Book Blurbs: July 2021

Sufficiency: Historic Essays on the Sufficiency of Scripture by Heath Lambert, Wayne Mack, Doug Bookman, and David Powlison (published by Association of Certified Biblical Counselors in 2016). 149 pages. If you struggle with the idea that the Bible is enough for counseling, read this book. The defense of the Bible’s sufficiency is an attack on the idea of integrating the Bible and modern-psychiatry (or psychology) in our counseling. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Rule of Love: How the Local Church Should Reflect God’s Love and Authority by Jonathan Leeman (published by Crossway in 2018). 174 pages. Not my favorite book by this author. I was confused by the development of the theme. The reasoning wasn’t clear. The examples were disjointed. This book is an attempt to define show and demonstrate how it should be exemplified in the local church, but I do not believe I have a better understanding of either of this explanations, as a result of this book. BOOK RATING: 6 out of 10 stars.

Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself by Joe Thorn (published by Crossway in 2011). 137 pages. What this book will do is give you practical examples of how to pray, how to apply Scripture and how to make sure that if you are a preacher, that you are sitting under your own preaching. In other words, this book will help you practice what you preach. The chapters are very short (2-3 pages) and each chapter is an expression of how we might talk to ourselves about a variety of preaching topics (e.g., rejoicing, judging others, being hospitable, loving your spouse, etc.). BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Catching Foxes: A Gospel-Guided Journey to Marriage by John Henderson (published by P&R Publishing in 2018). 292 pages. I have seen books on marriage (for pre-marital counseling) that say they are Gospel-anchored, but this is the best one that makes that claim…that I have read. The premise of “catching foxes” is identifying those challenges and potential conflicts before the marriage union takes place. There is hopeful and practical counsel given on a variety of topics – the covenant of marriage, money, intimacy, marital roles, conflict, expectations, etc. And each chapter end with discussion questions – making it a great resource for a couple that is engaged or a small group Bible study. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

What Every Christian Ought to Know: Essential Truths for Growing Your Faith by Adrian Rogers (published by B&H Publishing in 2005). 250 pages. This is a book I would categorize at Christianity 101 – a good resource to give to a new Christian to give him/her an overview of essential doctrines and spiritual disciplines meant to help them grow. The author’s wit, humor and helpful illustrations will keep every reader engaged. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Reforming Journalism by Marvin Olasky (published by P&R Publishing in 2019). 370 pages. What a surprisingly enjoyable read this book was. I don’t believe I have ever read anything on journalism; so, this book was a good place to start. Written from a Christian world view, this author exhorts Christian journalists to be salt and light in their world by following honest story-writing and reporting, and he show you how to do just that. Some of the fun discoveries in this book are the historical anecdotes of how journalism came to be where it is today. This is a book for aspiring journalists, bloggers, and Christians interested in the reporting of the news. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

White Fragility: Why It’s So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin Diangelo (published by Beacon Press in 2018). 169 pages. This is a book that I disagreed with almost every conclusion the author draws but am still thankful that I read it. I knew before I began reading that I would not agree with major points, but I am trying my best to understand the current narrative on “how to fix” racism. I was disappointed in the lack of hope the author gave, the redefinition of racism as being part of a certain identity group and not feelings or actions, and the assumption that white people – whether they are or not – are all lumped in together as “the problem.” The irony is that her bias against white people is borderline discriminatory. I do think everyone can do a better job of acknowledging the different kinds of challenges that ethnic minorities have, but the solutions that books like this make are not biblical or godly, because they do not address the heart. BOOK RATING: 3 out of 10 stars.

Christianity and Wokeness: How the Social Justice Movement Is Hijacking the Gospel – and the Way to Stop It by Owen Strachan (published by Salem Book in 2021). 244 pages. In this era of debate about social justice, this book is a refreshing resource. More of a biblical critique of the issues than Voddie Baucham’s Fault Lines but less accessible to the common Christian, because it tends to be more academic. Still very valuable as he addresses common mantras (e.g., “White people should be less white,” “Whiteness is white supremacy”, “Silence is violence,” and “You can never overcome your racism.” If you aren’t aware of what’s at stake in the modern debate over CRT, BLM, and social justice, you need to read this book. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.