Book Review: What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an by James R. White

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Excellent research on a much-needed subject…

Book Review: What Every Christian Needs to Know About the Qur'an by James R. White

James R. White is a well-known Apologist that has held over one hundred professionally moderated debates. He is usually a good researcher and generally learns the opposing viewpoints straight from the authoritative sources. Therefore, he provides excellent first-hand accounts of what the Qur’an really teaches and what truly faithful Muslims must believe about their faith and about those that reject it.

More people need to read books like this one. Islam is not a passing fad, but it’s here to stay. It’s mandate is not to coexist with other religions but rather to bring everyone in the world under submission to Allah.

If you have been obtaining your information on Islam from the news or politicians, hold on to your seat; authoritative Islamic sources will alter your point of view on the subject after reading this book.

Is the book perfect? No, and maybe White spends a little too much time on certain hobbyhorses; but, overall, you will get your money’s worth. You cannot afford to live in the dark on this all-important topic. If you are a Christian leader, isn't it about time you spoke in an informed fashion about Islam? (And what you didn't know may surprise you).

[Kindle version only: Before purchasing, make sure the footnote links work. My version didn't and it was a hassle.]

Disclosure: The book was received for free from Net Galley book review program. The program does not require a positive review, only an honest one.

4/5 Stars

Book Review: Reasons for Belief: Easy-to-Understand Answers to 10 Essential Questions by Norman L. Geisler and Patty Tunnicliffe

 

Basic Apologetics it is…

Book Review: Reasons for Belief: Easy-to-Understand Answers to 10 Essential Questions by Norman L. Geisler and Patty Tunnicliffe

An interesting basic Apologetics introduction that distills some of Geisler’s other writings on the subject in a handy way. It may be a good primer for someone new to the subject of confronting unbelief in the living God.

The authors are careful to define what important words like “resurrection” and “miracle” mean. So many times in discussing the faith with unbelievers, both sides assume they are speaking the same language when in reality they are not. It is a basic flaw that must be corrected if we are to understand each other and reach conclusions that are not only helpful but also valid; other that that, not much is new nor is the approach groundbreaking.

As with a few other books by Geisler, one has the suspicion that he just added his name to one of his student’s works so that they would sell. Of course, this is just an assumption and, in the end, should not influence one’s decision to buy a book that may be helpful. For your money, Strobel’s “The Case for…” books may be more suitable for beginners (and more complete).

Disclosure: The book was received for free from Bethany House book review program. The program does not require a positive review, only an honest one.

3/5 Stars

Book Review: The 40 Most Influential Christians Who Shaped What We Believe Today by Daryl Aaron

 

Learning through easy reading…

Book Review: The 40 Most Influential Christians Who Shaped What We Believe Today by Daryl Aaron

Aaron is a good writer and does a great job at distilling the kinds of things that make a person important in the grand scheme of church history. Of course, the task of choosing only 40 such representatives is in itself a burden, I’m sure. Plus, one cannot avoid the influence of one’s own theological presuppositions along with a triumphalistic dependence on what some have termed, “The Historic Christian Church.”

The author, of course, does not share many of my theological foundations and, therefore, makes no mention of some Christians without which my own “church history” (Pentecostal) would be different. No doubt other non-Evangelicals will share a similar feeling.

In the end, the book is an interesting and informative read. Does Aaron always succeed?  No, but no one can fault him for trying to distill a lifetime into a four-page chapter. If you have five minutes to spare and would like to learn who Bonhoeffer or Arminius were, that’s all it will take to get a good introduction to these men.

Disclosure: The book was received for free from Bethany House book review program. The program does not require a positive review, only an honest one.

3/5 Stars

Book Review: Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G. K. Beale

Beale produces a must-have hermeneutical tool… 

Book Review: Handbook on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament by G. K. Beale 

The author explores in the book the basic methodology that drove his massive Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament, which he edited with D. A. Carson. Since the latter is now a classic on the subject, the publication of the Handbook is a welcome addition to an Exegete’s toolbox.

Beale tackles some interpretation issues as he seeks to clarify for the reader what hermeneutical foundations may assist one in dealing with how the New Testament writers handled the Old Testament. Although, traditionally, Bible commentators faced with a difficult passage would shield themselves behind a not so convincing stance like, “Well, the Old Testament passage does not really say that, but it was a new meaning that the Holy Ghost inspired in the New Testament writer; therefore, it is valid and is still the Word of God.” With a more informed methodology such passages can be seen in all their richness, without worrying that what the New Testament writer saw in them was not really there (because, as it turns out, it actually was).

The reader will have to pace him or herself in order to absorb the principles outlined in the book and think through some of the issues, and certainly will not agree with the author throughout, but no serious interpreter of the Scripture should do without this resource or without Carson and Beale’s Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament.

 [Kindle version only: Make sure the footnote links work and that the book can be read in Black mode (white text for night reading) before purchasing. My version didn't and it was a hassle.]

Disclosure: The book was received for free from Net Galley book review program. The program does not require a positive review, only an honest one. 

4/5 Stars