Reviews I Didn't Write

I love writing book reviews and I love reading them. Since I cannot possibly read and review all of the interesting books out there, I’ve decided to put together some occasional round-ups of reviews written by other writers. Here are a few notable links I’ve collected over the past few weeks.

The Biblical Counseling Movement After Adams [2] by Heath Lambert - review [3] by Bob Kellemen. “While not everyone will agree with all of Lambert’s contrasts and comparisons, especially those most loyal to Jay Adams and his nouthetic counseling model, the book successfully breaks down many still-existing stereotypes about the modern biblical counseling movement. More importantly, it articulates a robust, relational approach to one-another ministry while teaching about the history of the movement.”

Education or Imitation?: Bible Interpretation for Dummies Like You and Me [4] by Curtis Allen - review [5] by Aaron Armstrong. “I believe Education or Imitation will be a great benefit to anyone who reads it—especially those who think they’re not ‘smart’ enough to understand the Bible. ‘If you are a Christian, there is nothing standing in your way’ of interpreting and applying the Scriptures. Rejoice and be encouraged!”

Gospel Powered Humility [6] by William P. Farley - review [7] by Aimee Byrd. “After serving up a convicting gut check on intellectual pride, spiritual pride, selfish ambition, and pride in your giftedness, Farley offers up the most powerful part of his book: hope for proud Christians.” (I wrote an endorsement for this book some time ago and found it worth the recommendation.)

Gospel Wakefulness [8] by Jared Wilson - review [9] by Matthew Kresge. “Overall, I highly recommend this book. I would encourage you to sit under Wilson’s passion and learn from a humble man who dwells in the Gospel. It will stir your affections and drive you to worship our King Jesus. I plan on reading it again in 2012.” He gives it 5 out of 5 stars.

Jesus + Nothing = Everything [10] by Tullian Tchividjian - several reviews:

• One [11] by Aaron Armstrong. “It will be a great comfort to some and a challenging rebuke to others. But it will not leave you unmoved. It’s the scandalous grace we need to hear. Read carefully, read prayerfully and with your Bible close at hand.”
• Another [12] by Jared Oliphint. “Jesus + Nothing = Everything was written with admirable zeal and, I believe, the best of intentions to help the real presence of legalism within the Christian church. And there will come a time where we will be as worry-free and liberated as Tchividjian describes. But not yet.”
• A third [13] by Mark Jones. “It is not that there are no good points made in the book. I acknowledge that. … But this book does not set forth classical Reformed theology. We do have work to do. And that work involves trusting in Christ’s finished work. But we also need to ‘Pray more, Get more involved in church, [and] Read the Bible longer.’”

Note to Self: The Discipline of Preaching to Yourself [14] by Joe Thorn - review [15] by Erik Raymond. “If you are looking for resources on how to preach the gospel to yourself and to think deeply about its implications then this book will help you. … I give it 5/5 Stars.”

Real Marriage [16] by Mark and Grace Driscoll - review [17] by Susan Wise Bauer. “A misunderstanding of history, like sloppy exegesis, isn’t exactly unusual in evangelical literature. Despite these flaws, and a few too many condescending remarks about emotional and fragile females, Real Marriage contains quite a lot of thoroughly helpful material. ‘If you are married, you will have conflict,’ the Driscolls conclude. ‘You cannot avoid it because marriage is an unconditional commitment to an imperfect person …. Sin is the problem. The gospel of Jesus Christ is the answer.’”