I have commented often on my children’s literature blog on the books of Douglas Bond. Bond is a strong favorite in our family because his stories are so much fun and so theologically rich. I have had the privilege of reading a pre-publication copy of Bond’s forthcoming historical novel on the life of John Calvin. …
The Stories We Tell Our Children: How the Past Is Made Present in Children’s Literature, by David Thomas (Royal Fireworks Press, 2008), pb., 156 pp. David Thomas is a friend and colleague at Union University where he teaches history. He and his wife Nan are also parents who have made purposeful, joyous reading to their …
This past Spring I read Charles Brown’s The Ministry and found it a wonderful little book packed with much wisdom for pastoral ministry. Since that time I have been meaning to comment on various portions of the book. I have been delayed for numerous reasons but Eric Smith over at Shepherd of the Sheep has …
John A. Broadus: A Living Legacy Ed., David Dockery & Roger Duke (B&H Academic, 2008), pb., 272 pp. It continues to be so encouraging to see the quality of material coming from B&H Academic these days. I recently received a copy of this book on John Broadus, and it looks great. Broadus was a giant …
I recently purchased a copy of the revised edition of Derek Thomas’ The Essential Commentaries for a Preacher’s Library and have enjoyed looking through it. I always appreciate seeing what commentaries are found useful by preachers or teachers whom I respect. I must say I find more benefit from Carson and Longman’s commentary surveys though. …
David and Diane Vaughan. The Beauty of Modesty: Cultivating Virtue in the Face of a Vulgar Culture. Nashville, TN: Cumberland House, 2005. The issue of modesty is an important one for our churches today. Barry Maxwell a couple of months ago provided a helpful post on this issue in our churches and homes. At about …
Last week at my children’s literature blog I commented on a new book titled, Pastor Daddy. This book is an excellent tool for leading the men in our churches to take seriously their responsibility to lead their families spiritually. I comment further at the other blog and give ordering information. May the Lord use this …
Faith Comes by Hearing: A Response to Inclusivism, ed. C. Morgan and R. Peterson (IVP; pb., 256 pp.) I have begun looking over this book and am quite impressed with it. It must be pretty good if D. A. Carson says about it: For those who are more interested in faithful alignment with what Scripture …
I have commented a number of times already on Kent & Barbara Hughes’ book, Liberating Ministry from the Success Syndrome. This time, I’ll point out that chapter 16 of that book, “How the Pastor’s Wife Can Help,” is probably the best brief piece I have ever seen on the role of the pastor’s wife. I …
Though I am a bit late, I decided I would offer some ideas for summer reading for anyone interested. I comment on books on bible and theology here often, so this list focuses elsewhere. I have in mind here primarily history and fiction that I have read in 2007-2008 and thought was particularly enjoyable. These …