The Gift of the Other

The Gift of the Other

Andrew Shepherd

We live in a time where helping others is not popular. Unknown people are a potential threat. No one picks up hitchhikers or gives money to a homeless person. We are cautious and careful about who invite into our homes and lives. Yet the Bible talks to us about entertaining strangers and helping others. 

The author has taken a subject that should touch the heart of every Christian and has written an entire theological book. I was unaware when I requested this book that it was part of the Princeton Theological Monograph Series. And as such, was mostly over my head. I enjoyed reading the parts that I understood. But most of the book was a bit much for me. This book is more for the pastor, professor, or scholar than for the average Christian hoping to learn more about hospitality and overcoming the fear of it. I did gain some insights, but the time it took me to plow through the extremely philosophical parts to get to those insights was somewhat tedious.

I received this book free of charge from WIPF in exchange for my honest review.

Biblical Books of Wisdom

Biblical Books of Wisdom

A Study of Proverbs, Job, Ecclesiastes, and Other Wisdom Literature in the Bible

James Efird

 The title explains the book well. Each chapter deals with how to cope with different situations in life. Pulling from the three books mentioned  in the title and a couple of other books it tells the reader how to deal with tragedy, but also normal, everyday life.

The book was easy to read and very informative. My only complaint would be the tiny print. It made reading the book difficult if done for more than a few minutes. Otherwise this is definitely a book I would recommend reading.

I received this book free of charge from WIPF in exchange for my honest review.

Test of Faith

Test of Faith

Spiritual Journeys with Scientists

Ruth Bancewicz

J.I. Packer

Many people believe that science and faith are not compatible. If you believe in God than science is a myth and the reverse. Test of Faith shares ten scientists thoughts on how God created science, therefore it is very compatible.

I didn't choose this book to review. Science has never been my thing. But since I was sent the book I figured I'd check it out. Science STILL isn't my thing. I could barely make it though the book. It is very well written and easy to understand. My complaint would be only that it bored me to tears. But for the science lover who wants to learn how to link God and science, it will be a great book.

I received this book free of charge from WIPF in exchange for my honest review.

A Psalm-Shaped Life

A Psalm-Shaped Life

H. Mark Abbott

This book takes the Psalms to a whole new level. Ever think the words are beautiful, but just aren't sure where to go from there? Ever want to dig deeper into the word? The book takes the Psalms and makes them come alive. It takes a look at the book from the angles of hope, wisdom, praise and more.

This was a well written book. Each chapter is clear and inspiring. It takes reading the Bible to a deeper place and helped me to look at things from a different perspective.

I received this book free of charge from WIPF in exchange for my honest review.