Adult Reviews
The Body: Being Light in the Darkness
by Charles Colson with Ellen Santilli Vaughn
Charles Colson takes a very detailed look at the Christian Church (The Body). He discusses its history, purpose, and current state. Particularly impressive are the three points that the author discusses: unity, described as tolerance; within the Body of Christ, active faith; and regular church attendance.
Colson's concerned not with specific Christian churches but with "The Church" of Jesus Christ, and he demands that the Church be the Church! He claims that the heart of the problem lies with the understandable desire to "succeed," to amass impressive statistics, to count in a calculating culture. In the midst of such endeavors, the Gospel slips away.
The book provides the reader with some history. It provides up-to-date illustrations of this: in Romania, Timisoara's Hungarian Reformed Church played a central role in challenging and ultimately overthrowing the tyrant Ceausescu; in Czechoslovakia, playwright Vaclav Havel spent years in prison before being elevated to the leader's role in a liberated land; centuries earlier, launching the Reformation, Martin Luther dared stand up for his convictions.
In the United States, Colson praises Joe Gibbs, NFL coach of the Washington Redskins, who in word and deed makes it clear how central Jesus is to all he does.
The book, a very interesting read, focuses on a truly significant issue, the health of Christ's Body, the Church. It's rooted in Colson's considerable personal contacts and remembrances of the corridors of power, as well as a familiarity with the basic theological truths central to Christianity. (262.7)
Creation As Science: A Testable Model Approach to End the Creation/Evolution Wars
by Hugh Ross
An easy read for professional as well as lay folk. Dr. Ross provides formulation in his model on the assumption that the creator is identified as the God of the Bible. The problem with the popular Intelligent Design scenario is that it does not identify any creator or causal agent. Many scientific resources are used to support his position. Dr. Ross uses many books of the Bible, not just Genesis 1, to enhance his theory and provide the reader with a more systematic Biblical approach. This approach of offering a testable model will hopefully encourage the kind of meaningful discussion that Dr. Ross wants to foster.
It will probably be easier for naturalists and theistic evolutionists to enter into discussion, than it will be for the young-earth creationists. There has been a lot of opposition to Dr. Ross from young-earth groups, but scientists of the naturalist and theistic evolutionist persuasions often applaud Dr. Ross on his humble and scientific approach, when they actually hear his arguments.
Dr. Ross repeats Paul's responsible challenge to all to "test everything and hold on to the good" (1 Th 5:21). (231.7)
The Fingerprint of God
by Hugh Ross
Dr. Hugh Ross, astronomer, tells the fascinating story of how the latest research into origins not only has sealed the case for divine creation, but has revealed the identity of the Creator Himself. (231.7)
Hidden Treasures in the Book of Job
How the Oldest Book in the Bible
Answers Today's Scientific Questions
by Hugh Ross
Dr. Ross is a leading proponent in the creation debate today, and he has devoted time and effort in combating godless, Darwinian evolution and countering the arguments of new atheists. With this book, he unlocks the myriad of ways the book of Job speaks to the question of origins and the meaning of life on earth. What he finds is surprising.
Job 38 describes God's creative activity directly, and Ross zeros in on this chapter. Yet he also discusses whether leviathan was a dinosaur, and what Job has to say about the extent of the Flood. Suffering, death, unique attributes of humans, the soulish nature of animals, the order of creation--these are some of the topics covered.
Ross begins with an exhortation to Christian leaders to stop avoiding the issue of Creation and to come up with a reasonable "strategy of engagement". Christians who take the Bible as a trustworthy revelation from God need to study science and engage with scientists at the highest academic and research levels.
Blending his scientific insight, personal anecdotes and devotional thoughts from the book of Job in such a fascinating way, Ross writes, "He (God) continues to guide and help us today, so long as we are humble enough to ask. He provided a record of his work in creation, including a written record, so that we humans could continue to fulfill our mandate, know our Maker, and prepare for the new creation to come." (223.1)
If I Live To Be 100: Lessons from the Centenarians
by Neenah Ellis
This outstanding book was given to the Church Library in memory of our own Myra Lowie, and as I read it, I remembered some of the conversations Myra and I had over the years. The book gave Myra's messages from back then a new spin for me, and set me to thinking about how much our world needs the sage life journies and wisdom of the elderly. The stories are sometimes inspirational and sometimes disheartening, but always, amazingly touching. The author shows in this book how to connect with the people she interviews, how to make the best of the listening process and turn the experiences into relationships. Her examples and thoughts about each interview make me hope my future people interactions can be turned around for sharing love and learning. - - - for growing. (B)
The author, Neenah Ellis, spent several years interviewing individuals all over the country that were over 100 years old, and this book is a culmination of that project. She also broadcast parts of the interviews on National Public Radio. I think most will find If I Live To Be 100 a touching reading experience.
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
by Rebecca Skloot
[Nurturing for Community, UMW Reading Program Book]
I agree 100% with the brilliant review by Dwight Garner in the New York Times. It says so well what I feel you need to know about this engrossing book: “One of the most graceful and moving nonfiction books, I’ve read in a very long time . . . A thorny and provocative book about cancer, racism, scientific ethics, and crippling poverty, The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks floods over you like a narrative dam break . . . (about) the history of race and medicine in America . . . ”
The book’s author, Rebecca Skloot, weaves ten years of research findings about Henrietta’s short life to highlight one irony: neither this lady nor any of her family knew that doctors took her cells for research as she was dying of cancer. From them emerged the HeLa cell line, which was used in numerous important biomedical studies, including the development of the Salk polio vaccine and the effects of space travel on the human body by NASA.
The book is heartbreaking and sensitive, raising sometimes uncomfortable questions. At times it seems repetitive as it moves back and forth in time. But The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks will teach and touch each reader about bioethics, cell science, and race conflicts in a provoking way.
Lost and Found: One Daughter's Story of Amazing Grace
by Kathryn Slattery
If you have ever dealt with family addictions, had a strained parental relationship, or struggled to care for an elderly parent while juggling other responsibilities, you will relate to this memoir by Kathryn Slattery. Those who grew up in the 50’s and 60’s will also enjoy a stroll down memory lane as the author refers to songs and shows from her youth.
Kathryn Slattery tells the story of her problematic relationship with her mother and Kathryn’s struggles with alcoholism and eating disorders. She also discusses the conflict of caring for her family, her elderly mother, and herself all at once.
Slattery’s childhood talks with God seemed to fade away as she became a teen until a friend reintroduced her to God by inviting her to a college Christian organization. This renewed relationship with God and his unconditional love as well as the support of her husband helped her beat her anxiety and addiction. She was finally able to form a bond with her elderly mother after years of a stressful relationship.
This short biography is easy to read in one sitting. A Reader’s Guide is available from Guideposts for reading groups or individual use. (B)
Love Wins:
A Book About Heaven, Hell, and the Fate of Every Person Who Ever Lived
by Rob Bell
Have you ever thought: "Can there really be a hell? If God loves us and He is Love, as Scripture says, would God really do that?"
Rob Bell is pastor of Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Attendance in 2008 was over 7500 every week. He has authored several books and this is by far his most controversial. He's made the weekly cover of Time magazine in April 2011.
We've grown up being taught about hell. That, if we aren't good, then God will punish us! Pastor Rob Bell provides some titillating evidence that will make us think otherwise. Everyone goes to heaven? Does Hitler or Stalin conjure up the negative?
An easy book to read and quite an interesting discussion to follow!(234.2)
The Mitford series (Nine Adult novels)
by Jan Karon
The nine heartfelt and engaging adult novels in this wonderful series depict life’s challenges for families living in Mitford, a small town snuggled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. As you read these books, you will relax with your new Miford friends and Father Tim, the Episcopal priest who shares love, frustration, and difficult decisions. Eccentric and beloved characters intermingle in joy, poverty, and caring love with plenty of fireworks among the friends. Father Tim’s trials seem real and they become so personal you feel like a participant.
The Wall Street Journal called the Mitford books by Jan Karon a “true oasis of wholesomeness." The tales are full of laughter, tears and hope. Although they need not be read in the order published, the timeline and happenings are even more meaningful if the novels are read in sequence. The St. Mark Library has most of the series, and Oconee County Library may have the others. Find yourself comforted and entertained in the Mitford series books: (1) At Home In Mitford, (2) A Light in the Window, (3) These High Green Hills, (4) Out to Canaan, (5) A New Song, (6) A Common Life, (7) In This Mountain, (8) Shepherds Abiding, and (9) Light from Heaven.
Jan Karon moved to Blowing Rock, NC, and after a 40 year career in advertising, began writing. She has also published best seller children’s books, a cookbook, and several other books of personal reflections and experiences mingled with what might have been. She is now writing a “Father Tim series," and the second novel in that series came out in paperback this fall. (F)
Road Map to Holland
by Jennifer Groneberg
Road Map to Holland is an adult non-fiction book that is "rich with honesty, wisdom, and a deep appreciation of everyday miracles". "When Jennifer Groneberg and her husband learned they were going to have twin boys, their main concern was whether they would need an addition on their house. Then five days after Avery and Bennett were born, Avery was diagnosed with Down Syndrome."
In Road Map to Holland, Jennifer shares the story of the first two years of the family's life after this. "She deals with doctors---some helpful, others disrespectful, even dangerous. Her definition of the word family expands. New relationships flourish, but an old friendship ends. Throughout, Jennifer comes to understand the contours of her life's new landscape, which is both harsh and stunningly beautiful." This book intimately shares how Avery transformed his mother's broken heart into one that discovers profound love and a wonder-filled journey into parenthood. Road Map to Holland is a "powerful perspective on" (some of) "life's greatest lessons." (618.9)
A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23
by Philip Keller
Read A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, especially if you are in the grip of difficult times and need encouragement. Philip Keller, the author, was born in Kenya to missionary parents and eventually trained at the University of Toronto in agrology. For eight years, he had his own sheep ranch and has used this experience to explain the Twenty-third Psalm from a real shepherd’s point of view.
This perspective led me to a much deeper understanding of what the psalmist David meant when he wrote, “The Lord is my shepherd.” I began to see just what our Christ does for us sheep to make sure that we shall not want, that we can lie down in green pastures, that we walk with our Shepherd through the valley, and that our Shepherd anoints our heads with oil. There are agricultural reasons for each action our Lord does for us, the “sheep of his pastures.
Fewer of us now have direct connections to farming and ranching. Both sets of my grandparents had big farms that required them to develop a close relationship with the cycles and vagaries of nature. Neither family had sheep, though. The only sheep I know about locally are the flock on Sheep Farm Road in Seneca and the flock on a ranch near Townville.
After reading A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23, I have a deeper appreciation of these flocks’ owners and what they do daily to make sure their sheep stay healthy. Sheep do not know how to take care of themselves. They are totally dependent on the skills and love of their shepherd. Just like you and me – totally dependent on our Good Shepherd.
In the introduction to his book, Keller cautions readers to read his book with “an open mind and an unbiased spirit” as he leads us into experiencing what being a sheep and caring for sheep really means as we grow into “a bold, new appreciation of the endless effort put forth by our Saviour, for His sheep.”
Look for call number 223.K in the St. Mark Library; we have two copies of this book.
The Twelfth Imam
by Joel Rosenberg
Tensions are rising in the Middle East. As the apocalyptic leaders of Iran call for the annihilation of Israel and the U.S., CIA operative David Shirazi is sent into Tehran with one objective: use all means necessary to disrupt Iran’s nuclear weapons program, without leaving American fingerprints and without triggering a regional war. At extreme personal risk, Shirazi executes his plan.
A native Farsi speaker whose family escaped from Iran in 1979, he couldn’t be better prepared for the mission. But none of his training has prepared Shirazi for what will happen next. An obscure religious cleric is suddenly hailed throughout the region as the Islamic messiah known as the Mahdi or the Twelfth Imam. News of his miracles, healings, signs, and wonders spreads like wildfire, as do rumors of a new and horrific war.
With the prophecy of the Twelfth Imam seemingly fulfilled, Iran’s military prepares to strike Israel and bring about the End of Days. Shirazi must take action to save his country and the world, but the clock is ticking.(F)