Know the Creeds and Councils by Justin Holcomb

Know the Creeds and Councils by Justin Holcomb ISBN-13: 9780310515098 Paperback: 192 pages Publisher: Zondervan Released: April 29, 2014

Source: Review copy from the publisher through BookLook.com.

Book Description from Back Cover:
In every generation, the Christian church must interpret and restate its bedrock beliefs, answering the challenges and concerns of the day. This accessible overview walks readers through centuries of creeds, councils, catechisms, and confessions - not with a dry focus on dates and places, but with an emphasis on the living tradition of Christian belief and why it matters for our lives today.

Know the Creeds and Councils is designed for personal study or classroom use, but also for small groups and Sunday schools wanting to more deeply understand the foundations of the faith. Each chapter covers a key statement of faith and includes a discussion of its historical context, a simple explanation of the statement’s content and key points, reflections on contemporary and ongoing relevance, and discussion questions.


My Review:
Know the Creeds and Councils is a summary of the historical discussions around what Christians believe. This wonderful, short book very effectively communicates the information. A layman--even a teenager--can understand the issues being discussed and why they were and are important. The author did an excellent job at defining (and continuing to define) theological words and explaining complex theological issues in an understandable way. I think this would be a great study for high school- or college-age church groups.

The book description very accurately describes the book. The author moved through history, from the first known creed ("I believe...") to recent meetings that issued statements of belief. He doesn't cover every council, but he picked important ones that give an idea of the discussions going on at the time and how they were resolved. He explained the main issues being discussed, why it was an issue, what statements of belief came from the meeting, and why it's relevant to us today. He also included some discussion questions at the end of each chapter.

I'd recommend this resource to those interested in knowing more about the history behind certain doctrinal statements, especially those people intimidated by "theology" or "doctrine" books. (Note: This book doesn't cover the Scriptural basis for the various beliefs, which probably should be studied first so you know why you believe what you believe.)


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

The Spirit of Hinduism by David Burnett

The Spirit of Hinduism by David Burnett ISBN-13: 978-0825461101 Trade Paperback: 304 pages Publisher: Monarch Books Released: August 15, 2007

Source: Bought through Half.com.

Book Description from Goodreads.com:
Hinduism is a complex faith, rooted in the Indian subcontinent and finding many forms of expression. David Burnett brings together a vast array of information concerning the history of Hinduism, the role of various deities, the nature of Hindu worship, the role of ghosts and spirits, and more. This new edition includes updated text and added Web-based resources for every chapter, along with learning objectives and topics for discussion.


My Review:
The Spirit of Hinduism is a book describing the development of different religious ideas found in Hinduism throughout its history. The author started back before recorded history and discussed the writings and developments made at different times. Since Hinduism seems to borrow religious ideas from any religion it comes into contact with, it almost seemed like it'd be easier to describe what it isn't than what it is.

I wanted to know how a Hindu lives out his faith--as in, how it effects or influences his everyday life--and how a Christian could effectively communicate what we believe to a Hindu. I don't feel like this book really helped with that. It did have some interfaith discussion questions and occasionally compared Hindu beliefs to Christian or Muslim beliefs. But generally the author tried to approach Hinduism from a non-critical viewpoint (as in, not questioning the beliefs). It was also focused more on what was taught than on how it's actually lived out.

While I probably understand Hinduism better now, I'm not sure I'm any better prepared to talk religion with a modern Hindu. This probably wasn't the ideal book for my intent as it's more about Hindu thought throughout history than modern Hindu ideas which I might actually encounter.

Update: I've read a few "what various religions believe" books now that tried to explain Hinduism. I realized that they were so simplifying the religion that they weren't much help. This book gave me a foundational understanding, and I probably just need to talk with any Hindu I come across about what variation they believe and go from there. So, in the end, I think this was a more useful book than I'd originally thought.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Candle Bible Handbook by Terry Jean Day, Carol Smith

Candle Bible Handbook by Terry Jean Day, Carol Smith ISBN-13: 9781859855867 Paperback: 239 pages Publisher: Candle Books Released: March 14, 2014

Source: Review copy from the publisher.

Book Description from Goodreads:
Travel through Bible history with this comprehensible exploration of the Bible, following the key narratives from Genesis to Revelation. Perfect as a child's first Bible reference, he will travel through Bible lands and times and discover how the people lived: the foods they ate, the homes they occupied, the clothes they wore, and the work they performed. There are sections of study questions throughout to further learning, as well as glossaries and FAQs to help understanding.


My Review:
Candle Bible Handbook is a Bible handbook that is suitable for children and adults. Certain events were summarized in a vague way to make it suitable for children (as in, Esther is 'entered in a contest'). The handbook did a good job of summarizing events, including how God interacted with His people.

There were many full-color photographs, maps, and drawings to illustrate important things or what an event might have looked like. There were colorful 3D "overview" illustrations of various cities, like Jerusalem at various times, Ephesus, Rome, and Athens, and of places like the Tabernacle Tent, Solomon's Temple, Herod's Temple, synagogues, and villages. I thought that the pictures were well-chosen and well-done.

For each book of the Bible, we're given an outline of what happened in which chapters, a summary of the main events in the book, information on some unusual things mention in that book, frequently asked questions about certain events (with brief answers), repeated themes in the book to look for when reading it, and several Study Questions to help bring out important points in that book. There's also a Who's Who and a glossary in the back.

The handbook focused on what is actually in the Bible rather than on speculation or controversy about that book of the Bible. I think most Christians would find this a useful, engaging handbook. I'd recommend this handbook to anyone wanting a basic Bible handbook, especially for tween- or teenagers.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Arms Open Wide by Sherri Gragg

Arms Open Wide by Sherri Gragg ISBN-13: 9781400323463 Hardcover: 224 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson Released: May 6, 2014

Source: Review copy from the publisher though BookLook.com.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Sherri writes in fictional narrative form while mixing biblical history with scripture, creating a setting that transforms readers back in time and places them right in Jesus’ presence. For thirty-five days readers walk with the Savior to witness miraculous healings and events, and give fresh insight into His power by thinking and feeling with people whose lives became instantly transformed by His love and grace.

Readers journey with Jesus and His disciples in the most important time in history. Hearts will be stirred and lives will be changed as readers draw near and walk with the Savior as never before.


My Review:
Arms Open Wide is a 35-day devotional that truly has you spending time with Jesus. Each devotional started with a quote from the Old Testament related to or which is fulfilled in the gossip passage. The author then took an event from the gospels and filled in cultural background and fictional elements to create a narrative. You're directed to read the Bible account and then a fictional recounting of the event as seen through the eyes of a person whose life was transformed by an encounter with Jesus. The author invites you to be transformed along with them, offering a heart-felt prayer that relates to how the "viewpoint character" was changed.

I liked that the author focused on Jesus and that she stayed true to the Biblical accounts. And it's a unique and enjoyable way to learn Bible background information that provides further insights into a passage. I'd recommend this excellent devotional.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

Healing the Wounds of Trauma by Margaret Hill

Healing the Wounds of Trauma by Margaret Hill, Harriet Hill, Richard Bagge, Pat Miersma ISBN-13: 9781937628147 Trade Paperback: 116 pages Publisher: American Bible Society Released: 2013

Source: Bought through Amazon.

Book Description, Modified from Amazon:
This book offers a practical approach to engaging the Bible and mental health principles to find Gods healing for wounds of the heart. This provides a strong foundation for restored lives and relationships. It is a resource for leaders in churches and NGOs who care for people who have suffered horrific events like war, civil unrest, ethnic conflict, rape, and natural disasters. It will also help individuals struggling with suffering.

It provides core mental health principles within a biblical framework, an approach that has been field tested since 2001 with leaders from Catholic, Orthodox, Protestant, and independent churches. It has been adapted into more than 150 languages and cultures around the world. It is designed for use in groups and written in simple and non-technical language. Each lesson begins with a story depicting its topic, followed by discussion questions and participatory exercises. The book includes 270 Bible references from 217 passages. This is the core book of the Trauma Healing Institute at American Bible Society.


My Review:
Healing the Wounds of Trauma is about healing from trauma using Scripture. It's designed to be used in a group setting, either in a large group that periodically breaks into smaller groups or in a small group. It can also be read by pastors to prepare them for what to do or say when confronted with someone dealing with trauma.

Each lesson started with a story about someone in Bingola who experienced trauma. The book then guided discussion about similar situations and used the Bible to find answers. This resource is designed to be used all over the world, so they encourage people to read the verses in the native language either from Bibles or booklets with the verses in the native language. The lessons included skits, group discussions, and symbolic activities.

The book had several lessons, but some lessons may not be relevant to the trauma experienced by that community and so won't be used. The topics covered were: why is there suffering, how can our wounded hearts heal, the stages of grief, helping traumatized children, helping victims of rape, dealing with people who have HIV/AIDS, helping caregivers, take your pain to the cross, how can we forgive others, and living as Christians in the midst of conflict.

The lessons stay very focused by using a few, well-chosen verses to make their point rather than doing an extensive Bible study. All of the lessons are intended to be covered in one or two days. Most of that time will probably be spent in discussion, applying the lesson to their specific circumstances. I can see that this would be a good resource to help people in areas of conflict or who suffered from natural disasters. It can also apply to individual-level (rather than community-wide) trauma. I'd recommend this resource to those who minister in these situations.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.

Thirty Days in the Land with Jesus by Charles H. Dyer

Thirty Days in the Land with Jesus by Charles H. Dyer ISBN-13: 9780802402844 Paperback: 256 pages Publisher: Moody Publishers Released: March 21, 2012

Source: Bought through Half.com.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Take a spiritual journey through the Holy Word and the Holy Land guided by renowned expert and author Dr. Charles Dyer. Complemented by vivid, full-color photography, each day draws new insight and inspiration from the ancient sites that framed the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ. Your understanding of the person, work, and words of Jesus Christ takes on an added dimension with this day by day exploration of the world in which He walked.


My Review:
Thirty Days in the Land with Jesus is a 30-day devotional on the life of Christ that explores the land and the culture. The author often described each day's "stop" on our "tour of the Holy Land" in such vivid detail so that I felt like I could see the setting of each event. He followed the events in the life of Christ from birth to after the resurrection. He gave insights into how the geography surrounding the event can deepen our understanding of that event. Though he sometimes mentioned the different ideas people have about an event, he kept his focus on what we do know rather than getting sidetracked in speculation or debate.

There were nice, full-color pictures of the different places and of things like a manger when discussing Jesus' birth. I've been to the Holy Land and read many Bible background books, but I still enjoyed this devotional and learned some new things. Overall, I'd highly recommend this devotional.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.

When Helping Hurts by Corbett & Fikkert

When Helping Hurts, Expanded Edition by Steve Corbett & Brian Fikkert ISBN-13: 9780802457066 Trade Paperback: 288 pages Publisher: Moody Publishers Released: 2009; April 20, 2012

Source: Borrowed a friend's copy.

Book Description, Modified from Back Cover:
Churches and individual Christians typically have faulty assumptions about the causes of poverty, resulting in the use of strategies that do considerable harm to poor people and themselves. This book is a must read to help create an effective and holistic ministry to the poor.

The book covers essential steps like assessing a situation to see if relief, rehabilitation, or development is the best response to a situation. The authors explain the advantages of an "asset based" approach rather than a "needs based" approach. Short term mission efforts are addressed and economic development strategies appropriate for North American and international contexts are presented, including microenterprise development.

Questions at the beginning and end of each chapter assist in applying the material. This expanded version includes a new chapter to further explain how to apply the book's principles to your situation.


My Review:
When Helping Hurts explores how current methods of helping the poor might do more harm than good to everyone involved. They also explore methods that can be more helpful long-term.

The authors believe the Bible's explanation of what's wrong with this world. They recognize and explain how a person's worldview can be a part of what is keeping them in poverty, so it's essential to teach a correct worldview based on the Bible for lasting change. (For example, if you worship rats and therefore won't stop them from eating your stored grain, then teaching you ways to grow more grain won't really help.)

I came to some of their same conclusions long ago. They explain how poverty is not solely a lack of possessions or money, though that is a result of the problem. You need to take the time to understand the culture and the situation rather than assuming you know what they need. It's about listening--about relationships and mindsets. It's not something you can fix with a handful of money and a few hours of your time.

They talk about the problems with current methods of poverty alleviation and how other approaches work better. They explain how to apply these principles in various situations, though they give the most detail in their American poor outreach examples. They talk about what we've done wrong--the authors, too--but how not getting things perfect shouldn't stop us from trying. They do talk about the problems with short-term mission trips and similar methods, but they also explain how these methods might be modified to create more positive, long-term impact for everyone involved.

Overall, I'd recommend that everyone read this book just so that they can get be exposed to other ways of thinking. I'd especially recommend it to those involved with missions and outreaches who are open to trying new approaches or to considering that there might be better ways to help the poor.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt: Read an excerpt using Google Preview.