Book Review Updates

Lucado and R.C. and Moore, Oh My!

Here is your update on the latest reviews at Discerning Reader [2]. We have uploaded six new reviews for you this week—reviews that come from the pens of four different reviewers and which examine books by some of the Christian world’s most popular authors. It’s a banner week!

Leslie Wiggins, who writes reviews of books that are of particular interest to women, has a courageous review of Get Out of that Pit [3] by Beth Moore. I say “courageous” because Leslie dares to suggest that perhaps this book has some poor theology and too little focus on the cross. Read the review and see if you agree.

I have reviewed Max Lucado’s upcoming book, 3:16: The Numbers of Hope [4] (a review I’ve also posted here). A guaranteed bestseller that is going to receive massive publicity, this book is an examination of John 3:16. Though not without its strengths, the book suffers by not defining the target audience. This leads the author to make promises that are not his to make. I have also reviewed Quiet Strength [5], the autobiography of Tony Dungy, head coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Dungy is a Christian who is very outspoken about his faith and this biography tells his story. Finally, I’ve added a review of A Taste of Heaven [6] by R.C. Sproul.

From Scott Lamb comes a review of Foundations of Grace [7], the first volume of Steve Lawson’s series (five volumes are planned) dealing with the history of Reformed theology.

And finally, Colin Adams brings a review of Simple Church [8] by Thom Rainer and Eric Geiger. He says, “This is not to say there is nothing helpful in the book. … Church is never truly simple, and Simple Church over-reaches by claiming that it is "returning to God's process for making disciples." (book subtitle). Put simply? Gain insights from this book; don't build your ecclesiology on it.”

You know we’ll be back next Tuesday with more reviews…