Book Reviews . Volume 02 | Issue 01

Book Notices

Angry People…and What We Can Learn from Them, Warren W. Wiersbe, Baker Books. In this book, our contributing editor reveals some surprising insights about anger. Using Scripture and the saints (including Moses, David, Jonah and Jesus) he examines anger in all its forms, showing how it worked for good or bad. This book was previously published as Angry People: Understanding and Overcoming Anger.

The New Encyclopedia of Christian Martyrs, Compiled by Mark Water, Baker Books. This is an excellent resource that records Christian martyrdom over the last two thousand years. The contents are arranged chronologically and divided into five parts: Bible martyrs, martyrs under the Roman Empire, martyrs from the 5th to the 15th centuries, martyrs from the Reformation era, and martyrs from the 17th to the 20th century.

Whatever Happened to the Reformation? Gary L. Johnson and R. Fowler White, editors, P & R Publishing. This book is a call by the editors and others to return to our Reformation roots.

Amazing Faith: The Authorized Biography of Bill Bright, Michael Richardson, Waterbrook Press. Probably no layman in the 20th century has influenced more churches and Christians than Bill Bright. As founder of Campus Crusade for Christ, this ministry has exposed billions with the gospel. The 33 chapters give insights into the significant events and projects of his life.

If you aren’t acquainted with Dr. Joel A. Freeman, internationally known Christian counselor, lecturer and author, one way to remedy that deficiency is to watch his courageous and helpful video series Dealing With God’s People Who Drive You Crazy. It’s produced by The Freeman Institute, 1103 Burkhardt Lane, Sovern, MA 21144-2800. There are two two-hour videos in the package, plus a helpful workbook. Dr. Freeman not only describes these problem people but he tells you why they do what they do and how you can protect yourself and your time by knowing how to meet them. You can use this series with your pastoral staff and anybody else in the church who is called upon to help problem people who seem to enjoy their problems. (However, don’t use the series with your entire church membership unless you are planning to resign.) Dr. Freeman knows the Lord, knows people, knows his field and knows his Bible. He also knows what pastors go through and the kind of help they need. The video series retails for only $79.99. Write the Freeman Institute or check their Web Site at joel@freemaninstitute.com.

“Salvation is of the Jews” (John 4:22). We all know that. We also know that believing Gentiles have been grafted into the olive tree, Israel, as Paul explained in Romans 11. But what does this mean to the church and its ministry and how does all of this work out in our relationship to God’s people Israel? For some solid theology and practical wisdom in this area, read Our Father Abraham: Jewish Roots of the Christian Faith, by Marvin R. Wilson (Eerdmans). Dr. Wilson is Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Gordon College. As you read, you will be amazed at how much you will learn about Old Testament stories that are very familiar to you, and you will gain new insights into ancient Jewish life as well as Jewish life today. This is a theological handbook as well as a practical pastoral manual. Highly recommended.

How We Die, by Sherwin B. Nuland (Random House/Vintage Books), is one doctor’s sympathetic explanation of what happens to people physically when they die. It is intensely autobiographical as he describes the death of his beloved grandmother and the death of his brother. Dr. Nuland describes what happens in the human body when a person dies of a heart attack, an accident, suicide, Alzheimer’s (this chapter is worth the price of the book), AIDS, aging, or cancer. But along with this physiological data he shares insights that you can almost call “pastora1.” His discussions of euthanasia and suicide are especially helpful. Reading this book won’t turn you into a physician, so don’t act like you are, but it will give you a greater appreciation for people in the medical profession as well as a better understanding of people approaching the gates of death.

Beyond Death: Exploring the Evidence for Immortality, By Gary R. Habermas and J, P. Moreland (Crossway Books), pulls together information from many fields to support the case for immortality. In this pluralistic age, when religions teach many strange and varied things about what happens after death, a book like this is almost a must for the alert pastor. The authors devote three chapters to “near-death experiences” and deal adequately with reincarnation, abortion and euthanasia. You will especially appreciate their treatment of what immortality is – the intermediate state, heaven, hell – and the answers they give to some puzzling questions. The book closes with three chapters on how we should think about life beyond death (“Becoming Heavenly Minded”) and “Overcoming the Fear of Death.” Dr. Habermas is chairman of the Department of Philosophy and Theology at Liberty University, and Dr. Moreland is Professor of Philosophy of Religion at Talbot School of Theology, La Mirada, CA.

The Right To Die? Caring Alternatives to Euthanasia, by Mark B. Blocher (Moody Press), takes an enlightened biblical view of this growing ethical problem. By “enlightened” we mean that the author not only know his Bible but is also well-acquainted with the field of bioethics and the worldwide discussion that goes on about euthanasia. He exposes the popular “death with dignity” philosophy by explaining what life is, what death is and what “assisted death” is really saying to and about the patient. The author understands the role of the pastor and the physician and the problems they will face. This is an excellent manual for pastors who want to know the facts, understand the truths behind them and know what Scripture says.

Unveiling Islam: An Insider’s Look at Muslim Life and Beliefs, by Ergun Caner and Emir Fethi Caner (Kregel Publications, February 2002). The Caner brothers are former Sunni Muslims and recognized experts on Islam whose intimate knowledge of and abilities to explain Islam to contemporary Americans have made them widely sought-after commentators by the international media including the BBC, CNN, USA Radio, the Moody Broadcast network and scores of local broadcast media. The Caner brothers are widely respected for their ability to clearly communicate and explain the Muslim mind to non-Muslims. They are also seasoned and sympathetic proponents for Christianity to Muslims. The Caners have debated Muslim scholars in mosques and universities in English, French, and Arabic.

Classics You Need To Own:

  • Why Not Just Be Christians? Vance Havner
  • The Power of The Spirit Andrew Murray/ William Law
  • The Life and Diary of David Brainerd. David Brainerd
  • The Autobiography of George Muller George Muller
  • Humility. Andrew Murray
  • Invasion of Wales by the Spirit James A. Stewart
  • Lectures to My Students Charles Spurgeon
  • Bible Characters from the Old & New Testament Alexander Whyte