Latest Reads

I have recently finished 2 books (yes, I can read, and yes, I did stay within the lines). The 1st is one I have been plodding through for some time. It is Christianity’s Dangerous Idea: the Protestant Revolution from the Sixteenth Century to the Twenty-First by Alister McGrath. At 560 pages, it took me longer to read (being a slow reader is a burden). Church history is McGrath’s forte and he does a masterful job in telling a story that needs to be told again. With the push toward “non-denominationalism” there is a tendency to lose sight of the historic roots of evangelicalism.

McGrath is a prolific author. He has written a response to Richard Dawkins’ The God Delusion called The Dawkins Delusion. He is featured in Ben Stein’s movie “Expelled – No Intelligence Allowed.” If you haven’t seen that movie, you need to see it. As others have said, the interview with Richard Dawkins at the end is worth the price of the movie.

The 2nd book is a quick read that augments the former. It is The Expository Genius of John Calvin by Steven Lawson. Many people tear their garments and throw ashes in the air when Calvin’s name is mentioned. This book, however, shows Calvin as an expositor; a preacher steeped in Scripture and theology. You will learn some interesting things about Calvin’s ministry. For example, he preached without notes and his sermons were recorded live in some kind of shorthand.

Thanks to those who posted comments and to all those who read this blog. Feel free to share in the conversation.