Stephen R. Haynes Eerdmans 213 pages Stephen Haynes is the author of “Bonhoeffer for Armchair Theologians” and theologian-in-residence at Idlewild Presbyterian Church in Memphis. He is also a scholar-on-a-mission to correct the record about the famous Lutheran pastor-theologian who bravely resisted the Nazi regime. One might wonder why this is necessary. Isn’t Bonhoeffer well known for his courageous call to discipleship against all cheap grace? Unfortunately, the answer is much more complicated and Haynes points out why, in the age of Donald Trump, Bonhoeffer is being used for purposes he would never recognize much less approve. He describes how the evangelical world adopted Bonhoeffer with some appreciation for his courageous witness but not as much for his theology. After surveying Bonhoeffer in the Bush and Obama years, Haynes turns his attention to the current appropriation. He takes aim particularly at Eric Metaxas’ award-winning biography as a distortion of Bonhoeffer and a … [Read more...]
Jesus According to the New Testament
James D.G. Dunn Eerdmans, 192 pages This book is a summary of James Dunn’s brilliant scholarship over 50 years of teaching on Jesus. The chapters, which cover the entire New Testament witness, were originally lectures delivered in Chichester, England. Dunn’s writing, which is clear, precise and accessible for the non-scholar, makes this volume so enriching. He stays focused carefully on his subject: Jesus. Beginning with his own conviction that Jesus had self-understanding that formed the memory of his earliest followers, he then goes on to explore the contributions of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, each receiving commentary unique to the telling. Against a tide of skeptical scholars, Dunn is emphatic that subsequent beliefs about Jesus were grounded in what he actually said and how he acted. He declares boldly: “Jesus according to Jesus is firmly at the root of Jesus according to the evangelists.” I can’t imagine a better introduction to the New Testament than this one. It contains … [Read more...]
Three Hours: Sermons for Good Friday
Fleming Rutledge Eerdmans, 96 pages In this remarkable set of brief sermons on the traditional seven last words of Jesus, Fleming Rutledge muses that it may be the culmination of her preaching life. Having read her sermons and essays for nearly 40 years, I agree, though the same might be said of her magnum opus “The Crucifixion,” which these sermons echo. Preached on Good Friday at St. Thomas Church Fifth Avenue in New York City, each contains an astonishing compact display of biblical theology, precise exegesis, cultural commentary, political criticism and, above all, evangelical passion for the gospel of Jesus Christ. It is this combination that makes Rutledge a rare preacher — one from whom preachers can learn a great deal about their vocation. She demonstrates how one can declare without embarrassment the radical saving significance of the crucifixion of Jesus for a contemporary audience. Her array of skills and command of knowledge is breathtaking, primarily because it is … [Read more...]
Baptism books for children
Today Is a Baptism Day Anna V. Ostenso Moore and Peter Krueger Church Publishing, 48 pages The Baptism of Your Child: A Book for Presbyterian Families Carol A. Wehrheim WJK Press, 56 pages Baptism Promises Carol A. Wehrheim and Roz Fulcher Flyaway Books, 18 pages These books will go a long way toward helping families understand the theology of baptism — and they include age-appropriate resources to share with baptized children. In many of our congregations we declare: “Remember your baptism and rejoice!” But how do congregations help us remember? What is it that we are remembering? And why is it so important to remember our baptism? In “Today Is a Baptism Day,” the author and illustrator address all of these questions in precise language drawn from the service of baptism. It is beautifully illustrated by Peter Krueger to display the diversity of God’s people. What is especially remarkable about Anna Ostenso Moore’s book is the theology undergirding Christian … [Read more...]
Almost Everything: Notes on Hope
Anne Lamott Riverhead Books, 208 pages Who doesn’t love Anne Lamott? I know there must be some, but that’s a group I would not want to be around for long. Seriously, reading Lamott is like eating comfort food when you’ve heard some dismal news, only much healthier. There is nothing quite like meatloaf with a side of mac and cheese when you are down. Likewise, when you need to hear some good news, pull Lamott off the shelf. She is so reliable that even the New York Times called her the “guru of optimism.” While that’s a fair description, it’s a bit misleading because there is more to Lamott than funny stories with a happy ending. In “Almost Everything,” she delivers plenty of the humor, yet the beauty of her humor is that she never flinches in the face of horrible human tragedy. In a chapter on death, she reveals that her mother, aunt and maternal grandmother died from complications of Alzheimer’s disease. Terrified at first of death, Lamott describes how hospice taught her to … [Read more...]
Catch Your Breath: God’s Invitation to Sabbath Rest
Don Postema Faith Alive, 93 pages Does a book like this ever go out of favor? I hope not (in the same way that I hope quiet classics are not forgotten). Years ago, Don Postema published a classic, “Space for God.” This book, “Catch Your Breath,” is equally a classic and draws upon the themes of “Space for God.” There is a need, indeed a necessity, for humans to rest - catch our breath - in order to know God and experience peace. That sounds so easy, and perhaps trite. The truth is that this counsel remains a necessity for our time in the same way that it has for generations upon generations. Postema devotes six chapters to Sabbath practices: mindfulness, rest, refreshment, receptivity, release and refocusing. His introduction and conclusion draw from his own experience. It will not shock anyone to say we are a people in need to deep rest. We are a people who must find creative ways to honor the Sabbath rest that God intends. Nothing about this is new. What Postema does is provide … [Read more...]
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