality, Wells shows how consumerism has changed American evangelicalism. But the chapter is marred by his lament over the contemporary preacher who sits on a barstool (which replaced the Plexiglas stand, which earlier replaced the pulpit). Wells seems to think the pulpit is the most sacred place for a pastor to stand (29). The absence of pulpits might indeed be due to the market mentality of some mega-churches, but surely the answer to our consumerism is not merely returning to the pulpit!

Other problems surface in some of Wells' contradictions. For example, on page 80, he argues that "Scripture is... the truth. Scripture is not only a measure, not only a standard, but is also truth." Two pages later, he distinguishes between Jesus and Scripture by saying "Scripture is true, but he is the truth." And then, "...only of Christ can it be said that he is the truth." Without further elaboration, the reader is left wondering what the relationship between Jesus and the Bible might be.

The Courage to Be Protestant is a book that should be read and digested by evangelical leaders today. Most of Wells' analysis is correct. He puts his finger on many of the foundational problems that are corroding our evangelical identity. Though his tone is often pessimistic and he offers little evidence or hope for a resurgence of biblical orthodoxy, Wells' counsel and instruction are worthy of receiving and hearing. Readers may disagree at times with the "grumpy Grandpa," but I, for one, am glad that the wise curmudgeon had the courage to write such a book.

Bible Doctrine

Wayne Grudem

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Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Bible Doctrine bk 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book is extremely well researched and written. If you want to know about the Christian faith, the hows, whys, etc. this is the book for you.

EXCELLENT BOOK FOR DOCTRINAL UNDERSTANDING!! 5 out of 5 stars.
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Wayne Grudem does an excellent job categorizing and explaining biblical doctrine. This book is a great study tool for the seminary student, pastors and church leaders, and for the layperson. 'Bible Doctrine' is an excellent compliment to Dr. Grudem's 'Systematic Theology.' This book should be in every Christian's library.

Ky Baptist 5 out of 5 stars.
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This is definitely not a quick read, but a very in depth study. Enjoyed author's commentary and insite.

Right Understanding 5 out of 5 stars.
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This book is a concise handbook of theology, condensed from a larger volume, though still broad in scope at 528 pages. As the title suggests, it is about Biblical doctrines, which adhere to, and emerge from the Scriptures, rather than speculative doctrines derived more from man's philosophical suppositions. The author's view is Reformed Theology, upholding and explaining the doctrinal claims of Martin Luther, and John Calvin, etc.; such as TULIP, among others.

This orthodoxy of Biblical interpretation is so refreshing today in light of the rampant liberal doctrines so popularly preached in the modern church. You WON'T find the partial depravity of man, decisional salvation, cheap grace, easy believism, or ineffectual atonement in this text.

Instead, you'll find a concise Biblical exposition on the most important doctrines of Scripture. One of my favorite explanations in this book is the order of salvation: Election, Call, Regeneration, Conversion, Justification, Adoption, Sanctification, Perseverence, Death, Glorification. How satisfying to understand the transformational experience of the new birth. When you understand such things you can become a much more effective witness and give a correct Biblical answer for why you believe what you believe.

This author rightly divides the word. He begins in the right place. The assumptions, or foundational view from which we begin interpretation determines to a large extent the conclusions we draw. So that's why it's so important to get it right, hopefully sooner rather than later. And that's why I recommend the book.

Editorial Review:

This is an abridgment of Grudem's highly commended Systematic Theology intended for laypeople and nonprofessionals.

Jesus and the Victory of God (Christian Origins and the Question of God, Volume 2)

N. T. Wright

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Total reviews: 34 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Jesus and the Victory of God 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 7 people found this review helpful.

A most detailed and excellent work, probably too technical or detailed for the ordinary reader but required reading for anyone studying the life and ministry of Jesus.

Jesus and THe Victory of God 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

It is a very comprehensive and informative book. Apart from all the critics, Wright has provided a much needed balanced overview of recent writings re the Historical Jesus and outlines a challenging pisture of the Central message of christianity.

Outstanding History 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This is volume 2 of N.T. Wright's "Christian Origins and the Question of God", which begins to put flesh on volume 1 and centers on the historical Jesus. In the opening section Wright surveys the historical quests to find out who Jesus is and provides a devastating critique of the Jesus Seminar. This is a great section, introducing the lay scholar to names, theories, and trends in the study of the historical Jesus and he does it without simply locking into strict orthodoxy or jettisoning it at the door. Once this basic background is established Wright seeks to set forth his vision of the historical Jesus. He begins by outlining the work of a prophet in section II and then moves into the beliefs and aims of Jesus in section III.

Through his historical analysis, Wright sheds a lot of light on numerous texts, bringing out the historical Jesus and, I believe, showing that there is not a dichotomy between the Christ of faith and the Jesus of history. In fact, given the aims and beliefs of this prophet the outworking of the Church's vision is quite sound. This is a great book that will challenge aspects of your thinking, especially if you think Jesus is a-political or simply a 'savior from hell', but doesn't necessarily call you to leave the Faith to discover the 'real Jesus', but enables one to clearly understand the the history and life and times of Jesus more thoroughly.

My fault with the book lies on aspects of his conclusion, which flows from his methodology. Granted, he says he is not touching John's Gospel, because it is a huge mountain to climb, but how can John's Gospel not tie in directly with any aspect of "Jesus' self-consciousness"? Granted, he limits the scope of his work, which was necessary, but some of his conclusions seem to be built on incomplete evidence to say the least.

Yet, despite that complaint, the book is worth investing several hours of your life to read and digest the material.

Editorial Review:

N.T. Wright brilliantly surveys the field of Jesus scholarship in the twentieth-century, presenting Jesus firmly within the political and social setting of the first-century--as a Jewish apocalyptic prophet.

Chosen by God

R. C. Sproul

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 85 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Logical Progressions Should Not Be Ignored 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I have just completed my reading of reading R.C. Sproul's Chosen By God. Before I get into specifics, I would like to say up front that I absolutely loved this book.

From the front cover, it's not difficult to decipher what this book is about. It's about predestination. Although the tagline may be a bit cheesy, "Know God's perfect plan for His glory and His children"; I think it might carry with it some slightly arrogant connotations, however, you won't find any of those inside.

From the first chapter, Sproul documents, in brief, his own struggle with the biblical doctrine of predestination. In the beginning of the book, Sproul speaks mostly experientially. His own intellectual battle with previously learned doctrines that he was discovering didn't have nearly as much foundation as he thought. I was concerned in the beginning, he was speaking so much out of his own experiences, there was very little specific reference to scripture. He mostly just talked about ideas and his struggles with them, but didn't really qualify any of those ideas. I feared the worst. However, from the first chapter filled mostly with experiences, he beautifully builds eight more chapters saturated with scripture.

In another book from Sproul, What Is Reformed Theology (recently reviewed), I had major issues with Sproul's omission of specific scriptural references for the sake of easy reading. This is in no way the case here.

I'm generally a critical thinker. It's hard for me to ignore logic (that's probably a weakness some times). For me, this book fit like a perfect puzzle piece into how I generally receive and interpret information. Sproul builds, very clearly from scripture, a series of powerful and logical arguments. He argues extremely effectively for the reformed view of predestination, but at the same time speaks with a humble attitude that isn't likely to immediately turn subscribers of other theologies off.

The book is written to be very easily read; just over 200 short pages. It is clearly not written explicitly for the seminary student. While I'm certain most Christians would benefit from reading this literature, Sproul almost certainly had the average reader in mind. He does an excellent job of making the point that predestination is not a theology only for the theologically elite (not a term I'm crazy about) but something that any serious bible believing Christian has to deal with, and how we deal with it bears heavily on how we interact with God and others.

This book makes me want to make up a rating system for my book reviews so that I can give it really high marks. I am recommending this book to anyone who feels they'd like to try some solid food. I give this book 150 points. Also available in store at places like Borders and Barnes & Noble.

Editorial Review:

Here is a clear scriptural case for the classic (and sometimes controversial) Christian doctrine of predestination. Through this view of a truly sovereign God, readers will see how sinfulness prevents man from choosing God on his own; instead, God must change people's hearts.

The Pursuit of God

A. W. Tozer

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Total reviews: 96 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

This book should be re-read annually 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

It never ceases to amaze me how this book, unlike all of the others on the shelf (save the Bible), seems to demand to be re-read every year. Furthermore, I'm in awe of the way God uses it to "right the ship" of my spiritual life every time I read it. It's truly a timeless classic.

It should also be noted that the style of writing and the way in which the words flow is unlike anything else I've read. The bulk of the book was written during a train ride in 1949. The soul-stirring quality of this work shouts that God was leading and inspiring the hand that wrote. Don't confuse this with the inspiration of the Bible itself, I know Tozer had no such delusions. Rather, it's one man's journey into the deeper things of God, something badly needed by all of us who name Christ as our saviour.

If your heart is open and your mind is willing, this will likely be the genesis of a closer walk.

Editorial Review:

Beautiful cloth version of this Tozer classic. Whether you are thirsting for more of God or do not yet know of the "mighty longing after God" that so consumed A.W. Tozer's life and ministry, The Pursuit of God will draw you into a deep, abiding relationship with the One who "nourishes the soul." This spiritual masterpiece exposes the roadblocks that keep us from fully knowing God, reveals our responsibility of the pursuit, and ultimately leads us into the very presence of God Himself. From the Publisher This new edition has been published with a beautiful new cover to reach a whole new generation of readers. Also available: God's Pursuit of Man, Tozer's profound prequel to The Pursuit of God.

What is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics

R. C. Sproul

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Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Even for an introduction, lack of references is unacceptable 2 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

R.C. Sproul's What Is Reformed Theology is a very clear articulate overview of what Reformed Theology really is. Sproul stays pretty clear of hairy and confusing details and sticks to the major origins, doctrines and objections. What you get in the end is an explanation that's hard to misunderstand. Now, reformed theology sits well with my understanding of scripture and personal experience and so for my own personal reading and encouragement, Sproul's work here was adequate and enjoyable. However, I have some grievances.

I like to think that in my belief, I'm subscribed to scripture (I'd also like to think that if I wrote a book, it'd shine through; but who am I, maybe not). However, so far as my understanding extends, that lines up nicely with what people call Reformed Theology. So, I suppose by proxy, you could say that I subscribe to Reformed Theology. However, I also feel that my first commitment being to the Word of God, if I could conclusively say that my `theological camp,' were off base somewhere, I would abandon the camp to remain with scripture.

I believe strongly that people ought to be believers of the Word of God, first and finally. The words they believe from men should be checked and tested against the Word of God and conscience. In Sproul's work, although I agree with what he says, he very rarely gives specific reference to scripture. Now, I'm certain some would say that it's because he wasn't trying to bog the writing down with non-essential information; he is interested in giving only a basic overview. The back of the book, in part, reads: "What is Reformed Theology is not a textbook but rather an accessible introduction to the beliefs that have been immensely influential in the evangelical church." I understand that this book is not a "textbook," however, unless people can substantiate their beliefs with the Word of God, there is little good reason to provide an overview, no matter how accessible it is.

Sproul could have easily spared full biblical quotation and simply could have left biblical references following unqualified statements. Or even thinner than that, could very easily given us basic references which we could flip to the back of the book to find their biblical qualification.

For this reason, I doubt I will recommend this book highly to very many people. While Sproul's information is good, it feels like he builds a platform for us to trust in the word of Reformed Theology, rather than the Word of God and that to me is both unacceptable and dangerous. Blind devotion to any theological camp is no devotion at all, it must be substantiated by the Word of God.

Editorial Review:

Few evangelical Christians today understand Reformed theology, even though it has become an immensely influential theological tradition. Recognizing only key terms relating to predestination or the five points, many Christians want a better explanation of the concepts and beliefs that make up a Reformed perspective. What is Reformed Theology? is an introduction to a doctrine that has eluded so many evangelical Christians. And who better to teach about Reformed theology than R. C. Sproul? In thoroughly expounding the foundational doctrines and five points, Sproul asserts the reality of God's amazing grace. For anyone wanting to know more about Reformed theology, this candid book offers a coherent and complete introduction to an established belief. Previously published as Grace Unknown

The Holiness of God

R. C. Sproul

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Total reviews: 59 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

This is flat out good stuff... 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I told someone recently that I was reading The Holiness of God by Sproul and they looked at me like I was an alien. They responded with surprise that I had not read it and went on to rave about the book. Sometimes books get a bit too much pub and then don't live up to the hype; however, this book is not one of them. The Holiness of God is classic Sproul and it is a much needed message for the church of any age, but in particular, the message of a transcendently glorious God is desperately needed today.

Sproul starts off the book in a chapter entitled The Holy Grail. It is in this chapter where he recounts a story of how God forever changed his life by revealing the majestic holiness of the God to him. From this point on, Sproul says he was captivated by the holiness of God.

The chapter on Isaiah 6 entitled Holy, Holy, Holy is just plain awesome. Sproul combines transcendent theology with passion and delivers it in a clear, lucid manner that is engaging to the soul.

For example,

"To be undone means to come apart at the seams, to be unraveled.... [It is] personal disintegration.... [Isaiah] was considered by his contemporaries as the most righteous man in the nation. He was respected as a paragon of virtue. Then he caught one sudden glimpse of the holy God. In that single moment, all of his self-esteem was shattered. In a brief second he was exposed, made naked beneath a gaze of the absolute standard of holiness. As long as Isaiah could compare himself to other mortals, he was able to maintain a lofty opinion of his own character. The instant he measured himself by the ultimate standard, he was destroyed--morally and spiritually annihilated. He was undone. He came apart. His sense of integrity collapsed."

"There is a special kind of phobia from which we all suffer. It is called xenophobia. Xenophobia is a fear (and sometimes hatred) of strangers or foreigners or of anything that is strange or foreign. God is the ultimate object of our xenophobia. He is the ultimate stranger. He is the ultimate foreigner. He is holy, and we are not."

This is just great stuff. And it serves as a timely tonic for our current age that seems to have chiseled a God who looks and acts more like our little buddy than the transcendently enthroned King of kings.

Sproul also writes about Christ's holiness. In the chapter, The Trauma of Holiness, Sproul shows how Christ demonstrates his utter differentness and superiority over everything by calming the ferocious storms. Peter's response should be the model, "Depart from me, for I am a sinful man." (Luke 5.8).

My only criticism is Sproul's insertion of a chapter on Martin Luther. I was jamming along, just drinking up the radiant holiness that this book was warming me with and then...bam....a chapter on Luther. Now, I have nothing against Luther, but, it just seemed a bit unnecessary and out of place. Perhaps others disagree.

Overall, I think the book is a must read. I am catapulting it to the `top-ten' status.

Editorial Review:

Revised in 1997, The Holiness of God has sold almost 200,000 copies since it was first released in the 1980s. An instant classic on the awesome nature of God, this paperback edition (of the 1997 revision) will keep ministering to people for many years to come.

Christian Theology

Millard J. Erickson

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Total reviews: 38 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Excellent Systematic Resource! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Watch Video Here: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3C6Q9D3NOCS94 Excellent textbook encouraged of all Christians to buy.

Scholarly and thoughtful 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is the third systematic theology book that I have learned from in my philosophy of religion and ethics studies at the masters level. Erickson's ideas are fresh and thoughtful, while staying true to divine inspiration and the inerrancy of the Bible. This is simply an outstanding work that deserves to be in any library that has space reserved for deep theological thought provided in a pragmatic, contemporary, and approachable manner.

Christian Theology 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

My book was received timely in excellent condition. Iam satisfied with it.

I am using it for a class. This book is a little more difficult to read, and I find it's not always distinct on the different views of topics. It does cover the main topics and share more than one view on it.

the challenge 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

A pretty good book for someone that has exposure and experience with systematic theology. Erickson does a good job of presenting the antagonist to the biblical viewpoint, but unless you are a student of theology, many of the names and arguments will get you lost . I also found that I needed to keep a dictionary at hand. This man is very educated and the book is not for the faint of heart, but you will learn some good things if you stay with it, speaking as a layman.

Editorial Review:

A new edition of leading theologian Millard Erickson's classic text.

Stand: A Call for the Endurance of the Saints

Justin Taylor

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Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

With Contributions by John Piper, John MacArthur, Jerry Bridges, Randy Alcorn, and Helen Roseveare

These powerful calls to godly perseverance from four admired Christians elevate the value and necessity of lifelong faithfulness in the lives of God’s people.

Many people seek to better their lives by leaving, changing, swapping, or modifying their commitments. But God’s Word holds up a beautiful value that, while difficult, leads to deep satisfaction and great reward: endurance.

Such long, steady, hold-the-course perseverance is especially needed within our vacillating generation. This thoughtful book thus not only elevates the virtue of godly endurance but bears witness to its power in the Christian life through the exhortations of John Piper—who provides the context and overview for the entire book—John MacArthur, Jerry Bridges, Randy Alcorn, and Helen Roseveare. Each contributor represents a different kind of endurance: from MacArthur’s longtime, faithful shepherding of a church to Alcorn’s radical obedience in the culture wars, from Bridges’ unswerving patience through suffering to Roseveare’s courageous constancy on the war-torn mission field.

Stand will awaken and solidify rugged, Christ-exalting endurance in people who are weary in their faith journey or who simply long to remain firm to the end. And for everyone who dreams of a Christian culture-shift from brief trial runs to lifelong commitments, John Piper and Justin Taylor’s latest offering is a watershed that will serve to seal that vision in people’s minds and hearts.