The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller

Posted on August 4, 2009 by Richard

Timothy Keller in this very readable book brings fresh insights to the parable of the prodigal son. No matter how well you may feel that you know this parable there is so much more to learn from it here. The author believes that this parable contains the central message of the Christian faith.

Although always referred to as the “Prodigal Son” this parable is actually about two sons and the author believes its important that we keep this in mind. When Jesus told the parable he was addressing two groups of people: the tax collectors and sinners (who are represented by the younger son) and the Pharisees and religious rulers (who are represented by the older son).

Both groups needed to know the love of the Father as portrayed in the parable and Timothy Keller makes some very interesting and challenging observations about “older sons” and how they too need to come home to God. It does not matter how religious we may be as sometimes that can prove to be a hindrance to responding to the love of the Father.

The parable, as the author points out, does not actually have a proper ending as such because it finishes with the Father inviting the older son to go into the feast and we are not told how he responds.

I’ve read the book twice myself and would highly recommend it.

Vanya by Myrna Grant

Posted on May 1, 2009 by Richard

This book is the remarkable story of a young man called Vanya Moiseyev who served in the Soviet Union army in the early 1970′s and suffered immense persecution for his faith in Christ. However despite all the suffering and hardship he ensured Vanya remained faithful to Christ and did not deny Him.

In the summer of 1972 Vanya was tortured to death as his persecutors tried to break him and destroy his faith. Later one of them told Vanya’s parents that “he died a Christian.”

There are many wonderful testimonies in this book that show God’s hand at work in Vanya’s life. On one occasion Vanya had to stand outside all night in the winter wearing only his summer army uniform. He spent the night in prayer and when his interrogrator came to see him in the morning Vanya was glowing with the warmth of Christ. This news quickly spread and was a wonderful testimony to Gods’ grace and a frustration to his interrogrators!

I would certainly recommend this book as essential reading for all Christians.

First Steps – Starting out with Jesus by Bob Gordon with David Fardouly

Posted on April 16, 2009 by Richard

This is a short book written for new Christians to help them grow in their walk with Christ. The book has ten chapters covering topics such as: Reading the Bible, Prayer, The Power of the Holy Spirit, Resisting tempatation and witnessing to others.

Although each chapter is short and can be read through very quickly there is so much to be gained from each one. Every chapter has plenty of Scripture references to help the reader grow in their relationship with God and ensure all topics are biblically based.

One of the themes running throughout the book is the encouragement for the reader to give their all to God and serve Him with all their heart.

This is also an ideal book to be used in conjunction with an Alpha course if you are thinking of running one.

Darwin and God by Nick Spencer

Posted on March 30, 2009 by Richard

Darwin and God by Nick Spencer

This year is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin and we have seen many books written and TV programmes made looking at his theories and the legacy he left behind. Nick Spencer’s book though is not just another one looking at the debate in Christian circles between evolution and creation, but in it he has set out to actually examine Darwin’s own religious beliefs.

The author traces Darwin’s religious thoughts from various writings he wrote throughout his life including letters, notebooks, manuscripts and also his autobiography. Some of this material expressed views that Darwin carefully kept out of public sight during his life. However thanks to the wonders of modern technology these writings can now be accessed on line and we can discover more about his religious beliefs.

The book looks at the way in which his religious beliefs changed over the years and examines the sort of Christian faith that he grew up with, one which seemed to often epitomise the era in which Darwin lived. We see how he struggled to reconcile his religious beliefs with the scientific discoveries he made.

Nick Spencer also looks at how the death of Darwin’s favourite daughter Annie had a profound effect on his beliefs too. Darwin like many before him and since struggled to understand the hows and whys of suffering, and the author believes it was this that finally brought about the end of his Christian faith. We then see how in later years he moved to an agnostic position.

One of the personal characteristics of Darwin’s which impressed the author was the courteous way in which he dealt with those who disagreed with his views. The book concludes with him reflecting that this courtesy is often missing from those who engage in fierce debate about evolution and religious beliefs.

For anyone who wishes to look closely at what Darwin did actually believe as opposed to what they think he did or did not believe then this book is a good read and may offer you some surprises.

Walk on: The Spiritual Journey of U2 by Steve Stockman

Posted on February 22, 2009 by Richard

Walk on: The Spiritual Journey of U2 by Steve Stockman
With the new U2 album “No Line On the Horizon” being released in the UK on March 2nd it seemed appropriate to publish a review of Steve Stockman’s book analysing the spiritual journey of U2.

Arguably the biggest band in the world, U2 have been at the top of their profession for many years now. I remember seeing them at the Lyceum Theatre in 1981! Their early albums contained tracks which appeared to have an obvious Christian message, but as they grew this seemed to change as they turned their focus more onto social issues.

In his excellent book Steve Stockman traces the group from their beginnings and analyses their albums and brings to light Christian content in much of their music that will surprise the reader. He discusses the bands ups and downs and shows how their Christian faith underpins all they do.

It’s fair to say that the book is very defensive of U2 and is critical of some evangelical Christians who have said that the band has abandoned their Christian faith. I can guarantee that you will not agree with everything written, but for all fans of U2 and Christian music it’s essential reading. If anything it might encourage us to pray for the group as they endeavour to live out their faith in the public arena.

Simply Christian by Tom Wright

Posted on February 16, 2009 by Richard

Simply Christian by Tom Wright

Thanks to Ian from the Parish of Wonersh for permitting the use of the review he wrote on “Simply Christian.”

I think this is Simply the best book I read in 2008. A modern thinker (theologian, New Testament scholar, evangelical, Bishop of Durham) sets out to write a modern version of C.S. Lewis’ “Mere Christianity”, i.e. a guide to faith for the thoughful layperson. Very creatively, he starts from five things modern people are seeking, and explores how God satisfies these hungers in Christ. Quality writing, simple but profound. Superb!

Challenging Lifestyle

Posted on February 8, 2009 by Richard

Challenging Lifestyle by Nicky Gumbel
This book is written by Nicky Gumbel, the man who pioneered the Alpha course. Challenging Lifestyle is described on its front cover as an official follow up to the popular Alpha Course.

It’s based on the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5 to 7) and is split into 19 short chapters. Each chapter is based on a short passage of scripture from Jesus’ teaching from the Sermon on the Mount and then Nicky Gumbel’s comments on the passage explaining its meaning and its relevance for today.

At the back of the book there is a set of 6 or 7 questions for each chapter which were written by David Stone. These questions can then form the basis of a group discussion on the passage in question.

Subjects looked at in the book include “How to Deal with Anger”, “How to Avoid Sexual Sin” , “How to Love Your Enemies” and “How to Handle Money.”

The book can be studied individually but I would suggest it is better when used in a group setting. I would personally recommend it as a good source of material for a housegroup to study. However be prepared to be challenged as per the title!

Thank God it’s Monday

Posted on February 2, 2009 by Richard

Thank God it’s Monday (Ministry in the Workplace) by Mark Greene

This is a well written and easy to read book for anyone struggling with what it means to be a Christian in today’s workplace. Greene believes that it is God’s will for Christians to work, although he makes no distinction between those in paid employment, such as the CEO of a large multi-national organization or the stay at home mum. He states that, whatever we do, we should seek first to honour God rather than our earthly bosses. Indeed he even suggests that, as all authority comes from God, our earthly bosses have been empowered by God to transform us and make us more Christ-like – a real challenge if you struggle to get on with your immediate supervisor!

Greene asks why there is generally so little preaching and teaching on workplace evangelism (although this may be due in some instances to the make-up of a congregation if it comprises mainly retired Christians or folk who may have little hope of gaining paid employment in particularly deprived areas). He reminds us that the success of any outreach is winning people for God not increasing individual congregations. Greene also addresses some of moral dilemmas particular to the workplace with practical examples dealing with such things as using office equipment and being asked to lie by your superiors.

This book has now been republished three times and even during this period the working environment has changed significantly with a long hour’s culture now almost the norm in many jobs. The author looks at this issue and the impact that it has on our lives. The book avoids offering any easy solutions but does challenge our attitudes to work, and those we work with, and warns against compartmentalising our lives.

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