“Book Reviews: Christianity’s Dangerous Idea - Baptist Standard” plus 3 more |
- Book Reviews: Christianity’s Dangerous Idea - Baptist Standard
- Yemeni literature featured in Banipal magazine - Yemen Observer
- Tumnus’s Bookshelf: The NarniaFans Book Reviews: “God in the Dock ... - Narnia Fans.com
- Pet Trouble Book Reviews - Kidzworld
| Book Reviews: Christianity’s Dangerous Idea - Baptist Standard Posted: 30 Oct 2009 12:55 PM PDT | Christianity's Dangerous Idea: The Protestant Revolution, A History from the 16th Century to the 21st by Alister McGrath (HarperOne) The "dangerous idea" in the title is that every individual has the right and responsibility to interpret the Bible. With no authority to rein in "wayward" thought, opposing sides on controversial issues appeal to the same text but interpret it in very different ways. The spread of this principle has led to remarkable innovation and adaptability, and to cultural incoherence and instability. The author takes a historical journey through this movement born in 16th century Europe on through to America, and beyond to the Southern Hemisphere. But it also is a book that explores doctrines and practices of Protestantism, its interpretation and usage of the Bible, the forms of worship and structures of the churches, its encounter with the sciences and with Western culture. McGrath covers 500 years in 500 pages and only glides across the surface. In many sections, it leaves readers wanting to know more and go deeper. But this is still an excellent introduction to the forces that were unleashed 500 years ago by Martin Luther. Bob Parker, pastor First Baptist Church McGregor
The Inklings of Oxford: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Their Friends, Text by Harry Lee Poe with Photography by James Ray Veneman (Zondervan, 2009) Is The Inklings of Oxford a coffeetable book to be purchased for Jim Veneman's exquisite photographs of an extraordinarily beautiful British university? Or is The Inklings of Oxford a literary work to be bought for Hal Poe's chronicle of the lives of two Oxford products and important 20th century writers—Clive Staples Lewis and John Ronald Reuel Tolkien—and their friends? On the one hand, the pictures of the college town's architecture, gardens, chapels, homes and inhabitants offer inspiration without any text. The serene landscapes suggest settings in which literary genius flourishes. On the other hand, Poe's words trace the friendships, tragedies and triumphs of the Inklings, a group of Christian writers who met regularly in Oxford from the 1930s to the 1960s. In reality, Poe and Veneman accomplish the difficult task of marrying biographies and illustrations of places important to their lives and literature. For lovers of Narnia, Middle-earth or both, The Inklings of Oxford: C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, and Their Friends should be on their Christmas wish or gift lists. Kathy Robinson Hillman, former president Woman's Missionary Union of Texas, Waco
The Unlikely Disciple: A Sinner's Semester at America's Holiest University by Kevin Roose (Grand Central Publishing) This is about as close as you can get to a fast-read book that's both (a) nonfiction and (b) about religion. It's fun and fascinating, as well as provocative yet poignant. Kevin Roose was a student at Brown University when he decided to spend his semester "abroad" studying at Liberty University in Lynchburg, Va. He figured the schools of Europe, where his Ivy League classmates attended, wouldn't seem nearly as foreign to a Quaker-born agnostic as Jerry Falwell's bastion of fundamentalism. The Unlikely Disciple no doubt attracts readers for various reasons. Atheists and agnostics can seek inside information about the Religious Right. Fundamentalists can wonder if their school is strong enough to save an unbeliever. And nonfundamentalist evangelicals most likely question to what degree "Jerry's Kids" are like—or unlike—their own. Roose offers an open-minded, often-sympathetic glimpse into life on the Liberty campus during the last semester of Falwell's life. He shares both surprises and (particularly in the case of faculty) about what you might suspect. Marv Knox, editor Baptist Standard Dallas
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| Yemeni literature featured in Banipal magazine - Yemen Observer Posted: 31 Oct 2009 07:04 AM PDT Yemeni literature featured in Banipal magazineA photo of Old Sana'a decorates the newest issue of Banipal magazine, its 36th issue to date. This most recent publication features an extensive story on the status of Yemeni literature. Banipal is an independent literary magazine, published in English, that features contemporary authors and poets from all over the Arab world. It was founded in 1998 by Margaret Obank and the Iraqi author Samuel Shimon. The article, entitled, "Literature in Yemen Today," includes city and landscape photos by Paola Crociani, and contains some novelists' texts, short stories, and poems by 17 different Yemeni writers and poets. However, the magazine said that it was forced to postpone many of the pieces until the next issue. As for the published pieces, the article contains two short stories, entitled "A Fight to the Finish," written by Bassam Shamseldin, and "The Black Cat," by Yasir Abdel Baqi. In addition, it includes a collection of poems by a number of Yemeni poets such as Dr. Abdel Aziz al-Maqalih, Laila Elhan, Shawqi Shafiq, Fathi Abul Nasr, Mohammad al-Shaibani, Mohammad al-Qaood, Sawsan al-Areeqi, Nabila al-Zubair and Huda Ablan. Excerpts from some Yemeni novels are also included in the Banipal's pages, like excerpts from the novel, The Bird of Destruction, by Dr. Habib Srouri, Black taste, Black smell, by Ali al-Muqri, and an excerpt from the novel, The Tale of Mr. M, by Samir Abdulfattah. Other pieces include excerpts from works by Ahmed Zein, Dr. Nadiah al-Kokabany, and Wajdi al-Ahdal. In addition to publishing the texts themselves, the magazine includes short studies of the stories. Banipal's three issues a year present already-established and new Arab authors and poets. They include poems, short stories, or excerpts from novels, as well as author interviews, profiles and book reviews. Each issue is well illustrated with author photographs and a full color cover, which features prominent Arab artists. Related Content• Yemeni literature featured in Banipal magazine• Lamia al-Eryani's nostalgia: motivation for new book • Total Arts Gallery presents Yemen's rich cultural history • Poets without borders celebrates their day in Yemen • Arbor Day' photography competition announces • Yemeni Folklore House belongings threatened, subject to damages • Al-Afif celebrated al-Sarary's new novel collection • Photography exhibition zooms in on Sana'a • Emotionally abused Yemeni women discussed at al-Afif • 26th Sana'a International Book Fair launches this week This content has passed through fivefilters.org. | ||
| Tumnus’s Bookshelf: The NarniaFans Book Reviews: “God in the Dock ... - Narnia Fans.com Posted: 30 Oct 2009 12:27 PM PDT Hey, everybody! Welcome back to Tumnus's Book Shelf, where we review any and all books buy and about CS Lewis and the land of Narnia. For today's review we will be looking at "God in the Dock" by CS Lewis.
Title: God in the Dock Author: CS Lewis Publisher: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company (October 1994) ISBN-10: 0802808689 ISBN-13: 978-0802808684
Summary: God in the Dock: Essays on Theology and Ethics, is a collection of essays written by CS Lewis over the course of his life that examine a wide range of issues, ranging from the ethical issue of vivisection, to the importance of mythology, to the celebration of Christmas, to the reading of old books, to the still divisive issue of women as clergy. Review God in the Dock is another discussion worthy collection of essays penned by CS Lewis. Much like Christian reflections, God in the Dock, and Of Other Worlds, was published posthumously by the Lewis Estates, collecting several of his essays that he wrote through out his life-time. This book's title comes from the eponymous essay, "God in the Dock". The term comes from the courtroom usage of a trail. The Bench is where the judge sits, while the witness or person accused sits in the dock. In the essay, Lewis argues that in our day in age, we find ourselves examining God in the same way, wondering how a God who is good, and wonderful, and loving and merciful and compassionate can allow things like war , famine, disease, and poverty to exist. It is certainly question that bears asking and that is the very same subject that many of these essays tackle. From essays on pain, to prayer, to the deity of Christ, to the incarnation, Lewis not only examines God and Christianity and touch ethical issues like vivisection. This book also features and essay looking at the issue of Priestesses in the church, written back in 1948, an issue that still remains a hot-button item in many churches as they debate the role of women in the church. Well some of the essays aren't' nearly s divisive, there are three that deal with the subject of Christmas and commercialism, and one on the importance of reading of old books, they all offer some food for thought. A few of the essays are even written in a dialogue style similar to the works of Aristotle and Plato where a "teacher" is having a discussion with a "student". Another satirical essay, "Xmas and Christmas" is written like a lost chapter from a book by the historian Herodotus on the celebration of Christmas in England and brilliantly shows the juxtaposition or the "commercial" holiday versus the "true" holiday. Two other unique essays in this book are the "short bits" which is a collection of essays Lewis started but never completed, and a reprint of a discussion Sherwood E. Wirt of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, that looks at the claims of Christ, the importance of coming to him, space travel, and the then emerging Evangelical movement in America. The Discussion with Mr. Wirt also briefly highlights a meeting between CS Lewis and the Reverend Billy Graham and Lewis's impressions of him. Their certainly are some areas of controversy with this book. Perhaps the most controversial is that he also argues that mythology can help provide a good starting point for those who do not know Christ in his essay "The Grand Myth" as the myths contain many symbols that can point to Christ. Also he warns in his essay, " The Dangers of National Repentance" that national repentance may actually be dangerous, as individuals may neglect to repent of their own personal sins and focus only on the much larger societal ills. In his essay on women clergy he also speaks out against the issue of having them serve in such a position. These areas of controversy are certainly helpful s it can get us honestly talking about such things. While to some there is certainly plenty of material in this book that is covered in some of Lewis's other works, these essays are merely the framework for them. By reading this we get a much fuller picture of some of Lewis' ideas. Once again, Lewis perfectly demonstrates in God in the Dock just why it is he is the undisputed "arm-chair theologian" of the 20th century. His words in these essays are clear, concise, and still thought provoking and just as relevant today as they were when he first wrote them.
41/2 out of 5 shields. Related PostsTags: C.S. Lewis, God in the Dock, Tumnus's Book Shelf This entry was posted on Friday, October 30th, 2009 at 5:14 pm and is filed under C.S. Lewis, C.S. Lewis Books, Tumnus's Book Shelf. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.This content has passed through fivefilters.org. | ||
| Pet Trouble Book Reviews - Kidzworld Posted: 22 Oct 2009 08:22 PM PDT Series: Pet Trouble The Pet Trouble series of books by author T. T. Sutherland is all about dogs who just can't seem to behave themselves! The hilarious books in this series relates the sometimes-complicated love-not-quite-hate-but-close relationship lots of kids have with their pets. Book #1: Runaway Retriever Parker's new golden retriever Merlin is a guy's best friend, with tons of energy for walks and playing catch. And Merlin clearly thinks Parker is the best thing since rawhide bones. There's just one problem. Merlin is an escape artist. No fence is too high, no cage too strong to keep him from following Parker everywhere he goes. Can Parker make Merlin sit – and stay? Book #2: Loudest Beagle On The Block Ella spends all her time inside, practicing her music for the school talent show. But with her new beagle, Trumpet, she's starting to make new friends and see a whole world away from the piano bench. There's just one problem. Every time Ella starts to sing, Trumpet howls. Loudly. If Ella doesn't lose her canine costar, she doesn't stand a chance at the show – but can tone-deaf Trumpet tone it down? Book #3: Mud-Puddle Poodle When she finally gets a dog of her own, Rosie knows it's going to be perfect – unlike everything else in her chaotic house with four crazy brothers. There's just one problem. Buttons hates her fancy dog pillow, but she loves a good, dirty pile of leaves! Rosie's new pet is her complete opposite. Can she ever learn to live with this mess of a dog? Book #4: Bulldog Won't Budge Eric has always wanted a dog. So when a bulldog named Meatball is abandoned at his mother's veterinarian office, Eric is sure it's fate – he can give Meatball a new home! There's just one problem. Meatball is stubborn. And slow. Eric wants to go to the park and play fetch, but Meatball likes to lie in the grass and drool. Is there anything Eric can do to get this bulldog to budge? Book SiteThe Pet Trouble series, about dogs who just can't behave, has its very own website, too! Check it out at www.pet-trouble.com. The site includes all the Pet Trouble books (plus excerpts!), an author bio for T. T. Sutherland, answers to all your pet questions by Sunshine, the author's dog, Sunshine's Friends photo gallery, where you can send in a picture of your own adorable pet, games and quizzes and loads of links to other pet-related sites. Check it out ! Related Stories:> This content has passed through fivefilters.org. | ||
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