Unpacking Forgiveness

Unpacking Forgivenesss

Chris Brauns

Title: Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds
Author: Chris Brauns
Publisher: Crossway Publishers
Year: 2008
ISBN: 978-1-58134-9801
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 240
Reading Level: 3.0
Price: $17.99


Much thanks to Crossway Publishers for kindly providing a review copy of this book.

Josh Gelatt’s Review: When I receive books to review I place them in one of three piles. The first stack are books I highly value and the second are works that are trite, silly, and insignificant (a sheer waste of good paper). I take my time as I read through the first, and generally only scan the latter. The third category are books that seem important but are ones that I expect I will have profound disagreements with the content. I also read through these carefully, if for no other reason than to refute them.

When I received a copy of Chris Brauns' Unpacking Forgiveness I immediately placed it into the third category. The key premise of the book is that forgiveness should only be given if the offending party is actually repentant. Frankly, I found this idea morally repugnant and eagerly looked forward to disproving it from scripture.

Three days later, after spending equal amounts of time in the book and in Scripture, Brauns has convinced me that my idea of forgiveness is the one that lacks scriptural support. The author distinguishes biblical forgiveness from therapeutic forgiveness. Popular culture, being exposed to elements of Christian teaching while failing to grasp its deeper tuths, has turned forgiveness into a feeling, instead of the radical commitment to reconciliation as taught in scripture. Therapeutic forgiveness sees it as a private feeling that should be granted unconditionally. In this view, forgiveness is offered out of self-interest--we forgive in order to be freed from hate and bitterness. Scripture however demonstrates that forgiveness is a cooperative event between two individuals conditioned upon repentance. The motivation for forgiveness arises out of our love for the other person and for God.

Simply put, Brauns tells us that forgiveness is inextricably linked to reconciliation. Certainly Christians are to offer forgiveness to all, but forgiveness (and thus reconciliation) can only be granted to those who want to be forgiven.

Unpacking Forgiveness is theologically and biblically rich. Perhaps the greatest compliment a Christian author can receive is to be told his book has faithfully and deeply interacted with the Word of God--and Brauns has done just that. Though the style of writing does indicate Brauns is a fairly new author, the work is well illustrated and practical.

Philippians: A Greek Student's Intermediate Reader

Philippians:
A Greek Student's Reader

Jerry L. Sumney

Title: Philippians: A Greek Student's Intermediate Reader
Author: Jerry L. Sumney
Publisher: Hendrickson Publishers
Year: 2007
ISBN: 978-1-56563-9911
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 192
Reading Level: 4.0
Price: $14.95


Much thanks to Hendrickson Publishers for kindly providing a review copy of this book.

Josh Gelatt’s Review: For those in active ministry, maintaining proficiency in Greek after seminary can be difficult. Hectic schedules and impossible work loads keep ministers struggling just to study for sermons, much less have time to work directly with the Greek text.

Jerry Sumney has designed a work intended to help those who have completed one year of Koine Greek read effective and intelligently through the Greek text of Philippians. Serving as Professor of Biblical Studies at Lexington Theological Seminary (a Disciple's of Christ school), Sumney's stated goal is to "assist those who use [this book] on their path to reading the Greek text of the New Testament with clearer and deeper understanding" (p xx). Understanding that language is easily forgotten if not used, the author attempts to provide a work that will enable the Greek student to bring to mind what has been previously learned while introducing them to more advanced examples of grammar and syntax.

However, this is not a "workbook". Instead, it is essentially a commentary on the Greek text of Philippians. Sumney uses the Greek of this letter to highlight grammatical aspects of Koine Greek and then disusses their bearing upon interpretation. Important grammatical terms and constructions are highlighted in bold and lexical definitions are given the first time key words appear. The Greek text used is that of the United Bible Society's 4th edition, which is immediately followed by a fresh translation.

The format of the work runs very similar to that of a technical commentary. Those familiar with the older works of men like H.G.D. Moule, Lightfoot, and Eadie will find much similarity in the present volume (though certainly this volume is more user friendly to intermediate student's of Greek). Because of this, the work has value not only to those wishing to increase their proficiency in Greek, but also pastor's who are preaching through this letter.

Whiter Than Snow

Whiter Than Snow

Paul David Tripp

Title: Whiter Than Snow
Author: Paul David Tripp
Publisher: Crossway Books
Year: 2008
ISBN: 978-1-4335-0230-9
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 160
Reading Level: 2.0
Price: $12.99


Much thanks to Crossway Books for kindly providing a review copy of this book.

Josh Gelatt’s Review: Psalm 51 is powerfully provocative. In it we experience, via David's poetic transparency, the soul-damaging aftermath of sin and the deep-hunger for mercy by one of God's wayward children. Often, scripture can be black or white. That is, we are confronted with the choice to follow God and be holy and happy, or follow our sin and by corrupted and damned. Yet in his daily walk the follower of Jesus Christ many times experiences an intersection of these positions. While being secured salvifically in the Father's hand, the carnal disciple still foolishly invites the whore of sin into the bed of his life. As a result, he suffers the venereal consequences of her presence. In passages such as Psalm 51 we witness ourselves--the average disciple who battles sin. In our weakness, we often lose this battle (as David did). Yet as one writer expressed it, it is in the deepest pits that we see the stars most clearly. In these miserable moments--these Psalm 51 moments--we see the strength, grace, and mercy of the Savior most clearly.

Paul David Tripp brings the rich theology and deep piety of Psalm 51 into a contemporary and conversational form. As a seminary professor, Presbyterian pastor, professional counselor, and ministry president, Tripp is uniquely gifted and experienced. He unpacks this psalm verse-by-verse, allowing us to experience the raw-emotion of a chastened leader while simultaneously showing us a devoted disciples' radical and life-changing view of God. In this little book, Tripp offers us 52 short devotionals the explore the deep ugliness of our sin, but more importantly the beauty of grace that goes deeper still. Tripp refuses to move past the reality of soul-destroying sin in order to placate audiences with a cheapened and powerless form of 'grace'. However, he also refuses to lay upon our shoulders the weight of sin without taking us to the foot of the cross--the very place where our burdens are lifted.

This short book is a beautiful written exposition that, like the Psalm on which it is based, has a poetic 'soul'. Tripp often includes poetry and occasionally allows an entire devotional to take poetic form. His use of story adds a warm and real-life touch and his writing style is easily accessible.

Spiritual Leadership Moving People on to God's Agenda by Henry and Richard Blackaby

Title: Spiritual Leadership
Author: Henry & Richard Blackaby
Publisher: Broadman & Holman Publishers
Year: 2001
ISBN: 0-8054-1845-8
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 288
Reading Level: 2.0
Price: $13.59 on Amazon

Joe VonDoloski's Review:

My first question is how these authors found out about everything I have done wrong over the last 10 years of my life and why they were so cruel to write a book about it?

Seriously, this book deals with a gazillion mistakes made by leaders. It points them out, shows why they are unscriptural, gives examples of these mistakes in history and or Scripture, shows you how to repent and make amends. I lamented to my wife that I had not been given this book years ago. It would have saved me and those "enduring" my leadership much pain.

Chapter 1 begins by defining Spiritual Leadership. This is a worn out phrase, idea, and there are a billion books out there that claim to corner the market. Is there really anything an author can offer in the area of leadership that has not been written, patented, and seminared?

I believe that in Blackaby's definition, you can see that there is and he has.

Spiritual leadership is moving people on to God's agenda. Thank God! Has anyone noticed how impossible and frustrating it is getting people onto YOUR agenda?

Jesus sought His Father's will. Jesus' vision for himself and his disciples came from his Father.

Blackably asserts that the key to Jesus' leadership was not training others (Lk 6:12-13)but the relationship he had with his Father. It was always the Father's plan. John 3:16, 5:19-20,30; Matt 26:39

So the proposition of the book is stellar. The principle is effective not only in church situations, but in the world and in families. That is what makes this book so powerful. "Jesus trained his followers to watch for God's activity rather than to set their own agendas." pg 28

"Jesus has established the model for Christian leaders. It is not found in his "methodology." Rather, it is seen in his absolute obedience to the Father's will." Good leaders are followers. "Spiritual leaders understand that God is their leader." p 29

Chapter 3 deals with how God develops leaders. Most great leaders have waded through deep waters. Interestingly, many had poor relationships with their fathers. The author looks at childhood, physical attributes, failures, successes, and even birth order but emphasizes 'the active work of the Holy Spirit, and God giving the spiritual assignment. They offer an extended look at these principles in the life of Abraham.

Chapter 4 is about The Leaders Vision. Where leaders get it and how they communicate it. Vision is man produced, revelation is God-given. Vision should be what God has revealed and promised about the future.

Chapter 5 discusses character and what it is that moves people to follow you. "More than anything else, people are looking for spiritual leaders who are clearly experiencing God's presence." He then describes this trait in Moses, Joshua, Samuel, Deborah and Jesus. Chapter 7 deals with Influence. This is a John C. Maxwell law of Leadership. The author provides a clear call for the need of prayer in the life of leaders to learn of God's agenda.

I could go on and on about how the book talks about finishing what you start, but ... let me just say this. You are doing yourself a serious disservice to yourself, and those you lead if you do not purchase and read this book. Get online and order it. Why are you still reading? Go! order it.

A Body of Divinity

A Body of Divinity

James Ussher

Title: A Body of Divinity: Being the Sum and Substance of the Christian Religion.
Author: Archbishop James Ussher (1581-1656)
Publisher: Solid Ground Christian Books
Year: 2007
Cover: Hardcover
Pages: 467
Binding: Smyth-sewn
Dust jacket: Yes
Reading level: 2.5 (average)
ISBN-10: 1599251086
Price USD: $39.95 from Solid Ground ($50.00 list price)

Josh Gelatt's Review: Reformed believers have unknowingly stood on the theological shoulders of Ussher. He was an instrumental figure among the Irish Puritans. He was greatly admired among his fellow countrymen, as well as across the channel in England. He is best known today for his Annuals of the World, which was a important interpretation of history through a Biblical framework. He was an eminent theologian who was greatly respected among his peers. During the formulation of the Westminster documents at the Westminster Assembly, copies of Ussher's Body of Divinty were present and regularly consulted. Probably no single individual was more influential on the content and form of the documents than Dr. Ussher.

There is some evidence that Ussher never intended this work for publication. He viewed it as a private work to aid his own thought-formulations, and readily admitted having borrowed many ideas, expressions, and thoughts from others in its construction. As such, the book is a virtual mine of propositional gems. I have been using the book for my evening devotional reading over the past month. The work is in a question and answer format, with the answers generally being a sentence or two, or perhaps a brief paragraph in length. While incredibly profound, the work is marked by clarity of thought. You will not find useless jargon in Ussher's Body of Divinity. It is practical, accessible, and user-friendly.

For example, Ussher asks the question What is the Love of God". His answer states, "It is an Essential Property in God, whereby he loveth himself above all, and others for himself". Ussher covers the diverse field of theology in a similar fashion. His dual aim seems to be (1) to solidly ground the reader in true Biblical knowledge, and (2) to prick the heart with the beauty of this knowledge.

Regarding this specific edition: The edition has been completely retype set, and now includes a helpful introduction. There are, however, some minor flaws. In comparing this edition to a 17th century (non-bound) facsimile edition I have in my possession, I noticed the editors inserted parenthetical comments. While this in and of itself is not problematic, it quickly becomes an issue for two reasons. First, Ussher himself inserted parenthetical comments, and (2) the editors do not distinguish between the two. Thus, the reader cannot know which comments are Usshers, and which belong to the editor. For example, on page one (5th question down), the editors insert the word (Humanism) in parenthesis after the word Heathenism and the words (Roman Catholicism) after the term Papism. Four questions down (still on page 1), there are several parenthetical comments, though these appear in the 17th edition I consulted. For a historical reprint, greater care should have been taken to distinguish the editors comments from the authors. However, I am 1/3 of the way through the book and am glad to see the editors only rarely insert comments.

The second quibble is in regards to a footnote found on page 16. Ussher is discussing the subjects of Mary's perpetual virginity and the Baptism of Infants. The editors include the following footnote:

"On both of these points we would strongly yet respectfully disagree with Ussher. We do not believe the Scriptures allow for the opinion of the perpetual virginity of Mary (Mathew 1:25; 13:55; John 7:5). Nor do we agree that Infant Baptism is sufficiently warranted by reasons of Scripture, but rather such a practice is inconsistent with it."

While I agree with the editors on both points, such a footnote is unbecoming in an historical reprint. Thankfully, that is the only footnote I could find in the entire work.

All in all, this is an excellent work that deserves a much wider audience in contemporary Christianity. With the resurgence of Puritan studies, now is the time to begin seriously studying those that shaped the minds of the Puritans themselves.

Physical construction of this edition: This book is beautifully bound in a green hardcover board with an attractive dust jacket. The binding is superb (smyth-sewn), and the text is white, clean, and tight. It was constructed to last a few lifetimes, and with normal care will certainly do so.

A Journey in Grace

A Journey in Grace

Richard P. Belcher

Title: A Journey in Grace (A Theological Novel)
Author: Richard P. Belcher
Publisher: Richbarry Press
Year: 3rd Edition 2006
ISBN: 0-925703-11-7
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 240
Reading Level: 2.0
Price: $11.95


Joe VonDoloski's Review: This book takes the reader on a journey. Young pastor Ira Pointer finds himself confronted with the accusing question at his interview, "Young man, are you a Calvinist?" Having never heard the term before, he answers, "No!" as he can tell by the scowls and grimaces on the face of the pulpit committee that no self-respecting Christian would ever be one of those.

He then begins a journey to find out what a Calvinist is. He looks at history and the Scriptures to discover for himself what genuine historic Calvinism is. All along the way, he deals with all sorts of issues in the Seminary, with hostile professors, unregenerate roommates and love interests. We also see firsthand the problems that attend pastoring a church.

Many pastors and church members will immediately identify with the various situations that arise. A strength of the book is demonstrating how doctrine affects practice in the local church. This is a very readable book and a fabulous introduction to anyone seeking an unbiased approach to discovering what Calvinism is. I would recommend it for your church book table and even for a cell group study within your church.

Critique: One "weakness" of the book is that it deals with some of the weightiest subjects in all of Scripture in a very simple way. The author is clearly a Calvinist and though he will cause any person reading to consider the arguments, he by no means enters into all the theories, logic, and Scriptures that deal with subjects like Limited Atonement. Some more serious readers may be put off by him solving the subject of who Christ died for while, "nibbling popcorn and sipping Coke." Dr. Belcher is not irreverent in my opinion but is writing to an audience that is not ready to sit down and wade through a large doctrinal work on all the theories.

There are a series of "Journey" novels like this one on the richbarry web site where he deals with many of the subjects facing the church today that cause problems and splits from the same inductive approach. Pick this book up if you want an enjoyable read that also gives a good foundation for further study of the Atonement, and common misunderstandings of what historic, biblical Calvinism really is.

The Legacy of John Calvin

The Legacy of John Calvin

David W. Hall

Title: The Legacy of John Calvin

Author: David W. Hall

Publisher: P&R Publishing

Year: 2008

ISBN: 9781596380851

Binding: Paperback

Pages: 112

Reading Level: 2.0

Price: $10.99 @ http://www.christianbook.com/

Jeremy Lee’s book review: The Legacy of John Calvin[i] tells the story of John Calvin’s life, influence on our culture and on evangelicalism. The highlight of the book is the first section which reviews ten ways John Calvin has impacted our modern culture. Hall argues that Calvin’s most important influence was the Academy in Geneva because it enabled his reforms to endure through the passage of time. Though Calvin and Calvinists do not immediately come to mind when mentioning care for the poor, Calvin’s care for the poor of Geneva through the diaconate should be a model both for churches and government on caring for the poor. Thirdly, the Calvinist’s positive view of God’s law caused them to look at law in positive light. The fourth influence was Calvin’s insistence that the church free from governmental interference. In addition to arguing for a free church, Calvin in his preaching argued for limited government with checks and balances. Thus, Calvin required at least two councils to make legislative decisions. Like Luther, Calvin taught “the sacredness of ordinary vocations.” Calvin believed in the dignity of hard work, which was encouraged by his belief in free markets. In fact, Hall argues wherever Calvinism existed, there was a love of free markets. Calvin also believed that worship should be in the vernacular; therefore, he encouraged the printing of a Psalter in the vernacular. Calvin’s final contribution dovetails with the previous contribution; he turned “the use of the [printing] press to an art form” using it to publish booklets expressing and defending the Reformed faith.

Many who believe that all Calvin had to say can be summarized by the TULIP acronym will be surprised to find no mention of it here. Calvinism is more than just soteriological formula. Calvinism is a world view. This is easy to discern from the above list. Our world not just our theology would truly be different were it not for Calvin’s thought and life because Calvin applied the whole Bible to all of life.

In the second section, Hall relates the story of Calvin’s life. Much in this section is redundant because of the previous section, yet it is helpful to understand Calvin’s influence in the context of his life. In addition, Hall’s sketch of Calvin’s life is not critical at all. At times, he seems to go overboard in his praise of Calvin. However, this is only a slight critique because Hall acknowledges this asking forgiveness because his aim is to rehabilitate a much maligned man.

The final section contains tributes from persons past and present “Baptists, Anglicans, independents, and Methodists…to illustrate that Calvin is esteemed by evangelicals from differing traditions.”

It is unfortunate that more believers and Americans do not realize the impact of John Calvin on both our theological and political beliefs. I hope that the recognition of Calvin’s 500th birthday and this series will call attention to his important influence. It would be great if the result was a renewed faith in Jesus Christ, a greater understanding of God’s Word, and a thoughtful application of its principles to all of life.

[i] This book is the second in a series of books celebrating the 500th birthday of John Calvin. The first book entitled A Theological Guide to Calvin’s Institutes is edited by David W. Hall and Peter A. Lillback. There are rumors on the web that the series consists of five books. The remaining three are not yet published, but I could not confirm this report.