Author: Soong-Chan Rah
Guest Review by Dan MacIntosh
When it comes to politics and Christianity, there is little middle ground. If you believe the news, it would appear as though most evangelical Christians are politically conservative. Then, of course, there is also that sprinkling of Sojourners readers. The rest are—for convenience sake, rather than fairness—categorized as liberals that are, quite honestly, not seen as ‘some of us.’ Soong-Chan Rah is most assuredly an evangelical and unquestionably ‘one of us.’ (And by that I mean he is excited about reaching the world for Christ, rather than preaching some sort of watered down social gospel). [Read More]
Author: Mark Mittelberg
Guest reviewer: Dan MacIntosh
Watching TV ministers apply Bible-thumping tactics when preaching the gospel makes me wonder if these well-meaning preachers have completely forgotten the principle of free will. After all, if somebody becomes a Christian, that choice is entirely up to them, and it’s ill-advised—not to mention impossible—to force-feed Christianity. Well, Mark Mittelberg, who is perhaps best known for writing Becoming a Contagious Christian, feels so strongly about ‘choice,’ he’s included a variation on that term in the title of his latest book, Choosing Your Faith. And his careful approach to evangelism comes off like the soft knocking on a heart’s door, and never leaves any Bible bruises. [Read More]
Author: Andy Andrews
Guest reviewer: Dan MacIntosh
Everybody reacts to crises differently. For some, urgent situations help them focus best. But for others, the heat of the moment causes them to miss obvious solutions. The character “Jones,” in Andy Andrews’ new story, The Noticer, is like that second set of eyes we all wish we had during stressful situations. Throughout this book, Jones acts as a mystery man; one that seemingly appears out of nowhere to help lost souls find their way. Andrews’ work is a reminder that, no matter how confusing life may get, there is always an answer to every question and an escape for any possible trap. [Read More]
Author: Don Piper with Cecil Murphey
Reviewed by Donald L. Hughes
This is the kind of book that would send Bill Maher, comic turned anti-Christian crusader in his film, “Religulous,” to new heights of religious bigotry. I mean, that guy would really hate this book.
Why would this book seem so offensive to people who scoff at the Christian faith? Because it presumes that there is a heaven, that humans can experience it, that miracles occur, and that there is a bond of faith among Christians that transcends normal human experience. [Read More]
Author: Dr. Gary Chapman
Reviewed by Donald L. Hughes
The premise of this book is that people have “love tanks” that are empty in unfulfilled relationships, and that they can be filled by a spouse who knows how to communicate in a way that’s meaningful to the empty person. If this marital prescription seems naive and simplistic to you, then get on the bus.
Dr. Gary Chapman is a seasoned writer, speaker, broadcaster and marriage counselor. His Five Love Languages franchise includes similarly titled books for children, teens and singles. [Read More]
