Book Review :: Embracing Obscurity by Anonymous

It isn't often that a book arrives by post penned by an anonymous author. The last time that happened? Well, never. So when I was asked to review Embracing Obscurity: Becoming Nothing in Light of God's Everything (B&H Books), I was intrigued, for we exist within a Christian subculture in which those who produce media want to be noticed, whether we are wordsmiths (written or spoken), film makers, or musicians. Bloggers are not immune. In fact, in the blogosphere, vainglory reigns supreme. Platform building, audience, click-throughs, exclusive interviews, and "first reviews" take pride of place. Everyone wants to be famous. In this respect, we aren't much different from the world, and I must confess I know these pains firsthand.

EO begins with a strong declaration of our problem, and a little bit of math. The author writes, "We're intoxicated with a desire to be known, recognized, appreciated, and respected. We crave to be a 'somebody' and do notable things, to achieve our dreams and gain the admiration of others. To be something--anything--other than nothing." Yet, the author notes, on a planet of "Seven billion, twenty five million, four hundred twenty thousand, three hundred ninety," it is difficult to stand out. We are all relatively obscure.

The author names up-front that remaining anonymous in publication is not a gimmick or a hoax, but is a genuine effort to live in accordance with the primary message of this book: embracing obscurity. Humility and lowliness are supreme values for the author, as well as the intention of deflecting glory to a greater source, God himself. The author writes, "It's about making Him, not ourselves, look good." Yet this is a paradox, one that can be seen in the life of Jesus himself, who in his very life gave glory to God in all things, and in succeeding, was elevated to the highest place.

Following a diagnosis of glory-seeking and a declaration of our relative unimportance concerning the broad numerical scope of humanity, EO explores our notions of identity and definition, and our understanding of Jesus as a humble, servant king. EO then expounds a liberating Christian approach to true significance, success, servanthood, and suffering. Lastly, the author examines important concerns such as the mysterious nature of Christian witness, a pastoral admonition for a humble posture if recognition does come, and a brief treatment of our ultimate hope in Christ. Throughout, EO illuminates every point through exposition of the Bible, and remains close to the text.

The overall structure and primary theme of EO is sound and pastorally helpful. If I may borrow a medical analogy, if the diagnosis is obsessive glory-seeking and idol-worship at the altars of fame, success, financial security, beauty, or countless other false gods, this book has the ability to point to the cure of many ills. Why? Because this book points to God as the source of all we have, the one deserving all our glory, and the fount of all dignity and worth.

God is great, and we are but bit-players in his grand drama. Granted, that is an overstatement. And perhaps this is where EO exhibits its shortcomings. In an effort to demonstrate just how obscure, how insignificant and how small we are in comparison the largesse of our world, EO whittles us down too far. When John the Baptist was approached by his disciples concerning the crowds that were leaving him and gravitating toward Jesus, he replied, "He must become greater; I must become less." Not nothing, less. And Jesus, by virtue of his "obedience unto death--even death on a cross" was not relegated to the obscure, but was instead lifted to the highest place, as Paul says in Philippians 2. These themes are explored by EO to a degree (Phil. 2 is a key text for Chapter 3), but the implications for us are not drawn out as well as they could've been.

Human beings have dignity and worth not because of what we do or achieve, but because we are first created in God's image (Gen. 1:27) and are being restored by virtue of Christ's work on the cross (2 Cor. 5:17, amplified by the argument in 2 Cor. 1-4). We are being "made new" by virtue of Christ's life, death, and resurrection, and through the power available to us through faith in him. We are, therefore, of inestimable worth.

We may be obscure in relation to the relative population of the earth, but we are not obscure to the One who really counts (a point made in Chapter 4, "Embracing Significance", but not carried strongly enough throughout). We are being redeemed and remade in to something that exceeds all we dare imagine. Instead of "embracing obscurity," we are called to embrace Christ, in whose eyes we are already famous, not because of anything we have done, but because of what he has done so that we might be made his possession (Hebrews 12:1-2). Embracing Christ leads to a life of humility, of lowliness, of service to others, for we have first been humbled and brought low in our calling to serve Christ the King.

Humility, hiddenness, full commitment, service to others, secrecy, peace, and contentment are all needed in greater supply for those in Christ. The writer of EO and I are in agreement that those resources are available. This book points a way, and should be read critically and with care. As I said, many admonitions here can be helpful, but need further nuance.

It may be that my differences with the author of EO boil down to semantics and rhetorical presentation, and are therefore differences of degree, not kind. As a charitable reader, I would like to think so. But in charity, I also must say the points emphasized above were not made strongly nor consistently enough. I believe that "becoming nothing" or "embracing obscurity" are themes that depart from robust thinking on what it means for us to be redeemed and sanctified, and thus are in need of redefinition, or a different scaffolding, if they are to stand.

This does not mean that another book must be written, but that this book must be complemented by the witness of a community, a group of friends. Pick it up and discuss it with other Christians, and you will profit.

Short Book Review :: Grace by Max Lucado

If you search for a definition of grace using Google, the Christian meaning comes in fourth place, and in fifth. The Christian meaning is outpaced by elegance, courtesy and politeness. What a scandal.

Grace, as a doctrine, stands at the center of any well developed Christian theology. In an oft-quoted remark, Dallas Willard once said that the saints "burn grace like jet-fuel." Those redeemed in Christ have encountered grace, been embraced by grace, and are empowered by grace. Grace is a word that most fully captures the posture of God towards humankind, evidenced most fully in the person and work of Jesus Christ. To understand grace is to understand the gospel, for the announcement of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection is a message of grace--God giving us more than we deserve, demonstrating more love for us "than we ever dared hope." Christians are saved by grace, and should live by grace. If more did, perhaps, the unmerited favor and love that has typified Christianity's leading lights might sooner come to mind.

Max Lucado is one pastor who, for many years, has understood grace. His writings and his life have been permeated by the unmerited favor of God, and grace issues from every pore. His latest book, Grace: More Than We Deserve, Greater Than We Imagine, is exceptional, filled with clear Bible exposition and illuminating pastoral examples. It is an inspirational book, meant to deepen love for God, and bring clarity to an important concept for all Christians.

Lucado is transparent in this book. He writes of health struggles and family problems with alcoholism. Lucado's broken abstinence from alcohol, and his sudden fixation on taking private drinks in convenience-store parking lots, is the most surprising story of the book. He writes of the respectability of his position as a pastor, the strange desire for alcohol that overtook his life, the confession to other leaders of sin, and the process of forgiveness, accountability, and reconciliation. Lucado understands his need for grace, and this story is but one example.

Grace concludes with a study guide, helpful for groups or individuals who desire to reflect upon and explore the various Bible stories and illustrations Lucado weaves together to teach of God's love, the character of grace, the way of forgiveness, our release from fear, and our growth as disciples. And if Grace, as a book, does have any drawbacks, it is the relative brevity of Lucado's meditations, accompanied by the study guide, placed together to merit sale as a hardback. I read the heart of the book over the course of one day, and while I enjoyed what was offered, more could have been written.

For those searching for a good book to discuss with others about the nature and substance of the love of God, Lucado's writings will edify and inspire. Reminders of God's grace are found here in plenty; praise be to God.

Short Book Review :: Crafting a Rule of Life by Stephen A. Macchia

The Christian spiritual life, all too often, appears to be abstract, disjointed, lacking unity and cohesion. All too often, our pursuit of God is segmented from the "everyday, ordinary life," rather than encompassed within it. We regard God as something for "over there", whether "over there" happens to be a Sunday School, a church building, a soup kitchen, or a mission field. We do not think of the realm of the with-God life as being the ordinary, the routine, the normal happenstance that fill our days and hours, which is, in reality, the arena of faithfulness.

Stephen Macchia, in his book Crafting a Rule of Life: An Invitation to the Well-Ordered Way , provides a remedy for this common way of thinking, a counter-narrative for those lost, confused, and lacking direction in how best to follow after Jesus Christ. Borrowing wisdom that spans the work of the Spirit across history and searches out nuggets from various nooks and crannies of the Kingdom, this book will guide you through a step-by-step reflection that, with the help of God, can lead to the development of a comprehensive vision for growth in the Christian spiritual life.

Here are five valuable benefits I received from this book:

1. In crafting a rule of life, we must first look closely and carefully at the life God has given us, including our relationships, our gifts, our desires, our personal vision, and our sense of mission or ultimate purpose in life.
2. "Time, Trust, Temple, Treasure, and Talent" are helpful categories for understanding various arenas for faithfulness to God. We must grow and develop in our spiritual, relational, physical, financial, and missional priorities in order to be good stewards of the time God has given us on earth.
3. Community is vital for growth in the development of the Christian spiritual life. Macchia has a love and appreciation for the church, which renewed my own love for Christ's body.
4. In developing a rule, examples of faithfulness can be found throughout history. This diversity is a beautiful evidence of the expansiveness of God's kingdom. Macchia quotes from Adoniram Judson, Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, Benedict of Nursia, and Phillis Wheatley.
5. Questions are often more helpful than "how-to". Macchia does a delightful job of guiding the reader through questioning, and the book itself provides space for writing reflections.

In addition to these five benefits, each chapter includes a biblical exploration that builds a strong foundation for the aspect of crafting a rule Macchia explores. You are never left wondering how this might connect to Scripture.

We all long for a thriving, vibrant life with God that transcends the ethereal and invades the everyday. This book will help. Pick it up.

Book Review :: The Mormonizing of America by Stephen Mansfield

I must confess, I do not know much about the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. But in the past two months I have been asked directly if I have read certain books on Mormon religious belief, and I have had the opportunity to review two of these books directly. In the past year, I have been asked an increased number of questions by teenagers about the LDS Church. Anecdotally, it appears that interest in the Mormon religion is accelerating; this presidential election will likely push that trend.

For this reason, I'm thankful for Stephen Mansfield's survey, The Mormonizing of America: How the Mormon Religion Became Became a Dominant Force in Politics, Entertainment, and Pop Culture. It isn't often that a book combines masterful storytelling, compelling personal narrative, religious history and academic scholarship in a prosaic style that is propulsive, driving you forward from chapter to chapter, streaking around the corner, anticipating what comes next. But this book was my constant companion, in just this way, for the first 72 hours I had it in my possession. I was eager to read, eager to learn, eager to see what Mr. Mansfield had to report. The LDS Church was, and is, interesting.

Mansfield's book takes the reader through the history of the LDS Church. We learn of Joseph Smith, his life, times, family background, and cultural setting. We are told of the Golden Plates, their translation, and the unique American elements that contributed to the rise of the LDS movement. Mansfield then provides insight in to the modern LDS family, their beliefs, their communities, and the particularities that have caused them to thrive. Mansfield also investigates the problems modern Mormons face as a religious tradition, such as historical credibility as it relates to The Book of Mormon, LDS speculation on the origins of early American people groups, and tensions that have mounted between the LDS Church and Protestant Christian groups. Also, Mansfield provides an easy to follow Mormon chronology, and a helpful summation of basic Mormon beliefs.

As someone who loves religious history and good writing, this book was as enjoyable and informative as any other I have read. There is much here for the layperson and the scholar, written with enough simplicity to be comprehended by a broad audience, but enough sophistication to be challenging for someone with an advanced knowledge of the LDS people.

Very helpful. I recommend this book, strongly.

NOTE: I received this book in exchange for a review.

Short Book Review :: Empty Promises by Pete Wilson

I approach book reviews according to this truism: "Evaluate a book according to what it is, not what it would be if penned by a different author, at a different time, with a different intent." Empty Promises: The Truth About You, Your Desires, and the Lies You're Believing is written for those today chasing false gods, and challenges all to find the only God that can truly satisfy: God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.

Other books have been written on the topic of idolatry and the Christian response to the lures of money, sex, and power. Some of them are academic or spiritual classics, and Rev. Wilson quotes from them. But Rev. Wilson is a pastor, living today in Nashville, with a compassionate voice that is in tune with the lives of his people. As a work of practical, contemporary, pastoral theology, Empty Promises lives up to its billing. It accomplishes its purpose, and does so effectively, clearly, and with love. The illustrations are situated in our own time and circumstances; thus the book is timely. But the biblical treatments, which thread through each chapter and provide remedies for sinful maladies like pride, vanity, and works righteousness are sound and helpful for people of any time or place.

If you are someone who struggles with image consciousness, approval-addiction, power mongering, unbridled lust, vanity, or greed, this book provides a pastoral answer: worship God. Let God be the object of your every desire, and let every other desire fall in to proper place. This book provides a vision, amplifying the vision of Scripture itself, with the proper focus being Jesus Christ, the one who came to rescue us from every destructive desire, to smash our idols, and release us to experience the freedom that comes with knowing the God of all love.

NOTE: I received this book via Thomas Nelson's BookSneeze in exchange for a review. Learn more about Pete Wilson and his ministry by clicking here.

Monday Give Away :: Chris Webb's The Fire of the Word

This week I'm giving away Chris Webb's The Fire of the Word: Meeting God on Holy Ground (Renovare Resources).  You can read my review here.

For a shot, answer this question in the comments:

What is one verse or short passage of Scripture that carries a particular significance for you?

A winner will be chosen Friday and the copy will be on the way next week.

Also, please check out my other give away that runs through tomorrow.

Thanks to the people at IVP for providing the copy for this give away.

Blessings!

Book Review :: The Fire of the Word by Chris Webb

The Bible is a difficult, complex, and multi-layered book. It consists of two testaments, the Old and New, and was penned by numerous authors, with a long history of interpretation, and a longer history of transformation. It has been pondered by scholars and laypersons alike, and the resulting fruit has ranged from profound to commonplace holiness. It is regarded by faithful Christians as the inspired and authoritative Word of God, making wise for salvation and good for equipping every man and woman to live in accordance with righteousness.

There is no greater book than the Bible. But how do we read? How do we read this great, difficult, complex, and multi-layered book? To read it well we are in need of reliable guides. We are in need of the church, the communion of saints. Chris Webb is one such voice, and in his book, The Fire of the Word, we encounter a companion for our journey, a reliable guide who can help us to read the Bible for transformation.

Chris Webb's prose is tremendous. I have rarely encountered someone who has written so lucidly on the Bible and its role in spiritual formation. He takes the text seriously, and punctuates his grand claims for the transformative nature of its contents with illustrations that range the centuries in accessible, powerful language. Webb's book is designed to be devoured slowly, much like Scripture itself, for each chapter concludes with recommended readings from the Bible that illuminate the concepts and ideas Webb desires to impart. The design is practical, allowing for a multi-level impact on the reader.

As a Renovare resource, this shouldn't come as a surprise. Renovare is dedicated to pulling together diverse streams within Christianity, taking the best from each in order to bring about spiritual renewal. This book is intended to help the reader think about the Bible in terms of theory and practice at diverse levels, though skewing contemplative. Webb offers varying meditations on how we best listen to God through the reading of Scripture, whether it be through lectio divina or other ancient practices. And he provides excellent examples that enlighten the reader, helping them to see that Scripture is always intended to lead us to the knowledge and worship of God. The Bible always points beyond itself, intending to bring us in to contact with the one who inspired it, so that we might be transformed to become like him.

For those seeking a treatise on the doctrine of Scripture, or an exposition of the exact manner we may speak of the Bible as being inspired, you will not find such an account here. You will have to turn elsewhere for such a treatment. There is only a gloss given to the concerns surrounding the doctrine of biblical inspiration as it is articulated from both the right and the left. Webb isn't concerned with that war. He is concerned with our souls, and the manner by which the words of Scripture take root in our bodies, transforming us, renewing our minds, directing our hands. While some may consider this a point of weakness, I would brand it a strength. That discussion can be more profitably had elsewhere. Webb's business is different.

As someone who loves the Bible, I thoroughly loved this book. It has inspired my love for God. I believe, therefore, that Webb accomplished his intention, to help his reader gain a passion for the Written Word in such a way that inspires greater love for the Incarnate Word, Jesus Christ. Mr. Webb writes, "As you open the Bible, Jesus is present. If your reading leads you to him, you're doing it right."

Amen.

Book Review :: 25 Books Every Christian Should Read

Christianity is a treasure trove of wisdom.  But, as the book of Proverbs tells us, wisdom must be sought.  And, again as in the book of Proverbs, it is helpful when we are supplied with father and mother figures who would point us the way, who would instruct us in wisdom so that we might learn, develop, prosper, and grow.  25 Books Every Christian Should Read: A Guide to the Essential Spiritual Classics is a guide, compiled by wise and thoughtful Christian leaders, who seek to introduce us to those who have helped countless Christians be spiritually formed in the way of Jesus.

The structure of 25 Books is simple.  After a word of introduction concerning methodology and the layout of each chapter, as well as a helpful, critical exposition concerning the logic of how and why each work is selected, 25 Books proceeds chronologically from Athanasius to Henri Nouwen, providing historical background for each work or its author, a justification for why that work is essential, guidelines for reading the selection, an excerpt, and discussion or reflection questions that can be used by individuals or small groups.

The selections that are included are all strong recommendations--I have read 12 of the 25 books from start to finish myself, and am familiar with the other 13 selections, having read parts or quotations from each in other works.  The books also reflect a diversity across the Christian tradition.  There are books compiled by Catholics and the Eastern Orthodox.  There are theologians (Calvin) and philosophers (Pascal) and practitioners (Brother Lawrence).  There is both story (Bunyan, Dostoevsky) and poetry (Dante, Gerard Manley Hopkins).  There are men and women (Teresa of Avila, Julian or Norwich), though more men than women, not including the anonymous texts.  There is also more ideological and geographical diversity than might be supposed--though many of these authors might come from the "Western tradition", many preceded globalization and cultural homogenization.

"Best of" or "Should Read" or "Must see" lists are notorious for being incomplete, and their compilation always leads to debate, as it should.  For as soon as the cut off line is established, it is inevitable that a number of selections will be left waiting near the precipice, looking on and wondering why they have been excluded so that another might be included.  What differentiates one from another?  Why is this book or record or movie or experience deemed worthy, while that one has not?  And oftentimes it is the case that this type of debate can be just as productive and fruitful as the discussion of those authors or artists or works that have been included.

I make this point only to say that there are fair and unfair criticisms that have been levied regarding 25 Books.  There are those that may say that the selections given do not represent enough diversity, even among the contemporary authors included at the back.  In addition to recommending lighting a candle before cursing the darkness by providing their own recommendations, I would note that among those listed I see Russians and French and Spanish mystics.  I see British, German, and American authors.  I see Protestant, Catholic, and Eastern Orthodox voices.  And I also see a number of women on the editorial board who compiled these selections, and were surely afforded by the board itself a great deal of sway.  There are also a number of "Top 5" lists scattered throughout the book from voices like Emile Griffin and Brenda Quinn, in addition to Ron Sider and Richard Foster and James Bryan Smith.  There are men and women that helped shape this book, from a number of different traditions.  The inclusion of The Desert Fathers and Augustine also allow for ancient Eastern or African voices to be included--Hippo, or present day Annaba, is located in Algeria.

A dear friend of mine has noted that this list "skews contemplative."  But of course!  The list has been compiled by Renovare, an organization that is known for pushing the church toward soul transformation, mining the riches of the Christian tradition for all it is worth, and sharing its treasures.  And while there is some truth to this charge, it is hard to say that Augustine or Calvin, Bonhoeffer or even C.S. Lewis have been favorites of contemplatives.  Granted, Confessions has been read as more of a devotional book, but Augustine's prose has been invaluable for the intellectual development of the church on doctrines such as human anthropology and sin, God's sovereignty, and grace.

There are books that I would have preferred to be included, such as selections from the Standard Sermons of John Wesley, or excerpts from the Summa Theologica of Thomas Aquinas.  I'd also contend that Brian McLaren does not merit conclusion on the list of contemporary authors who should be read, having read and discussed in detail most everything he has ever published.  But as I've noted above, these lists must stop somewhere, and the exclusion of some provides a good contrast for the inclusion of others.

I recommend this book as a "library builder", a helpful companion that points toward resources that are indispensable for every Christian library.  It is not an "end all" list, but a beginning point for conversation.  The discussion questions are solid, and the historical background is helpful.  The underlying point that Christians should read for spiritual formation is undeniable, and all that is discovered within this book's pages is worthy of passing on to other Christians, or even those considering the Christian faith.

Solid resource, excellent selections, worthy of discussion, and trustworthy as a guide to authors and books that will build your soul.