The writers of LOST have done a tremendous job of keeping their audiences attention and creating a whirlwind of speculation that grows fiercer and gains momentum with each new episode. Chris Seay, pastor of Ecclesia Church in Houston, tosses his hat into the ring and does what he has done many times before- he examines the story and characters of this incredible show through the lens of the greatest story ever told- the story of God.
Seay examines the characters- from their names to their various proclivities and idiosyncrasies- by employing the various lenses of Scripture, theology, psychology, and philosophy. Drawing comparisons at times between the story of LOST and the stories of the Pentateuch, Seay helps the casual reader of Scripture make the connections that might have otherwise been missed.
Where this book succeeds is in helping the reader make connections that they otherwise may have missed. For example, many of the views of the show may not have realized that John Locke actually has a namesake whose life and writings have had a bearing on the story and its ongoing development.
Where this book fails is in regards to the fact that fact that Seay’s writing style can be, at times, a little too rambling and conversational- sometimes it would be better if he just made his point. Additionally, the book explores many biblical allusions, theological tie-ins, and connections that have been served as fodder for discussion on many a blog or fan forum.
All-in-all, the book is okay. If I had a few hours on my hands and didn’t know what to do, or if I was able to pick up this book at a bargain price- I would in no way hesitate to do so. However, if I had a bookshelf full of books (which I do)- this wouldn’t be the first book that I would grab off of the shelf.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
There’s so much more to life and faith than this. And we all know it. We all crave something that will vanish soon. Many people chase their cravings into sex, money, work, service, or religion without ever realizing none of these will satisfy. But others of us are beginning to see our cravings were for one purpose and one purpose alone. So what do you crave?
(from the back cover of Crave)
Chris Tomlinson presents his readers with a book that is intelligible, well-written, and witty. With each flip of the page one easily gets absorbed in the material in large part due to the passion and exuberance that Tomlinson has for the journey of faith, but more importantly for the God for whom He is desperately and passionately craving.
Tomlinson’s chapters on the subjects of silence and the Pager were startlingly insightful and provided the reader with many opportunities to pause, reflect, and stop to interact with the material by actually applying it in one’s life.
That said, however, Crave falls short in that it treads a path that so many books in the Christian market have already travelled. Like Blue Like Jazz and Plan B, among many others, Tomlinson’s book mixes thoughts on spirituality and cultivating a vibrant relationship with God with personal stories and anecdotes that serve to underscore the point that is being made, while at the same time helping the reader to understand that he or she can actually take the material and apply it to their life.
All-in-all, Crave was a good read, by an author who I hope to read more from in the future. While at times the book seems overly anecdotal and periodically meanders down a path that appears light on substance, Tomlinson is a good writer whose passion is infectious.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
“The church of Jesus Christ exists to be a sign of the kingdom of God in the culture in which it exists. It is the light and hope in a reprobate world that suggest there is an alternative worldview where giving, losing, serving, and turning our cheeks are higher values than hoarding, gaining, controlling, and avenging. The body of christ is the visible expression of a value system that sets love and obedience above rights and freedom.” (p. 160)
Apathetic.
Hypocritical.
Judgmental.
Arrogant.
Aloof.
Out-of-touch.
These are just some of the adjectives that some have used to describe the church in the West, and particularly the church in North America. The tragic thing is that many of the comments, which employ these and other adjectives, are made by those who are on the fringe. They have either given up on the church and have been part of an exodus from the church. Or they have never been a part of the church, yet critique it as if they have firsthand knowledge.
Admittedly, the church is not all that God has intended it to be. In many instances the adjectives and criticisms are justified and true. What is disconcerting, however, is the voices that decry the problems of the church neither offer a new way forward nor do they endeavor to help be part of a positive change as a part of the church. Jimmy Dorrell and the folks at The Church Under the Bridge, however, are an exception. Acknowledging the imperfections of the church has been part of a long process in which through soul-searching and the guidance of the Holy Spirit they have forged a new kind of church. A church that makes sense to and speaks the truth of God into the lives of a wide smathering of society. Drugs addicts and prostitutes worship next to business executives and spoiled college students. Together they do life together. They learn from one another. And, not surprisingly, they and the church that embraces these folks are better for it.
Trolls and Truthis a phenomenal book from a pastor who has learned firsthand the inadequacy of the church as it currently is and has fought hard and championed the church as it ought to be. The result is a heart-felt, beautiful, and sometimes uproariously funny set of “14 realities that today’s church doesn’t want to see.” Dorrell’s wit and humor is able to disarm the reader to the extent that the reader will be nodding in agreement with many of the observations that he has made. The stories help the reader to know that while this book critiques the church and proposes a new way forward that it is not a purely academic or untried series of suggestions- instead, these stories are recorded by a pastor who has experienced the pain and joy that are characteristic of the way forward.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Author Stephen Mansfield has ventured to provide his readers with a ‘biography of the beer that changed the world’. Given the option to read and review a book with such an intriguing title, I just couldn’t pass up the opportunity.
The title while intriguing, however, was misleading. Whereas the title and dust jacket promise a biography of Arthur Guinness, the brewing company which bears his name, and an exploration of the Christian faith in action- Mansfield falls woefully short of actually pulling it off.
Mansfield was successful with regards to providing his readers with a history of the Guinness family and the company that bears his name. The historical narrative, while disjointed at times, is relatively easy-to-read and capably summarizes a rather lengthy history rather succinctly.
Yet, while Guinness may have been found, Mansfield leaves his readers still searching for God. Apart from references to benevolent work, Guinness’ involvement in the formation of the Sunday School movement in Ireland, and the long line of preachers that are to be found in the Guinness genealogy- a convincing argument regarding a vibrant faith and its impact on one’s life is largely absent from the pages of the book.
If you are looking for an introductory text regarding the Guinness family and its brewing legacy this may be a great place to start, but if you are looking for a book that will move you to greater depths in your faith or will inspire you to serve God- this book isn’t it.
If you’d like to order a copy and give it a go, feel free to click here.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
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