BOOK REVIEW - "YOU'RE NOT ENOUGH (AND THAT'S OKAY): ESCAPING THE TOXIC CULTURE OF SELF-LOVE" BY ALLIE BETH STUCKEY

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I've always dreamed of being the starting center for an NBA team - being 65 years old, 5'6", and having no shooting skills shouldn't keep me from that dream, right? You're not going to tell me I can't fulfill my dream, are you? I mean, that could damage my self-esteem! 

Journalist/Podcaster Allie Beth Stuckey's debut book, "You're not enough (and that's okay): Escaping the Toxic Culture of Self Love" addresses five thoughts she considers lies:

1. "You are enough."
2. "You  determine your truth."
3. "You're perfect the way you are."
4. "You're entitled to your dreams."
5. "You can't love others until you love yourself."

By the way, am I the only one who notices each of those things start with one's self, not with God? They also all sound good to the ear, encouraging self-sufficency, self-determination, self-esteem, and other things like selfishness? But what if we approach it as what does the Bible say, we say that Jesus teaches following Him includes denying self (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23) and hating your family and your own life in contrast to loving Him (Luke 14:26)? 

My impression is the intended audience are young women, and I don't fit that group either gender wise or age wise. However, it resonated with the self-centered view of the world and looking at my own experience. No, I never dreamed of being an NBA starting center. However, I did have dreams of having a novel published. I also remember talking to a promoter of a self-publishing group who in her pitch made the following arguments: 

1. "I wrote it, so it deserves to be published." (I've written two novels, and the first definitely did not deserve to be published.)
2. "If I sign up with the self-publishers, I get 100% of what my books sell." (Actually, not true - I pay them before the book is published, not afterwards as I would with traditional publishing.)

You notice that the emphasis on both arguments? And this was with a self-publisher of Christian books, but no mention on if God wanted the book published.

Allie points out in dealing with the last one that the Biblical command to love one another as we love ourselves is not a command to love ourselves but assumes we love ourselves. After all, we eat what we enjoy instead of what makes our stomachs curl, unless it is non-appetizing healthy food to make ourselves better. After all, there is plenty of middle ground between self-loving and self-loathing.

If I had a daughter between 12 and 42 (any older than this and she'd be at the time of writing too old to be my daughter), I would purchase this book for them, encourage them to read it, and suggest she and her mother have conversations about the things dealt with in this book. (I would have that conversation with my son if I had a son between that age. And it will be 13 years at least before I have a child within that range.) I highly appreciate and recommend this book.

 

BOOK REVIEW - "THE THRILL OF ORTHODOXY: REDISCOVERING THE ADVENTURE OF CHRISTIAN FAITH" BY TREVIN WAX

 

The author of Hebrews warns us against drifting (Hebrews 2:1-4). Jesus tells the Ephesian church of losing their first love (Revelation 2:4). But how do we maintain that first love? How do we keep from drifting, especially when we may drift unaware? 

In "The Thrill of Orthodoxy: Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith," Trevin Wax (Vice president of Research and Resource Development of the Southern Baptist Convention) deals with things that distract us from joyfully serving the Lord and how to stand firm in our faith.

First, what is meant by Orthodoxy? One reviewer thought it might refer to the Orthodox Church, in contrast to Roman Catholic, Baptist, etc. No, it goes back to the meaning of the word, which is "right belief." Sometimes, it's compared to Orthopraxy ("right practice"). 

This book mentions various ways of drifting. Wax maintains that it's not orthodoxy that is narrow-minded but rather heresy (false teaching). He points out that our beliefs - whether correct or not - have an impact on our life. Towards the end, he mentions two mindsets believers may have that takes away from the thrill of a right relationship with God: "The Faithful Few," who see themselves as defending the truth from an overwhelming opponent, and "The Always Adapting," who alter their teaching and emphasis to fit the culture even if it changes the meaning of Scripture.

I highly recommend this book. It is deep and not a quick read. However, it's one I will read again.

THIS BLOG: SHOULD i LET SLEEPING DOGS LIE AND PACK UP, OR AM I CALLED TO KEEP THIS UP?

These painted dogs (Cincinnati Zoo) are as active as this blog has been the past month!

 Yep, this blog has its ups and downs. At times it has its planned three blogs a week, and sometimes more. Then there are times that it's weeks between entries.

For example, you notice the "Saturday Controversies" series seems to have fizzled. But I also haven't had any interviews posted. There's a few that I sent the questions and never had the answers sent back. There's some I've got set up to send the questions, but just haven't gotten to it. Same with the list of people I'd interview but haven't taken time to ask.

Another "yep" as far as the future of the blog. In times past, the questioning is based on discouragement. This time, time's the reason. I'm debating whether I should keep this up at all, or if I should just aim for one a week. 

I've talked about getting guest bloggers. True, I haven't taken time to ask, but when I do I don't have any takers.

What's the answer? Please pray for me on what I should do with this blog. Thanks. God is able to use it, but He doesn't need me blogging.

I'll close with this - there will be more blogs this month. After all, I've got my end of the year lists!

BOOK REVIEWS - THE NEW BRAVE & THE BOLD: "THE BRIDE AND THE BOLD" AND "THROUGH THE LOOKING GLASS" BY SHOLLY FISCH (WITH A SPIRITUAL LESSON THROWN IN)

 For those unfamiliar with comics in general and DC in person, "The Brave and the Bold" was a title which teamed up Batman with other heroes - and occasionally one not so heroic, like the Joker or the Riddler. When I read that title in the '70's, I found it a bit dark. However, this six part series by Sholly Fisch, including "The Bride and the Bold" and "Through the Looking Glass!," is much more fun and aimed at a young audience.

In "The Bride and the Bold," Batman and Wonder Woman stop a plan by a pair of Wonder Woman's old foes. However, God of Love Eros was upset with the violence, believing Wonder Woman was sent to show love, not beat up on the baddies, so he puts her and Batman under a spell where they fall in love and plan a wedding. Of course, one bad lady is jealous and thus rounds up the two heroes' rogue galleries to crash the wedding. Of course, most of the wedding guests were superheroes, so you can guess the rest.

"Through The Looking Glass!" starts with Batman and the Flash facing off with the Mad Hatter and Mirror Master. The bad guys flee through a mirror, with the heroes in pursuit, and end up in a Wonderland-like Dimension, and then Mirror Master returns to reality taking the mirror with him so the heroes can't escape. Or can they?

As stated, these are aimed for a young audience. However, if you happen to be an old comics fan like yours truly, you'll enjoy seeing familiar faces both among the good guys and the bad guys. It's also a short book (you can read either one in 15 minutes).

One fun thing about this series is it ends with some questions that relate to telling the story (both the writing and the drawing).

I definitely recommend these books. But would you believe one of these has a theological lesson, possibly unknown to the author? (SPOILER ALERT)

In "The Bride and the Bold," Eros is displeased seeing Wonder Woman fighting Giganta and Mouse Man with Batman helping, so he makes them fall in love. But when the wedding has the heroes beating up on the bad guys, Eros thinks that's worse, saying that Diana (Wonder Woman) was sent to spread love. Then, Eros' mother Aphrodite shows up and points out that Wonder Woman is showing love by defending the defenseless from the bad guys. 

As Christians, we're given an example that we need to stand up for faith and defend our brothers and sisters in Him. Unfortunately, many - including believers - claim that standing up against false teachers and refuting error is judgmental and unloving. No, tolerating evil is what's unloving.

BOOK REVIEW - THE COMPLETE DICK TRACY VOLUME 27 BY CHESTER GOULD (1972-1974)

 

For those regularly reading my blog, you'll notice I've reviewed volume 3, 4, and now 27 of the Complete Dick Tracy. I'll confess - the ones I read I get from the library, and these are the only three of the 29 part collection they have. Thus, no Flat Top, no Blow Top, no Pruneface, no Mumbles, no Mousy, no Influence, no Oodles, no Pearshape! (At least I got Lips Manlis/Bob Honor and the Blank.)

I will admit that this was not as enjoyable as the earlier books I read. I thought the Button story was silly, disappointing, and illogical (kidnapping a news reporter to post things about the villain giving to church? Really?) His sister Hope Lezz said she was tired of his abuse but we never saw that abuse (except asking to hide out at her house) and the story ending depressing. I found Peanutbutter (a smart but trouble making 10 year old) annoying, and Moon Maid (that is, Mrs. Dick Tracy Junior) was a stretch. Big Brass' story didn't fare much better. The only redeeming character was the kidnapped reporter Jack Grafic. 

Another admission - I became a Dick Tracy fan through Max Allan Collins' tenure with the strip and via the 1990 Warren Beatty movie. Would I have gotten hooked with the '60's and '70's Chester Gould strips?  Maybe as a silly teenager, and maybe not.

If you are a die-hard fan and want to see the entire collection, get this. If, like me, you want to get introduced to Dick Tracy at his best, get the older books, like 3, 4, maybe 8, 9, 10 and 13. 

BOOK REVIEW - "GOOD NEWS GOING BAD: A CRITICAL EVALUATION OF A MODERN MISSIONS MELTDOWN" BY DR. JIM BAUGH

 

What is the purpose of missions? Isn't it to be a witness to Christ from home to the furthest parts of the world (Acts 1:8), to make disciples of all nations and teaching them to do all Jesus commanded? Then why would missionaries water down uncomfortable teachings of Christ to appeal to those who reject Christianity?

Jim Baugh's insightful book, "Good News Going Bad: A Critical Evaluation of a Modern Missions Meltdown," focuses on what is called "The Insider Movement." The theory is that if Christians blend in with the major belief of the region, they would be more accepting of Christianity. This book focuses on outreach to Muslims, but also mentions sometimes the practice is used to reach Hindus. 

Baugh deals with several aspects of missionaries avoiding calling Jesus the Son of God or the crucifixion and resurrection because those elements of the story would be offensive to Muslims. He also ends each chapter with a story how a Muslim comes to Christ. He gives an example by asking how we'd answer one who asks what we think of Mohammed, an answer that would either open or close a door for further conversation. I love his answer, but you'll have to read it to find out what it is!

While this focuses on the mission field, Baugh does allude to the fact that there are similar practices in general, where we're more worried about being popular than proclaiming the truth of the Gospel. One thing that is true in modern American Christianity that is sometimes mistakenly taught on the mission field is a churchless Christianity, in spite of the author of Hebrews telling us not to forsake the assembly of us together (Hebrews 10:24-25).

I highly recommend this book. It doesn't hurt that it was written by a college classmate.

BOOK REVIEW - "SHEPHERDS FOR SALE: HOW EVANGELICAL LEADERS TRADED THE TRUTH FOR A LEFTIST AGENDA" BY MEGAN BASHAM

 

What is an Evangelical? Is there a political view that qualifies the title Evangelical? Are pastors and Christian leaders that lean left turning from the Gospel, or do they disagree on which party's policies best represent the teachings of Christ?

"Shepherds For Sale: How Evangelical Leaders Traded The Truth For A Leftist Agenda" by Megan Basham has the premise that Christian leaders are trying to appeal to the world by moving to the left, embracing concepts like climate change, Critical Race Theory, #MeToo, etc.

I learned about this book via one of my favorite podcasts:  "Unshaken Faith" with Alisa Childers and Natasha Crain. I'll admit - I was disappointed by this book.

One thing is "the truth" in the title refers to political conservatism. No, for the Christian, the truth refers to the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the inspiration, infallibility, inerrancy, and sufficiency of Scripture, and salvation by grace rather than works. There is no evidence that the leaders criticized in this book have turned from the faith.

Likewise, there's an assumption that the reason some may not support Trump or are not dogmatic on certain political views is a lack of faith rather than a disagreement on the best way to live out said faith. I'll confess, in 2016 I did not trust Trump and voted Libertarian.

Finally, what is an Evangelical? For the past 40 years, I considered it the more liberal side of Biblical Christianity, trying to reach the world for Christ, while Fundamentalism is more focused on being strict Biblicists. Now, it's used to hint the politics, though on that subject - like with many others - there is variation among Evangelical concerns. So Basham's concerns are items that neither surprise nor concern me. As stated, there is no indication of turning from the Gospel.

There is error in the church that needs correcting. However, some do that correcting in a way that sows discord, that leaves one with a bad taste in their mouth. I felt that way after reading this book. It's rare I do not recommend a book I've read, but this is one of the exceptions. The topic is important, but I think this book did more hurting and dividing than solving the problem.

BOOK REVIEW - "COLD VENGEANCE" (RYLAND & ST. CLAIR BOOK THREE)

Can River Ryland and Tony St. Clair find the missing podcast hostess, assuming she's still alive after being missing the greater part of a year? Is reuniting River's wayward father with her Alzheimer stricken mother a good idea or a potential disaster? And will River survive the well-planned vengeance by the accomplice of a serial killer who failed killing River once and has no place for failing again?

"Cold Vengeance" is the final part of the Ryland & St. Clair trilogy. If you haven't read the previous entries - "Cold Pursuit" and "Cold Threat" - I would highly advise you read them in order, to be able to follow the story (the previous two books had cliffhanger endings). While each novel had its own story and corresponding characters, there are two overarching threads that tie the three together.

This story is steady moving - it seems slow at parts, but the menace of the serial killer keeps the edge to it. The characters are also easy to like (I'll admit, I grew to like River better through the series). 

I do recommend this book and the series, which is not a surprise because I enjoy reading Nancy Mehl - this is the 20th book and 6th series of hers I've read.

MOVIE AND RIDE REVIEWS AND COMPARISON - DISNEY'S "ALICE IN WONDERLAND" (1951) AND DISNEY'S "ALICE IN WONDERLAND" (2010)

I debated calling this "An Evening Down The Rabbit Hold." Reason? I took an evening and watched both versions back to back. I saw an edited version of the original once in the later '80's on TV (an hour including commercials, compared to the features 75 minute without commercials), and not the newer version. Of course, if you count the number of times I rode the Disneyland ride when I was a kid... 

Walt Disney's "Alice in Wonderland" (1951) was a memorable and creative animated film. Some consider that Lewis Carroll was influenced by drugs when he wrote this story, and this film didn't do much to counter that view. As a writer, I find it interesting that there wasn't a real hero(ine)in the story, nor was there a villain - the Queen of Hearts wasn't mentioned let alone seen in the first half of the film. Rather, it dealt with Alice dealing with unique, unforgettable characters like the Caterpillar, the Chesire Cat, the Mad Hatter and the March Hare, Tweedledum and Twiddledee, the Walrus and the Carpenter, the aviary in Tulgy Wood, and the Queen of Hearts ... oh, I must not forget the King.

As mentioned, I didn't see the movie until I was an adult, but I was very familiar with the Disneyland ride, which is connected near the Peter Pan ride and Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, with Snow White not far away. The original design of these rides were visual thrills, with some surprises like the honking bird on Alice or the crocodile snapping at you on Peter Pan. Didn't really tell a story and didn't have an ending (for example, going through several doors on Alice, having the witch roll a stone on you at the end of Snow white, and going through hell - literally - on Mr. Toad. By the way, no Queen of Hearts on Alice.

After I left California, Disney did remodeling while I was gone. They added a fifth ride (Pinocchio), and had the rides more give a story summary and, with the exception of Mr. Toad, end with a happy ending (Peter Pan and friends commanding the ship, Snow White revived by the prince's kiss, and the Mad Hatter and White Rabbit wishing you a happy Un-birthday. Sorry, but I liked the originals better. But if I go back to Disneyland after a 40 year sabbatical, I'll get on the original four again. (I'm able to view them on Youtube when I need a fix.)

Now, let me move to Disney's "Alice in Wonderland" (2010). Or should it have been called "The Mad Hatter in Wonderland?" Johnny Depp's version of the character is prominent on both the front and back cover, and he's the only actor whose name is on the front. (Take a look at the covers pictured above - do you agree that the focus went from Alice to the Hatter?)

To be honest, while I had a crush on the cartoon Alice since my childhood (I had no interest in the Disney princesses), I actually liked this remake better.  It came across more of a fantasy movie than a drug trip like the cartoon. The Red Queen and the Knave were good villains, and Alice's role was more like Frodo's than a girl lost in an unreal world. I'd also say this is my favorite Tim Burton movie, and that I loved the take on the Bandersnatch.

Last comment - would you say I'm onto something to say we need a dose of unreality to cope with the 2024 election?

  

REVIEW - "HERE WE STAND: 31 REFORMERS, 1 PER DAY" BY DESIRING GOD

 Okay, how do I classify this? Is it a book? If so, it would be a good one, But there is no indication of it being published. Desiring God, connected to John Piper, released this on-line. When I saw it promoted in September, I signed up to receive it each day throughout October in honor of Reformation Day. I'm glad I did - it was a blessing.

How many reformers can you think of? I'll give you my list, and see how you do with it:

• John Wycliffe
• William Tyndale
• Jan Huss
• Simon Menno
• Peter Waldo
• Mr. and Mrs. Martin Luther (the latter was the first person Warren Wiersbe introduced in "50 People Every Christian Should Know")
• Philip Melanchthon (my hero and personal favorite)
• Ulrich Zwingli
• John Knox
• John Calvin
• Theodore Beza
• Jacob Arminius

There are others I'd also think of, like Charles Simeon, Matthew Henry, John and Charles Wesley, George Whitfield, and Isaac Watts, but all these were too recent for this list. And I have a hunch my list of 13 is impressive, but short of what they had. By the way, only one I listed was not covered, meaning they had 18 or so (they had at least one pair included the same day) I hadn't heard of.

The list was full of variations. They had pre-reformers like Wycliffe and Hus, Anabaptists like Waldo and Menno, "Bride of the Reformation" Wibrandis Rosenblatt who married and was widowed by four reformers (three of which were also included in the list), and non-theologian Johannes Gutenberg whose printing press helped the Reformation have the effect it did.

I don't know how to find this collection - they didn't post it on Facebook, and as I mentioned above, it hasn't been published. But I recommend it. However, I was unsurprisingly disappointed they didn't have the guts to include Jacob Arminius! But then, they might have been disowned by their Calvinist brethren. And maybe, like the others I mentioned, Arminius may have been a little too late for this list. 

Allow me this brief post-script - I'm posting this on International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church. It's appropriate - many of them like Luther and Calvin had to flee from one place to a safer one, while others like Tyndale and Zqingli paid the ultimate price.

BOOK REVIEW - "IN THE SHADOW OF THE CROSS: A BIBLICAL THEOLOGY OF PERSECUTION AND DISCIPLESHIP" BY GLENN PENNER

I wrote the review on Sept. 23, 2024, and posted in on Amazon and Goodreads at that time, but I decided to wait on this review until today - October 31, aka Reformation Day. I thought this would be a good blog for the combination of Reformation Day, All Saints Day (Nov. 1), and International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church (First Sunday in November, which is the 3rd this year). It's also gives us thought as we head to the voting booth as well.

My wife and I have spent over a year reading a few pages of this book each week. It definitely gave us food for thought.

Former director of Voice of the Martyrs Canada and professor at Oklahoma Wesleyan University Glenn Penner has written a powerful book. "In the Shadow of the Cross: A Biblical Theology of Persecution and Discipleship does an awesome job of going through the Bible from Genesis to Revelation and dealing with how much persecution is a part of Scripture.

We tend to think American Christianity is normal. Au contraire. Both historically and currently in much of the world, it is persecution that is normal. 

I highly recommend this book. 

 

BOOK(LET) REVIEW - "GODLY CITIZENS UNDER GODLESS KINGS" BY JOHN MACARTHUR

 

Election day is just a week away, and we get to choose between a candidate some consider evil and an opponent belonging to a party that promotes what many (myself included) consider evil. How are we to live in days of an ungodly government?

If the lines for voting are long, "Godly Citizens Under Godless Kings" by Rev. John MacArthur might be good and appropriate reading, especially since it is only 34 pages long. But if you've already voted early, this still is an insightful and thought provoking book.

MacArthur starts off in Romans 13 stating what the role of government is, and then deals with Satan's influence on the state. He points out, "No matter where persecution breaks out, the arch-persecutor of the church is always going to be the government. We know this because the government alone can fine, jail, and even execute people with impunity." He speaks about civil disobedience in Scripture and today, and closes with a guideline on "How to live under a pagan government."

I have three comments I'd like to add in closing.

1. While I am convinced that neither the Democrat, the Republican, or the Libertarian Party are committed to a Biblical leadership, I do think MacArthur is overreaching when he says the government will always be part of the persecution - some of today's persecution is from other sources like the Columbian drug lords and the terrorist group Boka Haran. This is technical - I can see the U.S. government persecuting Christians.
2. MacArthur mentions being fined during the COVID lockdowns by the California government. He doesn't mention the church's standing firm and eventually getting the fines erased. I think that should have been included, even if this was a pamphlet.
3. I read this shortly after listing to the Reformed Libertarian podcast, where both hosts are anarchist (meaning they don't believe we need government). I've read some that say Christians are obligated to stand against ungodly nations to the point of taking up arms, as in the Revolutionary War. MacArthur doesn't deal with the Revolution, but he definitely believes government is necessary and placed by God. Am I sure which side I take on that issue?

SATURDAY CONTROVERSIES - ARE FAITH AND POLITICS OIL AND WATER OR CHOCOLATE AND PEANUT BUTTER? (PART 7)

Christians United Church, Indianapolis, IN

First, I know. This is being posted on Monday. Sorry I didn't get it done on Saturday, but better late than never! But if you notice I actually posted Monday's blog on Saturday (yesterday) and Saturday's on Monday. Of course, I usually don't have a Monday blog. 

Allow me to start with a list of items of debate between Christians involving politics.

• Should Christians vote? Some refuse to vote, some think not voting's a sin.
• Is it allowable for Christians to either leave one spot on the ballot blank or to vote for a "third party?" Some would claim that doing so is really a vote for your least favorite major party candidate; others would counter that  voting for the lesser of two evils is really voting for evil and that it's better to vote for a good candidate that has no chance of winning or to not vote than voting for a really bad candidate who has a better chance of beating a really, really bad candidate.
• What are Christians obligated to do or not do under Romans 13:1-7? Should Christians stand up against a tyrannical government and fight or should we be respectful and disobey only if what's commanded is directly disobeying God?
• If we have a choice between a morally sound candidate whose party has views that are opposed to their faith and a scoundrel who has better policy views, who should you vote for?
• Does the fact we're in a representative government mean we don't really need to honor Presidents and Congressmen? Or is the better view that we should show respect regardless of office or party?

No, I'm not giving answers to these questions. In fact, I rephrased one of these questions because I was letting my bias show (no, I won't tell which one). I'm just pointing out where there are disagreements between Christians, most of which have no verbatim Biblical commands. But instead, I'll give some challenges.

1. Between now and election day, pray for God's will to be done in the election. No, don't pray for your choice. Pray that God's choice prevails.
2. Commit to pray for the people who get elected, that God guides them and that they govern well. Yes, committing to this BEFORE the election means you might be praying for a candidate you either despise or fear. But when the apostles taught people to obey their governing authority, they were talking about Nero, and there's no absolute proof that either candidate is THAT bad! 
3. Realize - in spite of the hateful, ungodly campaign ads we get ad nausea... I mean nauseum - that ALL candidates are for justice, education, public safety, the economy, the environment, etc. The opposing candidate is NOT against these things; they just have a different opinion on how to do it. Thus, unless you're strong at loving your enemies, don't treat the opposing party candidates as enemies. 
4. Also remember - no party is righteous. Both try to appeal to Christians because ... well, they want our vote. When they get elected, they'll probably do what the party wants, and each party has ways their opposed to God's way. We won't get all the problems solved until the King of Kings returns and sets up His Kingdom.

 

BOOK REVIEW - THE COMPLETE DICK TRACY VOL. 4 (1936-1938) BY CHESTER GOULD

 

I've been aware of Dick Tracy most of my life, but I didn't have a lot of time reading the strip. I only saw two or three days worth when Chester Gould was still doing the strip when on vacation. I got to know a few villains via MAD Magazine and my dad mentioning them (e.g. Flattop, Pruneface, and Oodles). For a few years, I saw the strip occasionally in the '80's and 00's, the 40's movie "Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome" co-starring Boris Karloff, Warren Beatty's 1990 film, and read a book which included a few series including the introduction of Sam Ketchem and Gould's final story.

I had previously seen the third volume of this collection. The final story (featuring Lips Manlis who was in the '90 movie) was at a stopping point. But it wasn't finished - it too another 10 weeks worth to conclude it. There were three other stories in this volume, and stories 3 and 4 flowed together, as the final story let you know that it would be finished in Vol. 5.

Besides Lips, the only villain I was familiar with in this volume was The Blank, who had a key role in the '90 movie (a much bigger role than Manlis). However, Beatty's dealing with the villains differed from the original comic strip. 

I enjoyed reading these books, and recommend them.

PODCAST REVIEW - "RECONSTRUCTING FAITH" WITH TREVIN WAX (SEASON 1)

 On my blog, I've reviewed fiction and non-fiction books, and an occasional music project. This is my first podcast review. It probably won't be my last: there is a second season that I've just started listening to. But it won't be typical.

Most of the podcasts I listen to are what you'd call in novels a collection of stand alones. In the case of Lithoscry with Glenn Remsen, it's a set of interviews. With Unshaken Faith by Alisa Childers and Natasha Crain or Reformed Libertarian with Kerry Baldwin and Gregory Baus, it's a tag team editorial; in some cases they're related to previous blogs but not a series.

In contrast, "Reconstructing Faith" is a professionally put-together documentary, with narration by NAMB Vice-President of Research and Resource Development and author Trevin Wax, interviews, and sound bites of various speakers, tying in modern issues with church history. Also, each season is like a book, with each episode being a chapter, meant to be listened to in order.

The first season started off pointing out the rash of people "deconstructing" their faith, and continues to point out issues that have left people question their faith and/or the church. Covered are items like the purity movement, the misuse of authority, racial issues, sexual abuse, politics, and Christians more interested in the American Dream than the Kingdom of God. Trevin wrapped up the season looking at successful apologists like C.S. Lewis and Francis Shaeffer, a Q&A session, and a finale titled "It's Time To Rebuild."

This podcast was eye-opening and helped me see things from eyes other than my own, and understanding why some have walked away from Christianity, as well as how to rebuild.

I highly recommend season one. I'll be surprised - or more accurately, shocked - if I'm not recommending season 2 in about a month.

SATURDAY CONTROVERSIES - HOW OLD IS THIS EARTH? (PART 6)

Creation Museum, Petersburg, KY

The age of the earth is a controversy among believers. Are the non-theistic scientists correct in their calculations on when the universe began? Or do we take God's Word to mean what it says?

Let me start by identifying the four main views (there are others, but they are close to one of the four):

1. THEISTIC EVOLUTION. God started the evolutionary process.
2. PROGRESSIVE CREATION. This view rejects Darwinian evolution, but agree with the earth being billions of years old. Christian geologists and astronomers often hold this view. The professor who taught biology while I was at Bible College held to this view.
3. RECENT CREATION. This view goes to the Bible, and interprets "six days" to mean "six days." The omnipotent God created everything in 144 hours, as it says in Scripture. 
4. GAP THEORY. No connection to the clothing store. Believes that there's a gap between the first two verses in Genesis, with the creation account starting in verse 3 referring to a re-creation. I learned this view with it seeing Satan's fall occurring during this view; some see that as being when the dinosaurs showed up. The above mentioned teacher described the view in these two sentences: "There is no scientific proof to this theory. There is no Biblical proof to this theory."

Did I let my bias show? Well, if I didn't, I will now. I definitely am a recent creationist. I'm not a scientist, but there are Biblical and theological reasons I hold to this view. 

• Romans 5:12 states that by one man sin entered the world, and death through sin. The only view where death is seen as a result of sin as opposed to a natural occurrence is Recent Creationism. 
• Hebrews 11:6 says without faith it is impossible to please God. Recent Creationism believes God is able to create this universe in six days - this reflects faith in God being able to do anything (a truth reflected repeatedly in Scripture). Sorry, but my impression of Theistic Evolution and Progressive Creation has faith in the interpretations of scientists, some unbelievers and some antagonistically so.
• In the Pentateuch, "day" usually means a 24 hour period of time. Did the flood last 40 million years? Uh, no. In Exodus 20:8-11, God compared His command for Israel to work 6 days and rest the 7th with His creating the heavens and the earth in 6 days and resting on the 7th. Are we to work 6 million years and then rest a million? I don't think so. Now some appeal to 2 Peter 3:8, with a day with God being a thousand years and vice versa, but in context, 2 Peter 3:8 has nothing to do with creation, and is not giving us liberty to reinterpret Biblical numbers.

No, this isn't a salvation issue. However, I did hear one late Christian leader speak of recent creationism with disgust. What? Why should a Christian get upset when another Christian believes the Bible means what it says? 

BOOK REVIEW - "ICE LAKE: A KATY RUSSELL MYSTERY BOOK 1" BY JACKIE ZACK

 

Why is Katy Russell's fiance taking her to the lodge and lake where her best friend lost her life? And is finding out the truth a threat to Katy's life?

"Ice Lake" is the first Katy Russell Mystery Jackie Zack has published. I really enjoyed it: I needed to read a novel from my favorite genre (cozy mystery), and this was what the doctor ordered. One might argue if its brevity puts it into the novella range (131 pages), but it felt like a full novel. The characters are interesting, and the plot is full of red herrings and plot twists.

There are a this point, as far as I know, three more Katy Russell mysteries, and I'm looking forward to reading them.

CURIOUS WHAT MY FAVORITE PODCASTS ARE?

 

Emblem for Google Podcasts Manager, unfortunately no longer available.

A while back, I asked if I should start a Pod Cast. Obviously (I'm guessing), I haven't. But what Podcasts do I listen to? Which would I be interested in that I can't get on my server? What is a draw for me to get interested in a Podcast?

I could build up a lot of suspense and make you read through a lot of stuff, but I'll start with the first one, and tell you what I do listen to, in alphabetic order.

1. Bible Study For Adults. This podcast is designed for leaders and students who are using this topical approach from Lifeway Publishers (Southern Baptist Convention). Each quarter is divided into two parts. The first part of this quarter was "Thrive: Living On Purpose, and they just started "Navigating Family Conflict."

2. Explore The Bible. This has a lot in common with the above, basically because like "Bible Study for Adults," it is from Lifeway Publishers. The difference between the two is that this one goes through books. For example, as I write this they're in their second quarter on the book of Acts, with the previous quarter doing the first 12 chapters, and the remaining 16 this quarter.

3. The Gospel Project. How many of these podcasts are connected to Lifeway? Only three, but putting them in alphabetic order has Lifeway's three curriculums at the top. The Gospel Project is similar to Explore The Bible, except it goes through the Bible through the course of three years. This quarter, they just got started in Genesis. There is a difference between this Podcast and the others: This one is aimed solely at teachers. It has one hostess instead of two or three people talking about the lesson. It tends to be shorter as well.

4. Lithoscry (aka Ravens Cry). Hosted by Glenn Remsen. Those who have followed my blog will recognize that name. I interviewed Glenn earlier this year. (Click here to see the interview) Most of the interviewees are Christian rock and metal bands, though there are others as well, such as Richard Blackaby from Experiencing God and "The Chosen" creator Dallas Jenkins. 

5. Reconstructing Faith. Back to Southern Baptists! Trevin Wax from the North American Mission Board hosts this two semester (at this point) series about how to strengthen the church. This one is more like a news series, with various interviewees, soundbites, etc. 

6. The Reformed Libertarian Podcast. This is put out by the Libertarian Christian Institute (who also have their own podcast), and is hosted by Kerry Baldwin and Gregory Baus. I find it interesting combining Reformed Theology with Libertarian Political Philosophy. One note - both hosts are Anarchists, believing we would be better off without government. Still don't buy it, but still listen.

7. Thru The Bible With Dr. J. Vernon McGee. This is one I listen to on the website rather than a podcast channel, and I'm basically keeping up with the current radio broadcasts. Dr. McGee goes through the Bible every 5 years, alternating between Old and New Testaments. For example, he just finished Titus and Philemon and started on Daniel. Dr. McGee is no longer with us, but the program has been going on, not just here in the U.S. but around the world.

8. Unshaken Faith. This is hosted by Alisa Childers and Natasha Crain. Both have their own Podcasts. I enjoy them working together, dealing with Christian Worldview and modern society. The past few weeks, they've been dealing with the After Party and its shortcomings. 

What other podcasts am I interested? Well, when I get caught up with some of these, I'll add Child Evangelism's Fellowship One:Seven to the rotation. I have interest in the podcasts by Alisa Childers, Allie Beth Stuckey, Natasha Crain, Russell Moore, Will Cain, Libertarian Christian Institute, and The Catch with John Fisher. Plus, my friend Eddie Kross has one coming out tomorrow!

However, one drawback. I subscribed to Podcasts on Google Podcasts. Google Podcasts decided to stop operating, and transferred my podcasts to YouTube. They stay on my list, but should I search for one that wasn't already on my roster - e.g. Natasha Crain - or if I cancel one to time and then decide to resubscribe - e.g. The Catch with John Fisher - I find I'm unable to get them on YouTube. 😢 So I'm debating changing to Spotify or Apple (let me know if you have any suggestions). By the way, I listen to them on my phone at work. 

What interests me? Well, it helps if I'm familiar and have a positive opinion of them. True, it will help to hear divergent views, but not while I'm working!  One major thing is the length of time. Raven's Heart and Reconstructing Faith are hour long, but I prefer half an hour or less, The Lifeway curriculum podcasts, Thru the Bible, and Unshaken Faith consistently hit that time constraint, and Reformed Libertarian varies but often is that short.

I rarely get comments, but does anybody following this have any favorites?

SATURDAY CONTROVERSIES - IS GOD BOTH WILLING AND ABLE TO KEEP US SAVED? (PART 5)

 

The Wanderer Above the Sea of Fog by Caspar David Friedrich

In the previous installment, I mentioned the book Four Views on Eternal Security, and that the four authors are identified as "Classical Calvinist," "Moderate Calvinist," "Reformed Arminian," and "Wesleyan Arminian." So I ask you: is "eternal security" (aka "OSAS" or  "Once Saved Always Saved") an expansion on the Calvinism/Arminianism debate?

I say no. Why?

1. There is a difference between what is referred to as OSAS and the Calvinist belief of Perseverance of the Saints. The latter is the saints will persevere. I heard one person state that early Calvinists believed the elect could not lose their salvation, that the elect would live godly lives, and that no one - even yourself - can know if you're part of the elect. Thus, they lived good lives in hope of being saved. 
2. On the other side, Dave Hunt wondered if Jacobus Arminius could have believed in eternal security. In his book Arminian Theology: Realities and Myths, author Roger Olsen stated that the early Arminians did not have an official statement on security; thus, you can be Arminian and also eternal security (Hunt was an example).
3. Views on eternal security/losing your salvation, like most other views, are not simply A or B. Again, the book I referred to dealt with four views. Before I read it, I thought there was a nice line starting with Classical Calvinism and ending with Wesleyan Arminianism. By the way, there are subjects where the views form a nice line (e.g. Spectrum of Evangelicalism, Whether Supernatural Gifts Exist Today). 

In the above book, author Norm Geisler painted the line with three points - Strong Calvinists, Moderate Calvinists like himself, and Arminians. I read a book by Ron Rhodes that made the same division. I find this view problematic because 1) it shows a bias toward Calvinism, even though in the above book Reformed Arminian Stephen Ashby refers to Geisler as a 1 point Calvinist and Classical Calvinist Michael Horton called him a 0 point Calvinist. 

One major difference between Arminians is what causes someone to lose their salvation if they could. Some would say you can sin your way out of the Kingdom, requiring you to regain your salvation and hopefully not lose it. Others state that they are given free will to believe and be saved and maintain that free will so they can choose to walk away from the salvation. Though most of my life was influenced by those who believe in eternal security, I went through a period of time I was more like this latter Arminian view.

Did someone ask that I'm hinting that I returned to being an eternal security advocate? Well, I'm not sure it was a hint, but yes, I'm back in believing in eternal security. Why? Because I believe that's what the Bible teaches. Let me look at three verses:

• 2 Corinthians 5:17. "Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has passed away; behold, all things have become new." I heard this view from Bob George, and I think he's onto something. Opponents of eternal security come across as thinking we need the possibility of losing our salvation to keep us in line. No, we've been changed. All things have become new, as this verse says, and that includes our desires.
• John 10:27-28. "My sheep hear My voice, and I know them and they follow Me; and I give to them eternal life and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of My hand." One of the first verses I memorized, my favorite verses, as well as a strong verse on us not losing our salvation. First, this verse says we belong to Christ. Second, it says those who are His sheep WILL follow Him. Third, we're given eternal life and shall never perish (contrary to being able to lose that life and perish). Finally, in response to the view that we can crawl out of His hand, it's hard to do that when you're following Him."
• Galatians 5:4. "You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace." Anti-eternal securityists talk about "falling from grace" as "losing your salvation." But is that what it means in this verse? No, falling from grace is seeking works (or law) to save us. How about other times that phrase is used in Scripture? Unfortunately for that theory, there isn't any.

Not just because I held that view, but I see a difference between those who say we can renounce our faith and those who think we can lose our salvation due to sin. One friend of mine asks how much sin causes us to lose our salvation, and not getting an answer backed by Scripture. I asked another person whose tag-line was "OSAS is wrong" if you could lose your salvation by pride or worrying or judging others; he said no, and that if it did, no one can be saved.

As I mentioned in the title, I believe that God is willing to keep us saved (2 Peter 3:9; see also Ezek. 18:32) and able to keep us saved (Jude 24); if both are true, eternal security is the rational conclusion. 

Of course, opponents of OSAS have the example of people claiming that since they're saved they can live however they want, which is unbiblical and more Gnostic than Christian. I don't fault them for opposing this. However, in my case, I sometimes think that I'm not worthy of being saved; for me, eternal security is not license but much needed hope. In other words, I need to trust Christ to save me, not my feeble finite flawed efforts.

BOOK REVIEW - "BATMAN: ONE BAD DAY - THE RIDDLER #1," WRITTEN BY TOM KING, ILLUSTRATED BY MITCH GERADS

 Which is the first Batman villain you remember? For me, it was the Riddler. Frank Gorshin played Batman's opponent in the first two episodes of the '60's TV series and was in 8 of the 34 episodes of season 1 (the Joker and the Penguin had a half dozen each in that first season, and the Catwoman only appeared in two). My all time favorite villain was Gorshin's Riddler (I was disappointed with John Astin's take on the role in the second season). I will admit that I am not a Jim Carrey fan, but I enjoyed his portrayal in Batman Forever. That being said, I had NEVER seen him in the limited comic book viewing I've done.

Needless to say, we're not in the '60's anymore, and "Batman: One Bad Day - The Riddler" is proof of that. I would grade this story with a D: Dark, Depressing, Disgusting, Deplorable, Disconcerting, Disappointing. The story is interesting, and gives some of Edward Nygma's back story, but it left me torn between being sympathetic to the abuse he faced as a boy and utterly despising a totally evil character.

If this is what modern Batman is like, I'd rather stay with the past.

BOOK REVIEW - "COUNTERFEIT KINGDOM: THE DANGERS OF NEW REVELATION, NEW PROPHETS, AND NEW AGE PRACTICES IN THE CHURCH" BY HOLLY PIVEC & R. DOUGLAS GEIVETT

"Counterfeit Kingdom: The Dangers of New Revelation, New Prophets, and New Age Practices in the Church" by Holly Pivec and R. Douglas Geivett is a well written expose of the New Apostolic Reformation (aka NAR). 

You may be uncomfortable with the type of books because of it taking a negative view. I hear you - I don't enjoy books like this. But is it needed? The authors make a good case why. Additionally, in "Chapter 2: Who Are the New Apostles and Prophets," it includes a short auto-bio of the authors, stating why they have concerns about this movement.

Some might take this book as presenting a cessationist view (i.e. that gifts like prophecy and tongues have ceased). However, the authors clearly state that this is not the case, and point out that many Pentecostals and Charismatics are worried about the NAR. 

Two chapters caught my attention. "Chapter 7: The Passionately Wrong 'Bible,'" the authors look at how the recent Passion Bible contain NAR teachings. I was in a Sunday School class where we shared different translations, and at times I brought three translations including the Passion Bible, and the teacher referred to it as "The Hollywood Bible" because of how it read. 

As a songwriter and music lover, I also paid attention to "Chapter 8: Toxic Worship Music." The author point out that a major producer of today's worship music is via a prominent NAR church. Their concerns are that NAR ideas show up in the song, as well as the music creating an interest in the church. Other chapters that would be of interest are "Chapter 10: Deception-Proofing Your Children" and "Conclusion: Joining the Resistance."

Are the authors on target? I would advice reading this with an open mind, praying for God to give wisdom (James 1:5) to know if there is a real danger from the NAR or not.

 

BOOK REVIEW - "WITNESS IN PERIL" BY JODIE BAILEY

 Why are a Federal Marshall and a Swift River policeman trying to kill estate lawyer Ivy Bridges, and how did they know about her four year old daughter Wren? Is Special Agent Jacob Garcia able to protect them from a notorious killer and her gang? Does the fact that Ivy was a college girl-friend and Wren the daughter he didn't know he have affect this mission?

Love Inspired Suspense's "Witness in Peril" has a lot going for it. First, it's written by Jodie Bailey who has become one of my favorite novelists. Second, its Grand Canyon setting makes me homesick for the state where I grew up in. 

As I would expect from Bailey, there are characters you care about and exciting plot twists. Likewise, this story has Christian themes which are organic to the story but not at all preachy.

This is a stand-alone story, though there is a reference to her novella "Missing in the Wilderness," part of Love Inspired Suspense's collection "Canyon Standoff."

Is there a Jodie Bailey novel I would not highly recommend? Thus far, not at all, including this one.

BOOK REVIEW - "SHADOW CHRISTIANS: MAKING AN IMPACT WHEN NO ONE KNOWS YOUR NAME" BY JEFF IORG

Have you ever felt that you have no impact on the world? I have, even in the age of social media. If you're a Christian, you may feel that you have no value in serving the Lord, and even wonder how God could love a nobody like you (I've often felt that way). 

"Shadow Christians: Making an Impact when No One Knows Your Name" by former president of Gateway Seminary and current President/CEO of the SBC Executive Committee Jeff  Iorg (pronounced like "forge", without the "f") is a major encouragement for those dealing with such thoughts. 

Iorg deals with people in the New Testament that we're familiar with but we don't know their names (e.g. the leper Jesus healed, or the woman who touched the hem of Jesus' garment), and applies them to us. He divides the book into two parts:
1. God loves Shadow Christians

2. God uses Shadow Christians

This book is written so the everyday Christian can read and follow it, and so they can be encouraged by it. I recommend this book.
 

SATURDAY REVIEWS - IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE DEBATE BETWEEN CALVINISM AND ARMINIANISM SHOULD UNITE AND NOT DIVIDE BELIEVERS? (PART 4)

 

The Day of His Great Wrath by John Martin

"Lord, my heart is not haughty 

Nor my eyes lofty, 

Neither do I concern myself with great matters,

Nor with things too profound for me."

Psalm 131:1, New King James Version

Is it possible trying to figure out if the universe is big enough for both God's Sovereignty and human free will and their relation in salvation is a great matter, too profound for us, past our pay grade?

I wish people debating this issue would:

1. Realize that this is a family squabble between people who are trusting God alone for their salvation.
2. Recognize those on both sides have studied Scripture with equal depth and love for the Word of God and the God of the Word.
3. Remember that Satan and Persecutors don't care which side you're on but are out to defeat you because you believe Jesus is Lord and not them.

The reality is too many overestimate human freewill. It's not as great as proponents think it is, nor is it the bogeyman Calvinists make it out to be.

You know, free-will makes me think about a '70's song called "Best of My Love." But who did it? I think it was a group that starts with the letter "E." Wait, I hear someone say The Eagles? "Best of My Love" by the Eagles is a great though depressing song, but I'm not talking about that song; the one I'm referring to is more upbeat with some girl singers. Oh, I remember. It was by the group The Emotions. 

Likewise, when I hear "free-will," I hear two different things. Some boast God is a perfect gentleman and would not violate our free-will. This theory makes me sick to my stomach - it can be described as "self-sovereignty." And while we can debate if Calvinists are right on their view of God's Sovereignty, it's evident God is Sovereign, not us.

To others, free will means God gives us the ability to choose whether we will be obedient to Him or disobedient. We can call this "human responsibility." The focus is on God, as it should be.

One of my all time favorite books is "Four Views on Eternal Security." It was uplifting to read the four authors - who identify themselves as Classical Calvinist, Moderate Calvinist, Reformed Arminian, and Wesleyan Arminian - as they talked about the wonder that God saves us. One author mentioned from the start he was convinced that John Calvin, Jacob Arminius, John Wesley, and the other authors were all saved, and later stated his responses to the other three were written not to win but to learn.

Folks, we've spent half a millennium debating this subject as Calvinism vs. Arminianism and a full millennium before that dealing with the theologies of Augustine and Pegaleus, and I personally feel it's arrogant to think we can solve it now. But if we look over the horizon, we see the real war we're fighting, and it's not against each other!

BOOK REVIEW - THE COMPLETE DICK TRACY VOL. 3 (1935-1936) BY CHESTER GOULD

My interaction with Dick Tracy has been sporadic. I saw some parodies from Mad Magazine (such as "What if Gilbert and Sullivan wrote Dick Tracy?"), had a few times when I was able to follow the strip ('81-'84, '86-88, and some in the 2000's), saw a few books reprinting a story, and seeing the old movie "Dick Tracy Meets Gruesome" (co-starring Boris Karloff) and the 1990 feature starring Warren Beatty. So it was fun reading some of the old strips.

I have a hunch that volume 2 ends with Dick Tracy and friends arresting Boris Arson. (I've only read volumes 3 and 4 at this point, and don't expect to read most of them). This collection starts off with Boris escaping with the help of his sister Zora, followed by three other stories (I was surprised that the stories lasted 5 months; I'm more used to 3 month stories in comic serials). 

I only recognized one of the villains: Lips Manlis, who was in the 1990 movie, played by the late Paul Sorvino. Besides large lips, the only thing in common between the movie version and the original comic character was they started out as a gangster. In the film version, he was bumped off early. In the comics, Dick Tracy offered him a chance to go straight with a new name ("Bob Honor"). I loved seeing the development of the character. He rescued some of his former gang members to keep them from dying in a fire. This volume ends with Bob recovering and one member at large. How long to get that lone wolf into custody? You'll have to read volume 4 for that answer.

P.S. You'll find it amusing that when I was writing in "former gang members" in the above paragraph, I almost typed "former band members." Yep, you'd expect that from a music lover!

 

BOOK REVIEW - "ARE MIRACULOUS GIFTS FOR TODAY?: FOUR VIEWS" (COUNTERPOINT SERIES), EDITED BY WAYNE GRUDEM

 "Are Miraculous Gifts for Today?: Four Views (Counterpoints Series)" is one of my favorites from the Counterpoints series. The basic format is to have authors write an essay on their view, with responses from each of the other authors. This book follows that format, but then takes another step: Editor Wayne Grudem asked the authors to meet for two days and discuss the issues and misrepresentations of the writers, with each of the four writers and the editor writing concluding comments. The four views are Cessationist (Richard B. Gaffin), Open but Cautious (Robert L. Saucy), Third Wave (C. Samuel Storms), and Pentecostal/Charismatic (Douglas A. Oss).

I normally would consider my view on the gifts to be Calvinist: that God is sovereign, and He is free to cause a gift to cease and to restore a gift that has disappeared. (That's with my tongue in cheek - no, Calvinism doesn't directly deal with spiritual gifts.) The designation "Open but cautious" is more accurate.

Why do I like the book? Because the authors talk about the views as a family squabble between true believers indwelt by the Holy Spirit. That civility is not typical in the age of social media.

I highly recommend this book.