Book Blurbs: November 2022

Finding the Right Hills to Die On: The Case for Theological Triage by Gavin Ortlund (published by Crossway, 2020). 163 pages. What a critical subject for the church! The author wisely counsels his readers that it is not whether we disagree or not, but how we might and how much intensity we put into the fight on certain categories of doctrine. Triaging doctrine is about sorting doctrines into categories of importance. While I believe Mohler’s brief writings on theological triage are better and easier to understand, this author does give practical examples of how to categorize doctrines like days of creation, miraculous gifts, and the virgin birth. I highly recommend every church leader read this material and then equip their people how to triage doctrine. The unity of the church depends on it. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church by Paul Washer (published by Reformation Heritage Books, 2018). 78 pages. Sometimes I think Washer needs to take a deep breath and relax. Other times, I think he is saying what needs to be said that no one else is saying. In reading this book, I experienced both reactions. Some of the indictments he shared were insightful and needed (e.g., sufficiency of the Bible, ignorance of God, sin, false Gospel, poor evangelism, ignorance of the nature of the church, family issues, loving church discipline) and other subjects I didn’t see as “indicting” (e.g., separation from others, malnourished pastors). BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Overcoming Loneliness by David Jeremiah (published by Here’s Life Publishers, 1983). 143 pages. I didn’t finish this book. Made it through 4 chapters of reading and didn’t find anything helpful about it. It was supposed to be a book about overcoming loneliness, and yet, I don’t even believe that purpose was clearly demonstrated in the opening chapters. Lots of rambling, lots of outdated statistics, lots of excerpts from letters from lonely people that didn’t seem to be connected to the main points of a chapter, etc. I think my biblical counseling training and experience have led me to expect more from a book on such an important topic. BOOK RATING: 3 out of 10 stars.

Making Sense of Forgiveness: Moving from Hurt to Hope by Brad Hambrick (published by New Growth Press, 2021). 144 pages. My main disappointment with this is twofold: I was left with too many unanswered questions (e.g., unconditional vs. conditional forgiveness, evidence of forgiveness, differences between forgiveness and wanting justice) and a little too much psychobabble. I know we can learn from psychiatry and psychology when it comes to physiology and studied behaviors, but forgiveness is a :straight up” biblical issue of the heart. I don’t find integrative instruction on an issue like forgiveness to be helpful but distracting from the real issues. I will go elsewhere for help on the subject in the future (e.g., Jay Adams, John MacArthur, Chris Brauns). BOOK RATING: 6 out of 10 stars.

We Will Not Be Silent: Responding Courageously to Our Culture’s Assault on Christianity by Erwin W. Lutzer (published by Harvest House Publishers, 2020). 280 pages. If you like to read books that deal with current social issues from a biblical perspective, I recommend this book. Lutzer tackles social justice, COVID, racial inequality, LGBTQ, transgenderism, freedom of speech, the economy, Islam, etc. I have not read a book by this author and found something I disagreed with. He is insightful; he is biblical; he is pastoral. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Old Evangelicalism: Old Truths for a New Awakening by Iain H. Murray (published by Banner of Truth Trust, 2005). 226 pages. One of the easiest books by this author that I have read. What I mean by “easy” is simple to follow. Many of the chapters are Gospel-themed (e.g., assurance, conversion, the cross, etc.). Throughout the book is sprinkled quoted from Martyn L. Jones, the Puritans, J.C. Ryle, and Charles Spurgeon. It seems like the aim of this book is to demonstrate that these old truths are as relevant today as they have always been, and I believe the author fulfilled his goal. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Other Comforter: Practical Studies on the Holy Spirit by Theodore H. Epp (published by Back to the Bible Publication, 1966). 264 pages. This book had some Charismatic “leanings” when it comes to spiritual gifts, and thus, I am not sure this book was as helpful as I had hoped. Most of the book was a good summary of the ministries of the Holy Spirit but I found the chapters on spiritual gifts and sinning against the Spirit to be confusing. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars.

Descriptions and Prescriptions: A Biblical Perspective on Psychiatric Diagnosis and Medications by Michael R. Emlet (published by New Growth Press, 2017). 102 pages. I am still “a work in progress” when it comes to the use of medications, labels, diagnosis, etc. in the realm of biblical counseling. I acknowledge biological factors when it comes to issues like depression and anxiety and “the like,” but not as the main causes of soul and/or heart issues. This book is an attempt to show balance between the use of medications and biblical counseling, and I believe the author does a pretty good job of that. My preference: more biblical concepts on how and why God uses medications in counseling to be presented more clearly to the reader. But I believe this will be a helpful book going forward. BOOK RATING: 8 out of 10 stars.

Truth Applied: Application in Preaching by Jay E. Adams (published by Ministry Resources Library, 1990). 144 pages. This book is really only going to be helpful to those who are regularly preaching. It’s a “deep dive” into the mechanics and philosophy of applying Scripture. Whether one is engaged in expository or topical or some other form of preaching, the reader will appreciate the practical suggestions for “landing the plane” when it comes to preaching. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

The Difficult Doctrine of the Love of God by D.A. Carson (published by Crossway, 2000). 93 pages. I’m not sure I have ever read a book from this author that was disappointing. While his writing style might stretch the average reader, he is worth reading. This book wrestles with some series theological tensions: God’s sovereignty in salvation, God’s wrath in light of God’s love, the extent of the atonement and he also explains some common distortions of God’s love. I highly recommend reading this short treatise on the love of God. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

The Rating Scale

• 1 star – Awful, awful book. I have already thrown it away and/or burned it. I may have not even finished reading the book.

• 2 stars – The only reason to keep this book is to refer to it as bad theology or to prop other books up on my shelf.

• 3 stars – Frustrating read, couldn’t find much that I enjoyed.

• 4 stars – Will do you more harm than good to read.

• 5 stars – I disagree with significant conclusions but also found agreement in areas of importance.

• 6 stars – Buy this book used. Readers will probably be divided on the value of its contents.

• 7 stars – Not sure if I found the book valuable or not. Need to process more.

• 8 stars – The main points of the book are good, but I don’t always understand how they are supported.

• 9 stars – Hardly noticeable complaints or flaws. A book I recommend for purchase.

• 10 stars – Tremendously helpful. A book that I will read multiple times in my life.