Who Needs a Superhero? – H. Michael Brewer

© 2004 Baker Books, Grand Rapids

Free books are cool . . . sometimes. For a person like me, it’s always neat to get a book for free—and if I get to read it, even better. I find free books several ways. Some of them get read right away (because of the nature of getting the free book) and others sit on the shelf for awhile waiting their moment of perusal. One way I get free books is from publishers/authors who want me to review them for this site—those I try to get to in a more timely manner than others. Sometimes I get a book as a gift. I usually get to these rather quickly, too because they come from someone who thought well enough of me to buy me just the right gift. Then there are books like this one that show up on the “free” table at a preachers’ conference. I sift through and get titles that I’ve wanted but was unwilling to shell out the dollars for and books that look interesting. This book looked really interesting.

Preachers are on the constant lookout for excellent illustrations that speak to their audience. Long-time pastor Michael Brewer has latched onto an extended comparison that suits him well as he turns to his lifelong love for the Bible message and his boyhood comic book friends. Sometimes an obsession with comic books can pay off. In an effort to bring the message of the Bible into understandable language he compares life and reality to the unreal world of comic heroes.

He compares Jesus to Superman—the savior from above. Sin is likened to the beast within known as the Incredible Hulk. Brewer draws connections to other comic book greats as well. Our attempts as mankind to earn or work our way into heaven are represented by Batman and Iron Man. Wonder Woman, Spider-man, and Daredevil put in appearances as well the explanation for our meager attempts at describing God by focusing on one aspect of His nature or another (“Punisher vs. Green Arrow” is the name of the chapter).

As with all attempts at explaining the unexplainables of the Bible, the analogy falls short, but provides a good handle to grasp. The biggest difficulty for me as a reader was that I was more interested in going back and finding copies of old comic books so I could catch up on Batman, Thor, and the X-men than I was about the comparisons drawn. The book was fun and well-written. It is worth a moment of your time especially if you need an explanation of what this Christian faith is all about or you have a friend who is having difficulty with what you believe. Probably the most helpful chapter is dedicated to the Fantastic Four – “The Ties that Bind” – and deals with what the church is and how it functions in a fallen world.

Three and one-half reading glasses for shear effort go to Brewer and his love of the Comic Book Hero.

—Benjamin Potter, March 1, 2012

Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor – D.A. Carson

 

© 2008 Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois

As an ordinary, or typical, pastor of an ordinary, or typical, church I am always looking for books that will address the issues that I face and encourage me. These books are all too few and far between mainly because the men who are ordinary pastors in ordinary churches aren’t writing books about the ordinary day to day plodding that is the pastorate. Those who are writing books are the men who stumble upon something that explodes into a megachurch and are sharing the secret (with too many times ignoring the fact that the explosion was God at work and not the gimmick that He happened to use). Consequently, ordinary pastors are buying up the book, digesting the contents, attempting to duplicate the gimmick, and wondering when and where their explosion is going to happen.

In the case of Memoirs, the “ordinary pastor” still did not write the book. That was left to his son (a former pastor himself, and academic who has written books) to do as a memorial after Tom Carson had passed away. Armed with his father’s journals, correspondence, and notes from decades of plodding to reach French-Canadians, D.A. Carson writes an a-typical memoir that reaches out to and touches the mind (and heart) of the pastor in the trenches.

Throughout his life Tom Carson worked diligently to plant and grow churches among French-speaking Canadians in a day when the work was just beginning—and, as new work tends to be, was slow and cumbersome. Several things were of interest to me as reader: the view of history from a north of the border perspective. Having learned all my history from an American point of view, it is often refreshing to hear the stories told from a different side. Also, was the encouragement that comes through becoming posthumous friends with a man like Tom Carson—who “wasted” his life in service of King Jesus. Carson was a man who (with his wife by his side all the way) lived Jesus in the home, and in the marketplace, from the parsonage to the translator’s desk of his later years. He cared for his flock, and he displayed the best of what is a Christian before his community and his family. He was a man who thought little of himself, bringing to life the proclamation of John the Baptist: “He [Christ] must increase, I must decrease.”  Even in the face of losing his beloved to the brain-crippler known as Alzheimer’s Disease, Carson lived for Jesus—studying scripture, providing counseling, and mentoring, as a daily walk of life.

One other characteristic that endears this small volume to the reader is its readability. Unlike most books called “memoirs” these days, this one reads like a nice two-hour visit with the subject. It reads quickly and smoothly, and is filled with the joys, challenges, and tears that would enter the room if Tom Carson were sitting in the chair opposite you. If you are a pastor (ordinary or typical or otherwise) or if you love an ordinary pastor, you should read this book. You will also find in it an urgency to keep on in the plodding work of the Kingdom where you are. I give D.A. Carson  five reading glasses for sharing his father’s life and ministry with us.

—Benjamin Potter, February 17, 2012

The Ragamuffin Gospel – Brennan Manning

© 1990, 2000, 2005 Multnomah Books, Colorado Springs

Brennan Manning has a bag full of luggage in his background. He is a veteran of the Korean War, a former Franciscan priest, and much-respected author and speaker in many Christian circles. He’s also a battling alcoholic and an embattled preacher of the Word. He’s embattled because of the movement that rose out of the book we’re reviewing today. It has become a classic of modern Christian literature; it touched the hearts of several Christian artists—to name a couple, Michael W. Smith (who contributed a Foreward to this new edition) and the late Rich Mullins who was so inspired by the book that he formed the “Ragamuffin Band.”

With that background, I’ve wanted to get hold of a copy of this book and read it for quite some time. And I’m glad I did. I can see the draw to this teaching book, but I also found some of it a bit disconcerting. As a matter of fact, as with anything that one reads, I found parts of the book with which I could not agree.

The author is thoughtful and well-read as well as a superb communicator. He points out the need for God’s grace in the life of everyone, reminding readers that our unworthiness is not at issue (after all we’re all ragamuffins, even if we don’t think we are), but His love and mercy. In this, Manning has a wonderful grip on the concept of Grace. So much so to the point that he shares in a more recent response to the original 1990 book that one Roman Catholic scholar accused him of “out-Luthering” Luther (see p. 212).

Even so, the reading of the book becomes a little lop-sided. Not knowing any more of Manning’s faith walk than I do, I understand that the Love of God (through Christ) rushes at him through the lens of telescopic need. And I would also argue right along with Manning that we need to swim longer in the deep end of the Love of God pool. However, the view of God’s righteousness, justice, and even His wrath gets crowded out and even talked down, bringing readers to a touchy feel-good approach to the Throne that flatlines faith. (In response to this let me add that this Lovefest reaction is natural for people who see nothing from the community of Christian faith but red-faced condemnation).

A couple of other issues that I have (personal issues because of my background juxtaposed to the author’s) with the book are the Church teachings that move beyond the discussion of personal response to God and His love, and with which my faith calls me to disagree (commentary about the Eucharist and the ideology of Trans-substantiation – look it up – that are common in some Christian communities, for example). He also leans heavily on a “getting away” type of Christian life that tends to say that spiritual growth only happens when we are by ourselves. (To which end the new edition includes not only the essay “The Scandal of Grace: Fifteen Years Later” but also “19 Mercies: a Spiritual Retreat” which can guide the reader into some excellent devotional reading and reflection.) Admittedly, we all need times of retreat and reflection, but not at the exclusion of community. Relationship with Christ includes relationship with His Bride, His Body—the church.

The question that always arises at the end of the day in reviewing books is: would you recommend this book? Sure. It is probably the best response to the God is out to get us teaching that so saturates our church culture today. The follow-up question is: to whom would you recommend this book? That is a bit more tricky to answer. Certainly it is worth the minister’s time to read—especially pastors who work closely with the teenage culture. Young people are bombarded with feelings and physiological issues that scream “You’re worthless; you’re nothing.” And people who work with them need to constantly be able to remind those young people that there is a God who loves them (loves them so much in fact that He became a man to show them how much He loves them). I’d also recommend the book to people (and preachers in particular) who have bought into the idea that God is up in the Heaven’s looking for reasons to zap people and send them to Hell. Perhaps we can find some balance in the reading.

I give Manning three and one-half stars for this book. I’d even edge toward four because, after all, it is a classic.

—Benjamin Potter, February 14, 2012

[Disclaimer: I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.]

Icefall – Matthew J. Kirby

© 2011, Scholastic, New York

Last year I discovered a brilliant new writer—Matthew J.Kirby—by virtue of our school’s “Book Fair.” His first book—The ClockworkThree—was filled with signs of a master wordsmith. Buildings and forests came to life. There was magic in the words—from beginning to end. The result of that read was two-fold: I am in the process of reading The Clockwork Three in pieces to my children as part of their bed-time routine (it takes awhile because we’re only good for about five pages at a time); and I couldn’t resist getting his second book (which I also found at a school book fair).

Icefall mixes myth and legend with period adventure and coming of age. It is the story of Solveig told in her own words. She is the second daughter of a Norse chieftan/king, sent with her older sister and younger brother to a safe haven while her father wages war against a would-be suitor for her sister, Asa. The story begins slowly but builds as you read—you will need to allow three or for chapters to get into the story—and the window into the world of old Norse legend is priceless.

We encounter berserkers, the elite fighting force of the king. Men who have learned to call upon the beast within for power during battle have been sent to protect the small band made up of the king’s children, their guards and the servants who attend them. The berserkers arrive with Alric the skald (story-teller) just as winter arrives at their fjord.

As you read you will hear tales of Odin and Thor and Fenric (the Wolf). You will get caught up in the intrigue, the battles, and the stories of treachery. All the while you will laugh with Solveig, cry with her, hurt with her, tremble with her as she develops her skill as a skald in her own right.

One of the drawbacks to the book is the story that is inserted between most of the first chapters—meant to provide some of the characterization and aid the plot development, these little one- and two-page breaks do more to distract the reader than to further the story (it is my opinion that the book would read actually better without them). Another tactical error on the part of the author is the choice of first person active voice. He is consistent throughout the book, and the first person telling is good. However, the present active voice takes some getting used to.

Once you have mastered the voice of the story, you will be caught up, though—so get this book—buy it, borrow it, don’t steal it—and read it. I give the author three and three-quarters stars for a grand story with some issues (mostly at the beginning—by the end of the story you won’t want to put it down) in the telling.

—Benjamin Potter, January 24, 2012

[Just another note, in case you think Kirby is not worth reading (because I think he is): Icefall has received nomination for both the Edgar for best juvenile fiction and the Cybil for best Middle Grade Science Fiction/Fantasy. I think we'll be looking forward to much more from Mr. Kirby!]

What Does God Want of Us Anyway? – Mark Dever

© 2010 Crossway, Wheaton, Illinois

I am slowly working my way through a number of short titles written and produced by a variety of authors at 9 Marks. Some of them have been placed on my “must read” shelf, while others are good, but probably won’t be revisited. Among the books are What Is aHealthy Church?, Dever’s concise discussion of his original Nine Marks of a Healthy Church (I recommend the smaller digest for all but the really deep readers out there); Thabiti Anyabwile’s What Is a Healthy ChurchMember? which highlights the purpose and life of a Christian who really wants his Christianity to mean something (it’s a nice concise overview of Church Life, and I recommend it to anyone who either is unsure about joining with a local church or is considering what kind of church to join); and What Is the Gospel?, the little black book by Greg Gilbert that I think ought to be read by everyone—Christian and non-Christian alike.

My latest read in this “What Is . . .” series is a digest of some material that Dever presents in two volumes elsewhere at great length. In this short book, the author takes us on a whirlwind tour of the Scriptures. Part I composes roughly the first half of the book and argues that the entire Bible (Old and New Testaments) are worth our while as Christians. In parts II and III, Dever focuses on the Old Testament and the New Testament respectively.

The really positive aspects of this book may spur you to get a copy for a quick read. It is short (only about 120 pages), it reminds the Christian of the usefulness of studying Scripture, and it develops excellent arguments concerning the unity of the message in the whole Bible which leads to a unique unity in the preaching that is based on the Bible and the Life that is lived according to the message found within its covers.

All that said, there are some drawbacks to this volume. For all its shortness, I found it easy to put the book down to read something more interesting. The writing is at times dry, and (even with the author’s warning that it’s about to happen) the repetitive material can at times bog down the reader. I have not read the longer books—Promises Made: The Message of the OldTestament and Promises Kept: The Message of the New Testament (collections of sermons that this volume is based on)—but think that it might serve the reader to dive into the them for a more complete look at this much needed topic.

 

Three and one-half out of four reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter, January 13, 2012

Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God – J. D. Wetterling

© 2010 Smashwords

If you recognize the title of this e-book don’t get upset. Wetterling did not write it, and yes, it is Jonathan Edwards. What Wetterling has done is edit this time-tested sermon into shorter, more manageable sentences (and the readers say, “Thanks”), and couple it with another of the great Puritan preacher’s sermons.

I have long heard of and read bits and pieces of “Sinners . . .” but have never read through the sermon in its entirety until I accessed this copy for my Nook. Edwards, it is said, was not an eloquent speaker, but rather read his sermons in a fairly monotonous voice. When he looked up it was to make eye contact with the rope used to pull the church bell. Even so, this sermon so moved the hearts of his listeners that they envisioned themselves literally dangling above the fiery pit on the strand of a spider’s silk.

Now, having had my turn at reading the sermon (even this edited version), I have little question in my mind as to why the sermon did its work. The one troublesome thing that “Sinners. . .” did was to advance a view of Puritanism which focused over-largely on a wrathful God. In fact if the only sermon you ever heard of Edwards was this one, you might also think that God is always and only angry.

This is what prompted our editor to include the second sermon in this short book—“The Christian Pilgrim.” This second selection focuses on the Journey that each person takes, with the hopeful destination of Heaven. Edwards pulls no punches – insisting that if there is a heavenward destination, there is also an opposite life’s ending (we call it hell). But the tone of this message is one of a more benevolent and loving God offering a final destination of awe and wonder.

Of the two sermons, I must admit that “Sinners . . .” is the more compelling, but there are reasons why one work of art is considered a masterpiece and another fodder for the ‘fridge. Some books and movies are considered classics, timeless, while others find a quick spot on the back shelf of the video rental house. We classify certain songs as vintage or classic, while others aren’t even good enough for the ‘b’side of a 45 (ask you mother). While “The Christian Pilgrim” is a good sermon, and achieves its purpose in this collection of two, the real star of the show is “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” It is well worth your time to find a copy—either this edited version (which is free for your Nook, by the way) or in other collections of classic sermons from American History. It’s a great message for Christians to read to remind them of the great, grace-filled gift that is theirs, and to share with others who are waiting to hear.

This edition is worthwhile for any collector of great sermons, four and one-half reading glasses.

—Benjamin Potter, January 7, 2012