Book Reviews — February 2005

To Everyone An Answer: A Case for the Christian Worldview. Edited by Francis J. Beckwith, William Lane Craig and J. P. Moreland. InterVarsity Press, 2004
We live in a time when “diversity” and “pluralism” have moved from simply descriptions of social reality to requirements of political—and religious—correctness. The claim of Jesus to Lordship over all of life and history is offensive to the contemporary mind. But this collection of essays, by leading Christian philosophers, richly answers challenges to orthodox Christian belief across a wide range of topics, from God’s existence to postmodernism to the problem of evil to the possibility of miracles. This is a powerful handbook of apologetics, presenting the latest defenses of the Christian worldview, and it will be invaluable to college and seminary students.

The Great Divide: The Failure of Islam and the Triumph of the West, by Alvin J. Schmidt. Foreword by Marvin Olasky. Regina Orthodox Press, 2004
In this well-researched and clearly presented work, Christian sociologist Alvin Schmidt lays out the factual differences between Islam and Christianity, and the societies in the Middle East and the West that they have respectively created. The Christian West gave freedom and dignity to women, but the Islamic world covers and silences women, still today. The separation of religion and the state arose in the West largely because of Jesus’ teaching about God and Caesar, but Islamic countries are mainly theocracies and dictatorships today. Whereas slavery was first outlawed in the West, it is still practiced today in some Islamic regions of Africa and the Middle East. And on and on Professor Schmidt goes, showing in chilling detail that the popular refrain, “Islam is a religion of peace” is simply untrue. This sobering book amounts to a classroom between covers for anyone wanting to know the history of Islamic theology and practice.

Searching For Heaven On Earth, by David Jeremiah. Integrity Books, 2004
In this thoughtful and detailed meditation on the book of Ecclesiates, Pastor David Jeremiah brings before us Solomon’s matchless wisdom about life and its challenges. Going verse by verse through Solomon’s reflections, Pastor Jeremiah connects ancient insight to today’s questions, showing us that even Solomon, a man who spent forty years “on the roof of history,” as Jeremiah says, could find no fulfillment or satisfaction outside of a life devoted to service and worship of the Most High. This penetrating study will make an excellent devotional tool and discussion starter for small group studies.

Serious Times: Making Your Life Matter In An Urgent Day, by James Emery White. InterVarsity Press, 2004
“How can we make our lives truly matter?” That is the yearning for significance and impact that James White answers in this inspirational, brief study of the lives of seven Christians who shaped history: William Wilberforce, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, St. Patrick, St. Benedict, C. S. Lewis, Mother Teresa and Martin Luther. Joining burning desire with committed action, these believers used their God-given gifts to affect their communities and cultures. With dozens of vignettes, historical facts and contemporary observations, White makes plain that the same work can be done today by Christ-followers with a vision for living in serious times. This fiery and passionate book is ideal for college fellowships and young adult groups.

Relational Masks: Removing the Barriers That Keep Us Apart, by Russell Willingham. InterVarsity Press, 2004
Christian counselor Russell Willingham sees six relational masks that hide our vulnerabilities, and thereby keep us from developing authentic relationships with God and those around us. The “Deflector” uses humor or a constant focus on others in an effort to keep them from coming to really know him. The “Spiritualizer” is knowledeable about scripture and the things of God, but uses that facility to maintain personal distance from other people. Other masks are the “Avoider,” the “Self-Hater,” the “Savior” and the “Aggressor.” This is an easy-to-read and creative book, with surprisingly piercing insight. It will surely help lead readers to self-understanding.

Twice Adopted, by Michael Reagan. Broadman & Holman, 2004
In this autobiography the oldest son of President Ronald Reagan tells his often sad and painful life story. From childhood loneliness and abuse to a destructive anger at God to his ultimate redemption and recovery, this is a story that is open and honest. Reagan writes with humility, courage, and hopefulness about a life-journey that is at once ordinary and extraordinary. Much food for thought here.

Published, February 2005

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