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.”
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.”
A Million Miles in a Thousand Years: What I Learned While Editing My Life is the newest book from author/speaker/Mentoring Project founder Donald Miller. We’ve all been there. You have a mountaintop experience. You are on a high. Then, emotionally/physically/spiritually you bottom out. You get stuck in a rut. So it was with Donald Miller following the success of Blue Like Jazz.
Although successful, the wheels of his life were spinning.
Although he should have been excited by the speaking engagements and his newfound notoriety- his life seemed relatively boring and devoid of meaning.
It was during this period of existential angst that Donald Miller had the incredible opportunity to edit his book with the hope of making it into a movie. What began as a literary project became an incredible opportunity to think about the story that his life was telling. The book chronicles the discoveries, both painful and humorous, that he makes as he in essence edits his life and begins to craft a new, more meaningful story.
The most beautiful aspect of the book, however, was how throughout there was a sense that you were being invited into the editing process. As the reader you were invited to watch as Donald edited his life, and at the same time you were invited to edit your own.
This was easily the best book that I have read this year. It avoided the self-help tone that so many Christian books now have. It staved off the sloppy sentimentality that a book such as this can often be characterized by. The writing was excellent. The stories had the appropriate balance of sentimentality, humor, and angst.
Go buy this book and sit down for an enjoyable and possibly life-changing read! Highly recommended!
Max Lucado’s most recent book, Fearless, is about the fear that we all experience and how we can victoriously overcome our fear. The main premise of the book seems to be that each and every one of us deals with fear. It may be a fear which manifests itself in a phobia such as agoraphobia, which paralyzes us in a noticeable way. It may be a fear that exists beneath the surface, yet it paralyzes us and causes us not to act. Each of us have fear and if it is not surrendered to God, it can (and often will) keep us from doing what God has called us to do.
Admittedly, I’ve never been a Max Lucado fan. Having admitted that, I can honestly say that this wouldn’t be a book that I would have readily purchased. In fact, had I not agreed to review it, I would probably not have taken the time to read it. However, this was by far the best Lucado book that I have read. The subject of fear is difficult to tackle. It is difficult because it is universal, in that we all deal with it, yet the degree to which we are paralyzed by it varies from person to person. Given the complexity of the topic, I thought that Lucado did an incredible job of addressing the issue, its source, and what needs to take place for us (especially as Christians) to not be held captive by our fears. What is more, Max Lucado does this in a way that is both understandable and extremely practical.
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