Book Review: Chasm

The Chasm is the most recent book by noted author, Randy Alcorn. It is adapted from Alcorn’s novel Edge of Eternity, though it is not necessary to have read that work in order to appreciate this one.

In this brief allegory, the author takes us into the mind and experience of Nick Seagrave as he attempts to find the path to the city of Charis. Through the spiritual and the physical, from the glaringly real to the disjointedly dreamlike experiences, we follow Nick on his quest for fulfillment through pleasure and philosophy. It’s a surreal world where all is not as it seems, and seemingly no one can be trusted.

There is much to like in The Chasm. The story flows well and can be read easily in one (longer) sitting. With shades of the allegorical reminiscent of Bunyan and Lewis, this book will especially appeal to those who enjoy this literary style. Alcorn is able to find the delicate balance between allegory that is annoyingly overt and incomprehensibly ambiguous. With skilled writing and sound theology, the story addresses issues such as lust, post-modernism, and pluralism.

This book is an enjoyable read and will provide an excellent conversation-starter for believers and unbelievers alike.

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

Movie Review: The Least Among You

It’s 1965 and Richard Kelly (Cedric Sanders) is a black student at an all-white seminary. He’s not there from a sense of a call, but to serve probation for his arrest in the Watts riots. President Alan Beckett (William Devane) is hoping to lead the school in a new direction of openness and looks to Richard to lead the way.

Despite racial slurs, derogatory comments, even crosses burned in his dorm room, he struggles to fit in and accomplish change. Helped by school gardener, Samuel Benton (Lewis Gossett, Jr.), he discovers that the greatest change needed is surrendering his life to Christ by faith. With the help of Professor Kate Allison (Lauren Holly) he discovers the means to accomplish the change he seeks.

Despite some predictable elements, the genuineness of the story (based on the true story of Dr. Charles Marks) makes Richard’s experience poignantly real. The depth of story and complexity of characters make this an enjoyable film. Solid performances by the cast provide a moving backdrop for a moving lead performance by Sanders.

This is more than another “race” movie. “The Least Among You” provides a challenging look at the context in which faith, race, and integrity intertwine.

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

Book Review: Salvation and Sovereignty

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Arminianism, Calvinism, Kenneth Keathley, Molinism, ROSES, Salvation and Sovereignty

In recent years  Reformed theology has experienced a significant resurgence.  Books, blogs, seminaries . . . the evidence is hard to miss.  Several of the emphases of the Reformed resurgence have helped restore much-needed balance to evangelical Christianity.  It is unfortunate that the Reformed have often been branded with stereotypes that are ill-founded, unfair, and at times blatantly ignorant.

Many believers, however, are not comfortable with a fully Reformed soteriology. Neither are they willing to accept the alternative Arminian position.  Variously called “four-pointers,” “moderate Calvinists,” “Calminians,” and other less-repeatable epithets, they seek to reconcile two equally Scriptural truths: the free-will of man and the sovereignty of God.

In Salvation and Sovereignty, Dr. Kenneth Keathley advances the cause for just such a median position.  He argues for a soteriology that finds this balance, while avoiding the respective blind-spots of both alternative systems and remaining faithfully based in Scriptural truth.

Based on a Molinist understanding of God’s middle knowledge, the author replaces the familiar TULIP with a soteriology of ROSES:

R – Radical depravity,

O – Overcoming grace,

S – Sovereign election,

E – Eternal life,

S – Singular redemption.

Each point reconciles its respective aspect of the Biblical truths of the sovereignty and free will.

Whether the author is successful in this “balancing act” will largely depend on the presuppositions of the reader.  This book will not satisfy critics from either side.  In fact, this “middle ground” could become a theological “no-man’s-land.”  I suspect Keathley will be critiqued by both sides, with each labeling him as the other.  What the author does accomplish is to provide a valid alternative to the debate.  It is a well-written book that adds much to the discussion.

He argues his position well, while presenting opposing views in a civil and even-handed manner (Something theologians of all stripes could take note of). The presentation is scholarly, logical and most importantly, Scriptural.  One might disagree with his conclusions, but it would be difficult to deny the legitimacy of this position.

Regardless your theological persuasion, I recommend this book. For those who seek a scholarly, yet accessible presentation of a more balanced position, this book will provide it. It is the clearest, most understandable explanation of Molinism I have yet encountered, and I found the author’s balanced discussion both refreshing and enlightening.

Though it will not end this centuries-old debate, this approach certainly provides satisfactory answers to many of the pertinent questions of this debate.  Anyone seeking to understand Molinism can do no better than Salvation and Sovereignty.

Do You Believe In Miracles?

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Book Reviews, God in the Whirlwind, miracles, Reviews, Tim Ellsworth, Union University

Miracle is one of those words that have been weakened through overuse.  From unexpected sports victories to the return of long-lost pets, we apply it to common everyday events.  Along the way, it has lost the “divine” element.

On February 5 Union University in Jackson, Tennessee was hit by an EF-4 tornado. Millions across the country watched frantic rescue efforts on the morning news.  We were astounded at the reports that though 18 dormitories were demolished and over $40 million damage was sustained, not one life was lost. In the words of the survivors, “it was a miracle.”

In God in the Whirlwind: Stories of Grace from the Tornado at Union University you will read the stories of the faculty, students, and staff that were caught in the fury of a storm boasting winds over 200 miles per hour.  Tim Ellsworth has compiled and recounted these personal testimonies of God’s grace. Students caught in the destruction, trapped beneath piles of rubble, or working desperately to rescue their friends all give credit to the providential care of God.  Beyond the accounts of physical protection are the stories of spiritual transformation. Strengthened faith, conversions, and answered questions demonstrate that God’s hand was in the storm.

In each story, the author draws a compelling, yet complete portrait of faith in spite of fear. He avoids airbrushing the survivors or their faith. He refrains from sensationalism and presents faith in all its wonderful complexity. Experiencing the same questions, doubts, and emotions expected of anyone in their circumstances, does not diminish their faith, it highlights it.  Rather than focusing on the tenacity of the individual, it attracts the reader to the sovereign power of God.

From the events on the night of the storm to the rebuilding and recovery efforts in the weeks following, the hand of God is clearly “traced upon the dial” of Union University.  Reading these stories will strengthen your faith in the God who still performs miracles.

Book Review: Washington’s General

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American history, Nathanael Greene, Terry Golway, Washington's General

Washington’s General: Nathanael Greene and

the Triumph of the American Revolution

He has been called, “the most underappreciated great man in the War for Independence.” George Washington’s hand-picked successor, Nathanael Greene was born into a prominent Rhode Island Quaker family. Plagued by insecurities due to his lack of education and military experience, he nonetheless provided an invaluable contribution to the cause of Liberty.

Shortly after enlisting in his state’s militia, some of his unit suggested that he resign. They felt that his marked “limp” detracted from their “manly, martial appearance.” Against their wishes he remained and within six months was commissioned as a general. By the end of the Revolution, he would be second only to Washington himself.

Greene’s meteoric rise to glory is highlighted by his passionate patriotism and intense sense of loyalty. As Washington’s reluctant yet efficient Quartermaster, he sustained the Continental Army through some of the leanest years of the war, battling Congress for much-needed funds. As commander of the Southern front, he would outfox Cornwallis in the swamps of the Low-Country and hills of the Carolinas.

This book turns a long-overdue spotlight on one of our forgotten heroes. Based on scholarly research from both primary and secondary sources, it retains a readability that historical laymen such as myself find appealing. For anyone interested in our nation’s history or in a genuine American hero, I recommend Washington’s General.

A Return to Narnia: Prince Caspian

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Aslan, C.S Lewis, movie review, Narnia, Prince Caspian

In what has become somewhat of an opening day tradition (if twice can be considered tradition), my eldest and I have just returned from a journey to Narnia.  Prince Caspian has always been my favorite of the series so I was especially anticipating this film. 

I was not disappointed.  Despite my obvious bias, this film is good.  It is in many ways superior to the first, and is a delight for those familiar with the books as well as those not.  The special effects were superb, the young actors seem to be much more comfortable with acting, their characters, and themselves.  It doesn’t try to be a comedy, but is full of witty humor.  It is not an action film, but is action-packed from the beginning chase to the closing battle. While there are changes to the story, they are minimal and only a Narnia-purist of the highest order would object. 

This is a film to be enjoyed by all who would enjoy the books (well anyone over 7 or 8.  Certain scenes will be too intense for younger children).  We sat in a packed theater with a 60-ish couple behind us, a trio of college age girls to our right, and a young couple with elementary age children directly before us.  A pair of high-school age boys passed us on the way out, debating the logistics of an attack on a castle.  Some were obviously familiar with the books, and others were equally obviously unfamiliar.

Apparently some had anticipated a minimalizing of the “Christian allegory,” in this film.  The Christian element is as obvious in this movie as it is in the book. While there is not the overt gospel present in ”The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe,” Prince Caspian has its share of spiritual truths. The story is a good story and stands alone, but if you know what you are looking for, the spiritual pointers ARE there.  (See this article for an example.)

If you’ve never travelled to Narnia, Caspian is a fine introduction.  If you have, there’s no better time to return.

*UPDATE – For an excellent and thorough review of the movie, read this post.
I also enjoyed reading the personal reflections of Mr. Dawn Treader.

Book Review: Let Every Nation Know

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communication, communicator, John F. Kennedy, president, Robert Dallek, speeches, Terry Golway

No.  It’s not the latest book on missions by John Piper. 

Let Every Nation Know: John F. Kennedy in His Own Words examines the public speeches of President Kennedy.  From his presidential campaign to his last speech in 1963, authors Robert Dallek and Terry Golway guide us through the setting and significance of his notable addresses. 

Even today, Kennedy’s words reverberate through the collective consciousness of our nation.  His inaugural remains one of the most inspiring and well-remembered in American history.  In fact, as the authors argue, his skill with words is one of the key factors to his continued popularity four decades later. 

An innovative feature of this book that I especially enjoyed is the accompanying audio CD.  For each chapter there is a clip from the corresponding speech.  After reading the background, you can enjoy hearing the President “in his own words.” This is a tremendous bonus for this book, and I hope other authors utilize this concept.

Though I have never been a great fan of President Kennedy, I found myself enjoying this book immensely.  As someone whose vocation requires public speaking, I find reading, hearing, and understanding what great speakers say, and how they say it, beneficial.  More than that, it is enjoyable to observe a master communicator.  There is no question that Kennedy was skilled when it came to using his “bully pulpit” to accomplish his agenda, but he was equally skilled in the art of speaking.

Most effective presidents, especially those who are enduringly popular, were good communicators (Consider Lincoln, FDR, Reagan). In the words of the authors, “Substantive presidential accomplishments seem to have less of a sustaining hold on Americans than does memorable presidential language in public addresses.” This book proves that principle is certainly true in the presidency of John F. Kennedy.