Category: books

Why Social Justice is Not Biblical Justice (A Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, social justiceLeave a comment

There is a real divide in America today. A much bigger divide than their used to be. I miss the conversations I used to have with friends who saw the world in a different way and were willing to let me hear from their experiences and engage in constructive dialogue. I genuinely believe that those conversations helped me see a side of things I had never seen before and pray that my side of the conversation helped my friends as well. I hope to have those sort of conversations again and maybe this book can be a starting point for some construtive dialogue.

The church has always stood for justice. Obviously, not perfectly at every place and every time. But she has always stood for justice. Perhaps that is why so many of my friends in the Christian/ protestant/ evangelical camp (pick your descriptor) have so easily embraced social justice. We care about these issues! Yet, the approach that has been termed social justice is not rooted in a theology of biblical justice. It’s rooted in a humanistic worldview and it is pushing towards a cultural confrontation in which there doesn’t seem to be a peaceful resolution.

That’s why, Why Social Justice is Not Biblical Justice is a much needed book for our moment. Author Scott David Allen does an excellent job of demonstrating the differenced between social justice and biblical justice. He writes not just to critique what is often called social justice, but to compare it to a biblical worldview. He does a thorough job of bringing voices of individuals on all sides of the issue to the fore front to let them speak for themselves, often quoting at length. He exposes the essential worldview at work in social justice and critiques it from a biblical worldview. He is not afraid to call out the names of individuals who he believes have compromised their biblical integrity by either forsaking justice all together, or trying to hold in tension social justice and biblical justice (which he argues can’t be done).

If you are looking for a book to help put everything in a biblical perspective, this book is helpful. It was extremely helpful for me and it is a book that I plan on passing along to friends and others who have wrestled through the challenges of social justice. I’m currently reading books from a Christian perspective on all sides of the justice issue. I’ve ordered several from different backgrounds and perspectives. If you have a book that you think would be a good read or recommend on the topic of Justice from a Christian perspective, feel free to comment and let me know. (Our culture is shifting and that might not be a completely bad thing in a lot of ways, but we need to have real and honest conversations not just complaints we offer up on social media.

Parenting in the Pew

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Family, parenting, worshipLeave a comment

I really enjoyed reading, Parenting in the Pew, by Robbie Castleman. It was a bit of a “must read” for me. Generally (before the pandemic), the first Sunday of every month, all of our youngsters are in the pews with their parents as well as Sunday nights. The other Sundays we had Children’s church. However, when the pandemic took effect we were worshiping together as family units every week (not really a bad thing). As a pastor I wanted to figure out how I could help our parents, not to mention my own family (unfortunately my wife is the single parent in the pew with our toddler, pre-teen, and teen)!

Robbie Castleman hits the nail on the head with Parenting in the Pew. I was expecting a very basic, “how to get your kids to behave in church,” type book. However, I was very pleasantly surprised when the topic quickly turned from “church” to “worship.” This book packed a punch, and I found myself rejoiceing and praising God at some of the simple truths demonstrated in very practical ways throughout the book. I also gathered a few ideas on how to better preach/ teach all of our youngsters in the pew.

If you are a parnt looking to teach your children about the value of corportate worship or a pastor/ children’s pastor lookinig to equip parents. This is a fantastic resource for you.

There is only one slight hicup in the whole book. Castlemen spends one chapter on the ordinances (which can vary so much from denomination to denomination). I feel she does a good job providing broad application for families from a variety of backgrounds, but if you are unfamiliar with the differences between pedo-baptism and believers baptism or open and closed communion then it may be alot to sort through in that particular chapter. It is a small part of a very good book and I’d still highly reccomend it.

Where is God in the Pandemic? (a few quick and helpful reads)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, leadershipLeave a comment

I’ve been intentional about reading lately. Years ago, a friend and mentor told me that I didn’t have a right to an opinion until I’d read a book or two on the subject… I don’t know if I completely agree, but his point was well taken. Uninformed opinions abound on social media, in conversations, and unfortunately even on our news channels these days. I have found to be a leader in today’s climate it’s very important to be well read. Even reading just a few books on a topic can help you better understand the current issues we are facing in our culture.

I’ve read a few books about Pandemics and Viruses from a general perspective, but if you are struggling to figure out where God fits in all of this, I want to recommend two resources to help you from a theological perspective.

I really enjoyed reading both of these books. If they had one flaw in common, it would be that both books appear to have been written or compiled early in the pandemic and so they may seem a little dated (even though they are only a few months old).

Christ and the Coronavirus, by John Piper, does an excellent job of framing things up from a biblical perspective and is useful in beginning to grasp the sovereignty of God and the issue of malevolent forces such as viruses that kill. He also provides several biblical reasons why God might have allowed the pandemic. It’s a short read at just over 100 pages.

Where is God in a Coronavirus World? by John Lennox, while approaching things biblically, directs more attention to philosophical discussion on why a good God would allow a force such as a virus in the world. Lennox’s writing is clear and logical. He pulls in several great quotes, including one near the end that he adapts from C. S. Lewis. This book is also very brief at under 100 pages.

Both books are very short and are intended for popular and general audiences. If you have never pondered the question of God and viruses before or if you are looking for a resources to share with others these are two brief and good introductions.

It should be noted that the links provided are NOT affiliate links. (I am not being compensated to write about them.)

Living a Grace-Paced Life in a Burnout Culture (A simple review of the book “ReSet”)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, spiritual disciplines, Time ManagementLeave a comment

Do you find yourself burning out? Is Monday one of the most dreaded days of the week? Are you tired all the time? Are you short-tempered with the people closest to you? Do you find yourself stressed and anxious all the time? Are you drinking too much coffee, just to get through the day?  Those are just some of the questions that David Murray asks in his latest book, “ReSet: Living a Grace-Paced Life in a Burnout Culture.”

reset bookDavid does a phenomenal job of writing specifically to Christian pastors about the need to rest and have a take a God-ordained Sabbath. Often, we find that those who preach well about taking a Sabbath break are it’s biggest violators. By outlining the different ways that burnout shows up and how it effects our families and our ministries, David helps the reader to understand that we weren’t designed to do ministry 24/7. Even the most gifted pastor is required to take a break. Mr. Murray even accuses pastors of not trusting in the provision of God and perhaps thinking we are more necessary than we are. By accepting our limits, we are accepting his grace and can be empowered to more effective ministry. 

Reset is full of relevant information about how to disconnect and recharge in a ministry setting. The author has gone out of his way to bring relevant resources and practices to the table and write not only a convicting book, but one with a clear path forward for working the Sabbath day back into the busy routine of being a pastor. 

As one that tends to burn the candle at both ends, I am very thankful for David’s book and the reminder and practical guidelines on how to “ReSet.” I’m not all there yet, but because of David’s faithfulness to write this book, I’m making strides and growing in my ability to reclaim the Sabbath rest in my life. I appreciate David and his pastoral heart as he writes from both experience and conviction to men in the ministry.

This is a great book for anyone in the ministry and a good reminder that those of us who are leaders in the church that it is good for our congregation and good for our soul to take a break and live in the power of grace.

COULD WE BE GETTING JESUS WRONG? (REVIEW)

On By pastorjonathanIn booksLeave a comment

Getting-Jesus-Wrong-smCould we be getting Jesus wrong? Author Matt Johnson thinks so, he’s done it. He offers a compelling read simply entitled Getting Jesus Wrong: Giving Up Spiritual Vitamins and Checklist Christianity. Matt offers several ways that Christians in America misunderstand Jesus. The first several chapters cover different ways that we have reimagined Jesus to be something more of a life coach, a visionary, a keeper of the checklist, etc. Through it all Matt is very transparent with his own struggles of how at different times he had different false images of Jesus in his mind. I appreciate this introspective look very much and Matt comes off as very approachable so when he turns his attention to the remedy the reader is willing to hear and weigh what Matt has to say.

This second part of the book from a pastoral perspective is golden because Matt simply comes back to the gospel. He reorients the reader to the simple facts of law, grace, and redemption through Jesus offering a better way forward in following Jesus than some of the false impressions he had tried earlier.

Over all I thought it was a great read. I enthusiastically recommend it as a brief look into the modern church and how if we are not careful we can lead folks astray. I really appreciate Matt and his heart in writing. You can find it on Amazon for a reasonable price, here.

An similar book written from a different pastoral perspective is Made in Our Image  by Steve Lawson.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received an electronic copy of this book free from LitFuseGroup.com as part of their Blog Tour Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission from Amazon. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles That Can Radically Change Your Family (A REVIEW)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, parentingLeave a comment

parenting

I’ve read a few parenting books now. Not because my parents were awful at parenting but because I’m not sure I’m that good. It always helps to get biblical insight into our everyday routines and practices and that is what I love most about this new offering by Paul David Tripp. This book is real, it’s practical and most importantly the author consults the scripture for application specifically relevant for parenting in this generation.

I’ll be honest it starts a little slow. If you are used to reading fiction or don’t read much the first few chapters, while beneficial, will be difficult to wade through. However, by chapter three the reading pace picks up and more ‘drama‘ is introduced to each of the chapters. Dr. Tripp provides modern stories of parents and children of varying ages and how different situations play out. You find yourself reading deeper and wondering if he has secretly been watching your family. Thankfully he admits his own faults as a parent along the way and comes off as a humble guide rather than condescending.

I really appreciate the tone throughout the book, while laying out gospel principles in parenting where you may feel like a failure he is ever extending grace (a gospel component no doubt). And in those moments when you feel like you could have written the chapter because these are things you were already aware of, He reminds you that this too is by grace. I especially appreciate that he doesn’t leave off the subject of parenting teenagers and young adults but includes theses stages of life and development.

So if you are a parent or would like to be a parent one day, I highly recommend this book to you! It’s great! No matter how discouraging your past, it will leave you encouraged with hope for the future. And even if you came from a great Christian home with wonderful gospel centered parents, this book will provide fresh reminders for a whole new context of parenting.

I  highly recommend Parenting: 14 Gospel Principles to any parent or future parent.  I can see it being especially helpful and encouraging for parents and ministers to children. The retail price is $22.99 (hardcover), and is available around the web in places like Amazon.com for $16.30.  I gave it five stars.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

100 Books in a year (round 3) 

On By pastorjonathanIn blogging, booksLeave a comment

I love to read. I’m pretty busy and focused on ministry and other projects but I am able to knock out about 2 non-fiction books a week. Usually I’m reading at various points in a half dozen different books but end up finishing a few books each week. 


I have done this and recorded the journey a couple of times here on the blog and so I thought it would be fun to do again. I’ll create a page near the end of September to mark a definitive starting and ending point. I’ll post the titles of the books I’ve read and thier page count as well as a simple star system (1-5). To let you know what I thought of the book. If I post a review on here I’ll share the link. 

Many of the books I read are “foils” in that I purposefully read books from an opposing view point. If I post on one of these books I will simply put the word “foil” in parenthesis beside it so you will know that I don’t fully believe or endorse that book. Regardless of if I agree with the author, I will still rate the book on the star system according to the quality of writing and the quality of arguments… So a “foil” book might get a 5 star rating if the author took on the actual arguments on an issue instead of raising and creating “straw men” arguments or diverting our attention from the real issue.

At this time my interests are pretty heavy in theology, philosophy, American history, business, economics, leadership, parenting, and obviously Christianity. I do read a little fiction but I do prefer non-fiction.

What books would you recommend for the list? 

BLACK COUNT (A Review of one of the most compelling biographies I have ever read)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, Uncategorized1 Comment

black countHis father was a failed French aristocrat, his mother a stolen plantation slave from Haiti. The real life of Alex Dumas (the father of Alexandre Dumas, the author of the COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO) was full of suspense and action. He grew to his teen years on the island of Haiti. When he was fourteen he witnessed his father sell his mother and siblings into slavery and later witnessed himself being sold into slavery to book his father’s passage back to France. Yet through a miraculous turn of events his father redeems his son and gives him the life of a French aristocrat in Paris. The young Alex Dumas learns the arts of fencing and horseback riding…

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This is the beginning but certainly not the end of the life of a man who lived between the two worlds of being a French nobleman and being a French slave. Throughout his life he would win the honor and respect of other men for his daring deeds on the battle field only to be rejected by others simply because of the color of his skin. He would fight in a revolution that sought equality for all men only to be forgotten by those whom he had helped the most.

This is a great book and well worth the read. It is a balanced biography that not only tells the tale of the man, but of the times in which he lived. I highly recommend it. I get my books from Amazon.com. Amazon has this book on sale right now for less than $19 for a Hardback and less than $12 in Paperback.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Awakening The Evangelical Mind (Book Review)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, UncategorizedLeave a comment

AwakeningAwakening the Evangelical Mind is a much needed look into the neo-evangelical lights of last century and their lasting influence today. I was well aware of the conservative resurgence in my own denomination and the split among Presbyterians among liberal and conservative lines, but I was largely ignorant of the cross-denominational movement among evangelicals to raise an academic standard. (A movement that included such notebles as Billy Graham, Harold Ockenga, Carl F. H. Henry, Gleason Archer, etc.)

This book maintains a great balance between the traditional historical division of the man and the times. Author Owen Strachan writes in both a historical and biographical style. He summarizes the life of Harold Ockenga in places and transcribes a brief history of the times among evangelicals in other places. He also spends a bit of time with Carl F. H. Henry.I was impressed to know that at one point several bright scholars and Christian statesmen were interested in developing a Christian research university. (One laments that this evangelical work never came to fruition).

This is a much needed volume and helps bring context to the current movements in evangelicalism. As Strachan notes many of today’s prolific theological writers and pastors have been influenced either directly or indirectly by Ockenga and the neo-evangelicals of Harvard.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

The Entitlement Cure (A REVIEW)

On By pastorjonathanIn books, UncategorizedLeave a comment

_225_350_Book.1753.coverThe Entitlement Cure: Finding Success in Doing Hard Things the Right Way is on the market at the right time. Our world is filled with people who feel entitled. They want something for nothing, or they have an attitude that craves the attention and dare I say worship of others. John Townsend has written a compelling book that ultimately puts forth the gospel as the solution to entitlement.  The book is well written, straightforward and filled with keen biblical insight and application.

Dr. Townsend does a fantastic job of approaching entitlement from all angles ensuring that this book contains the tools to help anyone who is dealing with an entitled person in their lives or even if they are wanting to confront their own entitlement. Indeed, Dr. Townsend does such a great job of addressing entitlement that he’s found that even those who often bemoan the “entitlement culture” have their own sense of “pocket entitlement.”

This book is well worth a read. It may well be the best book that Dr. Townsend has written to date. I encourage you to pick up a copy. I like to get all my books from amazon.com. They have it on sale right now for Under $15 in hardback!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher as part of their Reviewer program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”