On the Bookshelf

Current Readings and Reviews of Various Books Pastor Jon is reading

• NEW READS 

1. Before Jerusalem Fell: The Dating of the Book of Revelation, by Kenneth Gentry (353 pages)

2. Justification and Variegated Nomisn, volume 2: The Paradoxes of Paul, by DA Carson (500 pages)

REVIEWS

1. Amusing Ourselves to Death, by Neil Postman (208 pages)

* * * * * (5 out of 5 stars)

Written in 1984 by the late Neil Postman, this truly prophetic book looks to the future and the role of television in public discourse. As you read Postman, you can’t help but see what he envisioned back in 1984 as a current reality in 2009. Although written in 1984, and often compared to the Orwellian vision of the book titled, “1984″, Postman more connects his work to the visionary book of Aldous Huxley in “A Brave New World”.  Postman’s argument is not that we will find ourselves subservient to “big daddy” but we will be so entertained by “him” we will want ourselves in bondage. There are two great chapters on how the church has traded in the truth for entertainment thereby equating truth with entertainment or the figurehead of which one is entertained. In summary… we have lost our ability to think.

2. Once Saved, Always Saved, by RT Kendall (144 pages)

* * * * * (5 out of 5 stars)

RT Kendall is turning out to be one of my favorite writers in the realm of theology. His book, Calvin and English Calvinism is such an import work that is a must read for every modern “Calvinist” and believer for that matter. Once Saved, Always Saved is another volume of brilliance. I admit I say this because we agree on so many theological issues, so I guess that makes me bias, but at the same time the held convictions he holds, I hold. What I see as proper methodology and interpretation, he sees.  RT Kendall in this book understands the nature of saving faith, the difference between entering the kingdom and inhereting it, and reward theology. For example, he writes, “In other words, salvation [justification] is unchangeable but our inheritance in the kingdom of God is not unchangeable [sanctification/glorification/rewards]. Once saved, always saved, but our inheritance in God’s kingdom may change considerably.” He is also one of the few reformed theologians who gets James 2:14ff right. Not only does this book evaluate the Arminian/Weselyan tradition, but also modern day Calvinism which is really “Bezanine/Puritian” Calvinism which falls short of Calvin himself. Please read this book if you have chance.

3.  Justification and Variegated Nomism, volume 1: The Complexities of Second Temple Judaism,

by DA Carson (548 pages)

* * * (3 out of 5 stars)

I give this book only three out of five stars because of the daunting nature of the book. First of all it’s long. Second it is very, very cognitive and intellectual. Second Temple Judaism as applied by the “New Perspective on Paul” is extremely confusing in and of itself, and although this book tries to bring clarification and argumentation to the issue it falls short for the lay person because of its technicality. All this to say… it’s really boring. But if the “New Perspective on Paul” is becoming an issue, this is the volume to understand the major player in this new thinking, that is Second Temple Judaism. It’s in this sense that I would give it a 5 out of 5 stars. I am currently and painfully working through the second volume as seen above.

3.  The Prize of the Up-Calling, by Kenneth Dodson (165 pages)

* * * * (4 out of 5 stars)

Kenneth Dodson’s book delivers a wonderful read on the doctrine of judgment for believers as seen in scripture at the Bema Seat of Christ. Specifically the chapters titled, “The Out-Resurrection from Among the Dead”, and “The Secret of ‘Entering’ or ‘Inhereting’ the Kindgom”, help the reader see the the scritptural differences between “Entering the Kingdom of God” (by grace through faith alone in Christ alone) and “Inhereting the Kingdom” (by growth, overcoming, and obedience to God’s Word). Although the doctrine and theology of the book is spot on, the application Dodson uses of that theology is very legalistic and subjective which is why I don’t give the book five stars.  But if one can get beyond some of the legalism portrayed in the book, The Prize of the Up-Calling is a magnificent read.

4. Calvin and English Calvinism to 1649, by RT Kendall (238 pages)

* * * * * * (5 out of 5 stars)

With the huge rise of Calvinism and Reformed theology to the main stage of Christendom, this is a must read to understand the history of Calvinism and their theology of salvation. From Calvin to Beza to the Puritan leaders, it is surprising to find out that Calvin was far from holding what modern day Calvinist claim are his. This book helped clarify the discrepancies one sees in modern day Calvanism.

5. Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer (200+ pages)

*** (4 out of 5 stars)

This book describes the account of adventurous yet fatal expedition to the top of Mt. Everest.  John Krakauer is extremely talented in his writing as he describes the tragedy that takes place. I would give it 5 out of 5 if it wasn’t for the language.