Book Review: Tough Questions about God and His Actions in the Old Testament

Book Review: Tough Questions about God and His Actions in the Old Testament

By Walter C. Kaiser Jr.

Written by one of the biggest names in Hebrew Bible studies, the book is a much needed, scholarly study of troubling themes in the Old Testament. I appreciated how Kaiser did not sugar coat nor dumb down the issues. He tackled questions at their hardest to explain. Issues like Evolution or Creation (How could there be light before the sun and moon were created?), Grace or Law, Monogamy or Polygamy (Didn’t heroes of faith like Abraham and David have many wives?), Peace or Genocide (Didn’t God command the extermination of entire peoples?), etc. are confronted head on. Yet, Kaiser approaches the topics as one who believes the Bible to be the Word of God. This in itself is refreshing in this day and age. Trust me. Not many like him left in academic circles.

If some of God’s actions in the Old Testament have seemed troublesome to you in the past, this is a book you will thoroughly enjoy. Though, let me warn you that part of Kaiser’s honesty will cause him to leave some issues unresolved to your satisfaction. Again, he is handling the Word the best way he can, while still allowing for mystery in the will and actions of God; as it should be, I guess. Personally, I like clear-cut answers, and black or white points of view, but I understand that they are not always possible.

4/5 Stars

Disclosure: The book was received for free from Kregel Academic & Ministry book review program. The program does not require a positive review, only an unbiased one.

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: Jesus the Messiah

Book Review: Jesus the Messiah: Tracing the Promises, Expectations, and Coming of Israel’s King

by Herbert W. Bateman IV, Darrell L. Bock, Gordon H. Johnston

The hard cover is nicely designed and the full color graphics, maps and text boxes inside make it easy on the eyes and are helpful for understanding certain concepts/comparisons. One thing this book does is use footnotes instead of endnotes. Kudos! Having to go to the back of the book every time I want more information on something is usually a pain (!) and the publishers of Jesus the Messiah made it really easy to just look at the bottom of the page to find that information. To other academic publishers: Footnotes should be used every time!

The book’s content is excellent. It is obvious that the writers are experts in their fields and have thought long and hard on these issues. The introduction is a must-read to understand the background and presuppositions the writers bring to their trade, as well as the way the book is to be understood. I agree with the authors that if God is the One that inspired and superintended the writing and preservation of the Scriptures, then the canonical contextual interpretation is to be preferred and keeps in sight the big picture of God’s unfolding revelation.

The use of an actual Hebrew font for certain words when needed is great. Also, the indexes at the back of the book are very useful, especially the Scripture index, which is the first place I go to in academic books when researching a specific Scripture. The time it saves the reader is exponentially huge over time.

I will confess that I spent more time with Johnston’s contribution of the “Messianic Trajectories in Isaiah” because I am working on a thesis on the subject. I have to say the amount of research and the fact that the authors are conversant with both classic and up to date works was refreshing.

I am personally more conservative than some of the positions the authors have to accept in order for their work to be respected in academia. Conservative Christians should know they don’t have to accept every conclusion the authors arrive at. Look at the evidence and make up your own mind. Otherwise, the book is highly recommended.


Disclosure: The book was received for free from Kregel Academic & Ministry review program. The program does not require a positive review, only a truthful one.

Book Review: The Henry Morris Study Bible

Subtitled: Apologetics Commentary and Explanatory Notes from the 'Father of Modern Creationism,' this is an impressive work considering it was done by a lone man, the famed founder of the Institute for Creation Research. Morris does his best to provide a literal interpretation of the Bible, defending  young earth creationism, while using the King James Version of the Bible (contrary to the modern trend of using anything but the KJV).

The Index to Major Topics in Annotations is quite helpful and the 22 Appendices treat relevant apologetic issues like "Science and the Scriptures," "The Universal Flood," "Fulfillment of Biblical Prophecies," and others. Students of the Bible and apologists will greatly benefit from reading and thinking through them.

The Bible has 2204 pages. Even then, the one complaint about this (and other Study Bibles) is the all too brief Concordance. The Bible one uses ends up being a constant companion and the one resource one turns to time and again. Not being able to find a verse one is looking for in the Concordance of a Study Bible is very frustrating.

I do recommend this Bible for anyone looking for a conservative source of Bible believing study notes. While the author does not share all my doctrinal convictions, his effort to be faithful to Scripture is noted.

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

Book Review: Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir by Carolyn Weber

Book Review: Surprised by Oxford: A Memoir by Carolyn Weber

Carolyn Weber tells her unforeseen journey to faith as she leaves Canada to obtain a Master’s Degree at Oxford University in England. Her writing is engaging. She is truly a wordsmith. I cannot say enough of her mastery of the written expression. Weber brings the reader into her world. The reader finds himself along for the journey, sharing her emotions every step of the way.

Her account of that one Christian professor in Canada that was respected and looked up to both by students and professors alike brought to mind how important it is for anyone to represent God in a Christian way, especially in academia. That was the proverbial pebble on her shoe that made her think outside the box to see that maybe, just maybe, there may be something worth pursuing in the idea of God.

Even as she relates her surprise at finding God in a most unlikely place—Oxford University—I found myself surprised to find romance in her account. Well-written romance, mind you. But not something one expects in what is expected to be a Christian Apologetic.

The book is worth the read for those that have the time to. I certainly would recommend this book over most of the Christian romance available in local bookstores. Weber’s book will make you think, smile, maybe even cry. One wishes more people would write at her level.

Disclosure: The Kindle version of the book was received for free from the Thomas Nelson Publisher's BookSneeze review program. The program does not require a positive review, only a truthful one.