Volume 50 | Issue 2 Article 9

2007 Resource Reviews Phyllis Fox Point Loma Nazarene University

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Compiled by Phyllis Fox Mere Humanity: G.K. Chesterton, C. S. Upgrade: 10 Secrets to the Best Education Review Editor Lewis, and J. R. R. Tolkien on the Human for Your Child, by Kevin Swanson. Nashville: Point Loma Nazarene , by Donald T. Williams. Nashville: Broadman & Holman, 2006. 211pp. $14.99. University Condition San Diego, CA Broadman & Holman, 2006. 212 pps. $14.99 ISBN 0805440305. Reviewed by John E. Shaffett, Director of Library Reviewed by John E. Shaffett, Director of Library Services, Baptist College of Florida, Graceville, FL. Services, Baptist College of Florida, Graceville, FL. Donald T. Williams is the director of the School Kevin Swanson serves fifteen thousand of Arts & Sciences at Toccoa Falls College in families in the Rocky Mountain region as Georgia. He wrote Mere Humanity to answer the executive director of Christian Home two basic questions- What is man? What is Educators of Colorado. He has degrees in the purpose of this life on earth? I thought mechanical engineering and ministry, and of the book of Ecclesiastes while reading it. serves as pastor of Reformation Church in He examines the doctrine of humanity as set Castle Rock, Colorado. Kevin and his wife forth in the writings of Chesterton, Lewis, and homeschool their five children. Tolkien. The book is intended for parents who are In addition, it is a response to naturalistic interested in providing the best education materialism or reductionism. It seeks to show possible for their children. Kevin describes that humans cannot be adequately described ten principles for providing our children in purely materialistic terms. The book also with a successful education: character, one- illustrates the danger of departing from a belief on-one instruction, protection, individuality, in a sovereign and personal creator and his rooted in relationships, emphasizing the basics, moral law. life integration, maintaining the honor and mystique of learning, the right foundation, Mere Humanity includes selections of sequential processing. These principles are Williams’ original poetry and an appendix that based on biblical teaching and scientific discusses the relationship between Christianity research. and literature. Williams shows the positive contributions that literature can make to the Upgrade is well written, interesting, and Christian life. Literature can enlarge “our contains information that is applicable world of experience”, open our eyes to biblical for parents interested in providing a good truth, provide positive role models, and cure us education for their children. The principles of “chronological snobbery.” are particularly applicable for home education programs, but it is also applicable for students If you are already a fan of Chesterton, Lewis, who attend public or private schools. or Tolkien, you will enjoy reading this book. The book is written well, and the author The principle of one-on-one instruction is demonstrates a good grasp of the writings important because in a typical classroom a child of Chesterton, Lewis, and Tolkien. It will might get “six to seven minutes of one-on-one encourage the reader to read these authors for time with each student” on a daily basis. Kevin themselves. I recommend this book for college Swanson believes that one-on-one instruction and public libraries. is essential for helping a child reach his her potential. The principle of individuality focuses on the fact that all children have different gifts,

82 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007 abilities, and potentiality for learning. A recent The book provides a single user access code study released by the National Institute of to take the 30 minute online test. Results for Literacy found that half of American adults the individual’s top 5 strengths appear at the were unable to read at an eighth grade level, conclusion of the test. The majority of the thus the need to emphasize doing the basics. text involves a review of each of the strengths, beginning with a background statement to The author accomplishes what he sets out familiarize the reader on the strength, action to do. He provides ten essential elements or items in developing this strength in the tools to provide our children with a quality classroom, and then two brief examples from education. This book is recommended to all teachers who have this strength so a reader can libraries that provide parenting books, or books view a short practical application. for homeschoolers. Although the book seems to be designed more Teach With Your Strengths: How Great towards the K-12 teacher (through the use of Teachers Inspire Their Students, by Rosanne examples of great teachers), it also provides Liesveld and Jo Ann Miller with Jennifer helpful materials for newer college classroom Robison. New York: Gallup Press, 2005. 205pp. faculty and may be an encouragement for $24.95. ISBN 1-59562-006-0 librarians who have regular instruction Reviewed by Liz Leahy, Associate Dean of University assignments in the classroom. It might also Libraries and Chair, James L. Stamps Theological serve as an excellent classroom tool for Library, Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA. educators who mentor future teachers. The What makes a teacher great? The authors book is appropriate for personal development contend that teachers who understand their collections, as well as for public and academic natural talents and utilize them well are libraries. As only one access code is provided happiest and are the most influential in the per book, it will be most helpful to library lives of their students. Based upon the Clifton collections where there is an awareness of the StrengthsFinder survey, the authors give a brief StrengthsFinder program. overview to the StrengthsFinders program, Iron Scepter, by Andrew M. Seddon. XLibris, targeting each of the 34 strengths specifically 2000.262 pp. $19.79. ISBN 0-7388-3812-8. to the teacher and present practical ideas on Reviewed by Werner A. Lind, Asst. Library Director, how each of the strengths might be observed Bluefield College, Bluefield, VA and nurtured in the classroom. British-born medical doctor Andrew Seddon Many readers may already be familiar with is (or should be) already known to readers of the StrengthsFinders program. This is a web- serious Christian science fiction for his novel based assessment instrument that measures Red Planet Rising (Crossway, 1995) and for talents from the perspective of Positive his short stories, published in such venues as Psychology, wherein emphasis is given to the Dreams and Visions. His contributions to the encouragement and development of individual genre continue with this excellent novel. strengths. The tool measures talents in 34 areas or themes. The Gallup Organization defines Many works of modern science fiction posit a these talents as “naturally recurring patterns far future of wide human galactic colonization of thought, feeling, or behavior that can be under the aegis of some vaguely-described productively applied” (49). Effectively, these secular humanist super-government, with, of lie in the essence of who you are – the way course, wonderfully “benevolent” ends and you behave instinctively. The authors write “enlightened” means –cosmic domination that talents, combined with relevant skills and with a smiley-face sticker. Seddon peels off knowledge, equate to strength; while true the sticker to give us a realistic picture of what talents are innate, they can be identified and such a galactic super-government, run by fallen nurtured. humans with all the flaws of unregenerate

83 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007 natures and responsible to nobody, would These four (a broad biblical model, evidence be like; his clear-eyed social world building from social science that supports this model, extrapolates directly from the present (where practical insights from experiences from governmental hubris and brutality are already parenting stages, and wisdom based in the apparent enough), without the usual naive expertise of the professional roles of the positing of an engineered future revolution in authors) are followed by the pointed statement human nature. that “relationships can’t be prescribed through techniques” – a justifiable criticism, leveled at In 2495, narrator Major Karel Novacek of the “typical” family relationship texts. Hegemony’s Political Bureau is in charge of the “re-integration” of the independence-minded In this eschewing of formulaic methods of colonists on the planet Lenore. But the major discipline so commonly presented elsewhere, is an internally conflicted man; and his job the authors demonstrate a keen awareness of is about to be complicated by the discovery the challenges of parenting in postmodernity. of another intelligent space-faring species in All of which is not to suggest that the authors the galaxy, and of a hidden agenda on the part offer little in the way of practical instruction of his superiors. (And the plot twists only – far from it. Rather, their method – that the begin there.) most fruitful model of parenting is responding to children “as gifts from God,” encouraging Explicit references to Christianity here, a partnership of creativity between parents though crucial, are few, and Christian jargon and children – offers a great deal of freedom is avoided; this allows the novel to reach non- for situational adaptation. This measure of Christian readers instead of preaching to the adaptability is, I think, a great contribution to choir. Genuine ethical questions are raised, the current literature, as parents may utilize and sensitively explored. As usual with him, more specific steps within the overarching Seddon’s credible characterizations include context of Relationship-Empowerment several throughly competent females. A Parenting. disciplined writer, Seddon displays his sound literary instincts and skills throughout this This book is obviously appropriate for a parents’ work. Highly recommended! home library, but would also be particularly appropriate for a marriage and family therapy Relationship-Empowerment Parenting: or pastoral care collection within a seminary Building Formative and Fulfilling library. Relationships With Your Children, by Judy and Jack Balswick, and Boni and Don Piper. The Story of Amy Carmichael and the Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Book House, 2003. Dohnavur Fellowship, DVD produced by 204 pp. $12.99 The Dohnavur Fellowship, Tumil Nadu, South India and distributed by Vision Video (www. Reviewed by Peter Sherry, Acquisitions Supervisor, visionvideo.com), Worcester, PA. 50 minutes, Bethel University, St. Paul, MN color and black and white. Though I was not familiar with Boni and Reviewed by Donald L. Tucker, Academic Dean, Don Piper prior to this book, it is my second Regent University School of Divinity, Virginia exposure to Jack and Judy Balswick, who Beach, VA. strike me as simultaneously approachable and authoritative in their writing style. It is with This video documentary is a powerful this style that the authors present the unique testimony to the life and service of missionary contribution that this book makes, including a Amy Carmichael and her establishment of the discussion of “four essential aspects of effective Dohnavur Fellowship in south India. Born parenting that [they] find lacking in current in Ireland in December 1867, the oldest of parenting books.” seven children, Amy Carmichael feels a call to missionary service as a young girl. She leaves

84 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007 home at eighteen, after her father’s death, to The Sense of the Call: A Sabbath Way become a missionary to Japan. After contracting of Life for Those Who Serve God, the illness, she returns to England and is sent as one Church, and the World, by Marva J. Dawn. of the first missionaries to India supported by Grand Rapids, Michigan: William B. Eerdmans the Keswick Mission Committee. She arrives Publishing Company, 2006. 327 pp. $ 16.00. in South India in March 1901. ISBN 0-8028-4459-6 The story of Dohnavur is told through the Reviewed by Dr. Donald L. Tucker, Academic Dean, reflections of current Dohnavur staff, retired Regent University School of Divinity, Virginia missionaries who served with Carmichael, Beach, VA. previous “children” who now work for the Marva Dawn, an award-winning author, has fellowship, and vignettes from biographer written extensively on matters of spirituality, Elisabeth Elliott. The video is interspersed Christian life, and practical ministry. As a with words and excerpts from Carmichael’s teaching fellow in spiritual theology at Regent own writings. A prolific author and composer, College, Vancouver, British Columbia and Carmichael wrote more than thirty books founder of Christians Equipped for Ministry of poems, songs, missionary narratives, she writes from a well-informed biblical and and reflections on Christian life. Though practical perspective. This book is written as bedridden the last twenty years of her life after an encouragement and motivation to anyone being severely injured by a fall into a pit, she involved in professional church ministry and to maintains a sense of joy and purpose. She dies all Christians trying to live a life of faithfulness in India at age 83 after fifty-five years of life to the call of God. as a missionary and “mother” to thousands of children. In her 1989 book Keeping the Sabbath Wholly: Ceasing, Resting, Embracing, Feasting, Marva The video is uplifting and motivational. Games, Dawn proposes important and helpful ideas songs of praise, and smiles are abundant. You for renewing the spiritual discipline of Sabbath are not left emotionally drained, but joyful, keeping. She suggests that the observance pleased with the results, sympathetic with the of such a day of rest and restoration is the cause, and applauding the efforts and positive foundation upon which the spiritual disciplines influence of Amma. The narrative moves back can flourish. The Sense of the Call widens this and forth between spectacular scenery, the discussion to incorporate, not just an individual story of Carmichael, the unique and complex Sabbath day, but an ongoing Sabbath life as the culture of south India, and the mission and true calling of every Christian. In this sense, ministries of the current Donhavur fellowship. it is a call back to the basics of the Christian This documentary is a brief but effective life – to proclaim the Word, be steadfast and introduction. Those interested in more detail patient, teach others, live a life of self-control, about her life and missionary work should maintain courage in the midst of evil and consult one of the several biographies such suffering, listen, serve, and use our gifts for the as Frank Houghton, Amy Carmichael of sake of the Kingdom. Dohnavur: The Story of a Lover and her In summary, the author suggests both at the Beloved; Elizabeth Ruth Skoglund, Amma: beginning of the book and at the end that “the The Life and Words of Amy Carmichael; the sense of our call is that God’s Kingdom reclaims Heroes of the Faith series by Sam Wellman, us, revitalizes us, and renews us and thus reigns Amy Carmichael; or Elisabeth Elliott, A through us before others, on behalf of others, Chance to Die: The Life and Legacy of Amy sometimes in spite of others, and always with Carmichael. others (p. 13, 294).” Understanding these seven foundations form the basis for “a Sabbath way of life.”

85 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007 The author offers helpful ideas (and cautions) More in depth are hell in the OT (Daniel Block), for individuals and communities of believers Jesus (Robert Yarbrough), Paul (Douglas Moo), striving to practice this call. The book is useful and Revelation (Gregory Beale). Peterson for any Christian, but is especially directed to approaches the subject somewhat differently the professional ministry context. She does not than previously in “Systematic Theology: Three hide her social and political leanings but leaves Vantage Points of Hell.” J. I. Packer deals with it to the reader to agree or disagree. She is universalism. Morgan’s “Annihilationism” and provocative and insightful, sometimes irritating, the Selected Bibliography prove his mastery of but always thoughtful and thoroughly biblical. the subject. There are numerous references and footnotes This book is worth serious attention. Note, to her other publications. The book includes however, that the linking of universalism and a twenty page list of helpful further readings conditionalism is unfair to the latter, as John categorized by topic. Stott has pointed out. And at a time when Hell under Fire: Modern Scholarship evangelical unity is especially important, Roger Reinvents Eternal Punishment. General Olson states wisely: “Annihilationism does not editors Christopher W. Morgan and Robert A. strike at the heart of the gospel or even deny Peterson. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2004, any major Christian belief.” The attempt to 256 pp., $19.99. ISBN 0875523722. “marginalize” these evangelicals “hardly seems like a valuable expenditure of time” (The Reviewed by Freeman Barton, director emeritus Mosaic of Christian Belief [Downers Grove, of Goddard Library, Gordon-Conwell Theological Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2002] 329). Seminary, S. Hamilton, MA. Evangelical Feminism: A New Path to What happens to an unbeliever after the Liberalism? By Wayne Grudem. Wheaton, judgment? This question has stimulated a Ill. Crossway Books, 2006. 272 pages. $15.99. stream of articles, books, and internet entries ISBN 10: 1-58134-734-0. in the last twenty years. This book is scholarly, fair, and interesting, although the arguments Reviewed by Freeman Barton, director emeritus differ little from those of the last two decades. of Goddard Library, Gordon-Conwell Theological Its nine contributors, all eminent scholars, set Seminary, S. Hamilton, MA. out to defend the “traditional,” “historic” view Dr. Grudem of Phoenix Seminary writes of hell: “everlasting conscious punishment clearly and with passion. He is concerned, away from the joyous presence of God” (p. 12). along with many others, about the tendency “Hell is under fire” by a “disturbing” number of of Christians to conform to their culture at evangelicals. The alternative “aberrations” are the expense of biblical principle. It is easy to universalism and annihilationism (conditional adopt unconsciously the ways of the world. immortality). Universalism gets some attention, Is evangelical feminism doing that? In four but the main target is conditionalism. Peterson parts with thirty-six short chapters, Grudem (Covenant Seminary) has been on a crusade repeatedly insists that it is. against it in lectures, articles, and books. Two decades younger, Morgan (California Baptist Part 1 shows that feminism is particularly University) has taken up the cause in ETS congenial to liberal Christianity and should lectures, a review in JETS, a book on Jonathan therefore be suspect. In part 2 Grudem lists Edwards, and this book. 15 things feminists do that undercut Scripture: dispute Paul, choose “calling” over Scripture, Of the ten chapters, three are rather skimpy excise problem verses from the Bible, etc. Each surveys: Albert Mohler’s “Modern Theology,” chapter begins, “Some evangelical feminists … Morgan’s “Biblical Theology,” and Sinclair “Part 3 attempts to demolish ten “untruthful Ferguson’s, “Pastoral Theology.” or unsubstantiated claims” about the women in

86 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007 the Ephesians church, about the word “head,” book is printed irritatingly on paper with a and about Christ’s relationship to the Father. gray tinted edge). The book closes with a prayer—reflecting its primary evangelistic Part 4 warns against the directions in and devotional tone. Finally, there is a short which evangelical feminism is headed: bibliography on the historical reliability of the androgyny, God as mother, and tolerance of Scriptures and an explanation of his ministry homosexuality. Concerning this last, Grudem organization, Desiring God. If a book brings might have mentioned that one of his least you to worship and wonder at the work of favorite evangelical organizations, Christians Christ, then this small book accomplishes for Biblical Equality, emerged from the that goal. Recommended as a good title for Evangelical Women’s Caucus specifically doctrine, devotion, or evangelism. because Catharine Kroeger and the other founders of CBE objected to the increasing Iraq: Babylon of the End Times? by C. tolerance toward lesbianism of the EWC. Marvin Pate and J. Daniel Hays. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 2003. 143 pp. $12.99. ISBN Dr. Grudem makes a good, although not 0-8010-6479-1. decisive, case for complementarianism as he does more thoroughly elsewhere. His concern Reviewed by Freeman Barton, director emeritus that prominent evangelicals (he names among of Goddard Library, Gordon-Conwell Theological many others Patricia Gundry, Catherine Seminary, S. Hamilton, MA. Kroeger, Aida Spencer, Jack Hayford, Walter Pate and Hayes begin their book by Kaiser, , and Grant Osborne) sketching the background of popular are moving conservative Christianity toward prophetic interpretation, including the Left liberalism may be misplaced. Behind phenomenon, the displacement of Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die, by Communism by Islam as the main threat . Wheaton, Ill: Crossway Books , to Israel, and of “Babylon” as the symbol 2006. 127pp. $9.99 ISBN: 1-58134-788-X. of evil. They critique the overly literalistic interpretation of apocalyptic symbols by some Reviewed by James L. Sauer, Director of Library, futurist interpreters. “… the fall of Babylon was Eastern University, St Davids, PA. a real event that they [the prophets] predicted Pastor John Piper offers us another solid and announced, but the description of that fall text from his prolific pen. He opens this is clearly figurative” (42). The authors insist straightforward doctrinal and devotional book that the ancient destruction of Babylon fulfills with the rhetorical comment: “The most the predictions of Isaiah and Jeremiah. The important question of the twenty-first century identifications of Gog and Magog are major is: Why did Jesus come and die?” He then points in eschatological scenarios. proceeds to list for the reader fifty reasons why Throughout history interpreters have identified Christ died followed by supporting Scripture them in terms of their own historical situation. texts. Explication of those texts follows in a So do LaHaye and Jenkins in Are We Living clear, direct, and orthodox manner. The goal is in the End Times? (1999) and later works in to make us stand in sacred awe at the gracious which they predict a Russian led Arab Muslim work our Savior has accomplished on our invasion of Israel. Pate and Hays examine their behalf. views and conclude that they are exegetically Piper’s reasons are not in alphabetical order by and factually mistaken. “LaHaye and Jenkins concept, nor organized conceptually by topic; clearly misunderstand and misrepresent two obsessive organizational mechanisms numerous well-known, current-day situations, dear and loved by librarians. Instead, we are and their dogmatic statements about current confronted with fifty good, but random geopolitical reality are wrong” (62). The same reflections on the work of Christ for us. There is true concerning “Babylon as a Symbol of is no index or list of Scriptures cited. (The Evil,” Hussein’s ambition to be a second

87 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007 Nebuchadnezzar, and the expectations for the eschatological parts of the synoptic plus a revived Roman Empire. Pate and Hays John 20 and 21. The author’s depth and quality examine the key passages of Scripture, and they are well illustrated by his treatment of Mark conclude that neither the European Union 9:42-48 (chapter 8. “So what about hell?” pp. nor the United Nations fulfill the ancient 144-161). In his of exposition of these seven prophecies. They also examine “Rome and the verses, Milne shows clearly the relationship Rise of Babylon in the Book of Revelation.” of the future life in the present. He does an Conclusion: In Revelation 17-18, “Babylon” extraordinarily good job of dealing with the is Rome. thorny debate between traditionalists and conditionalists on the nature and duration of In chapter 8 (113-127), Pate and Hays hell. Although his conclusion is different from summarize the modern history of the state of that of this reviewer, he is consistently fair, Iraq. They conclude that Hussein’s Babylon nuanced, and irenic. He includes a very helpful Project is not the fulfillment of prophecy. list of 14 points on which the two groups “And in all probability, if and when Saddam is agree. removed, the Babylon project will recede into the background.” (127). In the last chapter, the Part three is “Destiny declared: heaven and authors point out that some Christian truth hell in the rest of the .” Milne needs to be set forth dogmatically, but not so focuses on several key passages of the New the details of biblical prophecy. The tendency Testament, including Romans eight, first of current popular prophetic interpretation is Corinthians 15 and Revelation 20 and 21. to produce a “doom and gloom” perspective The way in which the Spirit assures us of our that tends to a hopeless inactivity. Russia is not “share in the heavenly glory” (Rom 8, p. 230- about to invade Israel, the European Union is 231) demonstrates again the author’s practical not a revived Roman Empire, and Hussein’s pastoral sensitivities of this longtime pastor of Babylon “has nothing to do with end-time First Baptist Church in Vancouver. prophecy” (136). The Human Personality in Theology and Whatever one’s view of prophecy, this popular Psychology: A Biblical Anthropology for the book needs to be reckoned with, and it should Twenty-First Century, by James R. Beck and be in every Christian college library. Bruce Demarest. Grand Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2005. 428 pp. $24.99 ISBN: 0- The Message of Heaven and Hell: Grace and 8254-2116-0. Destiny. By Bruce Milne. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2002. 351 p. $17.00. ISBN Reviewed by Jeff Gates, Head Librarian, Faith 0830824065. Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary, Ankeny, IA. Reviewed by Freeman Barton, director emeritus of Goddard Library, Gordon-Conwell Theological The authors have written this book as a Seminary, S. Hamilton, MA. handbook for those interested in the Christian view of human persons and issues in modern Having read Milne’s Know the Truth, I was psychology. They also hoped it would influence prepared to dislike this book. Actually it is those outside the discipline of theology. It elegantly written without being pretentious. It would be useful for college students and is very readable, although its 351 pages of fine educated lay persons. print are a little intimidating at first. It consists of three parts of about a hundred pages each, Beck and Demarest admit in their introduction plus a 16 page study guide. The first part, “The that they have followed the approach of A Dawning of Destiny: Heaven and Hell in the System of Biblical Psychology (1855,1861) Old Testament,” considers Genesis, Psalms, and by Franz Delitzch. The book is organized Daniel. into four sections, i.e. origin and destiny, substance and identity, function and behavior, Part two, “Destiny Determined: Heaven and and relationality and community; and each Hell in the Gospels,” considers particularly of these sections contains three chapters. The 88 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007 first chapter presents a conservative historical “odds and ends from the director” (historical and theological perspective, while the second and cultural background of the parable with chapter presents a contemporary snapshot of occasional citations). psychology. The third chapter gives a brief essay The scriptwriter, director, and host of this of how theology and psychology relate to each presentation is Christopher Gornold-Smith, other in these areas and includes “Christian who taught Educational Media Development certainties” and areas of further research. at ICI University in Brussels, Belgium and The authors are evangelical: Beck graduated was involved in co-productions with IMM for from Dallas Theological Seminary and broadcast on national television in Slovakia. Rosemead Graduate School; Demarest is a Gornold-Smith and the rest of the staff of graduate of Wheaton College and Trinity IMM are missionaries from the Assemblies of Evangelical Divinity School and earned his God in the United States who serve for a four doctorate in biblical and historical theology at year term and then return to the USA for one the University of Manchester, where he was year of raising support before returning. mentored by Professor F. F. Bruce.). In this The presentation is of high quality. The content book they attempt to present an integrated is accurate and insightful. The acting, props, and approach to many of the issues common to costumes are authentic. The only shortcoming theology and twenty-first century psychology. is that the whole production is narrated, even The work is well supported with biblical verses when the parables are being acted out. Parables and secular literature. Though only selected of Jesus is recommended for laymen, but the issues are addressed, they are relevant and are “director’s commentary for each story” on treated rather thoroughly. the special features option and the “odds and Parables of Jesus: Through the Lens of ends from the director” on the Leader’s Guide Bible Times (DVD), Part 3 in the series: make it appropriate for those who wish to do People Who Met Jesus, Produced 2005 by further study. International Media Ministries, Madrid, Spain, Kregel Dictionary of the Bible and Released and distributed Spring 2006 by Vision Theology: Over 500 Key Theological Video, Worcester, PA. 58 minutes $19.99. Words and Concepts Defined and Cross- Reviewed by Jeff Gates, Head Librarian, Faith Referenced by Henry W. Holloman. Grand Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary, Rapids, MI: Kregel Publications, 2005. 600 pp. Ankeny, IA. $32.99 ISBN 0-8254-2795-9. According to the IMM website, Parables of Jesus Reviewed by Jeff Gates, Head Librarian, Faith was produced to assist people in understanding Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary, the customs and cultures and let them feel the Ankeny, IA. impact of Jesus’ words. This DVD contains seven This book has hundreds of entries that give short dramas portraying the following parables: a brief definition and concise survey of how The Good Samaritan, Unmerciful Servant, a word or concept is used in the Bible. Each Treasure and the Pearl, Lost Son, Midnight subject word or phrase has a thorough list of Visitor, The Dinner (The Great Supper), and relevant Bible references, and many entries the Manager (The Unjust Steward). The special include pertinent Hebrew or Greek terms, features include “Director’s commentary for bibliographies, and ‘See also’ references to each story” and scene selections. A Leader’s related subjects. Guide by Dawn Moore and the staff of Christian History Institute is available from Holloman has a Th.D. from Dallas Theological www.imm.edu that includes the following Seminary, teaches systematic theology at Talbot for each of the seven parables presented in the School of Theology, and has a dispensational DVD: scripture reference, theme, questions to perspective. He refers to several standard use before viewing the parable, questions to use scholarly works, such as A Greek-English after viewing the parable, heart questions, and Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early 89 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007 Christian Literature (BAGD), Theological After reading through the entire book, the Dictionary of the New Testament, and reader is left wondering just exactly what Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament, Rainbow Network is doing. The book does but writes for educated laypersons, pastors, not effectively clarify either the spiritual or the and Bible students. This work would be very sociological value of the Rainbow Network. helpful in sermon or Bible lesson preparation. The author has written a sentimental book that gives the reader “warm fuzzies” until the Meet Me in Managua : The Powerful Story cover is closed and one looks back over the of Nicaragua Reborn. Wendy Murray Zoba; experience and realizes that he/she has not Photos by Steve Sonheim. Grand Rapids, really learned much about anything. MI: Kregel Publications, c2005. 127 p. ISBN 0825441609. Meet Me In Managua might be a good book for a personal or church library but is not Reviewed by Jo Ann Rhodes, Library Director, recommended for college or school libraries. Columbia International University, PO Box 3122, Columbia, SC. The Relentless Tenderness of Jesus. by Brennan Manning. Grand Rapids, MI: The small Central American country of Fleming H. Revell, 2004. 192 pp. $12.99. ISBN Nicaragua has a long history of warfare from 0800793390. pre-Colombian intertribal rivalries to Spanish domination to leadership by tyrants to rebel Reviewed by Sharon Hinton RN, BSN, LP, insurgence. Along with such a long history Librarian, First United Methodist Church, of violence is an additional history of the Floydada, TX. hardships imposed by poverty and illiteracy. By far the best Christian Living book I have Into this somber Nicaraguan picture stepped read in a long time, Brennan Manning’s The Keith Jaspers, a wealthy businessman from Relentless Tenderness of Jesus is an encouraging Springfield, MO, and his Rainbow Network, and pleasing read. an NGO that Jaspers started in 1995 in an The author uses story and observation to effort to aid needy Nicaraguans. Through encourage the reader to explore the concept the Rainbow Network, monies are funneled of the nature of Jesus. Sections include to local needs in the form of medical care, Experiencing Jesus, Jesus at Easter, and Jesus at education, food and micro-business loans. Christmas. I particularly appreciated Chapter Meet Me In Managua is the author’s attempt four: The affluent Poor because of the author’s to put a “face” on the Rainbow Network vivid discussion of the concept of being a child and the benefit it has served for the people of of God. “Children don’t try to control reality: Nicaragua. The first part of the book gives an They embrace what is.” (p. 63) Manning, a overview of the country from historical and former Franciscan priest and accomplished sociological viewpoints, providing a backdrop writer, encourages the reader to internally for the Rainbow Network. This is followed read the book by pausing frequently for prayer by a history of how the Network came into and meditation with a group if possible. Each being. The last portion of the text is a series of chapter reinforces the concept that God is testimonies from Nicaraguan beneficiaries of love and that our compassion must start with the Network. ourselves. Reflection questions are included. This book is appropriate for all personal, There are many photographs throughout the congregational, and academic libraries and book. However, many of them are thumbprint would work well for small group studies. size and thus too small to see well and are without descriptive text, leaving the reader to wonder just what he or she is seeing.

90 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007 Short History of Christianity, by Stephen Reviewed by Steven Paschold, Instructional Services Tomkins, Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans, 2005. Librarian, John Brown Univ., Siloam Springs AR. 256 pp. $15.00; ISBN 0-8028-3382-9 God and Country is a book about current Reviewed by Jo Ann Rhodes, Library Director, American evangelicalism, written by a widely G. Allen Fleece Library, Columbia International published journalist, from the perspective of University, Columbia, SC. an outsider to the culture. Monique El-Faizy is also a former insider: raised in a California One has only to read the author’s opening evangelical church, she left it during her college preface paragraphs to understand that his claim years, apparently confused over what she really to an entertaining, storybook-like history believed. The subtitle suggests the thesis of the of Christianity is going to be just that … an book. Whereas in the past evangelicals have easily-read glimpse at “what has been going on created their own culture largely isolated from round here for the last 2,000 years” (p.8). the rest of society, in the last few years they This short history is obviously not intended have sought in many ways to “mainstream” for anything more than a way to learn some themselves within society, and their projects of the basic historical facts surrounding now often mirror those of the larger culture. the development of Christianity since the Following a summary of evangelical beliefs birth of the church in 30 A.D. The historical and history, the author effectively defends narrative has been broken up into four parts: her thesis by discussing a variety of topics, the beginning years (30-630), the rise of the including megachurches, the Christian Roman Church (630-1516), the Reformation publishing and music industries, higher (1517-1660), and globalization of the Church education, and of course, politics, although she (1609-2000). Its thirty-seven short chapters does not devote much more attention to this each open with a relevant quotation from (or issue than to others. Using the observational about) the era under discussion. and interviewing skills of her profession, El- The author admits to passing over some Faizy presents a well-researched and deftly events and people that others would consider written account of evangelicalism. She nuances important, doing so for the sake of space and her discussions to show how some evangelical entertainment. This makes for truly entertaining projects are currently more “mainstreamed” yet informative reading. There is a less-than- than others are. Because she feels that despite complete index and a helpful glossary of basic wide media coverage many people still do terms of value for the knowledge of Christian not understand evangelicalism, the author’s history. It is disappointing that there is no intended audience is outsiders, but Christians bibliographical information for quotations and should read this book as well. First, in its own other pertinent information in the text. right, God’s Country provides an interesting This book is recommended as supplementary overview of evangelical culture. Second, and material for undergraduate libraries of all kinds more importantly, Christians can read this and particularly for non-theological students, book from the perspective of the outsider, and but it will be of little value for research. so gain some awareness of how others view the world that is so familiar to many of us. The God and Country: How Evangelicals Have book is recommended for academic libraries, Become America’s New Mainstream, by and especially for persons engaged in studies of Monique El-Faizy. New York: Bloomsbury, Christian ministry, urban missions, American 2006. 262 pp. $24.95. ISBN 978-1-58234- culture, or religious journalism. 519-2.

91 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007 Concise Encyclopedia of Church and and relational, and … forgive me … consumer Religious Organization Marketing, by questions are very pertinent to the healthy life Robert Stevens, David Loudon, Bruce of any organization, including a church. In Wenn, and Henry Cole New York: Haworth that sense, this is a helpful book. It would be a Reference Press 2005. 178pp. $24.95 ISBN: 0- good addition to a pastor’s library, a religious 7890-1878-0. organizations resource room, and a College library involved with church growth issues. Reviewed by James L. Sauer, Director of Library, Eastern University, St Davids, PA. Esther, by Linda M. Day. Nashville: Abingdon Press, 2005. 177 pp. $24.00. ISBN 0-687- Can Jesus be marketed like a consumer 49792-2. product? Well, yes and no. He certainly can be, and has; but whether this is the proper way Reviewed by Elizabeth Pearson, Library Director, to do church work or not is another question. Montreat College, Montreat, NC. Say the authors: “This book is intended to be This volume from the Abingdon Old Testament a basic reference guide to those interested in Commentaries offers analysis and interpretation church and religious marketing.” This book of the literary, historical, theological and accomplishes its goal. ethical aspects of the Book of Esther. The main As a text on organizational marketing it is purpose of the commentary is to help readers nicely organized. Topics are explained, given understand the meaning of the biblical text charts when appropriate, with each definitional within its social and historical context. Based essay followed by a small bibliography. There on the Hebrew version of Esther, the story is are two appendixes: one on Marketing and interpreted episode by episode with specific Religion, the other on writers and researchers attention to literary, linguistic, and exegetical on religious marketing. The writing style aspects of the text. is one of clear managerial social science. An underlying premise of this commentary Topics covered include things like: attitude is that the Book of Esther cannot be viewed measurement, brand equity, constituent in isolation from its historical and cultural analysis, environmental scanning, mission- environment. The author characterizes the based product mix, niche marketing. There story as one of ethnic conflict and minority are times when the business jargon applied to survival. The story is set well within biblical Christianity seems like a parody: tradition and connects Jews in Persia with For instance, the section relating to Competitive the larger story of Israel, yet it also deals with advantage, reads “Having a competitive issues of identity and survival that connect it advantage, therefore, hinges on providing to contemporary culture. As the author notes, something that is seen as having greater value in the story explores the challenges minority the eyes of your target audience than anything communities face within multiethnic else they could obtain from another source societies. Esther has dual loyalties to the to address the need they are seeking to have Jewish people and to the Persians with a stake satisfied. This thinking may be alien to most in both communities. Issues of injustice and leaders of religious organizations …” What this discrimination against minorities are presented. quote is saying, dressed up in marketing lingo, Questions about patriarchal societies and the is that people will choose to go to one church role of women in positions of authority are over another based on personal choices. For raised. some its doctrine, others worship style, others One of the intriguing aspects of the Book of the nursery. The causes are great and sometimes Esther and a debated point among interpreters incredibly trivial. is the absence of a divine presence. The focus So, although I am troubled by, and even amused of the book as a whole is on the human realm by the parody like nature of this text. I can instead of the divine. The author points out see how certain business, statistical, managerial, that there is ambiguity with regard to God’s

92 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007 presence in the events of the story. God is According to Brueggemann, worship is a seemingly inactive and unmentioned. Human dialogical interaction in which the two parties, initiative is the source of action rather than God and human worshippers, are present, fully a deity. The commentary suggests that this involved, and to some extent define by each theological ambiguity is an integral part of the other. He notes that Israel’s worship consisted book and reflects our human inability to know of a regular public assembly characterized by for certain if God is present but hidden or two defining acts: the celebration of festivals completely absent. The author draws parallels and the offering of sacrifices. The liturgical between the Book of Esther and the Holocaust calendar included Yom Kippur (Day of and states that the book underscores human Atonement), Jubilee, Purim, and Hanukkah. responsibility to resist evil when God seems These observances constitute the “Church absent. year” (Actually, Temple year) in ancient Israel. Israel assembled regularly to hear God’s The commentary also offers an insightful commands and to listen to oracles of guidance literary analysis addressing style, structure, and assurance. Worship, then as now, is a public character, genre, and themes in the biblical text. declaration that life is a gift, and the life of the Through close attention to these elements, the community is dependent on God. The purpose author heightens our awareness of the artistry of worship is to generate a community of of the book. holiness that is completely devoted to God. The author received her Ph.D. from Princeton Brueggemann’s study is an outstanding Theological Seminary and has been a teacher combination of scholarly research, written in for a number of years. Readers will appreciate narrative form, combined with applicability for her thorough knowledge of Esther studies and today’s Church. Particularly illustrative in this her acknowledgement of the work of other regard is Chapter 5, “Worship: Israel at Play,” Esther scholars. The commentary draws on which portrays several dichotomies present current scholarship and secondary literature, in ancient and contemporary worship. One yet introduces fresh perspectives that relate such example is “the play holiness and justice” Esther’s story to contemporary concerns. In (pp.65ff). Worship calls together a holy people summary, this volume proved to be an engaging with a concern for the poor. The worshipper’s and thoughtful interpretation. zeal for holiness must be combined with a Designed for use by theological students, passion for (social) justice. Other tensions pastors, and upper level undergraduates, “at play” in worship include obedience and this commentary makes a solid, scholarly freedom, Torah and king, presence and absence, contribution suitable for academic and praise and lament, and memory and hope. seminary libraries. For each dichotomy, Brueggeman cites Old Worship in Ancient Israel: An Essential Testament precedent and provides guidance Guide, by Walter Brueggemann. Nashville: for contemporary practice. Abingdon Press, 2005. $14.00 104 pp. ISBN Brueggemann’s discussion of Israel’s worship is 0-687-34336-4. based on Wellhausen’s documentary hypothesis, Reviewed by Wendell G. Johnson, Social Sciences and hence, may be confusing to readers without Librarian, University Libraries, Northern Illinois a background in Old Testament introduction. University, DeKalb, IL. Those who have some familiarity with biblical criticism will find Worship in Ancient Israel In Worship in Ancient Israel, Walter to be an excellent discussion tool for Bible Brueggemann, Professor Emeritus of Old study and a worthwhile theoretical guide for Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary contemporary worship. The book has endnotes in Decatur, Georgia, describes the leading and a Scripture index. motifs of ancient Israel’s worship tradition and seeks to relate them to contemporary practice.

93 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007 Just Wives? Stories of Power & Survival in Vashti – wealth and injustice, Michal, Abigail, the Old Testament & Today, by Katharine and Bathsheba – human motivation, Gomer Doob Sakenfeld. Louisville, KY: Westminster and the ideal wife – perceptions. Just Wives? John Knox Press, 2003. 136pp. ISBN 0-664- is a well written, interesting, and enlightening 22660-4. discussion of the many perspectives of women facing challenging circumstances. It is Reviewed by Sharon Hinton RN, BSN, LP, appropriate for personal, congregational and Librarian, First United Methodist Church, academic libraries and should be available to Floydada, and RNR Parish Nurse Community students of women’s spirituality and leaders of Outreach Library, Floydada, TX. women’s bible studies. Sakenfeld, a professor of Old Testament literature, has taken the ancient stories of eleven Old Testament women and examined them for meaning applicable to women today. She examines each story from socio-cultural INTERESTED IN REVIEWING A TITLE? and literary aspects. Each chapter begins with Contact: a brief synopsis of the text to be studied and Phyllis Fox ends with questions for individual reflection TCL Review Editor or group discussion. I appreciated the author’s Point Loma Nazarene University attempts to bring the similarities and varieties 3900 Lomaland Drive San Diego, CA 92106 of interpretation women worldwide bring [email protected] to discussions of the Old Testament women faced. These diverse challenges are still relevant today. Stories include Sarah and Hagar – ethnicity, status, and ability to conceive, Ruth and Naomi – poverty, hunger, and marriage, Esther and

94 The Christian Librarian, 50 (2) 2007