Category: Book Review

C.H. Spurgeon The People’s Preacher

Charles Haddon Spurgeon was one of the most famous preachers in history and there are plenty of books and websites devoted to him. Therefore, it’s quite a challenge to write a biography that offers a fresh perspective on him. Peter Morden though in his biography entitled “C.H. Spurgeon: The People’s Preacher” manages to do just that.

It’s very easy when reading a biography to just read about the facts of an individual and learn information about him or her. However, the author wants the reader to think about Spurgeon with a view to learning more about him and ultimately to grow more like Christ. To this end each chapter concludes with two sections: “Digging Deeper” and “Engage”. The aim of these two sections is to review the chapter just read and prayerfully apply it to our own life. He also encourages the reader to make notes of what God is saying to them through the life and ministries of Spurgeon whist reading this book.

Although there is much information available on the public life of Spurgeon, as with all good biographies, the reader really wants to know what he was like in private not just in public. The author looks at Spurgeon’s attitude to prayer, the bible, sin and holiness in two chapters called “The Inner Man” and “A Passion for Holiness.”

I believe when writing a biography it’s important not to only include the successful times but also the difficult ones too. Peter Morden tells his readers about the struggles Spurgeon had with depression and his on-going health issues, along with how he dealt with disaster too.

Whilst many associate Spurgeon with his preaching the author also looks at the pastors’ college and Stockwell Orphanage that he established. Both of these works were close to his heart.

This biography is not a long book, it contains 173 pages, but there is a lot packed into it which makes it an edifying read. I would recommend it as a very good book.

J C Ryle by Eric Russell

If you have ever read any book or article written by J.C. Ryle then I expect you were challenged by his writing. Eric Russell in his biography of John Charles Ryle introduces the reader to the man described as “that man of granite with the heart of a child”.

Interestingly, Ryle did not originally plan to go into the ministry but ended up following that path due to financial problems that his father encountered. An unusual start for the man who would make a huge impact on our nation through his ministry.

John Charles Ryle was the first Bishop of Liverpool after having served as a church leader for several years before that mainly in the North of England. He held the position of Bishop for twenty years.

Ryle was very committed to holiness and Christians living out their faith. He wrote a very well known and challenging book called “Holiness” which is still in print today.

Throughout his ministry Ryle was a strong man of the scriptures and was not prepared to compromise his views on the bible being God’s Word, despite the rising popularity of more liberal views of the interpretation of the scriptures.

He married three times and experienced personal tragedy with all of his wives dying whilst married to him. We sometimes may think that our church leaders do not experience the same challenges that we do but Ryle certainly did. Leaders are certainly not exempt from suffering.

One of the most surprising aspects of the book is the effect that Ryle went to understand those who came from a different background to him. Whilst a staunch evangelical, he sought to build bridges with those other Anglicans who were not evangelical. He determined as a bishop to work with all those who were faithful members of the church and not just evangelicals. This is an example that we could all learn from and seek to live out

The book has 16 chapters and is very readable. I’ve read this book a number of times and would certainly recommend it as both an encouraging and challenging read.

Tom Wright for Everyone by Stephen Kuhrt

The full title of this book is actually “Tom Wright for Everyone: Putting the theology of N.T. Wright into practice in the local church”.

The first part of the book looks at Tom Wright and summaries his theology whilst the remainder, as you may guess from the long title, looks at the outworking of his theology in the church of which Stephen Kuhrt is the vicar: Christ Church in New Malden, Surrey.

It’s very easy for theologians to discuss theology but one of the potential dangers is that it can turn into academic theory which confuses the average Christian. The author though is very keen to illustrate how Tom Wright’s theology has been lived out in the church he leads. Stephen Kuhrt addresses Tom Wright’s theology in a pastoral context, a mission context and in church life. I think this is a good practical way of looking at the theological ideas in this book as we need to see that theology works in everyday life.

The author of the book believes that many people have failed to engage properly with some of the issues that Tom Wright raises such as the nature of Christian hope and the significance of the resurrection of Jesus. His hope is that this book will help us to engage with Tom Wright’s teaching and theology rather than just ignore it.

Although the book is only approximately 140 pages long I would recommend reading each chapter separately and not rushing through it. In fact it’s the sort of book that should probably be read a second time to allow the reader to think through the ideas raised here.

A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation

Just over 500 years ago Martin Luther nailed his ninety five theses to a church door in Wittenberg and so began the reformation. However, according to Nick Page in his book “A Nearly Infallible History of the Reformation” it may not have been quite as simple as that. He therefore sets out to explore what actually happened, looking at this important period of history and the events and people that feature in it.

It’s fair to say that sometimes history books can be a tad dry or boring. We can find ourselves reading accounts of dates and events that do not engage our attention and two minutes later have forgotten what we have read. Therefore we avoid reading historical books. Thankfully this book is not like that! In fact on the front cover under the title it says “Commemorating 500 years of Popes’, Protestants, Reformers, Radicals and Other Assorted Irritants.” This gives us an idea of how the book is written.

Nick Page is a very engaging writer. In addition to thoroughly researching the subject he likes to introduce his own unique sense of humour into his writings. The book is very humorous in places and this is the first time I have ever laughed out loud whilst reading a historical book! In some ways it reminds me of reading an Adrian Plass book, So if you are worried that you might find reading about the history of the reformation boring don’t worry. You will not!

The book is divided into eleven parts and contains thirty six chapters. There is also a comprehensive index and a chronological listing of the events of the reformation at the back of the book. In total it consists of just under 450 pages.

The reformation was obviously an important event and I would recommend this book if you want to understand what actually happened during these momentous and turbulent times. However, one word of warning. Be careful if you read this book in a public place, You may receive strange looks from others as you laugh out loud at the humour within it!

Faith in the Fog by Jeff Lucas

With echoes of the Last Supper this book is based around John 21 with the risen Jesus eating with his disciples. The book examines the reality of faith and what it means to truly believe and trust in that which we cannot see, even when the going gets tough. Be encouraged as Jeff talks honestly about his struggles with doubt and depression.

We are invited to share in the author’s anguish as he admits how he sometimes struggles with the day to day walk of faith and wrestles with doubts about prayers which appear not only to be unanswered but at times even unheard. Jeff also talks about the guilt and shame that so often seem to afflict Christians who find themselves unable to recapture the excitement and enthusiasm that they experienced when first coming to faith.

Whilst this book won’t make you feel instantly better, it will likely make you feel less alone and more able to cope with the feelings of doubt and despair that we often find so hard to admit to, and which can in turn make us feel guilty and rob us of the joy of our salvation.

Jeff Lucas is a writer who is always very honest and real about life and this book is definitely worth reading.

That Incredible Christian

That Incredible Christian is a book compiled by Anita M. Bailey based on editorials written by A.W. Tozer from his time as editor of The Alliance Witness during the years 1960-1963.

The book contains 41 chapters, the vast majority of which are less than 4 pages. Chapter titles include: What it Means to Accept Christ, The Inadequacy of “Instant Christianity”, The Freedom of the Will, Why the Holy Spirit is Given, God Walking Among Men, We are Saved To as well as From, The Christian Life is Not Easy, The Giver and the Taker, The Increasing Knowledge of God, Spiritual Things Must be Spiritually Discerned, The Futility of Regret, The Importance of Self-Judgement, How to Keep from Going Stale, Marks of the Spiritual Man, The Act of True Worship, Meditating on God.

Whilst it is possible to read each chapter separate from the others, Anita M. Bailey believes that the reader will profit most by reading consecutive chapters.

Although as mentioned above the chapters are short, the book is deeply enriching and well worth reading repeatedly. If you are familiar with the writings of Tozer then you will certainly enjoy this book. For those who have not read any of Tozer’s material previously then I would highly recommend that you check this book out.

Old but not out!

There can be a tendency for us to write people off when they get past a certain age. This habit can on occasions even surface in churches too. In his book “Old, but not out!” James Taylor looks at what we can discover from the bible about serving God in older age.

The book looks at some inspiration men and women who continued to serve God faithfully and be used by Him in old age. We see the example of Abraham and Sarah, Caleb, Naomi, Simeon and Anna and also the apostle Paul at the end of his life. The author shows us important and valuable lessons that can be learnt from each of these bible characters. This is both an encouragement and inspiration to us that God can still use people whatever their age. Interestingly, the author also includes a chapter on Eli in which we are challenged not to allow our standards to drop in our old age.

I particularly like the way that James Taylor encourages the reader that they can still serve God in their old age. We may have retired but that does not mean the end of any ministry for God. He gives some interesting modern examples of how Christians are doing this. It’s inspiring to read about people in their nineties starting bible study groups!

Sometimes older people can feel that aspects of church services are very different to when they were younger. However, the author reminds us that our security is found in God.

Anyone who reads this book will certainly discover that older people are not “the church of yesterday.” Although this book is only 107 pages long there is a very good depth to it. I would highly recommend this book for readers of all ages!

 

Darwin and God by Nick Spencer

Many books have been written looking at Charles Darwin’s theories and the legacy he left behind. This book though, written by Nick Spencer, is not just another one looking at the debate in Christian circles between evolution and creation, but in it he has set out to actually examine Darwin’s own religious beliefs.

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

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

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

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

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

The Road Home

The parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15 is one of my favourite bible passages and I am always keen to read any books that cover this amazing story. The Road Home, by J.John, is a book based on this parable which I read again last weekend.

J.John retells the story through the eyes of a servant who works for the father. He captures the heartache that the father experiences when the younger son leaves and the wonderful joy when he returns. We also see clearly the bitterness and anger of the older son too. The book concludes with the servant himself also discovering the father’s love, which deeply affects him as well.

I think that this is a very clever spin on the parable of the prodigal son. The introduction of the servant and another couple of characters works well. I found the book both moving and encouraging. The author through this story reminds us of the grace and forgiveness and extraordinary love of the father. I also like the fact that he reminds us that there are two sons in this story. There are lessons that can be learned through the rebellious attitude of the older son too.

Although I have read it before it was good to read it again. The book is a short one, only 95 pages and can be read straight through fairly quickly. This book is both encouraging for Christians and also challenging for those yet to experience the wonderful joy of returning to the father.

Thank God it’s Monday by Mark Greene

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

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

Even since the first publication of this book the working environment has changed significantly with a long hour’s culture now almost the norm in many jobs. The author looks at this issue and the impact that it has on our lives. The book avoids offering any easy solutions but does challenge our attitudes to work, and those we work with, and warns against compartmentalising our lives.

I particularly like the fact that he is not afraid to share examples of when he has made mistakes and I am sure many of us can identify with him in this respect. This is certainly a book that I would recommend.