Linda Lawrence Hunt Tasora Books, 152 pages Reviewed by Nancy T. Fox “Soul Space” provided a gracious space for my own soul in the company of the grieving. Initially, I just wanted to know more of how long-time friends Linda and Jim Hunt had, from their wreckage of grief, built a thriving nonprofit, nurtured the garden of gardens and transformed an old barn into “The Hearth,” a guest lodge with themed rooms that span the globe and provide space for connecting with God and other guests. While I savored a slow journey through the book’s abundant photos and lovely prose, I was battered by frequent updates about my little brother’s cancer that is snatching him away at a dizzying rate. “Soul Space” reminded me that though things are not as they ought to be, God’s creation was a garden of shalom and God, who is restoring that fully-orbed flourishing, restores us as we join in that work. The subtitle, “Creating Places and Lives that Make a Difference,” may make the book sound like a … [Read more...]

Jonathan P. Walton IVP Books, 224 pages Reviewed by Jeff Charis-Carlson Readers can take encouragement just from skimming through the blurbs accompanying Jonathan Walton’s new book, “Twelve Lies That Hold America Captive.” It’s inspiring to know so many American Christians are already engaged in the import work of decoupling the core of their faith from the rhetoric and iconography of their national identity. And Walton’s attempt to speak truth to power lives up to such genre-busting descriptors as “prophetically pugilistic.” In every chapter, he challenges his readers to pause and consider the passages where they disagree with him — sometimes to the point of wanting to walk away from the book. “To claim that the white American church does not embody and enforce the ethnic, social, and political division and call it ‘Christian’ is to live in denial,” Walton writes. “And to stop reading here because you disagree is cowardice.” Walton, however, doesn’t want any of his … [Read more...]

Donald K. McKim Cascade Books, 158 pages Very few people will read Karl Barth at length. Barth wryly chuckled that he was not up to the task, imagining himself at the end of life pushing the wheelbarrow filled with his massive “Church Dogmatics.” Yet, Barth, like Bonhoeffer, remains an influential figure for pastors and congregants seeking theological guidance. Hence, Donald McKim has done the church a great favor by providing this brief introduction to Barth’s theology, continuing his series that includes Calvin, Luther and Bonhoeffer. McKim’s purpose is to “present insights from important theologians in a form that will be accessible and of interest to laypersons and those who have not engaged in formal theological study.” He has succeeded in that task. The method is plain: Begin with a quote of Barth and proceed to examine it more closely in a devotional format that is easily digestible. The goal is also plain: Help Christians follow Jesus Christ with joy. The book has a … [Read more...]

Accidental Preacher: A Memoir Will Willimon Eerdmans, 240 pages Reviewed by Kay E. Huggins A memoir is an odd read. With the assurance of maturity, a memoir recalls youthful choices, challenges, indiscretions. By a long view, intimacies are treasured. Through favorite stories, a life is told. At the conclusion, questions and assumptions remain. And yet, the reader cannot argue the facts: they belong to the author. Nor can the reader evaluate the reflections — for those also belong, wholeheartedly, to the author. To read a memoir, the reader suspends judgment, follows the flow and acknowledges that the tale belongs to the author. The best memoirs stretch the reader’s capacity to listen carefully. Will Willimon is a gifted storyteller. “Accidental Preacher” will invite your laughter, your tears and your flat-out “Well, I never!” But, as you carefully read, you will also notice echoes of Scripture, common congregational challenges, youthful pastoral foolishness and the well-aged … [Read more...]