Stuff I've Read

Why So Slow? The Advancement of Women

2009-07-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

Why So Slow? The Advancement of Women
by Virginia Valian
421 pages
Publisher: The MIT Press (February 5, 1999)

Author (x)

Virginia Valian: Professor of Psychology and Linguistics at CUNY Graduate School and Hunter College, specializing in "cognitive psychology, especially language acquisition"

Perspective: Raised to believe success would come with hard work and that true, valid arguments would win the day, Valian began to notice subtle, even negligible, differences in how lower status persons were treated in discussion. After reading a monograph by Geis, Carter, and Butler, she began to see how the accumulation of subtle discrimination slowed movement from lower to higher status in academe and beyond. Therefore, her book is for her as much as for her readers.
Organization of the Book: Following a preface by the author, laying out the biographical context for the work, and a Note on Method and Scope, are fourteen chapters. The Table of Contents shows no groupings.

Chapter 1 previews and overviews the subject of gender differences.
Chapters 2-3 cover biological and developmental issues.
Chapters 4-5 show the limits of hormonal explanations of sex differences.
Chapter 6 offers a cognitive explanation for gender schemas.
Chapter 7 shows gender schemas at work among adult men and women in their mutual misperceptions fo reality.
Chapter 8 shows how accumulated expectations shape our view of self.
Chapter 9 shows how they shape our interpretations of success and failure.
Chapter 10 shows how gender schemas dlow down earnings and/or advancement for women in the professions and Chapter 11 shows the same for women in academia.
Chapter 12 considers the issue of whether inequality is inequity and concludes that it is not inequity and that "attaining a happy medium...requires changing gender schemas" (276).
Chapter 13 reviews legal remedies, citing and describing various cases, and Chapter 14 suggests remedies "to nullify the negative professional consequences of gender schemas and to equalize men's and women's ability to accumulae advantage" (303).

Intention (xii; 1)

to clarify the subtleties of gender schemas
to increase awareness of gender schema
to instill sufficient outrage while not taking it personally
to lay out the merits of the case
to "make the invisible...that fair and accurate evaluations of men and women will become possible" (i)
to include data from psychology, sociology, economics, and biology

Tag: books

Women's Ways Of Knowing: The Development Of Self, Voice, And Mind

2009-07-04T16:47:00.000-07:00

Women's Ways Of Knowing: The Development Of Self, Voice, And Mind 10th Anniversary Edition
by Mary Belenky (Author), Blythe Clinchy (Author), Nancy Goldberger (Author), Jill Tarule
288 pages
Publisher: Basic Books; 10 Anv edition (January 8, 1997) (Author)

Authors (back cover)

Mary Field Belenky: consultant on human development; associate research professor at the University of Virginia
Blythe McVicker Clinchy: professor of psychology at Wellesley College
Nancy Rule Goldberger: psychology faculty at The Fielding Institute in Santa Barbara
Jill Mattuck Tarule: professor and dean of the college of education and social services at the University of Virginia

Perspective: All four authors come from the perspective of student development. All four decided to embody egalitarianism in the research and writing process and to learn from and trust the voices of the women they interviewed.
Organization of the Book: After a new preface (reflecting back on the process of research, writing, and dissemination after ten years) and the original preface (laying out in short, the intention and methods), Women's Ways of Knowing moves to an introduction (detailing the mentods and intellectual setting of the study). The bulk of the work is divided into two parts.

Part one uses William Perry's epistemological categories as a framework to understand the interviewee's perspectives on knowing.
Part two runs the categorized perspectives through the contexts of family and academy.

Intention (xxv, 3)

to "describe the ways of knowing that women have cultivated and learned to value"
to "describe the multitude of obstacles women must overcome in developing the power of their minds"
to "desribe five different perspectives from which women view reality and draw conclusions about truth, knowledge, and authority"

Tag: books

Through the Labyrinth: The Truth About How Women Become Leaders

2009-07-04T16:44:00.000-07:00

Through the Labyrinth: The Truth About How Women Become Leaders
by Alice H. Eagly (Author), Linda L. Carli (Author)
336 pages
Harvard Business School Press; illustrated edition edition (October 16, 2007)

Authors:

Alice H. Eagley: professor and department chair of psychology and faculty fellow in the Institute for Policy Research at Northwestern University
Linda L. Carli: associate professor in psychology at Wellesley; her research focuses on gender, influence, and leadership

Perspective: The book comes from a need to explain why, though the glass ceiling has been shattered, so few women are in positions of leadership.
Organization of the Book: Following the preface and acknowledgements, the book is divided is divided into eleven chapters. Groupings are not given, though there appears to be a movement from general to specific and from present situation to future possibility.

Chapters 1-2 lay the groundwork, unpacking the idea of the glass ceiling and summarizing women's progress.
Chapters 3-7 discuss and critique forces considered responsible for the presence of women and predominance of men in leadership.
Chapters 8-10 discuss how women negotiate the labyrinth.
Chapter 11 wraps up the book and looks to the future.

Intention (ix)

to ask why women have been excluded
to uncover the skills needed to negotiate the labyrinth
to help readers understand leadership by men and women and the possibility of gender equality

Tag: books

2009-03-01T17:54:00.000-08:00

Living Jesus: Learning the Heart of the Gospel
By Luke Timothy Johnson
Harper San Francisco
© 1999
210 pages

Purpose: “I have written this book for people who, like me, find much of what is called spirituality too far removed from traditional Christian faith, and much of what is written about Jesus too little concerned with the transformation of human freedom” (preface).

Part 1: The Truth that is in Jesus

He is the Living One
Learning Jesus through tradition
He Bodies forth whose glory is past change
The process of learning Jesus
The living Jesus and the revelatory text
Paul’s witness to Jesus

Part 2: Jesus in the Gospels

One person in four Gospels
Jesus in Mark’s Gospel
Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel
Jesus in Luke-Acts
Jesus in John’s Gospel
The Continuing Mystery

Resources:
Index

Tag: books

2009-02-14T20:38:00.000-08:00

Spiritual Formation as if the Church Mattered: Growing in Christ through Community
by James C., Wilhoit
Baker Academic (2008)
Paperback, 240 pages

Purpose: "This book is not so much about reversing a trend but about a call to intentionality about our formation and to repentance about how we have tried to engineer formation more than we have prayerfully opened our lives and our churches to God's grace" (p 14).

Ch1 (Formation Through the Ordinary): Spiritual formation occurs in all of life, as God works through the truth of the gospel to form his people according to his ways.
Ch2 (Curriculum for Christlikeness): Spiritual formation to Christlikeness requires participating with God in concrete practices that train us for regular life in the way of Jesus.
Ch3 (Foundations of Receiving): We have a deep thirst that drives us toward God and a deep brokenness that drives us to be satisfied with less; only openness to the fact and work of God's grace exposes our misdirected thirsts and our individual and corporate brokenness.
Ch4 (To Foster Receiving in Community): Individual and corporate practices of openness to God train us for receiving in community, which in turn, trains us for openness to God.
Ch5 (Foundations of Remembering): Our perception of God's holiness and our own sinfulness determines our perception of the cross/grace, which in turn determines the amount of transforming grace received.
Ch6 (To Foster Remembering in Community): Remembering occurs as individuals and communities participate in content and experiences, learning God and his ways for regular life, returning to these lessons in a circular manner.
Ch7 (Foundations of Responding): Spiritual formation involves teaching and training the people of God so they might naturally respond in ways that communicate grace through love and service.
Ch8 (To Foster Responding in Community): Spiritual formation is fostering a community climate that encourages love for and grace toward God and others as natural responses.
Ch9 (Foundations of Relating): Spiritual formation is the by-product of life lived in loving worship of our Lord and Head and in loving service to our siblings and neighbors.
Ch10 (To Foster Relating in Community): Spiritual formation happens in intentional and reflective, yet natural, relationship with God and others.

Resources:
Appendix: Assessment Questions
Notes
Scripture Index
Subject Index

Tag: books

2009-02-08T21:26:00.000-08:00

Reimagining Church: Pursuing the Dream of Organic Christianity
by Frank Viola
David C. Cook (2008)
Paperback, 272 pages

Grammar read results: grabbing the ideas

Purpose: To give a biblical, spiritual, theological, and practical account for viable church life outside the institutional church, so that Christ may again be central in his church.

Introduction (Toward a New Kind of Church): The non-New Testament structure of the institutional church is the base of its ineffectiveness; only reimagining New Testament church from the ground up will work.

Ch1 (Reimagining the Church as an Organism): As an organism, the Church carries the DNA of the triune God; the expression of that
Ch2 (Reimagining the Church Meeting): While church planting (apostolic), evangelistic, and decision-making meetings are
Ch3 (Reimagining the Lord's Supper): The Lord's Supper, as intended in Scripture, is a theologically-rich, celebratory meal,
Ch4 (Reimagining the Gathering Place): Meeting in homes expresses the nature of church.
Ch5 (Reimagining the Family of God): The church is a familial community, not a business.
Ch6 (Reimagining Church Unity): The only true unity is in Christ alone; maintaining it takes struggle and commitment.
Ch7 (Church Practice and God's Eternal Purpose): What church does here ought to correspond to God's mission (as revealed in key passages: Genesis 1-2; Revelation 21-22; Ephesians; Colossians)
Ch8 (Reimagining Leadership): New Testament leadership is functional and communal, not positional and hierarchical.
Ch9 (Reimagining Oversight): Elders model, watch out for, and care for the church.
Ch10 (Reimagining Decision-Making): The whole church makes decisions by dialogue and consensus, seeking the mind of Christ.
Ch11 (Reimagining Spiritual Covering): Only God has authority over his people.
Ch12 (Reimagining Authority and Submission): Whole Body authority and mutual subjection among persons mirror the love and mutuality within the Trinity.
Ch13 (Reimagining Denominational Covering): Denominational covering is not only unnecessary, but also harmful.
Ch14 (Reimagining the Apostolic Tradition): The apostolic tradition, found in the New Testament, consists of normative beliefs and practices, and is authoritative today.
Ch15 (Where Do We Go from Here?): Given a biblical understanding of church, organic church is the only viable, bio

Resources
Appendix: Objections and Responses about Leadership
Bibliography
Notes

Tag: books

2008-12-03T08:59:00.000-08:00

Quantum Theory: A Very Short Introduction
by John Polkinghorne
Oxford University Press, USA (2002), Edition: 1st, Paperback, 128 pages

Grammar read results: grabbing the ideas

Title: History, Methods, and Meaning in Quantum Theory

Subtitle: Telling the Story and Describing the Beauty of Quantum Physics to the Non-Mathematician

Chapter 1: (Classical Cracks) A series of discoveries concerning the natures of light and the construction of the atom at the end of the 19th century undermined the certainty of classical physics and paved the way for quantum physics.
Chapter 2: (The Light Dawns) Further investigations into the wave nature of light let to quantum theory and quantum logic, in which false, true, and maybe are all possible.
Chapter 3: (Darkening Perplexities) Issues raised by the probabilistic nature of quantum physics and the apparent collapse into determinism upon measurement may lead to the next shift in quantum theory.
Chapter 4: (Further Developments) The exploration and exploitation of quantum theory in the mid-twentieth century has solved some sticky questions, led to real world solutions, and opened the door to additional discovery.
Chapter 5: (Togetherness) The EPR paradox shows that an ontological connection is made when two particles interact, such that, despite spatial distance, a change in one particle immediately causes a change in the other.
Chapter 6: (Lessons and Meanings) If quantum theory is an increasingly clear picture of the way things actually are, then our ways of knowing and determining truth go well beyond the objective and empirical.

Tag: books

2008-10-17T13:19:00.000-07:00

Introduction to Christian Education and Formation: A Lifelong Plan for Christ-Centered Restoration
by Ronald T. Habermas
256 pages
Zondervan (2008), Hardcover

Author: Ronald Habermas is the McGee Chair of Biblical Studies and Christian Formation at John Brown University; in this book he works with ten collaborators.

Intention: To offer a pathway for the reader to be interrupted by God by offering a work that blends the voice of one author with many collaborators, inviting the reader in to strengthening/integrating interactions, and provides help to readers as they navigate through their divine interruptions (15-16).

Structure: Building from broad foundational issues to concrete application, this work is divided into three parts.

--to be inserted when the book is returned by the borrower--

Resources

Short biographies of the contributors
Select bibliography
Scripture index
Subject index
Chapter end notes
Ample charts, tables, and diagrams to help the reader grasp the ideas
Online resources: 50 page personal responses workbook, 300 PowerPoint slides, 250 pages of additional appendixes

Tag: books

2008-10-17T13:09:00.000-07:00

Wisdom and Eloquence: a Christian paradigm for classical learning
by Robert Littlejohn and Charles T. Evans
224 pages
Publisher: Crossway Books (April 12, 2006)

Authors

Littlejohn has 25 years of experience in K-12 education and higher education, both in teaching and administration.
Evans "serves of a boart that represents the interests of schools before the Texas State Legislation" (back of book).

Intention: To offer an apologetic, historical overview, and how-to manual to professional educators (and collaterally to parents) for a Christian liberal arts education.

Structure: The book is organized into an introduction and ten chapters. The first four chapters discuss the idea and goals of liberal education. Chapters 5-8 lay out the general content and practices and chapters 9-10 discuss implementation.

Resources

Appendix A Message to parents
Appendix B The Liberal Arts Tradition in the Public Square: A Historical Apologetic for the Liberal Arts
Appendix C The Aligned Community: Purpose and Planning
Notes
Bibliography

Tag: books

2008-09-28T22:05:00.000-07:00

The Lost Virtue of Happiness
by J. P. Moreland and Klaus Issler
219 pages
Publisher: NavPress Publishing Group (February 5, 2006)

Authors

J. P. Moreland is the Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; from wikipedia "(born 1948), better known as J. P. Moreland, is an American philosopher, theologian, and Christian apologist. He is currently Distinguished Professor of Philosophy at Talbot School of Theology at Biola University in La Mirada, California. He received a Ph.D. in philosophy from the University of Southern California"
Klaus Issler is Professor of Christian Education and Theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; from talbot.edu "holds degrees in education, theology, and philosophy, and specializes in Christian spirituality, Jesus the master teacher, formation of Christian character, and the philosophy and theology of Christian education. He teaches primarily in the Ph.D. in Educational Studies program."

Intention: To unpack and practice the truth that "Christianity is an aesthetic religion (a faithful pursuit of the glory of God) whose transforming power is tapped by regular and rigorous discipline and self-denial done in constant dependence on the filling and power of the Holy Spirit" (39).

Structure

Today's confusion about happiness
Gaining happiness by losing your life
Forming a tender, receptive heart
Forming a thoughtful mind stayed on God
Forming a trusting will that risks with God
Embracing the hiddenness of God
Defeating two hardships of life: anxiety and depression
Cultivating spiritual friendships

Resources

Questions for Group Discussion for each chapter
End notes

Tag: books

2008-09-28T21:48:00.000-07:00

The Spirit of the Disciplines - Reissue: Understanding How God Changes Lives
by Dallas Willard
288 pages
Publisher: HarperOne (December 7, 1990)

Author: Professor and past director of the School of Philosophy at the University of Southern California; from wikipedia "(September 4, 1935 - ) is an American philosophy professor and author born in Buffalo, Missouri. His work in philosophy has been primarily in phenomenology, particularly the work of Edmund Husserl. His more popular work has been in the area of Christian spiritual formation, within the various expressions of historic Christian orthodoxy." Willard's website.

Intention: to show that Christians can become like Christ by following his overall style of life, to "clarify and exemplify realistic methods of human transformation" (ix).

Structure: The book is divided into eleven chapters and an epilogue.

Chapters one through six clarify spiritual life as embodied existence and explain how the body is a resource for spiritual formation.
Chapters seven and eight provide further explanation of the nature and history of spiritual disciplines.
Chapters nine through eleven explain some specific disciplines and make the case for their practice leading to transforming our world.
The book concludes with an epilogue that points the reader to a life of obedience out of love.

Resources

Appendix I: Jeremy Taylor's Counsel on the Application of Rules for Holy Living
Appendix II: Discipleship: For Super Christians Only?
Bibliography
Indexes: Name, Subject, and Scripture
Chapter end notes (reference and explanatory)

Tag: books

2008-09-28T21:19:00.000-07:00

Created in God's Image
by Anthony A. Hoekema
275 pages
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (July 1994)

Author: 1913-1988; professor of systematic theology at Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, MI; from wikipedia "Hoekema was born in the Netherlands but immigrated to the United States in 1923. He attended Calvin College (A.B.), the University of Michigan (M.A.), Calvin Theological Seminary (Th.B.) and Princeton Theological Seminary (Th.D., 1953). After pastoring several Christian Reformed churches (1944-56) he became Associate Professor of Bible at Calvin College (1956-58). From 1958 to 1979, when he retired, he was Professor of Systematic Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan."

Intention: Expositional, biblical study of "the nature and destiny of human beings, focusing on the creation of men and women in the image of God" (original, powerless, renewed, and perfected).

Structure: the book is divided into twelve chapters.

Chapter one deals with the doctrine of man and its importance.
Chapter two defines man as a created person and explains the significance.
Chapters three through five are a biblical, historical, and theological discussion of the image of God.
Chapter six looks at the question of self-image from a theological-biblical perspective.
Chapters seven through ten exposit the origin, spread, nature, and restraint of sin.
Chapter eleven discusses the structure of thehuman as whole person, working through the issues of trichotomy, dichotomy, and psychosomatic unity, and ends with with practical implications.
Chapter twelve concludes the work with a discussion of human freedom in relation to divine sovereignty.

Resources

Bibliography
Indexes: Proper Names, Subjects, Scripture
Footnotes (reference and explanatory)

Tag: books

2008-06-27T08:21:00.000-07:00

"Two Kinds of Righteousness" (~1519)
Martin Luther: Selections from his Writings
Edited with an Introduction by John Dillenberger
Anchor Books, 1962

Thesis: The two forms of righteousness--alien and proper--are intimately connected and necessarily sequential.

I. Alien righteousness is ours because, by grace through faith, Christ himself is ours. This alien righteousness is the source of our proper righteousness.

II. Proper righteousness is the fruit of alien righteousness and is a manner of life that imitates Christ (Phil 2:5-6) our of love for Christ.

Tag: books

2008-06-02T13:54:00.000-07:00

Practicing theology : beliefs and practices in Christian life
Edited by Miroslav Volf and Dorothy C. Bass
265 pages
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (October 2001)

Editors
Miroslav Volf was born in Croatia in 1956. He has studied at Evangelical-Theological Faculty, Zagreb; Fuller Theological Seminary, and University of Tubigen. He is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Systematic Theology at Yale Divinity School and Director of the Yale Center for Faith and Culture. (Sources: back cover of book and Wikipedia entry; see also curriculum vitae (pdf))

Dorothy C. Bass "directs the Valparaiso Project on the Education and Formation of People in Faith, a Lilly Endowment project based at Valparaiso University that develops resources to help contemporary people live the Christian faith with vitality and integrity in changing times" (source).

Intention: Being of the conviction that "our thinking about God and our way of living should go hand in hand," the editors and authors intend this book to explicate and embody "an approach to theology that arises from those convictions" (p 2).

Structure: After an introduction by Bass, the book's twelve chapters are divided into four sections, as follows

Embracing a way of life (ch 1-2)
Engaging in ministry (ch 3-8)
Becoming theologians (ch 9-11)
Serving a way of life (ch 12, written by Volf)

Resources:

Footnotes
List of Contributors

=====================
Summary Outline of:
"A Theological Understanding of Christian Practices"
by Craig Dykstra and Dorothy C. Bass
(detail bullets removed for length 062408)

Thesis: a systematic and theological way of thinking about the Christian Practices (CPs) that incarnate a way of life consistent with and in response to God's gracious gift of life abundant involves theologians and practitioners in the formation of an individual and corporate way of life that is whole, connected, and transforming.

I. Three depictions of baptism in film (Tender Mercies, Romero, and The Godfather) show CPs to play a crucial, transforming role in a Christian way of life.

II. CPs offer an efficient and sufficient means for careful, theological reflection on a distinctively Christian way of life, and lived across time and culture.

III. CPs are deeply human, carried out in the context of and in response to God's gracious gift of life abundant, resulting in the formation of a way of life that incarnates God's will and work.

IV. The way of life abundant, constituted by CPs that are expressed in daily life and theological thought, is definitional of Christianity.

=====================
Summary Outline of:
"Attending to the Gaps between Beliefs and Practices"
by Amy Plantinga Pauw

Thesis: The gap in belief's nurturing influence on behavior and behavior's stimulating influence on belief opens and closes in the context of the grace of God and the affective and communal dimensions of human personhood.

I. Affective and communal aspects exert a profound influence on the degree and manner of the influences between belief and behavior.

II. The story of Jonah is a stark example of the shaping influence of the affective dimension.

III. The length and breadth of practice in community exerts a powerful correcting/corrupting influence on the belief-behavior complex.

IV. The largest hurdle to and greatest hope for closing the belief-behavior gap is a change in the heart's desire.

=====================
Summary Outline of:
"Beliefs, Desires, Practices, and the Ends of Theological Education"
by L. Gregory Jones

Thesis: The Christian formation of leaders with integrated beliefs, desires, and practices takes place on the pilgrimage through the overlapping contexts of church, seminary, and society and by means of the interrelated functions of catechesis, critical reflection, and faithful living.

I. A first step in repairing/redeeming ineffective/absent Christian formation is recognizing the necessary interrelatedness of catechesis, critical reflection, and faithful living.

II. Currently, churches have abdicated from their role in catechesis, seminaries have prioritized information over formation, and the Church in general suffers a grave disconnect from society.

III. Ancient catechetical practice well illustrates the interrelatedness of beliefs, desires, and practices in Christian formation.

IV. The seminary can implement the lessons from ancient catechetical practice and respond to the current situation by prioritizing formation, by providing remedial shaping of desires and practices, and by reaching outside the seminary through church- and community-based lay academies.

=====================
Summary Outline of:
"Theology for a Way of Life"
by Miroslav Volf

Thesis: Theology as "critical and methodologically disciplined reflection" on God and his work/will serves the way of life abundant an dis most properly and effectively accomplished from within this way of life.

I. There is an intimate and necessary relationship between beliefs (some ritually enacted as sacraments) and practices.

II. Christian beliefs define practices as Christian and form the normative moral space in which such practices take place. Beliefs are what practices are.

III. Christian beliefs inhere in Christian practices. Practices are what beliefs do.

IV. Beliefs are primarily a narration of God's action and practices are human resonances with that divine action.

V. Right practice usually leads to right belief and makes right understanding more likely.

VI. God himself is ultimate and adequate. Canonically founded beliefs about him and his work ground Christian practices. An adequate theology explains God, is concerned with disputed beliefs, fits with itself, and exists in relation to other beliefs and disciplines.

VII. Adequate theology serves a way of life and does so by reflecting on God himself, the source and end of this way of life.

=====================
Tag: books

2008-05-26T10:34:00.000-07:00

Systems Thinking, Systems Practice
Peter Checkland
John Wiley & Sons (1993) 330 pages

Author: Peter Cleveland is Professor of Systems (emeritus) in the Department of Management Science at Lancaster University Management School (UK). His research interests include "Systems thinking and its relation to real-world problem solving, especially in relation to the creation of information systems" (link). Other books include Learning for Action: A Short Definitive Account of Soft Systems Methodology and its Use, for Practitioners, Teachers and Students, Soft Systems Methodology in Action, and Information, Systems and Information Systems.

Intention: To "develop an explicit account of the systems outlook... to develop ways of using systems ideas in practical problem situations... to modify both the systems outlook and hte way of using systems ideas as experience was gained... [and] to reflect on the interaction systems thinking and systems practice in order to draw conclusions which will allow future theory to benefit from practice and future practice from theory" (xi-xii).

Structure: The book contains an introduction followed by three parts.

"Part I: Systems Thinking--the systems movement in the context of science" offers systems thinking (involving emergence+hierarchy and communications+control) as a solution to the inability of traditional science (reductionism, repeatability, and refutation) to solve real world problems.
"Part II: Systems Practice--action research to establish the use of systems concepts in problem solving" explains hard systems thinking and soft systems thinking, compares the two, and describes systems thinking in action.
"Part III: Conclusion" fleshes out the implications of systems practice and summarizes 'systems-based methodology for tackling real-world problems, and incidentally for exploring social reality" (20).

Resources

Appendix 1: Building Conceptual Models
Appendix 2: A Workbook for Starting Systems Studies
Bibliography
Glossary
Name Index
Subject Index

Also, helpful diagrams are found throughout the book.

Tag: books

2008-05-26T09:56:00.000-07:00

Hermeneutics: Principles and Process of Biblical Interpretation
Henry A. Virkler
Baker Academic (1995), Paperback, 264 pages

Author: Henry A. Virkler was Associate Professor of Psychology at the Psychological Studies Institute in Atlanta, GA. He earned a Master of Arts at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and a Ph.D. at Georgia State University. He specializes in the integration of theology and psychology.

Intention: To provide a text, written by a theologian, that translates "hermeneutical principles into practiced exegetical steps" (11).

Structure: The book chapters are grouped into four major sections, covering general matters, practical steps, special literary methods, and end matters.

General matters

1-Introduction to Biblical Hermeneutic
2-The History of Biblical Interpretation

Practical Steps

3-Historical-Cultural and Contextual-Analysis
4-Lexical-Syntactical Analysis
5-Theological Analysis

Special Literary Methods

6-Similes, Metaphors, Proverbs, Parables, and Allegories
7-Types, Prophecy, and Apocalyptic Literature

End Matters

8-Applying the Biblical Message: a proposal for the transcultural problem
Epilogue: The Task of the Minister
Summary

Resources

Each chapter begins with learning objectives and ends with a summary. Most contain "Brain Teasers" to help students work through the information and "Suggestions for Further Reading."

Three appendixes provide topical annotated bibliographies.

Hermeneutics from Various Theological Viewpoints
Readings on Revelation, Inspiration, and Inerrancy from a Variety of Theological Perspectives
Bibliography on Sensus Plenior

The work ends with a General Bibliography, a Subject Index, and a Scripture Index.

Reviews
by Vern S, Poythress

Tag: books

2008-02-04T10:50:00.000-08:00

The Kingdom of God in 20th-Century Interpretation
Ed. Wendell Willis
Hendrickson Publishers
(C)1987
208 Pages

Editor: Willis is Associate Professor at Abilene Christian University. According to his faculty page, "Wendell earned his bachelor's degree from Midwestern State University in 1965. He received his master's degree from Abilene Christian University in 1967, his B.D. from Vanderbilt in 1969 and his Ph.D. from Southern Methodist University in 1981."

Authors in this work:
M. Eugene Boring
John J. Collins
Paul Donfried
W. Emory Elmore
Eldon Jay Epp
Ron Farmer
Everett Ferguson
Richard H. Hiers, Jr.
Robert Hodgson, Jr.
J. Ramsay Michaels
Robert O’Toole, SJ
Dale Patrick
B. T. Viviano, OP
Amos N. Wilder (foreword)
Wendell Willis

Intention: To present a thematic presentation on the topic of "Kingdom of God," allowing common reflection upon the topic.

Structure: The book is a collection of essays.

The Discovery of the Eschatological Kingdom: Johannes Weiss and Albert Schweitzer (Willis)
Pivotal Reactions to the Eschatological Interpretations: Rudolf Bultmann and C. H. Dodd (Hiers)
Mediating Approaches to the Kingdom: Werner Georg Kummel and George Eldon Ladd (Epp)
Linguistic Approaches to the Kingdom: Amos Wilder and Norman Perrin (Elmore)
The Kingdom of God in the Old Testament (Patrick)
The Kingdom of God in the Apocrypha and Pseudepigrapha (Collins)
The Kingdom of God in the Qumran Literature (Viviano)
The Kingdom of God and the Historical Jesus (Michaels)
The Kingdom of God in the Gospel of Matthew (Farmer)
The Kingdom of God in Mark (Boring)
The Kingdom of God in Luke-Acts (O'Toole)
The Kingdom of God in the School of St. John (Hodgson)
The Kingdom of Gos in Paul (Donfried)
The Kingdom of God in Early Patristic Literature (Ferguson)

Resources: each chapter has either footnotes or endnotes. No indexes are provided.

Tag: books

2008-02-03T19:20:00.001-08:00

The Kingdom of God in the Teaching of Jesus in 20th Century Theology
Mark Saucy
Word Publishing
(C) 1997
406 Pages

Author: PhD from Fuller Seminary; Professor at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University; Director of Talbot's extension program at Kyiv Theological Seminary; formerly missionary for 13 years with SEND in Kyiv, Ukraine.

Intention: To "use the findings from the study of the Kingdom in the last generation to fund yet another venture in understanding the Kingdom of God in Jesus' teaching."

Structure: After an introduction covering the procedures and limitations of the study and the recent trends in Kingdom studies, the book is divided into four parts and nine chapters.

Part 1: Foundations for the study of the Kingdom since 1960
Ch 1: Issues in the interpretation of the Kingdom of God prior to 1960

Part 2: NT trends since 1960
Ch 2: The non-apocalyptic Kingdom of the New Hermeneutic and the New Literary Criticism
Ch 3: The non-apocalyptic Kingdom of the Regnum Christi
Ch 4: The social-economic Kingdom of the Third Quest
Ch 5: The Apocalyptic Kingdom

Part 3: Systematic Presentation of the Kingdom since 1960
Ch 6: The political theology of the Kingdom in Jurgen Moltmann
Ch 7: The Kingdom in Latin American Liberation Theology
Ch 8: The Kingdom in Roman Catholicism, the World Council of Churches, and Evangelicalism

Part 4: Contribution to the Study of the Kingdom
Ch 9: The Kingdom of God in the Teaching of Jesus (M. Saucy's view)

Resources: copious footnotes; bibliography, three indexes (Scripture, Author, and Subject)

Tag: books

2008-02-03T18:44:00.000-08:00

The Kingdom of Christ: The New Evangelical Perspective
Russell D. Moore
Crossway Books, Wheaton, IL
(C) 2004
320 Pages

Author: Dean of the School of Theology and Senior VP for Academic Administration of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He also serves as Executive Director of the Carl F. H. Henry Institute for Evangelical Engagement.

Intention: To look at the Kingdom through the "prism of evangelical political action" in order to call evangelicals to "shape our identity by our convictions about the Kingdom of God in Christ" and to begin confronting the kingdoms of this world with the proclamation, Jesus is Lord.

Structure: After an introduction that clarifies the tone of and purpose for the book, there are four chapters and a conclusion.

Ch 1--An uneasy conscience in the naked public square: evangelical theology and evangelical engagement.
Ch 2--Toward a Kingdom eschatology: the Kingdom as already and not yet
Ch 3--Toward a Kingdom soteriology: Salvation as holistic and Christological
Ch 4--Toward a Kingdom ecclesiology: the Church as Kingdom community

A conclusion wraps up the work, discussing the promise and the failure of evangelical theology.

Resources: 83 pages of extensive end notes, bibliography, general index, and Scripture index.

Tag: books

2008-02-03T16:45:00.000-08:00

The Coming of the Kingdom
by Herman Ridderbos
Tr. H. de Jongste, Ed. Raymond O. Zorn
Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Company
(C) 1962
556 Pages

Author: (1909-2007) Professor of New Testament Studies, Theological Seminary, Kampden, The Netherlands (1943-??)

Intention: To show that the Kingdom of God is the central theme in Jesus' message (xi) by studying the text of the gospels (xxxii).

Structure: The work is composed of an introduction and ten chapters. The introduction surveys Kingdom of God discussions in the 20th century. Chapters are grouped into six sections.

The general character of the Kingdom.

I----The Background
II---John the Baptist and Jesus

The Kingdom has come

III--Fulfillment
IV---The provisional character

The Gospel of the Kingdom

V----The basic motif
VI---Salvation
VII--The commandments

VIII-The coming of the Kingdom and the Church
IX---The coming of the Kingdom and the Lord's Supper
X----The future of the Kingdom of Heaven

Resources: Three indexes: Subjects, Authors, Scripture References; endnotes for introduction and all chapters.

Tag: books

2008-01-10T12:27:00.000-08:00

Jesus and the Kingdom of God
by G. R. Beasley-Murray
460 pages
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (January 1986)

Author: "[P]rofessor of New Testament 1973-1980, was born on October 10, 1916 in London, England... Minister in Ashurst Drive Baptist Church in East London. He guided the church through the tumultuous times of the Second World War and led it in sustained evangelistic mission to a broken country... From 1973 to 1980 he served as James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament at Southern. While at the seminary, Beasley-Murray was able to resume his writing career, which had fallen dormant during his tenure at Spurgeon’s College. He was the author of a number of works on the New Testament, most notably Baptism in the New Testament and The Book of Revelation (New Century Bible Commentary.) Beasley-Murray died on February 23, 2000 in Brighton, England."

Organization: The work is divided into three sections (The coming of God in the Old Testament, The coming of God in the writings of Early Judaism, and The coming of God in the teachings of Jesus). The third section is by far the longest (267 pages versus 33 and 32 for the first two sections). There are two excurses (the Date of the Similitudes of Enoch and The Relation of Jesus to the Kingdom of God in the Present). There are a number of reference sections, including 72 pages of endnotes (keyed by note number and page), a 16 page bibliography, and two indices (authors and Scripture references).

Intention: "This work is offered as a contribution toward clarifying this element [of the kingdom] in the teaching of Jesus and its implications for the question of who Jesus is. The length of this work is a reflection of the complexity and profundity of the instruction of Jesus... Prolonged meditation on the teaching of Jesus concerning the theme that dominated his life produces a remarkably consistent image. To provide an opportunity for such attention to Jesus is the aim of this book" (Beasley-Murray, x).

Tag: books

2007-10-19T19:27:00.000-07:00

ChurchNext
By Eddie Gibbs
InterVarsity Press (2000), Paperback

Author: Eddie Gibbs is the Donald A. McGavaran Professor of Church Growth at Fuller.

Organization: The book is divided into nine distinct chapters. Each chapter discusses a key area in which the church needs to “undergo transforming transitions” because of current cultural change.

From living in the past to engaging the present
From market driven to mission oriented
From bureaucratic hierarchies to apostolic networks
From schooling professionals to mentoring leaders
From following celebrities to encountering saints
From dead orthodoxy to living faith
From attracting a crowd to seeking the lost
From belonging to believing
From generic congregations to incarnational communities

Each chapter ends with suggestions for implementation.

Intention: to begin a conversation as to how the church might traverse this transition and remain true to its message and mission.

Tag: books

2007-10-19T19:20:00.000-07:00

An Emergent Theology for Emerging Churches
By Ray S. Anderson
InterVarsity Press (2006), Paperback

Author: Anderson received his PhD at the University of Edinburgh. He is senior professor of theology and ministry at Fuller Theological Seminary.

Organization: The book divides into ten distinct chapters. Each chapter discusses a contrasted pair:

Theology not geography
Christ not just Christology
Spirit not just spirituality
Right gospel not just right polity
Kingdom living not kingdom building
Work of God not just word of God
Law of love not letter of Law
Community of the Spirit not just gifts of the Spirit
Mission not just ministry
Church ahead of us not just church behind us

Intention: To offer an emergent narrative theology to the Bible-teaching, Bible-reading community that is the emerging church, with the goal of helping to answer the question, what is the emerging church all about?

Tag: books

2007-10-19T19:05:00.000-07:00

The Emerging Church
By Bruce Larson and Larry Osborne
Waco, Tex., Word Books [1970] 160 p.

Authors: Osborne is an ordained Presbyterian minister with a BD from McCormick Theological Seminary. He is Executive Director at Faith at Work. Larson is an ordained Presbyterian minister with a BD from Princeton Theological Seminary. He is President of Faith at Work.
(from the flap of the 1970 book...likely changed :-) ...I may update it later)

Organization: The book is divided into five parts, each having two chapters. Part one, Defining Goals, challenges churches to weed out inadequate goals and develop authentic goals. Part two, Discovering Resources, challenges churches to move from secondary resources like size, location, building, and leadership to primary resources like divinity and humanity. Part three, Developing Strategy, challenges churches to set aside strategies devised for immediate needs or historical nostalgia, and to develop strategies that recruit, train, and equip spiritual pioneers. Part four, Discerning Opportunities, challenges churches to seek diligently for opportunities to speak and to consider carefully the stories of other churches and adjust accordingly. Part five, Dreaming Dreams, challenges churches to nurture their capacity for change and to look forward to what God is doing and how the church might participate.

Intention: To challenge churches to discover the “new thing” God is doing and find their own “authentic form, life-style, and purpose” within it.

Tag: books

2007-10-19T18:57:00.000-07:00

Emergingchurch.intro
By Michael Moynagh
256 pages
Publisher: Monarch Books (June 1, 2005)

Author: author of Changing World, Changing Church.

Organization: The book is divided into eight chapters. Chapter one introduces and describes the emerging church and related concepts and expressions. Chapter two, Seven Faces of God, describes values that might underpin emerging churches. Chapter three, “New world, new church,” places the significance of emerging church upon the fact of changing culture. Chapter four, “talking strategic sense,” places the practicality of EC on the fact of changing culture. Chapter five, “U-church for an I-world,” discusses EC’s potential to subvert consumerism. Chapter six, “Church! Get me out of here!,” describes EC’s challenge for Christians to rethink “church.” Chapter seven, “down to the local,” details some practical steps for local churches. Chapter eight, “fast-tracking new church,” offers suggestions for denominations and “streams” to respond to the challenge (33).

Intention: To inform those who want to know more, to “tease out the implications” for those who understand, and to encourage those who want to get started.

See the related, though not connected, website: emergingchurch.info

Tag: books

2007-10-19T18:44:00.000-07:00

The Church in Emerging Culture
Edited by Leonard Sweet
272 pages
Publisher: Zondervan/Youth Specialties (October 1, 2003)

Authors: Andy Crouch, Michael Horton, Frederica Matthewes-Green, Brian D. McLaren, and Erwin Raphael McManus.

Organization: After an introduction essay in which Sweet introduces the metaphors of garden, park, glen, and meadow, the book is divided into five essays (one by each contributor). Interspersed throughout each contributor essay are conversational comments by the other contributors. At the end of each essay, the author of the essay puts forth a rejoinder to the comments. The conversation in this book takes up what H. Richard Niebuhr started in Christ and Culture, considering the Christian faith along two axes: change in method and change in message. There is at least one contributor in each of the four quadrants.

Intention: To consider from four distinct perspectives three crucial questions:
What should the church look like today?
What should be the focus of the message?
How should it present that message?

Tag: books

2007-10-19T18:33:00.000-07:00

The Radical Reformission
By Mark Driscoll
208 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (October 1, 2004)

Author: founding pastor of Mars Hill Church (Seattle) and Acts29 Network. Early participant in Leadership Network and the birthing of Emergent Village. No longer involved.

Organization: Two parts: Each seven chapters in the two parts consists of four sections: remember, repent, redeem, and reflect. (1) Loving your Lord through the gospel and (2) Loving your neighbor in the culture. The first part insists on following Jesus as the core of what it is to be Christian. The gospel is the story and explanation of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. Our kindest gift to people is to connect them to Jesus and his people. The second part begins to equip the reader to enter the culture, proclaiming Jesus and clarifying his truth.

Intention: To inspire readers to enter the world’s culture in order to proclaim Jesus, envisioning Kingdom culture (189); to challenge readers to stay close to Jesus, who is the only way to stay free from the world, the flesh, and the Devil (189); and to examine theologically and practically the themes of gospel and culture.

Tag: books

2007-10-19T18:26:00.000-07:00

Emerging Churches
By Eddie Gibbs and Ryan Bolger
352 pages
Publisher: Baker Academic (December 1, 2005)

Authors: Eddie Gibbs is the Donald A. McGavaran Professor of Church Growth at Fuller. Ryan Bolger is assistant professor of church in contemporary culture at Fuller.

Point of View: Eddie has been researching and teaching “church renewal, leadership, and evangelization” for over thirty years. He is from the UK, and was ordained in the Church of England. Ryan is a participant in new paradigm churches, has been part of emerging church leadership in Southern California, and is a native of Los Angeles (8).

Organization: After describing current culture and the emerging church, Gibbs and Bolger guide their readers through nine missiologically significant characteristics of the emerging church leaders interviewed during the research:

1. Identifying with Jesus
2. Transforming secular space
3. Living as community
4. Welcoming the stranger
5. Serving with generosity
6. Participating as producers\
7. Creating as created beings
8. Leading as a body
9. Merging ancient and contemporary spiritualities.

Intention: To identify the essential practices of emerging churches in the US and UK in order to enable and encourage conversation with and among the emerging generations of Christians.

Tag: books

2007-10-19T18:22:00.000-07:00

The Emerging Church
By Dan Kimball
272 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (March 1, 2003)

Author: Dan Kimball is one of the pastors of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz. He is part of the emerging church. Kimball espouses “Vintage Faith,” a return to the “vintage values of the original Christian church and teachings of Jesus.”

Organization: After an introduction that makes a case for the emerging church and sets out caveats for understanding it, Kimball discusses theology and praxis. Part 1 deconstructs the current situation down to causes and theological essentials. Part 2 reconstructs church by suggesting practical ideas for implementing the essential theology of missional church.

Intention: To inform his readers about the situation of post-Christendom and a biblical Christian response to this situation, and to inspire his readers to be the kind of Christians who have a reputation of faith and an “outward missional focus” (16).

Tag: books

2007-10-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

They Like Jesus but not the Church
By Dan Kimball
272 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (March 2007)

Author: Dan Kimball is one of the pastors of Vintage Faith Church in Santa Cruz. He is part of the emerging church. Kimball espouses “Vintage Faith,” a return to the “vintage values of the original Christian church and teachings of Jesus.”

Organization: After an introduction in which Kimball challenges pastors and leaders to stand up and transform their ministries into missions, he leads his readers through three parts. Part One describes the changing culture and the necessity of going outside the church to meet those who like Jesus. Part Two describes the various perspectives of those who like Jesus but not the church. Part Three challenges the church to respond in a way that maintains its identity as the body of Christ and creates bridges.

Intention: To make his readers uncomfortable, to encourage self-examination, and to inspire a hope and confidence in God that compels them to mission.

Tag: books

2007-10-19T18:07:00.000-07:00

Soul Graffiti
By Mark Scandrette
272 pages
Publisher: Jossey-Bass (April 20, 2007)

Author: Director and cofounder of ReIMAGINE (a center for spiritual formation in San Francisco), founding member of SEVEN (a monastic community), minister-writer-spiritual teacher for 15 years, and senior-fellow with Emergent Village. (from backflap)

Point of View: Urban, peer learning, intense learning, whole life Christianity, ministry with-to-by.

Organization: The book is divided into four parts. The parts flow from four phrases in Mark 1:14-15.

Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel."

Part One explores Jesus as proclaimer. Part Two explores “the time has come.” Part Three explores “the kingdom of God is at hand.” Part Four explores “repent and believe.” The book integrates conversation and praxis throughout.

Intention: To address the question of how to live the kingdom—the way of Jesus—in wholeness and community. He approaches theological questions from a whole life, whole self perspective.

NOTE: I've finally posted that summary I promised.

Tag: books

2007-10-19T17:49:00.000-07:00

Reclaiming the Center
Edited Millard J. Erickson, Paul Kjoss Helseth, Justin Taylor
368 pages
Publisher: Crossway Books (November 9, 2004)

Editors: Erickson is a Distinguished Professor of Theology at Western Seminary. Helseth is Associate Professor of Christian Thought at Northwestern College. Taylor is Director of Theology and Executive Editor of Desiring God.

Point of View: The movement-mood known as post-evangelicalism (among a host of other names) both requires and deserves critical and respectful engagement.

Organization: The book is divided into five parts. Part One introduces post-evangelicalism and its primary voices (Grenz, Olson, Webber, and McLaren), provides an overview of this work, and critiques Renewing the Center. Part Two critiques post-evangelicalism on philosophical grounds. Part Three critiques its theological method. Part Four critiques its historiography. Part Five looks ahead to what ought to happen after modernism and postmodernism.

Intention: To debate and dialogue, denounce and describe, and to critique and learn from post-evangelicalism in order that readers might be equipped to navigate into the post-post-modern world.

Tag: books

2007-10-19T17:42:00.000-07:00

The Mission-Shaped Church
By the Mission-Shaped Church Working Group of the Church of England
192 pages
Publisher: Church House Pub. (October 2007)

Authors: a working group of the Church of England’s Mission and Public Affairs Council (ix). The working group consists of eleven officials (bishops, vicars, directors, archdeacons, rectors, secretaries, and team leaders).

Point of View: Realizing that the Church of England parochial system was no longer fully effective, the working group recognized the need for a variety of ecclesial approaches (xi), also known as “fresh expressions.”

Organization:

Chapter 1 describes England’s changing culture.
Chapter 2 narrates changes since the 1994 publication of Breaking New Ground, in which church planting was first recognized as a valid mission endeavor.
Chapter 3 defines church planting and its significance.
Chapter 4 describes several fresh expressions.
Chapter 5 explicates a theology of a missionary church.
Chapter 6 offers principles and methodologies.
Chapter 7 describes a framework by which the church planting aspirations of Breaking New Ground might be realized.
Chapter 8 offers recommendations flowing from the insights and experiences described in Mission-Shaped Church.

Intention: To have Mission-Shaped Church studied/discussed at all levels of the Church of England and such groupings to be encouraged to respond appropriately (x).

Tag: books

2007-10-19T17:25:00.000-07:00

Remembering Our Future
Edited by Andrew Walker and Luke Bretherton
224 pages
Publisher: Paternoster (August 1, 2007)

Editors: Andrew Walker is Professor of Theology and Education at King’s College London and an ecumenical canon of St. Paul’s Cathedral (back cover). Dr. Luke Bretherton is Lecturer in Theology and Ministry, Convener of the Faith and Public Policy Forum and D.Min. Programme Director at King’s College London (back cover).

Point of View: Fad-driven, one dimensional spirituality is useless. Connection with historical Christianity and evangelical heritage is needed.

Organization: Ten related, yet independent essays by eight different authors. These essays are the fruit of an informal seminar on Deep Church.

Intention: To “inform and nourish the emergence of a truly deep church, on that is both saturated in the wisdom of the communion of saints and speaking forth the startling newness of the gospel of Jesus Christ” (xx).

Tag: books

2007-10-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

Missio Dei
By Fred Peatross
116 pages
Publisher: Cold Tree Press (June 15, 2007)

Author: leader in a traditional church in Huntington, WV; former church planter in the Ukraine; living as a missionary to America; self-proclaimed renegade.

Point of View: The attractional view of mission misses the ways of Jesus and does not fulfill his mission.

Organization: There are two parts (deconstruction and reconstruction). The various chapters are organized under these two.

Deconstruction
Attractional and Missional—the current culture demands a missional stance
Forging New Gospel Communities—the missional church is polar opposite with the attractional, yet might influence the attractional to engage culture and transform into mission
Reconstruction
Evolution of an Emerging—movements begin with conversation; emergent may become a movement, but either way, it has influence
Missional Mechanism for the Attractional Church—an invitation to perpetually change and train
Think Globally, Act Neighborly—indigenous, designed space; evangelism as a process involving ordinary attempts; cater to one niche
The Importance of Perception—be friends; be friendly; be regular; be honest
Determined—this transformation is a long journey; stay committed and travel together

Intention: To make the case for and show a way for attractional churches to become missional churches.

Tag: books

2007-10-13T20:58:00.000-07:00

Inside the Organic Church: Learning from 12 Emerging Congregations
by Bob Whitesel
154 pages
Publisher: Abingdon Press (August 2006)

Scan Results

Author: "author, professor and speaker on the organic emerging church, non-profit management and church growth. He is Associate Professor in the College of Graduate Studies at Indiana Wesleyan University"

Organization: The book is divided into three general sections. The first section contains the conclusions (yes, the conclusions) and an overview of the author's journey. The second section contains twelve chapters. Each chapter describes an organic (emerging) church via five movements: First Encounters, Dashboard (people, place, etc), A Fusion of Rhythms, An Interview with my Tour Guides, and What Every Church Can Learn. The final section contains two concluding chapters. Chapter 13, Nurturing an Organic Congregation, suggests a series of four seasons through which a leader might nurture an organic congregation. Chapter 14, Final Postcards, contains Whitesel's acknowledgments.

Intention: To help the emerging church and their parent churches to "understand how the Holy Spirit is leading his church to growth and health" (xxi).

Tag: books

2007-09-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

THE OUT OF BOUNDS CHURCH?
by Steve Taylor
176 pages
Publisher: Zondervan/Youth Specialties (February 1, 2005)

Scan Results

In this book, Steve Taylor reports back from the emerging edge of the church and explores the issues biblically, traditionally, and culturally.

The book is divided into four parts: Culture Shapers, Emerging Firestarters, Emerging Mission, and In Advance. In each "part," Taylor has placed one or more postcards, posing various questions followed by a chapter discussing each postcard.

Tag: books

2007-09-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

Reading on the Run

by J. Robert Clinton
140 pages
Publisher: Barnabas Publishers (January 30, 1987)

If you read for research or if you must read a lot, this book is a must. He offers six reading methods that vary by depth:

scan (determine potential value)
ransack (search for new ideas on a known subject)
browse (detailed reading of an extended portion)
pre-read (serious understanding of an entire book)
indepth (detailed evaluative read)
study (comparative reading of various books)

Tag(s): books reading

See CC License

2007-05-24T15:36:00.000-07:00

THE STUDY OF THEOLOGY : from biblical interpretation to contemporary formulation

by Richard A. Muller
238 pages
Publisher: Zondervan Publishing Company (February 11, 1991)

SCAN RESULTS

Richard Muller was Professor of Historical Theology at Fuller Theological Seminary when he wrote The Study of Theology. He is now P. J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary. He is a specialist in post-Reformation dogmatics, but has written on a wide variety of topics.

The book has four sections.

The Study of Theology: Issues and Problems discusses the fourfold curriculum as an interpretive structure for moving from exegesis to contemporary formulation.
The Theological Disciplines: Biblical and Historical Foundations offers an interpretive path through biblical/historical to contemporary formulation.
The Theological Disciplines: Contemporary Statement and Practice offers systematic theology as the methodological comprehension of contemporary and constructive disciplines.
The Unity of Theological Discourse suggests that the unity of theology includes objective disciplines and subjective involvement.

In this book, Muller intends...

"to discuss the interpretation or hermeneutical implications of the fourfold curriculum" (xi),
"to present a case for its structure" (xi),
"to argue the essential unity of the disciplines in their service to the church" (xi), and
to present a view of theology that respects tradition and integrates it into the contemporary context (xvi).

More later...(really)

Tag: books

2007-04-05T14:39:00.000-07:00

An Emergent Manifesto of Hope
Edited by Doug Pagitt and Tony Jones
320 pages
Baker Books (April 1, 2007)

SCAN RESULTS

Doug Pagitt earned an MA at Bethel Seminary. He is pastor of Solomon's Porch in Minneapolis, MN and is the author of Preaching Reimagined, Church Reimagined, and BodyPrayer.

Tony Jones earned an MDiv at Fuller Seminary and is a PhD student at Princeton. He is the national director of Emergent Village (EV) and author of Postmodern Youth Ministry, The Sacred Way, Divine Intervention, and more.

Both editors have been involved EV since before its inception. They are practitioners, thinkers, friends, and conversationalists.

The book opens with an introduction by Tony Jones, giving some background and setting the stage for the remainder of the book. The body of the text is divided into five parts: A People of Hope, Communities of Hope, A Hopeful Faith, A Hopeful Way Forward, and Hopeful Activism. Each part is introduced by either Doug or Tony. The book ends with an afterword by Doug Pagitt.

Doug Pagitt and Tony Jones intend to communicate and extend the friendship that is EV. This book is intended to be a good, meaning it is a product of EV, it is to be a discussion starter, it is--hopefully--desirable for its own sake, and it is filled with essays that provide good ground for growing. This text is intended to put forth the hopes and dreams of some of the voices in EV and, with God's good grace, be fodder for a good legacy.

NOTE: current study requirements prevent me from reading this book--and, yes, I'm quited bummed. It goes now to the summer reading pile--which pile is getting quite large.

Tag: books

2007-02-05T20:51:00.000-08:00

MATTHEW: FROM BIBLICAL TEXT TO CONTEMPORARY LIFE
The NIV Application Commentary
by Michael J. Wilkins
1008 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (July 1, 2003)

Spring 2007 reading...more later

SCAN RESULTS

Mike Wilkins earned his Ph.D. from Fuller Theological Seminary. He is the dean of faculty and professor of New Testament Language and Literature at Talbot School of Theology. Wilkins has had a 25-year relationship with Matthew's gospel. He has a passion for allowing God's Word to change us.

The commentary begins with eighteen pages of introduction, followed by an outline of the gospel and a bibliography. Each 'Text and Commentary' section contains the text from the NIV, Original Meaning, Bridging Contexts, and Contemporary Significance.

Wilkins intends to guide the readers through Matthew's written reflections, so that they might understand Matthew's theological intentions for his community and might allow Matthew's insights to penetrate their souls and lives.

Tag: books

2007-01-31T15:21:00.000-08:00

Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 33a, Matthew 1-13, 483pp
Word Biblical Commentary Vol. 33b, Matthew 14-28, 568pp
Donald A. Hagner
Nelson Reference
(December 7, 1993; November 22, 1995)

Spring 2007 reading...more later

Tag: books

2007-01-31T15:18:00.000-08:00

THE THEOLOGY OF THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW
by Ulrich Luz
180 pages
Publisher: Cambridge University Press (June 30, 1995)

Spring 2007 reading...more later

SCAN RESULTS

Ulrich Luz is a professor of New Testament Studies at the University of Bern. Luz holds Matthew to be primarily story and thus shapes his theology accordingly (even to inserting systematic sections much as Matthew inserts Jesus' direct discourses).

Chapter one covers theological issues relating to the structure, literary context, and provenance. Chapters two through eight cover theological issues arranged as related to each section (1:1-4:22; 5-7; 8:1-11:30; 12:1-16:20; 16:21-20:34; 21:1-25:46; 26-28). Chapter nine concludes by looking at Matthew's relation to Jesus, Paul, Church history, and Christians today.

Luz intends to provide a programmatic survey of Matthew by tracing his theological themes across this particular story of Jesus.

UPDATE 020507 scan results added

Tag: books

2007-01-31T15:15:00.000-08:00

WHAT ARE THEY SAYING ABOUT MATTHEW?
A Revised and Expanded Edition
Donald Senior, C.P.
144 pages
Publisher: Paulist Press; Rev Exp edition (January 1, 1995)

Spring 2007 reading...more later

SCAN RESULTS

Donald Senior has a doctorate in New Testament Studies from University Louvain (Belgium) and professor of New Testament at Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. He is a biblical scholar, writer, and teacher.

Chapter 1: Settings
Chapter 2: Sources and Structure
Chapter 3: View of Salvation History
Chapter 4: Use of the Old Testament
Chapter 5: Attitude to the Law
Chapter 6: Christology
Chapter 7: Discipleship and Church

Senior intends to present the "most crucial, the most comprehensive, and the topics that can give the reader a sense of how contemporary scholarship views Matthew's gospel." The author allows the surveyed authors to speak for themselves.

UPDATE 020507 scan results added

Tag: books

2007-01-29T15:34:00.000-08:00

LISTENING TO THE BELIEFS OF EMERGING CHURCHES
Gen. Ed. Robert Webber
240 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (February 2007)

Spring 2007 reading...more later

SCAN RESULTS
General Editor: Robert Webber is Professor Emeritus of theology at Wheaton and Myers Professor of Ministry at Northern Seminary. His interest in ancient-future worship, and other topics, involves him in the fringes of the emerging church.

This is a “five-views” book wit that standard format. Webber introduces the book, providing a historical context for emerging churches and introduces the contributors and their theologies. Next are chapters by each of the contributors: Mark Driscoll, John Burke, Dan Kimball, Doug Pagitt, and Karen Ward. Each chapter is followed by a response from each of the other contributors. Webber concludes the book, asking three assessment questions (Who are these conversationalists? What are they saying? What do we need to hear) and mentioning some of the dangers that lie ahead.

Webber intends to provide a historical context for understanding the emerging church and to provide space for the reader to hear more accurately, and possibly join in, the emerging conversation.

UPDATE: 020107 scan results added

Tag: books

2007-01-29T15:31:00.000-08:00

THE COMPLEX CHRIST
Kester Brewin
192 pages
Publisher: SPCK Publishing (August 23, 2004)

Spring 2007 reading...more later

SCAN RESULTS

Kester Brewin is an academic in urban London and writes on education. He was involved in Vaux.

The book has two parts and an interlude. Part one discusses the complex Christ in relation to advent, incarnation, and emergence. The Interlude describes the character of the emergent church. Part two discusses the complex Christ in relation to the city, gift, and dirt.

Brewin intends to show the essential need for systemic ecclesial change through the application of empowerment and the science of emergence.

UPDATE 020107 scan results added

Tag: books

2007-01-29T11:28:00.000-08:00

LESSLIE NEWBIGIN: Missionary Theologian: a Reader
Lesslie Newbigin
Compiled by: Paul Weston
277 pages
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (March 30, 2006)

Spring 2007 reading...more later

SCAN RESULTS

Author: Lesslie Newbigin brings to this work his experience as a pastor, missionary, theologian, ecumenical statesman, and writer. He is a visionary thinker who applies wisdom to experience. His writing is Christ-centered, Trinitarian framework, biblical, and missionally-informed.

Compiler: Paul Weston is a tutor in homiletics and mission studies at Cambridge. He has researched Newbigin extensively. From Weston’s perspective, Newbigin’s whole body of work speaks still today and ought to be heard.

After a 13-page biography, the work is divided into two parts. Part one introduces Newbigin’s theological foundations for mission and includes extracts from his early works. Part two introduces Newbigin’s thoughts on missionary theology in practice and includes extracts from his later works. Each chapter or part-chapter has an introduction and recommended readings by Weston.

Weston intends “…to introduce the thinking of Lesslie Newbigin to a larger audience by making available extracts from a wide variety of his writings” (p.vii).

UPDATE 020107 scan results added

Tag: books

2007-01-29T11:27:00.000-08:00

THE OPEN SECRET: an introduction to the theology of mission
Lesslie Newbigin
200 pages
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company; Revised edition (February 1995)

Spring 2007 reading...more later

SCAN RESULTS

Author: Lesslie Newbigin brings to this work his experience as a pastor, missionary, theologian, ecumenical statesman, and writer. He is a visionary thinker who applies wisdom to experience. His writing is Christ-centered, Trinitarian framework, biblical, and missionally-informed.

Chapter 1 provides background for this discussion of theology of mission. Chapters 2-6 place the authority of mission clearly in the missio Dei and within a Trinitarian framework. Chapters 7-10 provide practical applications and implications for the Trinitarian framework.

Newbigin intends to bring “…contemporary concerns in mission theology to a wide audience…to lead the church to embrace its Christ-given task of presenting the gospel to our complex post-modern world.” This is an introduction to the study of missiology.

UPDATE 020107 scan results added

Tag: books

2007-01-29T11:25:00.000-08:00

THE GOSPEL IN A PLURALIST SOCIETY
Lesslie Newbigin
255 pages
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (December 1989)

Spring 2007 reading...more later

SCAN RESULTS

Author: Lesslie Newbigin brings to this work his experience as a pastor, missionary, theologian, ecumenical statesman, and writer. He is a visionary thinker who applies wisdom to experience. His writing is Christ-centered, Trinitarian framework, biblical, and missionally-informed.

The book is a series of lectures. Chapters 1-5 discuss the roots of the crisis in Christian confidence using ideas from Polanyi. Otherwise, the organization is unclear.

Newbigin calls for a renewed confidence in the gospel of Jesus Christ in the context of pluralism. He sets forth ways to engage the culture while remaining clearly Christian.

UPDATE 020107 scan results added

Tag: books

2007-01-29T11:22:00.000-08:00

FOOLISHNESS TO THE GREEKS
Lesslie Newbigin
160 pages
Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (April 1986)

Spring 2007 reading...more later

SCAN RESULTS

Author: Lesslie Newbigin brings to this work his experience as a pastor, missionary, theologian, ecumenical statesman, and writer. He is a visionary thinker who applies wisdom to experience. His writing is Christ-centered, Trinitarian framework, biblical, and missionally-informed.

Chapters 1-2 describe post-enlightenment culture. Chapters 3-5 describe the gospel and its missionary encounter with culture. Chapter 6 discusses implications and applications for missionary encounter..

Newbigin’s intention: (p.1) “My purpose in these chapters is to consider what would be involved in a genuinely missionary encounter between the gospel and the culture that is shared by the peoples of Europe and North America, their colonial and cultural off-shoots, and the growing company of educated leaders in the cities of the world…”

UPDATE 020107 scan results added

Tag: books

2007-01-20T15:49:00.000-08:00

IN SEARCH OF AUTHENTIC FAITH
how emerging generations are transforming the church
Steve Rabey
224 pages
WaterBrook Press; 1st edition (January 16, 2001)

In Search of Authentic Faith is a journalistic exploration and profile of the churches and ministries emerging in postmodern USA. Rabey intends "to provide an intriguing and inspiring guide that contributes to the renewal of the church by surveying hundreds of churches and ministries" (pg 12).

Thesis: The emerging church is the most recent generational-cultural modification of the church.

Part one explores the larger postmodern cultural context. Part two explores the emerging values of emerging churches and ministries. Part three explores the responses of organizations and leaders to these ecclesiastical changes.

There are some end notes, but no bibliography or indexes.

Tag: books

2007-01-20T15:31:00.000-08:00

HOUSES THAT CHANGE THE WORLD
Wolfgang Simson
316 pages
Paternoster Publishing (March 6, 2001)

Houses That Change the World is an argument for house churches as basic ecclesiology. Through an investigation of the nature, structure, and functioning of house churches, Simson intends to make a case for the structural reformation of the church to house church.

Thesis: The house church is God's intended ecclesial structure and is the most efficient and effective means of fulfilling the command to go make disciples of all nations.

Chapters 1-2 argue that house church design is basic, yet throughout history it has been opposed. Chapters 3-5 describe house church as family-centered, neighborhood-based, organic, and natural. Chapters 6-11 contend that planting and developing house churches requires that apostles and prophets behave as such.

The "Suggested Materials" section is small (2 pgs), though helpful. An index, bibliography, and footnotes would increase the usefulness of this text.

NOTE: As with the books by Robert Banks (here and here), Simson's book seems to allow the argument to cloud rather than explicate biblical data. There seems to be an agenda.

Tag: books

2007-01-20T15:10:00.000-08:00

THE CHURCH IN GOD'S PROGRAM
Robert L. Saucy
256 pages
Moody Publishers (August 21, 1981)

This is a systematic theology, exploring the biblical data on the nature and purpose of the church. Saucy encourages the readers' examination of the biblical data regarding the universal and local church.

Thesis: The Bible reveals, not specific details, but principles-guidelines-patterns regarding the nature and purpose of the universal and local church. Each specific instance of church is shaped by history and culture.

Chapters 1-5 concern the universal church. Chapter one discusses the meaning and uses of the English word "church" and the Greek word "ekklesia". Chapters two and three explore the nature of the church as seen in the New Testament images of the church. Chapter four argues for the inauguration of the church by God on Pentecost, founded upon Christ by means of the Holy Spirit. Chapter five explores the functioning of the church in God's overall program.

Chapters 6-9 concern the local church. These chapters explore the biblical data on organization, ministry, worship, and baptism and communion.

There is a categorized bibliography with significant works noted and subject and passage indexes. There is no author index.

Tag: books

2007-01-20T14:53:00.000-08:00

CHURCH ON THE OTHER SIDE
Brian McLaren
240 pages
Zondervan; New, Expanded Ed edition (January 1, 2003)

This strategic, practical-ministry book, McLaren suggest thirteen strategies for doing ministry in postmodern culture.

Thesis: Postmodern culture requires Christians to do ministry differently.

maximize discontinuity
redefine your missions
practice systems thinking
trade up your traditions for tradition
resurrect theology as art and science
design a new apologetic
learn a new rhetoric
abandon structures as they are outgrown
save the leaders
subsume missions in mission
look ahead, further ahead
enter the postmodern world
add to this list

The appendix includes exercises to help the reader implement the strategies. There are reference and explanatory end notes, but no index.

Tag: books

2007-01-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

PHILOSOPHY AND THEOLOGY
John D. Caputo
84 pages
Abingdon Press (April 2006)

In this essay, Caputo intends to convince the reader that philosophy and theology function together in the search for ultimates. He accomplishes this by reviewing modernity's exacerbation of the alleged conflict between the two, and by breaking down the wall between the two with deconstruction and reconstruction.

Thesis: The co-functioning of philosophy and theology is seen in the long history of relationship, behind the conflict exacerbated by modernity, and within the sometimes hampered co-functioning.

Caputo states each of four theses then develops and supports each through one or more essay chapters.

"And" is the most important word in the phrase "philosophy and theology" (chapter 1, stated on page 3).
Modernity exacerbated the difference between philosophy and theology (chapters 2-5, stated on page 10).
Philosophy and theology are two kinds of faith (chapters 6-7, stated on page 57).
Philosophy and theology are different, yet companion ways (chapter 8, stated on page 69).

There are two pages of notes, primarily providing a few background discussions. Most helpful are eight pages of short biographies of the philosophers and theologians discussed in the essay.

Tag: books

2007-01-20T14:10:00.000-08:00

WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?
Rethinking the Conventional View
Kenneth Berding
368 pages
Kregel Publications (October 27, 2006)

Berding puts forth a primarily exegetical argument for all thinking Christians, in order to provide a biblical understanding of so-called "spiritual gifts" in contrast to the conventional "abilities" notion. He makes a case for spiritual ministries through the exegesis of key New Testament passages.

Thesis: Charisma and pneumatika ought to be understood primarily as spiritual-ministries rather than as spiritual-abilities.

Chapters 1-3 present the basic ideas via a hypothetical spiritual gifts seminar. Chapters 4-6 discuss word meaning and its use. Chapter ) discusses Paul's concern for ministry. Chapter 8 discusses the nature of biblical lists. Chapters 9-12 exegete the four key passages (Ephesians 4:11-12; Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:28-20; and 1 Corinthians 12:8-10). Chapter 13 discusses Paul's use of "grace" and "given". Chapter 14 addresses four potential objections ("the language of given-ness and having, the issue of talents, English usage of the word gift, and the role of 1 Corinthians 12:8-10" p133). Chapters 15-18 place "ministries" in the context of four broad Pauline themes. Finally, chapters 19-23 explain the implications of the thesis and make recommendations.

Those seeking to go deeper will find ample end notes and four supporting appendixes. Subject and Scripture indexes are included.

Tag: books

2006-09-11T09:37:00.000-07:00

The Church Comes Home
By Robert and Julia Banks
Hendrickson Publishers, 1998
260 pages

Thesis (subject to correction):

The full experience of church only occurs as both home church and whole (city-wide) church gatherings are practiced.

Tag: books

2006-08-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

MISSIONAL CHURCH: a vision for the sending of the church in North America
edited by Darrell L. Guder
Authors: Lois Barrett, Inagrace T. Dietterich, George R. Hunsberger, Alan J. Roxburgh, Craig Van Gelder
Grand Rapids: William B. Eerdmans Pub, (C) 1998

After describing the cultural and historical context of the North American church, Missional Church lays out a theological framework built on a biblical understanding of church and describes a missional identity and practice built on that theological framework.

This book is most worthy of a much deeper reading than was possible in this initial read.

Tag: books

2006-08-27T20:35:00.000-07:00

GOING TO CHURCH IN THE FIRST CENTURY
By Robert Banks
Seedsowers, © 1980, 48 pages

This well-researched piece of historical fiction paints a compelling picture of the first-century house church. The gathering, centered on a meal and conversation, is a transformation of a standard cultural form, clearly a part of its culture (Rome) yet having a distinct focus (Jesus).

Leaders from house church to mega church should consider how to integrate this much-needed form into local church ministry.

Tag: books

2006-08-24T09:22:00.000-07:00

Paul's Idea of Community, Revised Edition
by Robert Banks
Hendrickson Publishers, (C)1994 (5th printing 2004)
233 pages

In this book, Robert Banks investigates Paul’s understanding of community, the historical-cultural context of this understanding, and the process of Paul’s thinking on community. Special attention is given to application in current practice.

Tag: books

2006-07-22T16:27:00.000-07:00

AN INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIOLOGY
by Veli-Matti Karkkainen
pub. Intervarsity Press, (C) 2002, 238 pages

Update: reread in July 2006, see GLEANINGS FROM KARKKAINEN

Comments:

In this book, Karkkainen surveys seven ecclesiological traditions, seven contemporary ecclesiologists, and seven contextual ecclesiologies. Part one covers the ecclesiological traditions: orthodox, roman catholic, Lutheran, reformed, Free Church, Pentecostal/charismatic, and ecumenical. Part two covers John Zizioulas, Hans Kung, Wolfhart Pannenberg, Jurgen Moltmann, Miroslav Volf, James McClendon Jr., and Lesslie Newbigen. Finally, part two covers the non-church movement in Asia the base ecclesial movement in Latin America, the feminist church, the African Independent Church, the Shepherding movement, the world church, and the post-Christian church.

Needless to say, the book covers a world in its 238 pages. Given this it is an especially profitable book for anyone who has concentrated on their own tradition's view of church. I leave my reading of this book with a most important notion: the church is simpler, more complicated, more universal, and more local that we can imagine. Realizing that not all ecclesiologies can be right (for indeed, some notions truly are mutually exclusive), every ecclesiology can undergo important correction by listening to other voices. After all, individuals--and indeed communities can only see from their own perspectives and require other voices to see the whole picture. Karkkainen provides an excellent introduction to the world of the various voices.

Tag: books

2006-07-18T13:50:00.000-07:00

Dracula (The Collector's Library)
Bram Stoker, Jonty Claypole (Afterword)

This is first on my summer reading list. Hopefully, summer starts May 22, but that depends on when I finish my paper...

Update: summer officially starts at 5:30 pm, May 24. Not bad.

Update (7/18): I finished Dracula last week. Much like Frankenstein and Jekyl/Hyde, this book sheds light on sin and the human condition. The format is interesting: the entire book is written as the journal entries of the main characters (along with a few articles/letters). The book is long and not for the faint of heart, but for anyone who studies humanity and culture, it is a must read.

Details:
Format: Hardcover, 526pp
Pub. Date: September 2003
Publisher: Barnes & Noble Books
Edition Description: Complete and Unabridged Edition

Tag: books

2006-07-10T22:02:00.000-07:00

HOW TO THINK THEOLOGICALLY
By Howard W. Stone and James O. Duke
Fortress Press, Minneapolis, 1996
128 pp. (Glossary, Index)

Presupposition: Every Christian is a theologian and should learn to do theology intentionally and well (p2).

This book describes and discusses the processes involved in theological reflection. Theological reflection is a conversation already in progress and it will continue after we are done. It is “…a matter of personalized conversational thinking about shared convictions” (p7). It is the act of caring about what we believe about the Christian message.

Tag: books

2006-05-29T00:51:00.000-07:00

Active Learning: 101 Strategies to Teach Any Subject (Paperback)
by Mel Silberman
Paperback: 189 pages
Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 1 edition (February 20, 1996)

Excellent resource with theoretical grounding and clear instructions for in-class implementation. What it does not have is time. Time is a necessary ingredient because students who have not participated in active learning often have a bit of culture shock. If you teach adults or 'near adults' this text is an excellent resource.

Tag: books

2006-01-23T13:00:00.000-08:00

EVANGELICAL THEOLOGY: AN INTRODUCTION
by Karl Barth
Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (2000), 206 pages

January 2006 reading:
I may just read this book once a year. In one week I will be starting a Master of Theology at Talbot School of Theology, Biola University. while I have MUCH to learn about systematic theology, reading this book has provided a most necessary perspective. Barth emphasizes over and over that theology is a modest, free, critical, and happy science. He also majorly camps onthe notion that if God is not the clear and absolute center of theology, then we are not doing theology. God himself--in his person, not mere ideas about him--is the source, basis, sustainer, and judge of theology. Theology itself is merely an ever-changing human expression of what we understand about God--it is necessarily imperfect and will always be so.

Someday I'll write a proper review of this book.

July 2005 reading:
I'm just about done reading this. First, I wish Talbot required this for an introductory theology class. Second, if you do theology of any kind, you must read it. Third, don't believe everything you hear about Barth. Read Barth and make up your own mind.

In this short book--a series of lectures given in America in 1962--Barth leads us through the place of theology, theological existence, the threat to theology, and theological work. The honesty, passion, strength, and wisdom of this book is beyond words. As I read it, I realize that despite all else I may do, I am a theologian, and I had better come to grips with that, because it is both a hard and an amazing life to live.

Tag: books

2006-01-06T18:08:00.000-08:00

SPRING 2006 TEXTBOOKS

TTTH806 Contemporary Theology
20Th-Century Theology: God and the World in a Transitional Age (Paperback)
by Stanley J. Grenz, Roger E. Olson
Paperback: 393 pages
Publisher: InterVarsity Press (January 1, 1997)

Skim Notes: Grenz and Olson intend to guide the readers through what they perceive to be the main current of theology for the twentieth century. It is not a synopsis of thinkers and their thoughts but a story of theology in a transitional age. They offer an interpretive tool: the tension between divine transcendence and divine immanence.

Modern Theologians: An Introduction to Christian Theology in the Twentieth Century (Paperback)
by David Ford (Editor), Rachel Muers (Editor)
Paperback: 819 pages
Publisher: Blackwell Publishers; 3rd edition (August 15, 2005)

Skim Notes: Ford and Muers intend this book to be used is to “…prepare for, accompany, and aid reflection on the study of texts” (viii).

Christianity And The Postmodern Turn: Six Views (Paperback)by Myron B. Penner (Editor)
Paperback: 240 pages
Publisher: Brazos Press (July 1, 2005)

Skim Notes: Penner and the contributors intend to "...provide Christians a clear introduction to the issues of concern precipitated by the postmodern turn in philosophy and, hopefully, to remove some of the confusion surrounding these concerns” (15). This book provides a forum for the two sides to speak with each other rather than past each other. The essays reflect a range of interpretations of and responses to the postmodern turn.

TTCE724 Advanced Methods of Educational Instruction

Active Learning: 101 Strategies to Teach Any Subject (Paperback)
by Mel Silberman
Paperback: 189 pages
Publisher: Allyn & Bacon; 1 edition (February 20, 1996)

Skim Notes: Silberman intends to provide specific, practical strategies designed to enliven the classroom, deepen learning, and deepen retention. He gives concrete advice on how to install active learning in any classroom.

Basics of Teaching for Christians: Preparation, Instruction, and Evaluation (Paperback)
by Robert W. Pazmino
Paperback: 124 pages
Publisher: Baker Book House (July 1, 1998)

Skim Notes: Pazmino presents teaching for Christians as a ministry in partnership with God and having Christian distinctives. He explores teaching in three phases: planning, implementing, and evaluating. His underlying metaphor is “…artfully setting an inviting table that welcomes all to participate and results in joyous celebration’ (11).

The Craft of Teaching : A Guide to Mastering the Professor's Art
(Paperback)
by Kenneth E. Eble
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Jossey-Bass; 2 edition (March 4, 1994)

Skim Notes: Eble focuses on teaching. He says that “…what underlies teaching is the unquenchable human desire to learn. Responding to that desire, wherever and whatever one teaches, is reason enough for working at one’s craft” (xii).

Mckeachie's Teaching Tips: Strategies, Research And Theory for College And University Teachers (Paperback)

by Wilbert J. McKeachie, Marilla Svinicki
Paperback: 407 pages
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin; 12th edition (August 1, 2005)

Skim Notes: In this twelth edition, McKeachie and Svinicki present teaching tips supported by discussion of relevant research and theory. They stress learner centered teaching and suggest strategies to consider and modify as needed.

Tag: books

2005-12-31T14:45:00.000-08:00

THE BODY-SNATCHERS (pages 96-124)
in THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE and other stories
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Barnes & Noble, (C) 2004, 311pp
This story is true horror. The twist does not happen until the very last word of the story (so, if this is your first read, DON'T PEAK!). The best thing is the lingering question: What made the difference in the reactions of Fettes and Macfarlane? Makes me wish I had read this as part of a reading group; this would be a great discussion topic.

Tag: books

2005-12-26T15:30:00.000-08:00

THE SEVEN LAWS OF TEACHING

by John Milton Gregory
Originally published in 1884
Revised in 1917
Paperback version, 2004 Baker Books
121 pages

In 121 pages, Gregory intends for his readers to see the leading principles and rules of the teaching art groups around seven factors, and that the readers may methodically learn and use them. There are seven laws (pp. 18-19):

A teacher must be one who knows the lesson or truth or art to be taught.
A learner is one who attends with interest to the lesson.
The language used as a medium between teacher and learner must be common to both.
The lesson to be mastered must be explicable in the terms of truth already known by the learner--the unknown must be explained by means of the known.
Teaching is arousing and using the pupil's mind to grasp the desired thought or to master the desired art.
Learning is thinking into one's own understanding a new idea or truth or working into habit a new art or skill.
The test and proof of teaching done--the finishing and fastening process--must be a reviewing, rethinking, reknowing, reproducing, and applying of the material that has been taught, the knowledge and ideals and arts that have been communicated.

In eight chapters, Gregory explains the idea of the laws and the philosophy, rules, and violations for each of the seven laws. If you teach or if you learn, this small volume is highly recommended. Despite its obvious basis in modernist thought, it remains a classic about teaching and learning.

Tag: books

2005-11-23T23:05:00.000-08:00

TOWARD AN OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY by Dr. Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.
Zondervan (September 13, 1991) 303 pages

In his book, Toward an Old Testament Theology, Kaiser wants to establish ‘promise’ as the central message of the OT and to build an exegetically useful OT Theology around that core message. He makes his case in three parts: (1) Definition and Method, (2) Materials for an Old Testament Theology, and (3) The Connection with New Testament Theology. This critique describes the function of each part, briefly discusses difficulties raised by each, and discusses how well the text achieves its intended purpose.

In Part 1, Definition and Method, Kaiser lays out the bulk of his theology, making a case for the notion of ‘promise’ as the exegetically-derived center around which an OT Theology can be built. Following the analogy of antecedent scripture, he traces OT history around the theological core of ‘promise.’ According to Kaiser, the structure of an OT Theology is “…historically arranged and its content is exegetically controlled” (Kaiser, 9). He further says that “… biblical theology draws its very structure of approach from the historic progression of the text and its theological selection and conclusions from those found in the canonical focus” (Kaiser, 12).

Two difficulties are raised by this section. First, while Kaiser’s theology appears to be based on an exegesis of Scripture, there is a greater focus on the history behind the text than on the text itself. While he looks closely at Genesis 3:15; 9:25-27; 12:1-4, his own words (as in the quote from page 12, above) betray his reliance on history and chronology. Second, while the idea of the analogy of antecedent scripture is valid, there are problems. Often the date a book was written is unclear or unknown. This makes it impossible to determine which book is indeed antecedent and places any theological conclusions on an insecure foundation. In addition, claims regarding inter-textuality should be based on clear, intentional references within the text rather than on a supposed chronology. The text is the only clear revelation in our possession.

In Part 2, Materials for an Old Testament Theology, Kaiser traces the development of the theological core (promise) across the OT. He wants to show that in each historical era, God reveals and develops the message of promise. By exegeting key passages in each era, he traces the development of the promise theme across OT history.

Three difficulties are raised by this section. First, the ‘eras’ are not clearly related to canonical structure. For example, Kaiser divides the Pentateuch (a multi-volume book written by one author) into three separate eras. Second, it is not clear whether this OT Theology is indeed exegetically useful. He carefully handles a number of key passages, but generally neglects the larger context of books and of the canon. A determination of usefulness would need to be determined in practice. Finally, in some eras (e.g. the Sapiential era), the core promise message seems to be stretched. If ‘promise’ truly is the intended center of the OT, then it should fit comfortably into every book of the OT. This does not seem to be the case.

In Part 3, The Connection with New Testament Theology, Kaiser connects the OT promise with the NT fulfillment in Christ. He wants to show that the promise—around which the OT and an OT Theology is built—is fulfilled in Jesus Christ and his new covenant.

An important difficulty is raised by this section. The problem is reading subsequent scripture back into antecedent scripture. Kaiser seems to be interpreting the OT according to NT thinking rather than allowing the OT to explain itself.

How well does Kaiser establish ‘promise’ as the central message of the OT and build an exegetically useful OT Theology around that core message? First, while much effort is expended in making a case for promise as the central message of the OT, in the end it appears to be based more upon reading the NT back into the OT. ‘Promise’ is an important theme, but his argument does not meet the requirement for a core message. The difficulties of uneasy fit in some eras, the reliance on a few key passages, and the apparent reliance on the NT are not adequately dealt with.

Second, for certain key passage, Kaiser’s theology may be exegetically useful, but for the canon it does not seem particularly useful. He does not deal with the OT canon as it stands, but with a chronological reconstruction of the events behind the text.

Despite these difficulties, Toward an Old Testament Theology is an important book, moving OT Theology away from the history of religions school and closer to an exegetically based theology of the text.

Tag: books

2005-08-03T09:43:00.000-07:00

FALL 2005... the final readings for the Master of Divinity (yup, I graduated in December 2005!!)

Rev. 121705

BIBLICAL THEOLOGY by Geerhardus Vos
Banner of Truth (December 1, 1996)

Ended up only skimming this one (time crunch). It is on the docket for next summer.

INTRO TO OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY by Dr. John H. Sailhamer
Zondervan (May 1, 1995)

Sailhamer's approach to the OT (especially the Pentateuch) respects the text in a way that few OT theologies do. I need another read to decide whether I am convinced of his conclusions, but if you are studying or teaching the OT, you must read this book. His focus on structure and intertextuality is invaluable.

TOWARD AN OLD TESTAMENT THEOLOGY by Dr. Walter C. Kaiser, Jr.
Zondervan (September 13, 1991)

see the review

EPHESIANS:EXEGETICAL COMMENTARY by Harold W. Hoehner
Baker Academic (January 1, 2003)

Helpful, but huge. His footnotes are amazing. Still... three inches for six chapters seems like a lot.

MESSAGE OF EPHESIANS by John R.W. Stott
InterVarsity Press (June 1, 1979)

Ended up not using this one very much. It is very good, though, and has a pastoral tone that helps in application and practical thinking.

POWER AND MAGIC by Clinton E. Arnold
Wipf & Stock Publishers (December, 2001)

Indepth discussion of the setting of Ephesians. Arnold's extensive study of the magical papyri gives great insight into Paul's letter to the Ephesians.

ZONDERVAN ILLUSTRATED COMMENTARY V3. ROM-PHILEM by Clinton E. Arnold
Zondervan (August 1, 2002)

Extremely useful for studying the backgrounds of a book/passage. Use it wisely, though; it is a help not the Word.

BIBLEWORKS 6.0

[not exactly a "reading" but I'm quite sure Dr. Arnold will press this into service in a major way...]

I still like Logos for its Library features, but BibleWorks definitely ranks in original language exegesis.

Tag: books

2005-07-19T13:58:00.000-07:00

MESSY SPIRITUALITY by Michael Yaconelli
Hardcover: 144 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (March 1, 2002)

I read this book early in the Spring 2005 semester at Talbot and read thru it soon after with the collegians at TFB. Frankly, it was like a kick in the head and a deep drink of cool water all at the same time.

Tag: books

2005-07-19T13:46:00.000-07:00

BLUE LIKE JAZZ by Donald Miller
Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Nelson Books (July 17, 2003)

On the back cover a quote from Christianity Today says Donald Miller is "Anne Lamott with testosterone..." Yup. This book joins Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott, Messy Spirituality by Mike Yaconelli (which for some bizarre reason I forgot to blog), and The Wisdom of Tenderness by Brennan Manning, have done more to adjust my spiritual perspective than any other books I have read--and that is saying a lot. While I still have much to learn, Blue Like Jazz, and the other books, have opened my eyes to grace and passion and have shed much needed light on dutiful conformance.

Tag: books

2005-06-15T15:22:00.000-07:00

MEDITATING ON THE WORD by Dietrich Bonhoeffer

This is a collection of various short writings from Bonhoeffer, all revolving around his interactions with Scripture. Reading this book was the impetus for my Psalm 119 meditation project. I realized while reading it that my personal, meditative interactions with Scripture were too infrequent and too shallow. Great stuff from Bonhoeffer, as always.

Tag: books

2005-06-15T15:14:00.000-07:00

PERSPECTIVES by Colin Creel
Relevant Books, (C) 2005, 174pp

I'm about in the middle of this right now. Excellent discussion resource for College or Twentysomething ministry. There are questions for each short chapter and a pdf study guide available at Relevant Books

Tag: books

2005-06-15T14:57:00.000-07:00

THE STRANGE CASE OF DR. JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE
by Robert Louis Stevenson
Barnes & Noble, (C) 2004, 311pp

Like Frankenstein, Jekyll and Hyde is a good study of human depravity, especially the results of giving in to temptation to "work it out of your system". Jekyll sad end reveals the folly of such a notion. I do recommend the book, but it can be a bit slow at times and, if you've seen a movie version, the sequence in the book might throw you off a bit.

Tag: books

2005-06-07T15:29:00.000-07:00

FRANKENSTEIN, by Mary Shelley.

Barnes & Noble Collector's Library edition... a mere $4.95

I've seen lots of Frankenstein movies--some good, some too bad for words, but not to match the book. I've no formal response. Frankly, the book is so rich in theological anthropology and hamartiology that it should be required reading for systematic theology. I may read it again in a few months... maybe to transition back into fall. Not sure. I do know that Mary Shelley is an amazing writer. I know that this book is highly recommended (given that you forget every movie version you ever saw). Her plot development is so subtle it'll drive you nuts. The images are rich. Well worth the time--even for those who do not normally read fiction.

Tag: books

2005-05-03T15:06:00.000-07:00

THE WISDOM OF TENDERNESS: What happens when God’s fierce mercy transforms our lives?
By Brennan Manning
HarperSanFrancisco, 2002 (paperback, 2004), 179 pages

The Wisdom of Tenderness

SUMMARY OF THE BOOK
This book turns on one question: “Do I wholeheartedly trust that God likes me?” (p. 17). We have a difficult time with this question, for even when we know God loves us, our attitudes and behaviors show that we probably do not trust his fondness.

Our understanding of ourselves directly corresponds to our understanding of God. If we truly believe that God is our loving Abba, then we truly believe that we are Abba’s loved children. Until we believe this, until our hearts have been touched by God’s tenderness, we will not be truly tender and we will not become mature.

In his fierce mercy, Jesus loves those who admit brokenness and judges those who presume wholeness. Broken persons, touched by Jesus’ fierce mercy, see him in other broken persons and share his mercy with everyone they meet. If Abba’s touch, through Jesus, transforms who we truly are—Abba’s loved children—why then does the reputation of narrowness and bigotry follow so much of Christianity? Why is there so much untouched suffering?

Face-to-face with God’s fierce mercy we see our brokenness in all its despicable glory. There we realize that exposing our brokenness—feeling that shame and fear—is the beginning of accepting God’s tenderness. Beyond that beginning is a clear vision of our own brokenness and a fierce reliance on God’s fondness. Wisdom is realizing God’s incomprehensible power, trusting his irreversible fondness, and then living like it.

USE IN MINISTRY
Ministry is person-to-person. Merely doing the tasks is insufficient because we bring our whole selves as we minister to other whole selves. When ministers deny their brokenness and disguise it with competence, they cheat themselves, they cheat those under their care, and they cheat God. Brennan Manning’s The Wisdom of Tenderness exposes this and points the way to headlong friendship with God. Ministry teams hungering for something beyond duty and responsibility will find in this book a map of the terrain they long for. Those struggling under the weight of brokenness will find in this book a brother pointing to the loving arms of Abba. Those living with the self-deceived presumption of wholeness may find in this book emotional fluff and squishy theology. But the theology is not squishy, nor is the emotion fluffy. Rather, The Wisdom of Tenderness is a portrait of the Abba of Jesus, who loves us so much that he gave his Son for us, and who likes us so much that he desires to spend eternity in our company.

Tag: books

2005-02-07T13:54:00.000-08:00

HOLY THE FIRM
by Annie Dillard (C) 1998
Pub: Perennial, 80 pages

Holy the Firm

Read it for the language alone. Beautiful. Check out an excerpt here.

Tag: books

2005-01-27T07:58:00.000-08:00

Experiential Storytelling

In 148 pages of theory, inspiration, and practical instruction, Mark Miller challenges his readers to do something quite scandalous: trust the Holy Spirit to guide people to truth. Now you—like me—may be thinking, “I trust the Holy Spirit to teach,” but frankly, we teachers do an awful lot of explaining, obvious illustrating, and tidy summarizing. But God doesn’t teach that way very often. Most of the time, God took his people, plopped them in the middle of a situation, and allowed them to figure stuff out (in fact, Jesus got perturbed with his disciples when they were unable to figure stuff out). Experiential Storytelling describes the theory and practice behind the Jesus Journey, a weekend retreat where participants are plopped into the story of God and allowed to figure stuff out. Miller does not suggest—nor do I suggest—that we should eliminate didactic methods.

Having taught bible study and Sunday School for over two decades, I am not afraid to report that quite often neither I nor my students really “get it.” Learning involves mind, will, and emotion—the whole self—and type of storytelling described in Miller’s book is a learning experience that may actually be a learning experience.

If you preach or teach anyone about God, read the book, read it with your team, and then give it a whirl. That’s my plan… I’ll let you know how it goes.

Tag: books

2005-01-25T15:41:00.000-08:00

SPRING 2005 textbooks

A mere $88 later, and I’ve acquired most of the reading for the Spring term (there’s always “reserves” in the library—basically, articles and chapters they don’t want to charge us for but which end up costing an arm and a leg in copy costs… erg). I start skimming today or tomorrow, then reading in earnest Wednesday. Any opinions on the books are welcome.

The Next Generation Leader: 5 Essentials for Those Who Will Shape the Future
by Andy Stanley © 2003
pub. Multnomah Publishers, 165 pages

The Power of Small Groups in Christian Education
By Harley Atkinson © 2002
pub. Evangel Publishing House, 352 Pages

CE: The Heritage of Christian Education
by Estep, James Jr et al, © 2003
pub. College Press, 350 pages

God Our Teacher: Theological Basics in Christian Education
by Robert W. Pazmino, © 2001
pub. Baker Books, 208 pages

Philosophy and Education: An Introduction in Christian Perspective, 3rd Edition
by George R. Knight, © 1980
pub. Andrews University Press, 266 pages

Tag: books

2005-01-13T08:22:00.000-08:00

REIMAGINING SPIRITUAL FORMATION: A week in the life of an experimental church
by Doug Pagitt
(C) 2003
Pub. emergent ys, 176 pages

Reimagining Spiritual Formation

We've all heard of "spiritual formation." But does this terminology artificially divide the human person? What does formation look like if it's human formation rather than spiritual formation? Pagitt's book provides a glimpse into the life of one faith community--Solomon's Porch--that works at making spiritual formation human formation. The most impressive thing about this book is the look inside theologically thinking about church in indigenous ways. The stories made me thirsty for more. It's a quick read and a long think.

BTW, there is a book club for Reimagining Spiritual Formation at the Emergent Convention in SD, so if you're reading and you're going, I may see you there.

Tag: books

2005-01-10T13:35:00.000-08:00

THE COFFEEHOUSE GOSPEL: sharing your faith in everyday conversation
by Matthew Paul Turner
(C) 2004
Pub by Relevant Books, 161 pages

Coffee House Gospel

I'm in the process of reading this and preparing a lesson series for the TFB College Ministry. I did an initial skim and can give this a provisional two-thumbs-up.

Here's a bit from page 22:

Although I believe it's a calling from God to share my faith in the everyday, I also believe He's given all of us a personal story to share--stories that simply show non-Christians many different pictures of the grace of Christ. These life stories are real circumstances that can simply give an individual who is lost a different perspective on eternal truths, pasions, and life.

Frankly, I'm one of those with a desire to share my faith on a regular basis, but who regularly uses the I-work-in-a-Christian-environment-and-don't-know-any-non-Christians excuse. Yeah, like there's no lost people at Starbucks or on the train. Right... The book already pinches.

Tag: books

2005-01-03T13:48:00.000-08:00

RECLAIMING GOD'S ORIGINAL INTENT FOR THE CHURCH
by Wes Roberts and Glenn Marshall (C)2001
Pub. Navpress
192 pages

Reclaiming God's Original Intent for the Church

Blurb from Navpress:

The early church started as a fringe, radical movement; today the church has become a large, bureaucratic institution. In the process, the modern church has lost much of its focus, power, and original intent—which has slowly deadened its impact on culture.
...

Original Intent is not a how-to book to make churches—big or small—better; it is a treatise on where we are, how we got here, and how the church can meet the needs of the coming generations. By getting back to the core values of servanthood and character, Wes and Glenn remind pastors of the real reason to be passionate about ministry.

Tag: books

2004-12-10T13:45:00.000-08:00

WHY NOBODY LEARNS MUCH OF ANYTHING IN CHURCH AND HOW TO FIX IT
by Thom and Joani Schultz © 1993
Pub. Group, 237 pages.

Why Nobody Learns much of anything in church

This book is an excellent first step in the transformation of a church's teaching efforts. The principles are sound, the motivational and explanatory stories are effective, and the interactive 'Do It' sections accompanying each chapter help the reader begin the process. Further work is needed, though, especially in applying the ideas to adult curriculum, for while adult learning is mentioned, nearly all the examples are from children's ministry.

Summary
Introduction. The lost art of learning at church: The church continues to use outdated, ineffective teaching methods like lecture, rote memorization, and text-book based teaching.
Know the goal. Teaching in the church needs a clearly defined goal toward which all teaching efforts are aim. This goal focuses on output rather than inputs or management.
Focus on learning rather than on teaching. Despite the fact that church goers rarely remember the sermon or Sunday school lesson once they leave the room, churches continue to neglect effectiveness assessment. We must start where the learners are, and then help them discover truth and provide opportunities to practice that learning. Finally, we must devise meaningful ways to verify learning.

Concentrate on the essentials. Rather than assuming people know the basics, we must start with and emphasize the basics, focusing each lesson on one major point. Understanding is important, coverage is not. Finally, teachers must clarify what is important to know, rather than assuming the students know what is important.

Emphasize understanding over rote memorization. Rote memorization is designed for ease of assessment rather than for understanding. When students simply memorize rather than understand the knowledge simply does not remain. Students must be led through the process of theologically thinking through knowledge and the connection to life.

Make people think. Learning follows thinking, and people need to learn how to think, not learn what to think. An effective way to encourage thinking is to ask questions. There are five principles to asking questions: ask open-ended question and follow-up questions, wait for students to answer, do not evaluate discussion responses, and encourage student questions.
Use active learning. Active learning takes place when students engage in real or simulated experiences, and then debrief after the experience. The debrief provides opportunity for reflection, interpretation, and application.

Use interactive learning. In interactive learning the students begin to see one another as resources and helps rather than as competitors. It builds learning communities that continue outside the classroom. Some techniques include pair-share, reading buddies, learning groups, summary partners, and jigsaw.

Use a curriculum that produces authentic learning. Teachers are, of course, crucial to learning, but teachers must be supplied with effective curriculum that follows the principles in this book.
Renovate the sermon. If Madison Avenue were to preach sermons they would follow three rules: know your people, involve your people, and use visuals.

Welcome change. For change to occur, we must recognize where we are, realize the urgency of the need for change, understand the process of change, why people resist change, and have the courage to start.

Tag: books

2004-12-10T13:42:00.000-08:00

THE SEARCH TO BELONG: RETHINKING INTIMACY, COMMUNITY, AND SMALL GROUPS
By Joseph R. Myers © 2003
Pub. emergent/YS and Zondervan
181 pages

the search to belong

With the continuing popularity of small groups as a primary means of developing community, Myers’ book offers an important corrective in our understanding of belonging. By expanding our notion of community and by working to develop nurturing environments rather than programs, we will develop the front porch atmosphere that is required for the natural development of community. Even if one does not agree with all of Myers’ assumptions and conclusions, the book provides an excellent resource for discussion in ministry teams.

Summary

The myths of belonging. While it is assumed that more time, more commitment, more purpose, more personality, more proximity, and more small groups mean more belonging, this is not necessarily the case. The notion of belonging is much more complex. According to the proxemics of Edward T. Hall, belonging takes place in four spaces: public (12 feet +), social (4-12 feet), personal (18 inches to 4 feet), and intimate (0-18 inches). The conversation about belonging must take place in all four spaces.

Longing to belong. Belonging happens when one person feels a connection with another person. This feeling need not be reciprocal. The culture of individualism has made the search to belong more important. The way we speak about belonging must fit the true nature of belonging, because people are finding connection wherever they can get it.

“Give me some space.” We communicate our understanding of belonging by the words we use: family, visitor, guest, etc. Our understanding of belonging is also in our perceptions. For example, while the size of an elevator seems to indicate intimate space, we all know it is public space and act accordingly. We all connect, are committed, and find connections significant in all four spaces, though the means to accomplishing this differs by space. In fact, in order to find harmony we need more public space than social, more social than personal, and very little intimate.

Group chemistry. While churches usually offer opportunities in all four spaces, too often, they communicate a belief that ‘true belonging’ takes place in personal and intimate space. People need to belong in all four spaces and they need to develop competencies in all four spaces. Community happens naturally in all four spaces and is inhibited if forced. The key to creating community is creating environments where community can naturally occur. Community is more chemistry than program design. Start by developing a nurturing environment. Assess effectiveness by hearing stories, not by counting groups and heads.

Trading spaces. A healthy relationship does not stay in one space throughout the lifespan of the relationship. In fact, even in the most intimate relationship of marriage needs belonging in all four spaces to be healthy. Because we need to belong in all four spaces and because every relationship trades spaces at some time, we need to develop skills in transitioning.
Searching for a front porch. A front porch is a median space where we experience social and personal space. Developing a front porch space provides an opportunity for people to court our community rather than simply shop for a community.

What now? Finding harmony. To help your church develop healthy community discover how your church defines community, chart all your groups in the four spaces, and then develop a plan to create a nurturing environment for the space most needing balance.

Tag: books

2004-12-10T13:38:00.001-08:00

QUESTIONING AND TEACHING: a manual for practice
by J. T. Dillon © 1988
Pub. Resource Publications, 195 pages

In less than 200 pages of Questioning and Teaching, Dillon provides rationale, purposes, processes, and extended examples of the effective use of questions in teaching. Most important is the focus on student questions. Teachers are generally practiced at asking questions and evaluating responses (though usually not as skillfully as chapters two through four teach), but are notoriously bad at allowing for and encouraging student questions. Dillon's continuous premise is that learning results when a genuine question and its answer join to form understanding. Dillon's book provides the teacher of any level with the tools to help students become inquirers and to ask questions that serve pedagogical purpose. This book is highly recommended.

Summary

The practice of questioning. This book investigates the question, "how are questions rightly used to serve educative purposes?"

Student questions. The culture of the classroom works against student questions. The process of questioning begins with perplexity after which the student chooses either an asking or a non-asking process. Because of classroom culture, the teacher must make systematic room for student questions, invite them, wait for them, and when the question is asked welcome it and sustain the asking rather than slipping into teacher questions (all too common),

Teacher questions. While teacher questions are used in nearly every aspect of classroom circumstance, the first use of teacher questions is in planning for classroom activity. Teacher questions are involved in the design of the lesson, the study of the subject matter, the preparation for activity, and in evaluation processes. The planning and process of teacher questions must all aim at pedagogical purpose, keeping in mind the particular classroom circumstance. The use of teacher questions follows a seven step process: purpose, preparation, question, answer, reaction, assessment, and redesign.

Questioning and recitation. The principle to remember is to "use questions in service of pedagogical purpose in classroom circumstance." In recitation, which searches for correct answers, the teacher asks a question, a student answers, and then the teacher evaluates the answer and asks another question. Recitation questions can either be based on teacher questions or on student questions. Either way, the primary task of the teacher is to wait and listen to the entire answer before responding. It the recitation is based on student questions, the teacher listens while the students engage in the question-answer process. In recitation, multiple questions are produced.

Questioning and discussion. Unlike recitation, discussion usually involves one main question with no clear correct answer. Further, in a discussion, while the teacher still retains control at every turn at talk, the teacher most often passes the turn to a student or remains silent, and when taking a turn, makes a statement rather than asking a question. When the teacher does ask a question, it is a question that genuinely perplexes the self. The point of discussion is to allow the students to explore the topic themselves.

Tag: books

2004-12-10T13:35:00.000-08:00

UNDERSTANDING BY DESIGN
by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe © 1998
Pub. Prentice-Hall, 201 pages

In this book, Wiggins and McTighe offer the reasoning and the tools for developing curriculum that aims at real understanding. This book is a must read for anyone designing curriculum and is highly suggested for anyone who regularly selects curriculum. While Understanding by Design is not a “Christian Education” book, those in ministry know that if anything in life needs to be understood rather than merely known, it is God and God’s ways.

Summary

What is backward design? Backward design begins with the desired results, determines acceptable evidence, and then plans learning experiences and instruction to equip students to successfully accomplish those evidences. Desired results are worthy of knowing, are important to know and do, and are enduring understandings. Acceptable evidence is chosen across a continuum of assessments ranging from informal checks for understanding to a formal project. Generally speaking, traditional quizzes and tests assess understanding of that knowledge worth being familiar with and that which is important to know and do. Performance tasks assess enduring understandings.

What is a matter of understanding? Good curriculum design prioritizes important ideas, encourages student exploration of essential questions, has clear performance targets, and established the necessary evidence. When students understand they know and are able to use that knowledge in practical, authentic ways. Questions are an important way to focus teaching and learning. Essential questions are those overarching questions that lie at the heart of a discipline. Unit questions are content specific questions that naturally lead to essential questions. Both types of questions are important. Entry questions are provocative questions that prepare the students to begin thinking about unit questions and essential questions.

Understanding understanding. Because students are adept at apparent understanding, there needs to be a way to assess in-depth, justified understanding. Knowledge of the content of a discipline and the understanding of that discipline are not the same. One can have knowledge without understanding and understanding without accurate knowledge.

The six facets of understanding. There are six facts of understanding: explanation, interpretation, application, perspective, empathy, and self-knowledge. Understanding should be developed and assessed in all six facets.

Thinking like an assessor. There are two basic questions an assessor asks: “Where should we look to find hallmarks of understanding, and What should we look for in determining and distinguishing degrees of understanding?” (pl. 67). The criteria and indicators of understanding are found across the facets and at differing levels within each facet. This book suggests a rubric for assessing understanding across the facets and levels (p. 76-77).

How is understanding assessed in light of the six facets? Suggestions are made of several assessment tools for each of the six facets.

What is uncoverage? Uncoverage teaches the subject rather than simply about the subject. Depth and breadth are two key factors. Depth is understanding the how, why, and how to. Breadth is understanding both the details and the bridges to related topics. Uncoverage deals with “nonobvious [sic] meanings.” Descriptors for depth include unearthing, analyzing, questioning, proving, and generalizing. Descriptors for breadth include connecting, picturing, and extending. Suggestions are made for giving for depth and breadth within the six facets. Uncoverage deals with the big idea, because the big idea must be discovered, not just taught.

What the facets imply for unit design. The acronym “WHERE” is a reminder of five things to consider before beginning unit design. “Where are we headed? …Hook the student through engaging and provocative entry points. …Exploration and enable/equip. …Reflect and rethink. …Exhibit and evaluate” (p 115-116).

Implications for organizing curriculum. The form of a curriculum must follow the function of understanding. Spiral curriculum (revisiting ideas), narrative structure (using the logic of drama), and task analysis (performance accompanied by and followed by didactic teaching) are some ways to achieve this.

Implications for teaching. To teach for understanding, the method employed must match the type of learning desired. Also, assessment should occur throughout the course. Finally, the teacher’s attitude must frequently be reexamined in light of the goal of understanding.

Putting it all together. The book provides a set of templates to guide the reader through the process of designing curriculum for understanding.

Tag: books

2004-12-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

SEMESTER READING IS DONE!!!

Great stuff on teaching. Challenging. Practical.
Questioning and Teaching, by J. T. Dillon
Called to Teach, by William Yount
Understanding by Design, by Grant Wiggins and Jay McTighe

I'm only reading required parts of Niebuhr right now, but definitely a must for theological anthropology.
Nature and Destiny of Man, Vol. 1 and 2, by Reinhold Niebuhr

Tag: books

2004-08-29T14:10:00.000-07:00

CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVES ON BEING HUMAN
Edited by J.P. Moreland and David M. Ciocchi
(C) 1993 Baker Book House, 306 pages

Read this one as background for a class in the Theology of Human Nature, taught by Bob Saucy and John Coe. Bob Saucy wrote the theology chapter in this book, aptly entitled "Theology of Human Nature." Definitely one to chew on. I'll post more later...

Tag: books

2004-08-03T16:29:00.000-07:00

RESIDENT ALIENS
by Stanley Hauerwas/William Willamon
(C) 1989 Abingdon Press, 175 pages

Tag: books

2004-07-28T16:28:00.000-07:00

TEACHING TO CHANGE LIFES
by Howard Hendricks
pub. Multnomah Press, (C) 1987, 180

Tag: books

2004-07-19T16:26:00.000-07:00

ART AND THE BIBLE
by Francis A. Shaeffer
pub. Intervarsity Press, (C) 1973, 63 pages

Comments: Good overview of biblical support for art as art.

Tag: books

2004-07-18T16:25:00.000-07:00

ADDICTED TO MEDIOCRITY: contemporary Christians and the arts (revised edition)
by Franky Schaeffer
pub. Crossway Books, (C) 1985 (original 1981), 127 pages

Comments: Here's some of his points:
Creativity and communication need no justification. p. 20
Christian art and culture is addicted to mediocrity. p. 23
mediocrity posterboy: Thomas Kinkade (sorry to those who think his work is good art)

Spiritual vs. secular is a false dichotomy. The true dichotomy is NOT sin vs. sin. p. 27
Darwinism brought utilitarianism to the forefront, and so, worth has come to be measured by usefulness. p. 29
The most repeated phrase in the Genesis 1 creation account is “it was good.” People and things have inherent worth and utilitarianism degrades that inherent worth. p. 36
Responses (p. 40-51)
1)Be free from slavery to usefulness
2)Be free from boxed in spirituality that focuses on false dichotomies
3)Resist junk creativity and search out creativity that has integrity.
4)Demand higher standards.
5)Encourage the arts in your midst.
6)Support the arts.

Real spirituality is involved in real life. p. 57
The creative expressions of your “self” praise God. p. 59
If you are a real Christian then it will show in your work. p. 63
Fight evil, yes, but we must also affirm life and goodness. p. 65

Addicted to Mediocrity may be a bit severe, but the message is still all too applicable. Very sad.

Tag: books

2004-07-15T16:27:00.000-07:00

MAKING SENSE OF CHURCH
by Spencer Burke
pub. Zondervan, (C) 2003, 173 pages

Comments: In this book, Spencer Burke takes a look at the emerging church/postmodern church discussion, via posts from theOoze and an offering of new metaphors for leadership (tour guide to traveler), learning (teacher to facilitator), spiritual growth (hero to human), ministry (consumer to steward), missions (retailer to wholesaler), faith (adversary to ally), and evangelism (warrior to gardener). I leave this book with two important ideas. First, unpacking the church means getting back to the essential nature of the church as Jesus intended it, stripping away the cultural adornments. Second, before beginning the search for new metaphors for the church I need to think through a metaphor for myself. Rather than describing myself as student, college director, musician, whatever, I need a metaphor--a picture of myself that moves among my various contexts. Here's what he says,

"As I think about what it will take to move forward in our spiritual journeys, I think self-awareness will be key. Before we can change the church (or even the metaphors of the church), we need to understand who we are as individuals and what we bring to the table" (p. 164).

I would only add that we also need to go back to the New Testament and understand the metaphors of church in their original historical-cultural context. Such an understanding will lead us toward an understanding of the central nature of church.

Tag: books

2004-07-13T16:26:00.000-07:00

THE CHURCH IN GOD'S PROGRAM
by Robert L. Saucy
pub. Moody Press, (C) 1972, 254 pages

Comments: Great overview of Ecclesiology from a conservative evangelical perspective, written by the Distinguished Professor of Systematic Theology at Talbot School of Theology. It was published in 1972--actually not too old for systematic theology :-)--so it does not deal with current issues, but it does cover the biblical teaching.

Tag: books

2004-07-09T16:07:00.000-07:00

THE CHURCH IMPOTENT: the feminization of Christianity
by Leon J. Podles
pub. Spence Publishing, (C) 1999, 288 pages

While Podles brings up an important topic, his handling of the data and his basic understanding of masculinity and femininity bring into question his conclusions. Though I haven't found it yet, hopefully there is another resource out there that more correctly handles biblical, biological, sociological, psychological, and cultural information regarding masculinity and femininity, and the lack of men in many churches.

NOTE: I apologize in advance for the staccato nature of some of the summary paragraphs. Podles’ flow of thought was a bit hard to follow.

"Something created a barrier between Western Christianity and men, and that is the subject of this book" (p. ix).

1—Armies of Women: Cultural, historical, and sociological evidences show that men have been absent from church since the pre-industrial age. Significantly, this is not the case in Orthodox Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.

2—Can a man be a Christian?: The key question is: "What is it about the nature of men and of Western Christianity that has created such a tension in their relationship in the last millennium?" (p. 28). Several theories have been proposed: individualization and industrialization relegated religion to the home/feminine sphere; women are weaker; women are better; women are receptive and passive; and masculinity is unchristian. None of these theories sufficiently answers the question.

LKS: Some one with more time should check out Podles’ data in chapters 1 and 2. I don’t have the time, but the numbers feel a bit like statistical manipulation.

3—What is masculinity?: Biologically, the human body is roughly female and males develop by rejecting the female form and differentiating into a male form. Psychologically, boys become masculine by rejecting the feminine (mother) and identifying with the masculine (father). Masculinity is separation and femininity is communion. "…the most striking feature of masculinity is its separation from the feminine, and it is this part of the developmental pattern that is usually thought of as uniquely masculine" (p. 45). Further evidence is found in initiation rites, mystery religions, and literature (Homer’s Odyssey and Beowulf specifically).

LKS: Biologically, it seems from observation that the human body before puberty is roughly androgynous (though genetically distinct). Both sexes undergo dramatic changes in the development of secondary sex characteristics. Psychologically, both boys and girls must be attached and be separate from mother and father for healthy development and individuation, leading to interdependence. Regarding the “most striking feature of masculinity" I question Podle’s basis for this assumption—which he does not clearly state—and his statement that "separation" is "usually thought of as uniquely masculine."

4—God and man in Judaism—Fathers and the Father-God: God is understood as masculine in Judaism primarily because he is separate from creation. "The holy is a masculine category. To be holy is to be separated, set apart from common or profane use" (p. 61). True patriarchy shows God as Father and men as fathers rather than as male animals. Examples are Abraham, Moses, and David.

LKS: I question whether Judaism’s understanding of God as Father is truly based on God’s separation from creation. Rather, it would seem to be descriptive of his relationship with his creation, not separate from it.

5—God and man in early Christianity—Sons in the Son: "In their conformity to the Son, all Christians, male and female, become sons of God, and are therefore called to be masculine" (p. 75). Both the Father and the Son evidence this separateness/masculinity. The Spirit is masculine in relation to creation (holiness, power, sonship), but feminine in relation to the Trinity (communion). The church as a whole is feminine, but the individual members are masculine because they are conformed to the Son. The sacraments/mysteries of the church (baptism, Eucharist, confirmation, and laying on of hands) are part of the Christian initiation, which is similar to masculine initiation rituals. Christianity began to feminize between the patristic/monastic eras and the modern era.

LKS: Podles' claim that all Christians should "become masculine" is based on poor hermeneutics and a profound misunderstanding of the first century usage of huios (usually translated "son", but used collectively to mean "children"). Further, his claim that all believers are to become masculine flies in the face of God’s original design of humanity as male and female (Genesis 1:26-27)

6—The Foundations of Feminization: Three movements comprise the foundations of feminization. 1) The development of affective spirituality and bridal mysticism were individualized spirituality (rather than applying to the church as a whole) and considered the soul to be feminine. 2) The Frauenbewegung women’s movement integrated more women into church life and ministry. 3) Scholasticism made theology a science, separating it from the life of faith.

LKS: 1) While bridal mysticism may have led to feminization, it more likely led to a sexualized understanding of the believer’s relationship with Jesus. Such a sexualized understanding is unwarranted by Scripture. 2) Women integrated into church life? For shame!! :-) 'Nuff said. 3) In his critique of Scholasticism, Podles’ assumes that intellect is masculine and emotion is feminine. This is a baseless assumption (as much as men—and women—might like to believe otherwise).

7—Feminized Christianity: There are certain characteristics of feminized Christianity. Christians are to be receptive, therefore they are to be feminine. Bridal mysticism led to the notion that individual Christians are to have a love affair with Jesus. Masculine men reject this, fearing feminization and homosexuality. Eroticism with Jesus entered Christian practice. The move away from Latin liturgy is a symptom of feminization because Latin was a "…language restricted to men…a sign of masculine separation from the feminine world" (p. 135). The switch to gender neutral names for the members of the Trinity is another aspect of feminization. Masculine men respond to feminization by seeking spiritual sustenance elsewhere.

LKS: Feminine as "receptive" seems to be based on a certain anatomical feature of the female body. This leap from anatomy to psychology is wacky. I agree with Podles on the misapplication of bridal mysticism to the individual believer. As far as the eroticization goes… eew! Finally, Latin is masculine?? Who knew.

8—Counter Currents: The scholastic medieval theology, the crusades, and chivalric devotion to Mary were aspects of Medieval catholic masculinity. Catholic reactions to feminization were a feature of the counter-reformation. The counter-reformation became suspicious of and reacted against "…the extreme feminization and eroticization of Catholic piety during the Middle Ages" (p. 143). Jesuits as soldiers of Christ, the Penitentes of New Mexico (who reenact the passion), the Knights of Columbus, and the ressourcement attempt to overcome the bifurcation between theology and piety were some additional Catholic reactions. Protestant reactions to feminization were a feature of the reformation. Reformers, especially Luther, "…returned to a stark view of humanity caught between God and the Devil" (p. 152). Later, Revivalism, in asking for a conversion, appealed to men. The Victorian muscular Christianity of Charles Kingsley preached godliness and manliness. The Men and Religion Forward Movement of the early 1900s presented Jesus as Successful Businessman and Super Salesman. Also, the tendency of evangelicalism and fundamentalism to think in dichotomies has been more attractive to men.

LKS: Again, someone with more time—and a bent toward historical research—should check this stuff out. His categorizations seem slanted.

9—Masculinity as Religion—Transcendence and Nihilism: "Masculinity is a natural religion, and in many ways resembles the Christianity of which it is a foretaste. Can men worship a savior unless they know what it is to be a savior? A man wants to become a god. He wants to be a savior, protecting all those in his care, giving his own life to save theirs. In other words, he wants to transcend the limits of mere humanity, but that transcendence is dangerous" (p. 164). Sexuality of primitive uncivilized males has become a religion in the West. War, sports, and extreme sports provide men with a taste of transcendence. Brotherhoods—Masons, Odd Fellows—are basically revivals of the mystery religions that were attractive to men. Boy scouts, military reenactments, and war games provide spiritual release. War provides an experience heaven, hell, non-sexual erotic relationships for which men hunger. "In the eros of comradeship, the personalities are fused because of the willingness of each to die for the other. It is a blood-brotherhood, a brotherhood attained only in blood, in sacrifice, in death, or at least under the shadow and threat of these" (p. 189). Fascism is another example.

LKS: The term "natural religion" reminds me of Genesis 3—not a good thing. Since when is wanting to be a savior and a god a good thing for humans? Didn’t we get into trouble for that? Further, his descriptions of masculinity remind me of the chest-beating, forest-dwelling man-sessions of the 1960s and 1970s.

10—The Future of Men in the Church: "For all its faults, it is basic natural religion, a yearning for transcendence, a proto-evangelium built into the structure of human society. Since men continue to want to be masculine, they will continue (unless there are major changes in the Church) to put a greater or lesser distance between themselves and the church. Is there any way that Christianity can reach men in a long-lasting and effective manner?" (p. 196). "The holy is a masculine category: men develop their masculine identity by a pattern of separation, both biological and cultural, and to be holy means to be separate" (p. 197). Gordon Dalbey constructed a Christian initiation ritual (see Healing the Masculine Soul) that involves worshipful and challenging transition events with the men of the church. Such initiation rituals help men and boys understand and develop masculinity. Masculine spirituality must include struggle because life is struggle and men instinctively know that they must enter that struggle. Philia is a more intensive word for love that agape because it is brotherly love that frees men from tyranny to self based on shared suffering.

LKS: Where is the scriptural support for "holy is a masculine category"? True Christianity WILL include struggle—that’s a promise. It has to do with being Christian, though, not with being male. Also, his understanding of philia and agape is—how shall I say—out in the bleachers on the other side of left field.

Finale
"The church must develop a right understanding of the meanings of masculinity and femininity, an understanding that is consistent with human realities and with the data of Scripture" (p. 208).

LKS: I agree with Podles’ sentiment here, but it is on this very point that Podles has most surely failed. His understanding of masculinity and femininity is compatible with neither Scripture nor human reality. An understanding of masculinity and femininity must refer back to God’s original intention in creation and the distortion of that original intention by the entrance of sin. Then and only then should we refer to cultural, sociological, biological, and psychological evidence. It is to the discussion of the Scriptural evidence that I now turn.

Tag: books

2004-06-09T16:04:00.000-07:00

THE JOURNEY TOWARDS RELEVANCE: simple steps for transforming your world
by Kary Oberbrunner
pub. Relevant Books, (C) 2004, 174 pages

Comments: (updated August 30, 2004)

When you get down to it, “relevance is really all about love” (p. 84). This love must be holistic because partial love offends God and it makes us think we’re better off than we are. Partial love is idolatry, and the most fundamental idolatry today is Lordless salvation—thinking we can accept Jesus as Savior without obeying him as Lord. It doesn’t work that way and relevance doesn’t happen that way.

The other part of relevance is loving people. Loving people starts with loving yourself. Oberbrunner’s statement on p. 118 puts it well: “The people most loving in life are those who don’t have to prove who they are. Rather they already know who they are.”

Journeying towards relevance requires integrating faith and life. This means, first, that we must have a grasp of faith. This comes from studying scripture. You can’t integrate what you don’t know.

Bottom line:

The status of a transformist is only maintained; it’s never attained this side of heaven.
You may lose something.
You will gain something.
You will fail.

Steps:

Be a student. Learn God. Learn culture.

Redeem the day.

Within your sphere of influence: Love God. Love people. Balance faith and culture. Tell the stories.

“Remember, as transformists… We don’t need to have everything figured out, for that would mean we’re separatists. We don’t need to say anything goes, for that would mean we’re conformists” (p. 191).

Oberbrunner lays out a tough plan. He pokes around in uncomfortable places. Definitely a good book to read again.

Tag: books

2004-06-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

TRAVELING MERCIES: some thoughts on faith
by Anne Lamott
pub. Anchor Books, (C) 1999, 275 pages

Comments: I first heard Anne Lamott at EC03. She was awesome (despite some apparent editing). Here's how she starts (from the Overture, page 3): "My coming to faith did not start with a leap, but rather a series of staggers from wht seemed like one safe place to another..." Anne's book is honest and a bit gritty at times--but honesty wins out over gritty, unless you're a separatist, a la Oberbrunner (see Journey Into Relevance).

Tag: books

2004-06-01T15:51:00.000-07:00

CALLED TO HOLY WORLDLINESS
by Richard J. Mouw
pub. Fortress Press/Laity Exchange Books, (C) 1980, 144 pages

Comments: From the back cover: "Many laypersons sense a call to live as servants of Jesus in areas beyond the institutional church. But questions arise. What resources are available to laity in theology and piety? Are there connectons between evangelism and social action? How can the church equip laity for corporate responsibility? // Addressing these and related inquiries, Richard Mouw offers helpful insight into understanding the biblical foundation for the ministry of the laity. In addition, he develops practical guidelines for applying the gospel to the corporate dimensions of human life." Even though this book is 24 years old, Mouw has good things to say. The first chapter deals with the corporate calling, saying that the church's call flows from the fact that God is creator, that the chuch is one, and that piety is a "cultivation and expression of religious attitudes" in the world. The church is called as a body and each individual must find his or her place in that calling. Chapter two deals with the need for a theology of, for, and by the laity. It is the laity who know their context. They know the questions that theology must answer. Well, that's as far as I've gotten. More later.

Tag: books

2004-05-28T09:31:00.000-07:00

EATING WELL FOR OPTIMUM HEALTH: the essential guide to food, diet, and nutrition
by Andrew Weil, M.D.
pub. Alfred A. Knopf,(C) 2000, 307 pages

Comments: Here's the basics of the Weil Optimum Diet (from page 261): "Variety. Covering all nutritional bases and minimizing the intake of any harmful elements in foods are important. Freshness. The higher the percentage of fresh foods in the diet the better. Unprocessed. The lower the percentage of processed foods in the diet the better. Abundant in fruits and vegetables. The more fruits and vegetables you eat, the more protective phytochemicals you take in." I especially like his balanced, sustainable approach. I'm just at the beginning of living out his notions, so only time will tell. More later.

Tag: books