Book Review: Passionate Parenting

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Book Reviews, Cary Schmidt, Family, parenting, Passionate Parenting, teenagers

As the parent of a teenager (and another all-too-soon) I am on the lookout for resources that will equip me to be a better parent. As a pastor I look for those that I can recommend to the parents in our congregation. Passionate Parenting by Cary Schmidt is both.

There’s much for which to recommend this book, but here are four basic reasons I feel comfortable doing so:

1) It is focused on principles.

I’ve long been of the opinion that there are two kinds of books on parenting: Those that dictate EXACTLY how EVERY parent must raise EVERY child, and those that discuss basic principles that are diversely applicable in the unique situations each family will face.

This book is one of the latter. Each chapter shares a different characteristic of Passionate Parenting. While there is established Biblical teaching about raising children, each child and family is different. Passionate Parenting provides principles that will fit in each of these varied environments. This broadens is effectiveness and makes it a great tool for any family.

2) It has a positive perspective of the parent-child relationship.

There is no question that parenting a teen can be challenging, but Pastor Schmidt doesn’t assume that the relationship has to be adversarial. One of my favorite chapters, “The Laughing Parent” focuses on the importance of edifying humor and laughter in the life of a family. In fact, the entire book has a positive tone that emphasizes the blessing of children.

3) It includes practical insights and suggestions.

Each chapter has a practical aspect, but some chapters deal with issues relevant to modern parenting. “The Techno-Savvy Parent” (chapter 17) for example highlights issues specific to media and technology. The ever-increasing encroachment of media in the life of the modern family demands that parents be vigilant, educated, and strategic. The author shares a list of action-items to help even the most technologically-uninformed parent.

4) It has a pastoral tone.

This is not a book of sermons, but it does include the spiritual aspect of parenting. Its heart is to create a passion in each parent to foster a passion for God in their child. Chapters such as “The Repenting Parent,” “The Praying Parent,” and “The Shepherding Parent,” all address this important truth. The author’s pastoral heart shows clearly in this work. He cares about parents and teens.

I hesitate to recommend some books because, while good, their benefit is limited. These four points assure me that this is not a book that is helpful to a select few – I can heartily commend it for any parents who have or will have teenagers.

Passionate Parenting challenges parents, but is not a challenge to read. Very seldom do I enjoy “parenting” books, but I frequently found myself smiling through this one. It finds a singular balance between stomping your toes and touching your heart, between principle and practice, between ancient truths and modern issues. It is a book I have benefited from, and one which I will recommend to others.

This and other resources from Cary Schmidt are available at his website.

Passionate Parenting is also available in hardcover and Kindle editions at Amazon.

Book Review: Reading Scriptures with the Reformers

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Bible, Book Reviews, History, Reading Scriptures with the Reformers, Reformation, Timothy George

Why should I care what men who lived centuries ago believed?

The “imperialism of the present” would tell me they are irrelevant. It would, however, also blind me to the benefit of those who have traveled the road of faith before me. In Reading Scripture with the Reformers Timothy George argues there is legitimate and substantial benefit in understanding the Scriptures through the eyes of the Reformers.

George guides the reader through the twists and turns of the Reformation. Along the tour he introduces the leading (often little-known) figures of this period. Their distinct and occasionally conflicting approaches to the Scriptures provide the thematic understanding of its history.

What becomes evident through this historical excursion is the centrality of Scripture to this era. From leader to layman, Protestant to Catholic, saint to sinner, new-found access to the Bible opened up opportunities and influences. The author shows the influence of what the Reformers read, how they interpreted their reading, and how their influence shaped how subsequent generations viewed Scripture.

The contemporary church has much to learn from those who have journeyed ahead of us. For those seeking to explore the benefits of this section of the road, Reading Scripture with the Reformers is an excellent guide-map.

Book Review: Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor

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Book Reviews, Chuck Black, Knights of Valor, Sir Quinlan

Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor
Chuck Black

5th in the Knights of Arrethtrae Series, this is the engaging story of Sir Quinlan, a young man who leaves home to serve in the “Swords of Valor.” These knights serve the King, doing battle with the forces of the Dark Knight who plots to take the Kingdom.

Taking the blame for a tragic failure, Quinlan seeks to flee from his past. He finds redemption through the help of Taras the Silent Warrior and by facing up to a task that will challenge his courage and commitment to the King.

This is an engaging story that is obviously spiritual allegory. Written for older children and young teens, it is an enjoyable story that communicates important truths. Young boys would find this an engaging story of knights, battles, evil enemies and challenges. Parents will be glad for reading material that enforces the values the want to instill in their children.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Book Review – Patrick Henry: First Among Patriots

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biography, Book Review, History, Patrick Henry, Thomas S. Kidd

Patrick Henry: First Among Patriots

Thomas S. Kidd

Patrick Henry was devoted to liberty, patriotism, and public moral virtue.  These three threads are important to understanding his life and impact.

In First Among Patriots, Thomas Kidd examines the man known as the “Voice of the American Revolution.”  Most Americans know Henry only for his “Give me liberty” speech.  Many, through history and in contemporary culture, try to claim him as a patron saint for their own political positions. Henry, however, is much more than any popular conception.

A native of what was then the “back-woods” region of Virginia, Henry achieved prominence as a lawyer and eventually as a representative in the colonial legislature.  It was there that his oratorical skills would help rouse the nation to the cause of Independence.  Considered a radical by some, a patriot by others, Henry would become a controversial figure in both Virginia and national politics.

He would serve as the state’s war-time governor and repeatedly in the state legislature.  His legendary oratorical skills were not matched by political aptitude, and he often grew impatient with extended deliberation.  This was to his detriment – on more than one occasion, he would lose a battle he thought already won.

Henry’s passion for liberty would rouse a nation to independence.  His passion for limited government would pit him against the architects of the new American government.  It was his role as a leader of the anti-Federalists, those who opposed the adoption of the Constitution, that earned him the animosity of many of the founding fathers and his former friends.

Kidd makes note of the influence of faith in Henry’s life.  Much of his thinking, including his views on an established church, was shaped by a firm belief in the necessity of public morality to the stability of a nation. Siding against his one-time friend Thomas Jefferson and the Baptists of Virginia, he believed that the government should encourage morality through support of churches.

The author notes that Henry believed the government should promote morality. “Two primary ways of doing this were punishing immorality under the law, and encouraging morality through churches and schools.”  He continues, “Jefferson and Madison cooperated with many evangelical dissenters, especially Baptists, in arguing that religion would survive, and even thrive, on a purely voluntary basis.”

Henry was no saint.  His flaws include inconsistency on the issue of slavery, a tendency to bend principle for the sake of profit, and occasional lapses in his characteristic frugality are evident. Kidd highlights these, but frames them charitably in their proper context.

I found this book enjoyable to read. It provides a more accurate portrait of the man I consider one of the most underrated of the founding fathers.  The author strikes a proper balance between the subject and the historical setting without getting either out of focus.  He gives insight into an important period of our history through the life of a man who was “first among patriots.”

You can preview a portion of Patrick Henry: First Among Patriots at Amazon.

Book Review – The Revolutionary Paul Revere

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Book Reviews, Joel Miller, Paul Revere

Most people know Paul Revere only for his “Midnight Ride.” In The Revolutionary Paul Revere Joel J. Miller paints a more complete portrait of this American hero.

Not one of the Revolutionary “elites” Revere was known for his loyalty and reliability. It was his reputation as a reliable messenger that made him the logical choice as one of the riders to warn the militia of the approaching British.

This enjoyable bio transformed Revere from a two dimensional figure into a three dimensional character for me. Miller presents a very human yet honorable hero. If you are interested in American history or biography, particularly from the Revolutionary period, I recommend this book.

Book Review: Johann Sebastian Bach (Christian Encounters)

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biography, Book Reviews, Christian Encounters, composer, Johann Sebastian Bach, music, Rick Marschall

This book is a part of the Christian Encounters Series by Thomas Nelson Publishers. Rick Marschall highlights the Christian faith of the well-known composer. Having never read a bio of Bach, I thoroughly enjoyed this introduction to him.

Writing primarily for use in worship, Bach carefully integrated music and worship. He took great care to make the Gospel a part of his music. Each composition was begun with the phrase, “Jesus, help me,” and ended with the initials S. D. G. – Solo Deo Gloria (to God alone be the glory).

In this, you meet Bach the musician, the teacher, the composer, and the father. The influence of Bach upon subsequent generations of music is not always fully grasped. That this influence was imprinted with Bach’s faith makes this additionally encouraging. Though parts are somewhat technical and dry, it is overall an enjoyable “encounter” for young adult and adult readers.

*A complimentary copy of this book was provided by the publisher through BookSneeze.

Book Review: The Goodness of God

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evil, Randy Alcorn, suffering, theodicy

Some books addressing the problem of evil are more philosophical. Others are more practical and pastoral. In The Goodness of God: Assurance of Purpose in the Midst of Suffering, Randy Alcorn masterfully takes the best philosophical arguments for the goodness of God and presents a pastoral, practical response to the question of evil.

This book gives a sound, Scriptural explanation of the subject while maintaining a heart of mercy. It is not the thorough treatment that Alcorn gives in If God is Good, but it is written with the same clarity of thought and theological reliability.

Chapters deal with such perplexing topics as why evil exists at all and reasons for the suffering of believers. The author addresses misconceptions about a Biblical view of health and wealth. He evaluates the underlying world-views that deny God based on the existence of evil. Most importantly, he focuses on Christ as God’s eternal solution to evil and suffering.

If you are looking for a more comprehensive examination of this subject, If God is Good might be a more suitable choice. This book is a simple, accessible, yet sound resource for pastors, counselors, and those who deal with the grieving and suffering. It is an easy, quick read that will be an encouragement to anyone who is in, going into, or just coming out of a trial.

I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for the purpose of review.