Book Reviews & Recommendations

Faith for Exiles ~ A Book Review

While hardly able to keep up with the changes, recent years is starting to see the results of some of the first studies about technology’s impact since the beginning of the internet era. There has been some concern about the effects if technology is not tempered with wise living and the research is suggesting those concerns are warranted. Seeking to address those concerns from a Christian worldview, David Kinnaman and Mark Matlock have collaborated to release, Faith for Exiles: 5 Ways for a New Generation to Follow Jesus in Digital Babylon.

David Kinnamane is the principal stakeholder at Barna Group while Mark Matlock is the founder of Wisdom Works Ministries. Sifting through vast amounts of research available over the course of many years from Barna Group, they conclude that “Young non-Christians are avoiding Christianity, and young Christians are abandoning church; however by cultivating five practices we can form and be formed into disciples of Jesus who thrive as exiles in digital Babylon.” Dividing people into prodigals (ex-Christians), nomads (lapsed Christians), habitual churchgoers, and resilient disciples, the authors compare and contrast habits, experiences, and expectations of each group in hopes of learning more about what Christians can do be impacted and impact others.

To be quite honest, any time I see a phrase similar to 5 (or insert whatever number you wish) steps to a better Christian life or some variation, I am skeptical. I am not opposed to generating lists of practical attributes and actions of Christians, but to reduce the Christian life to simple steps is a overly reductionistic and minimizes the work of God in an individual’s life.

With that bias noted, a turn through the book shows the author’s intentions. Noting the impact technology is having on the global society, the authors stipulate that Christians are exiles living in the midst of a digital Babylon. Therefore, if behavior is not changed in this generation, they suggest that more from the next generation will fall away from the faith. As a result, they assert the following five principles are necessary to work against five concern:

To form a resilient identity, experience intimacy with Jesus.
In a complex and anxious age, develop the muscles of cultural discernment.
When isolation and mistrust are the norm, forge meaningful, intergenerational relationships.
To ground and motivate an ambitious generation, train for vocational discipleship.
Curb entitlement and self-centered tendencies by engaging in countercultural mission.

These five points are a summation of common characteristics found in their research.

The amount of research available in this book is extensive and something very appreciated. It is noteworthy that we can have access to some of the information that they present. While they cite much research throughout the book, the back matter includes a lot of the fuller results giving a greater perspective for readers. Their conclusions from this research, that basically the church is lacking in discipleship, is a personal concern of mine for quite some time and to see the research verify this is personally appreciated. Therefore, the observations made (such as how technology allows people to rebrand themselves and that our technology is outdistancing our theology) are complex and need to be wrestled within a Christian framework.

As a result, their identification of the issues facing Christians is incredibly profound, but their solutions (for the most part) lack great depth. Most of their suggestions are simply activities and attitudes of a biblical church as demonstrated in Scripture. This combines with two other concerns. First, the authors at times are very borderline mystical. It could simply be the result of their word usage, which points to a greater issue in the book. Their word usage can frequently obscure their points at readers have to wrestle with what the authors are ‘really’ trying to say. The second concern is the confusion that seems to occur between conversion and discipleship. At one point, the authors assert that in the past disciples could be mass-produced at events like crusades. Regardless of one’s view on crusades, altar calls, etc. it should be agreed that decisionism is not discipleship. Interestingly, the book seems to advocate a deeper and more biblical approach to discipleship, so the initial comingling does not seem to match what the authors believe.

Upon reading this book, I am left with this thought: I am uncertain about where I fall on this book. There are some legitimate concerns. Yet, from a research and analysis aspect, there are areas noted by the authors that Christians should be dealing with. However, there are some areas that personally I am still unsettled by. Some wise counsel is to reserve immediate judgment on a book until one has had time to let everything settle beyond initial reactions and that is what I need to do in this case.

To learn more about this book, click here. If you are interested in more of this area, click the following books which may be helpful and provide some insight:

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher at no cost to me for the purposes of review. However, my review was not influenced by the author, publisher, or anyone else associated with this book and is the result of my own reading of it.

Master Organizer of Mayhem ~ A Book Review

Master organizer of mayhem. Using mom as an acronym, that seems like a good description of who a mom is. Kristi Clover, a master of mayhem for a family of seven, is known for her skills, systems, and speakings about home organization. And that is the very subject of her new book, M.O.M.: Master Organizer of Mayhem.

The book is a typical book of productivity and/or organization. As an experienced organizer, it should be no surprise that the book is also very well-organized. The 18 chapters are divided into three sections:

Phase 1 – Foundation (chapters 2-11; chapter 1 is a brief introduction): Each chapter covers one of ten rules that the author proposes are essential to mastering the mayhem of home life.
Phase 2 – Framework (chapters 12-17): These chapters cover variations of key systems that provide the framework for an organized household. Clover divides those primary aspects into decluttering systems, organizing systems, storage systems, chore systems, kitchen systems, and laundry systems.
Phase 3 – Finishing Touches (chapter 18: The last chapter is a simple guide and exhortation to make it work.

Those three building metaphors form the entirety of the content shaped in this particular book.

For those who are constantly seeking help to organize their mayhem through blogs, books, and podcasts, many of the suggestions in this book will not be surprising. For the faithful Pinterest user, no doubt he/she will be aware of much of what is suggested by Clover. Yet, the amount of information contained within one book is helpful. Overwhelmed spouses, parents, or individuals do not need to search for hours on end looking for help. The author is very thorough and within the cover the book is a large supply of insights and helps. Moreover, never does the author suggest she has the solution for every reader; in fact, from the very first proposed rule she tells readers to take what is helpful, tweak it according to one’s own lifestyle, and leave behind what would not work. Too often, people become overwhelmed trying to take in and enforce every suggestion that comes his/her way for a ‘better’ life. Not only is that impossible, but creates an unnecessary burden. Therefore, Clover’s emphasis on giving readers a wide variety of tools while not pressuring them to adopt all suggestions is both important and appreciated.

One of the major missing elements of this book is a theological aspect. Now granted, this is not necessarily a theological book, but having such a perspective would have added great value for two reasons. First, Clover addresses various aspects which have theological implications. For example, she could have addressed why people struggle with clutter during her major section on this aspect, or the discussion on serving children would have been served by a biblical orientation towards training children. Additionally, adding the theological element would have given a perspective of how organization could be used to glorify and/or honor God. At times the author shares some verses, and while the theological aspect certainly does not need to hold the major focus of this book, it would have added much.

Admittedly, my personal expectations of this book were quite low as most productivity/organization books often offer little uniqueness. Yet, for those who are interested in such areas in their own life, this would be a good book to use to initiate a personal system.

To learn more about this book, click here.

Economics: A Student’s Guide ~ A Book Review

Economics is a broad and boring subject for many people, and unless there is an immediate and noticeable impact most people are content to ignore economic consequences. In a series to force Christians to think more deeply about what defines their current mindset, Crossway has released the next volume, Economics: A Student’s Guide by Greg Forster.

Primarily inclined towards students, the series is called Reclaiming the Christian Intellectual Tradition and is edited by David Dockery and seeks to encourage Christians to think from a biblical worldview by exploring traditional (read ‘historical’) interpretations on current subjects, in this case regarding the discipline of economics. The book only spans 126 pages, suggesting it is not very comprehensive. After an introductory chapter that covers the very basics of economics and then a discussion on justice and mercy, the bulk of the book is broken down into a recitation about historical views of economics. Those views include an ancient era analysis, medieval era analysis, and modern era analysis. The final chapter is an overview of how people misappropriate the economics in their worldview. While there some brief reflection questions at the end of the book, they are minimal and hardly worth mentioning.

The few books that I have been fortunate enough to read demonstrate the series is well-intentioned and each generally offers some surprising aspect that is not often considered forcing readers to think more intentionally about the topic. For example, during Economics, the Author Greg Forster stipulates, “In our rich and comfortable society, people do not feel themselves to be constantly under threat of death from unexpected misfortune, so they feel less need to make sacrifices to keep themselves in good standing with social communities whose aid they might needs” (location 1407). The entire context of that statement offers much for readers to consider and demonstrates the value of both this particular book and the series as a whole.

In Economics: A Student’s Guide in particular, the author’s grasp allows for compelling points of application. He dissects the ways in which Christians often turn to the economy as an idol, replacing their trust in God with a trust in economic circumstances. He does not merely indicate that Christians too easily trust their money, but he goes deeper. As a missionary, Forster hit some very relevant and challenging aspects that I must consider, and I suspect others would be challenged in similar ways.

Admittedly, there are times when a bit more citation and evidence would have been both appreciated and added to the trustworthiness of the book. For example, he links the freedom to trade with other freedoms and notes that authoritarian regimes are often forced to curtail brutality for the sake of receiving economic benefits . . . he goes further to suggest that some simply avoid this by paying bribes. Few would disagree with these insights, but some evidence supporting the claims would have been constructive to bolster his claims. Other considerations are minor in comparison. There are two comments that seem to indicate that the author is interpreting events from an amillenial position, but so minor are the statements and the impact that I want to be cautious by not reading too much into the statements.

Overall this is a decent book especially poignant because of the author’s important point of linking economics with Christian morality. Forster touches on some very important cultural mindsets that are taking away from cultural effectiveness. For many, this book may be of little interest, although all Christians would get much out of it. I would recommend starting with Work and Our Labor in the Lord by James Hamilton Jr. (part of the Short Studies in Biblical Theology Series) and then read this one. While one is focused on economics and the other specifically about work, they have some overlap and would create a good foundation for Christians.

To learn more about the books mentioned here or purchase them, click the following titles:

The Whole Armor of God ~ A Book Review

If the warnings are true, the world is a dangerous place to live. If the Christian sounds of alarm are true, then secularization is a threatening force. All indicators point to the reliability of these concerns and call for the Christian to be armed, not to initiate an attack but to defend against one. Scripture speaks to this as well, noting that the Christian should be well-protected by the armor of God. Professor and pastor Iain Duguid writes of this necessity in The Whole Armor of God: How Christ’s Victory Strengthens Us for Spiritual Warfare.

The book is an exposition of Ephesians 6:10-20, capturing the reality of spiritual warfare. Over the course of 8 chapters and 127 pages, Duguid looks into the armor that protects a believer in this spiritual battle. Each chapter then concludes with a series of short reflection questions for the reader to consider before moving on.

Because of its shortness, the book lacks a lot of depth that readers may hope for, especially for those familiar with Duguid’s other works. This is not an exegetical analysis. Instead, it is a simplistic look into a person’s need to look to God for this spiritual armor.

While depth is lacking, there are two unique characteristics that mark this work as notable. First, the book is unexpectedly apologetical. The author offers up counterarguments to many of the attacks on Christian theology. Therefore, readers not only find themselves learning about God’s word, but are equipped with a logical Christian defense. Secondly, Iain Duguid stipulates that each piece of armor points to Christ and each chapter is built around that aspect. While writing in a way to assert a practical application of Scripture, he spends much of the time in each chapter building rationale with cross-references of how Christ is presented.

While more profundity would have added some value to the book, The Whole Armor of God is an excellent book. It provides a good basic and encouragement for believers seeking to understand better, Paul’s description of the Christian armor in Ephesians 6.

To learn more about this book or purchase it, click here.

The Most Important Stories of the Bible ~ A Book Review

The Bible hosts one story comprised of many smaller accounts, introducing readers to the wide array of people who inhabited the same lands that we now call home. Most importantly, it introduces us to a sovereign and powerful God who ordered these stories. There are a number of books that offer distinctive ways to read those accounts by retelling them, offering commentary, or taking on other forms, so that individuals may be caused to go deeper in their understanding. The Most Important Stories of the Bible is another book seeking to do something similar.
The authors, Christopher Hudson and Stan Campbell are both graduates of Wheaton College and have collaborated to put together a book that highlights 75 stories from Scripture. Each is placed in chronological order so that they can be seen in the context of what was taking place during that era. To say these are the most important ones is arguable, but they have done a good job at highlighting some of the most prominent and necessary while offering a wide variety. In an attempt to connect each together, each story begins with a short summary of what has taken place previously and each section ends with an essential truth derived from the story.
To be honest, I have seldom understood the purpose of books like this, especially when it is not meant to reach the need of a particular group. It would seem better to go directly to the source, the Bible, and read the entire story instead of someone else’s paraphrase. This is especially true for this particular book when one considers that the book spans 182 pages and tells 75 stories; that amounts to less than 2.5 pages per story (and less when the extra material is considered). With a small amount of extra effort one can read the story for himself/herself in its entirety at the source, which seems far better than relying on a paraphrase.
The paraphrase is more concerning when noting that the authors have inserted unnecessary commentary. At times they interpret emotions or add comments that define actions positively or negatively, even when information is limited. It is not frequent, but noticeable enough that it draws attention from the story and can often detract from the main point of it.
Finally, the essential truths presented at the end of each story are often not essential. The truths are no more than a sentence long with little explanation. More concerning, they are often secondary aspects of the story and not highlighting the essential truth that comes from it.
Perhaps I am biased and that impacts the review, but it would seem better for readers to leave behind this book and pick up their Bible instead. Already people spend more time in books about the Bible than the Bible itself, so rather than confuse that point further, it seems more logical to simply point people towards the Scriptures.

To learn more or purchase a copy of this book, click here.

The Promises of God ~ A Book Review

The great preacher, Charles Spurgeon, known for his gospel-oriented teachings and lifestyle, produced an inordinate amount of materials during his lifetime. Some are more well-known than others, but if it bears his name it is sought after. Included in those writings is one known as The Cheque Book of the Bank of Faith.

Partnered with Tim Chester, Crossway has released an updated and enriched version of this book for readers under a new title, The Promises of God. The book is written as a short daily devotional, much like the well-known Morning and Evening. Aside from a title change, Chester’s updates are meant to preserve the original significance, but he has undertaken edits to update the language used to modern English, which also includes changes and shortenings to words and sentences. He has also updated the Scriptures to reflect the English Standard Version. The most appreciated addition is the inclusion of Bible references. The result is another meaningful devotional in the repertoire of the Christian life.

If one knows Spurgeon, they will not find any surprises in The Promises of God. The book is a great encouragement to the struggling Christian by highlighting God’s character and causing the reader to see how, why, and when God can be relied upon. This is especially realized in Spurgeon’s grasp and use of future promises in the past tense, meaning those promises in Scripture that will not be completed until the future, but are spoken of in the past-tense because of the trust that God has already ordained it to be. Related to that is Spurgeon’s ability to capture what should be the heart of a believer. This comes across in a discussion about a parent’s relationship with his/her child, comparing it to Abraham and Isaac, fearing for one’s child not merely because of the physical life but because of the spiritual life and not having the Spirit of God.

One of the struggles with Spurgeon is sometimes his usage of the Old Testament passages and promises meant for Israel in relationship to the people of today and this book follows that same pattern or there are times in which more meaning is put on Scripture than should be (such as interpreting Acts 1:8 as a command). These are not major concerns. One of the most difficult aspects with this particular book is Spurgeon’s propagation of a quid pro quo relationship with God. During several of the devotions, especially early on in January and February Spurgeon asserts that those who do/give/act will receive an extra blessing from God. While Scripture is utilized at times to verify the truth of this, there are moments when it is taken a bit too far in which God is almost obligated to give in response to what we do.

If you are familiar with Spurgeon, this book follows his typical pattern. It comes with the same concerns and same blessings that other Spurgeon writings come with. Personally, my opinion is Morning and Evening is a better devotional of the two. Yet, this one will certainly be encouraging for believers and is a worthwhile read.

To learn more or purchase a copy of either book mentioned here, click the titles below:

The Promises of God
Morning and Evening (I specifically recommend the edition edited by Alistair Begg).

Unshelved ~ What I Read in August, 2019

Numbers are up, but this month’s Unshelved looks a bit different than most months in that there is a lot of fiction on what I read this past month. With a lot of travel (in which I wasn’t driving) I was able to do some more reading, but not in a position to take notes. As a result, I read a lot of books that requires less interaction but simply allowed me to relax. At this point, I am thankful that I am able to get back into reading more and have even structured my evenings to allow for more consistent reading. So, here is a look at what I read this past month (click the titles to learn more):

First in Line by Kate Anderson Brower: This book was not as good as I had hoped; a lot of personal agendas and opinions in place of a genuine picture of the position and the relationships. But, it did give a few different perspectives that most of us wouldn’t consider about the vice presidency.
Letters from the Dragon’s Head edited by Kathy Langhorn and Pat Langhorn: Martha Wiley was a missionary to China from 1900-1947 and her nieces compiled her letters. A slow read, but it is interesting to see her grapple with culture like missionaries today and to note some of her outlook and sacrifice. It’s an interesting; granted I have a special interest in that she was sent out by home church.
The Rising Sea by Clive Cussler: A continuation of the NUMA files, this one was a bit more enjoyable than some of the other NUMA files.
The Silver Chair and The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis: Oh the classic that is The Chronicles of Narnia. It’s been awhile since I’ve enjoyed their tales, so I’ve taken some time through the year to read through the series once again. I was not disappointed with that investment of time.
The Deep End of the Ocean by Jacquelyn Mitchard: Adapted for a movie, I came across a copy for 50 cents at a book sale and it evoked memories of reading this at the same time as my mom, so I picked it up again. It was not as enjoyable as I remember.
Manson’s Right-Hand Man Speaks Out by Charles Watson: I came across the testimony of Charles Watson in which he professed Christ. Interested, I learned more about him and found that he had written some books . . . this one was free on Kindle and very short; It’s simply the text of an interview that he did with someone, so not an enjoyable read, but it is seasoned with a lot of Scripture and discussions of the gospel message which added to its value. Because of what it is though, I probably wouldn’t recommend it for most people.
Primal Leadership by Daniel Goleman, Richard Boyatzis, and Annie McKee: A book about the power of emotional intelligence and its role in leadership. It was an assigned text as part of a study I am doing. There was much to argue about as it is definitely written from a secular perspective. A number of the conclusions require more of an unbiased study before acceptance, but it was not without merit. There were a number of things I did learn, and it provoked some ‘ah-ha’ moments in my own Christian walk.

And so, with a lot of fiction, this month’s reading represents an eclectic selection of books and is not as widely arranged among the disciplines as I would like. It is a blessing though to be able to be reading once again.

Many of you are coming out of summer and so what did your month of reading look like? How will it shape what you read this month? May the Lord encourage you in your reading endeavors!

Teen to Teen Academic Planner ~ A Book Review

Growing up I looked forward to the beginning of the school year for two reasons: a new backpack and a new planner. Today, I create my own planners that are specific to my lifestyle, but I enjoy picking up others to get ideas from. For that reasons, I was excited to receive a new school planner, the Teen to Teen Academic Planner 2019-2020 (with the charcoal graph hardcover), from a Christian publisher (B&H) with the expectations of something unique in a generally secular market.

The layout is pretty straightforward beginning with a series of tools in the front matter that include the following:

Basic Information: A place to record personal details such as address, phone, medical information, etc. and a limited address book to maintain friends’ information.
Dates to Remember: Two pages marked off by month to record important dates.
This Year’s Goals: Two pages also laid out by month to record monthly goals for each month.
Weekly Schedule: One page to record class/activity times, teachers, locations, and times
Semester Planner: One page divided into two parts (fall and spring) to record the student’s semester schedule.

The rest of the planner is reserved for monthly and weekly to-do’s. Each section begins with the month laid out across two pagers by date to insert appointments and important dates. Included in each month is a small section for notes and a Bible verse. The following pages are where the student maintains their weekly to-do list. The week is spread across two pages with check boxes to layout assignments each day. Additionally, editors have included a section for notes, a place to record things to be thankful for, and a small checkbox to layout one’s top three goals/tasks for the week. A unique aspect here is that students are presented with a quote from another student that is meant to motivate, encourage, and inspire.

The planner is typical of most planners made for students and therefore is adequate for the task at hand. It’s simplistic style makes it easy for students to organize and use. The quotes from fellow students across the country is something different that a studious person would likely appreciate.

Personally, there are several aspects that I find disappointing. In terms of layout, it seems they could have done more with the amount of space being taken up by this planner. Planners could have taken the dates to remember pages and gotten rid of them since students could simply record those on the given month. Furthermore, the semester schedule is limiting for students whose school system may be unique (such as in trimesters). This particular notebook comes in a B5 size, which is OK, but a better choice that is more functional would have been the A5 size (portability alone makes this more functional).

My biggest issue is that the creators missed an opportunity to create something distinctly Christian. While verses are included on the months (for a total of 12 verses total), they could have used this as an opportunity to spur Christian growth they could have done this with any of the following ways:

Including a Bible reading plan and/ideas or recommended devotions.
Notes of Christian growth specifically applicable to a student and teen.
A section for prayer requests (and ways to mark them answered).
A challenge towards evangelism or a list to record people the student wants to see commit their life to Christ within the school year.

These are basic ideas and certainly more could considered. The point is this: the planner is an opportunity to incline youth towards successful student behavior for God’s glory and stimulate Christian growth. Unfortunately, the creators and publisher missed that opportunity.

As a result, the planner is similar to many others that are on the market. Therefore, my recommendation would be for parents and students to look for a planner that best fits their needs. If there was something to make this distinctly Christian, perhaps in future editions, then it would differentiate itself from all other planners and be worthwhile for Christian students.

To learn more about this book or purchase a copy, click here.

Homeschool Bravely ~ A Book Review

Just over a year ago we began the daunting task of homeschooling our firstborn. The combination of responsibility for a child’s learning combined with the amount of information available to teach creates a task that is intimidating. As a homeschool mom, Jamie Erickson understands this and for those of us who find ourselves uncertain she has reached out with her book, Homeschool Bravely.

Erickson is not someone from the outside trying to give insights nor is she one who is merely compiling resources from others. Erickson is a former teacher who made the decision to homeschool her own children. Those years of experience have given her the ability to offer insight and encouragement to other homeschooling parents through her books, articles, and blog and if numbers are an indication, 50,000 followers suggest that she is a notable expert of the field. Therefore, Homeschool Bravely, as a book that seeks to help others find their passions for homeschooling, at the very least merits consideration.

The author has a gift for writing, softening her practical approach with elements of humor that make for an engaging book. Through that ability to write, she excels at several aspects within the book. First, she orients homeschooling parents towards a future mindset by urging them to identify/recognize a long-term goal. This mindset allows parents to teach towards that goal and admit that no parent possesses the capability and time to teach all there is to know. Second, Erickson has formed a book that is practically theological. She rightly places homeschooling in the context of theological positions (such as identifying it as an act of worship) without being overly dogmatic. In doing this she offers rebuttals to many of the major criticisms about homeschooling (like confronting the concept that children will not be socialized if they are not in public school) but neither does she assert that homeschooling is the only option to be considered. Finally, her insights are creatively functional. Recognizing that each child is at a different level with varying types of motivators, influences, and enthusiasm, Erickson gives suggestions but allows parents to operate within a level of adaptation. As a result, Homeschool Bravely is a resource that offers solutions to those uncertain about homeschooling but not without a level of flexibility.

Perhaps the one area of struggle is with the author’s definition of calling, which she stipulates as simply dealing with what you have been handed. In one sense, this is not untrue. Yet, she utilizes this to write that if a person is currently homeschooling that it is God’s will for his/her life. This mindset does not take into account the seasons of life in which things may change (for example, homeschooling may be good at the moment but may not be appropriate later on) or to account for the circumstances that lead to homeschooling (perhaps there was pressure on a parent that forced them to make a decision they would not have otherwise made). Therefore, it is important to allow a level of personal circumstances and convictions that make each situation unique.

Homeschooling is a tremendous responsibility and has the capability to generate fear into parents. Homeschool Bravely is a great resource to guide parents in those areas of uncertainty. There is wisdom in knowing that homeschooling is not for everyone; there is wisdom in knowing how to adapt based on a child’s needs and this book will help parents at whatever point they may be in.

To learn more about this book or purchase a copy, click here.

Called to Forgive ~ A Book Review

In 2015, our family was walking the streets of Charleston when we came across police barricades surrounding a white church building. Beyond the barricades were flowers, photos, and tributes that had been laid in the previous weeks following the assassination of nine individuals of Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church. Little said here can capture the gravity of the situation. Having not experienced anything of that magnitude, the closest many of us can come to understanding such a tragedy is through the account of Reverend Anthony Thompson whose wife Myra was killed while leading the Bible study that night.

In his book, Called to Forgive, Reverend Thompson writes a personal account of the events from his perspective, as one on the outside with loved ones on the inside, while desiring to articulate a view of biblical forgiveness. Admittedly, this book is hard to do a book review because there are two important aspects that must be noted. First, this is a very personal book in which the author is conveying his hurt about the loss of his wife. Second, it is proven that this crime event was motivated by racism. In no way should a critique of the book take away from those points.

With those points in mind, there are several aspects of the book that are concerning. First, there are some doctrinal issues that readers will come across in the book. While not directly advocating women pastors, the author’s wife was ordained and called as such. Therefore, he certainly is accepting of it. Additionally, at one point he refers to them as being divorced. The circumstances are not revealed and would be wrong for readers to make assumptions, but his nonchalant mention of the divorces minimizes it as a casual issue. Second, the author is unnecessarily divisive at points. He is unnecessarily political and at a few points makes racial divisions when not appropriate. To reiterate an earlier point, the motivation behind the shooting was racism and that must be acknowledged, but there also must be caution about making superfluous distinctions. Finally, the author’s intended motivation for writing the book was to convey a biblical view of forgiveness, but on that point, he has not met his goal. Often times, forgiveness is conveyed as nothing more than hearing God speak and readers are left with a sense that biblical forgiveness is nothing more than “You just need to forgive.” That aspect is unhelpful for those wrestling with such an issue.

If there is one concept that repeatedly comes across in the book, it is the idea that nobody is irredeemable. Readers should be struck by the author’s concept of grace and how freely he is willing to extend that to others. Such lessons are learned from Reverend Anthony Thompson even before the discussion of extending such forgiveness and grace to the Charleston shooter. Yet, seeing him display it towards Dylan Roof adds a depth that can be learned from.

Called to Forgive is not necessarily a biblical theology on forgiveness. There are other books that are more worthwhile if one is searching for help on that topic. Yet, there is value in the story that Thompson has to tell. It brings a reality to such a tragedy and forces those of us not directly affected to consider the devastation that can follow. Thus, it is a book that can generate a level of empathy not often present following such events.

To learn more about this book or purchase a copy, click here.