Book Blurbs: October 2020

Liberating Black Theology: The Bible and the Black Experience in America by Anthony B. Bradley (published by Crossway, 2010). 206 pages. If you want to know why movements like Black Lives Matter endorse Marxist thinking, then this book will be a good help to you. By reading this book, you can also have a better understanding of why traditional black theology interprets Scripture through a liberation worldview. This book is a good place to start if you are trying to understand Jeremiah Wright and James Cone, and why they make the provocative statements they do. It is the simplest and most accessible book on black theology that I know of. BOOK RATING: 10 out of 10 stars.

Charles Simeon by H.C.G. Moule (published by Forgotten Books, 2012). 276 pages. Charles Simeon had holy grit. He spent the first 10+ years at Trinity Church being refused the opportunity to preach to his congregation without persecution from leaders within his congregation. He had to earn their respect. And God still used him – for 54 years he led Trinity Church in Cambridge. The writing style of this author was not easy to follow, even though I came across enough information about Simeon that I am thankful I read the book. Unfortunately, one of the major distractions of reading this book is the quality of the pages and prints. It looks like the publisher took an old copy of this, photocopied pages for a new publication, but then didn’t fix any inconsistencies when it came to fonts sizes being different or blurry copies. It was a major distraction. I would recommend anyone looking to learn more about this persevering pastor to find another resource. BOOK RATING: 7 out of 10 stars.

Experiencing the Truth: Bringing the Reformation to the African-American Church by Anthony J. Carter (published by Crossway, 2008). 187 pages. This a good book that shows some of the common theological and ecclesiology weaknesses of the average black church, but it also elevates their stereotypical strengths and what other churches can learn from black churches. It is a call for doctrinal deepening and an abandonment of the influence of liberalism in the black church. You will be intrigued and helped by discussions on preaching, music styles, etc. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Pulpit Aflame edited by Joel R. Beeke and Dustin W. Benge (published by Reformation Heritage, 2016). 184 pages. What you will discover in this book are essays on preaching in honor of Steven Lawson. I am not sure why Lawson was being honored in such a manner, but the essays that cover topics such as homiletics, shepherding, exposition, God’s glory, Jesus’ cross and the power of the Holy Spirit are fitting for a gifted preacher like Lawson. This book is mostly of benefit for those whose primary task is to preach God’s Word or those who aspire to preach and teach on a regular basis. Authors that contributed articles include the editors of the book, John MacArthur, R.C. Sproul, Derek Thomas, Albert Mohler, Sinclair Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, John Murray, Michael Haykin, Iain Campbell, Geoffrey Thomas, and Conrad Mbewe. BOOK RATING: 9 out of 10 stars.

Ask the Question: Why We Must Demand Religious Clarity from Our Presidential Candidates by Stephen Mansfield (published by Baker Books, 2016). 184 pages. We should expect that our nation’s leaders are able to articulate the reasons for their faith. Why? Because faith informs the policies they promote. Therefore, we are better voters if we are better informed of their religious beliefs and practices. This book does a good job of showing why these matters are important. By looking at the religious claims of men like George W. Bush, Barack Obama, John F. Kennedy, Abraham Lincoln, and Ronald Reagan, along with women like Hilary Clinton, the author is helpful in giving us “food for thought” on the how religion and politics work together. BOOK RATING: 6 out of 10 stars.

The Rating Scale

1 star – Awful, awful 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.

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