Iron Scouts of the Confederacy

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Iron Scouts Of The Confederacy, by Lee McGiffin
(Christian Liberty Press, 1993), pb., 157 pp.
Ages 6+

This was a fun book which also introduces the reader to some key leaders in the Confederate cavalry who are often overlooked today. According to the foreword, this book “chronicles the true adventures of two teenage brothers who grew up during the War Between the States as orphans and soldiers.” The fact that the main characters are boys themselves always adds to the interest level of my boys. Then, the fact that these are true stories adds even more to the interest.

The main characters, Gant and Ben Fane, boys aged 14 & 16, have been left orphans due to the war and are left in charge of the family farm. Eventually they end up involved in the war travelling from their home in Alabama to Virginia to serve under General Wade Hampton. Along the way they meet and serve under John Mosby as well. Hampton and Mosby were key figures both during and after the war though they are often forgotten today. I appreciated the opportunity to introduce them to my boys in this way. The story follows the adventures, sufferings and lessons Gant and Ben encounter through the war. Nobility, courage, character, perseverance, and loyalty are encouraged in the book.

We had a great time reading this book and commend it to you.

Fatherlessness

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I have been thinking a good bit recently about the problem of fatherlessness in our churches. In crisis after crisis I discover that one root has been the absence of a father in someone’s life- through absence, neglect, or abuse. I have seen enough of this that it has made me all the more earnest in fathering my own children, and it has made me begin to think how the church can address this pain in the lives of our people. It is not accidental that the commandment which marks the shift from dealing directly with God (1-4) to commands dealing with our interaction with other people (6-10) calls for the honoring of parents. As marriage is to portray Christ and the church, so fathers provide the earliest portrayal of God the Father.

While thinking on this, I came across James Grant’s post commending Doug Wilson’s review of The Shack. Wilson’s review is very helpful, both in being aware of this book and in diagnosing this key problem- fatherlessness- in evangelicalism. It is well worth reading.

Roger the Ranger

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Roger the Ranger: A Story of Border Life Among the Indians
, Eliza Pollard
(Inheritance Publications, 2008; originally published in London, S. W. Partridge & Co., 1893)
pb., 210 pp.
Ages 6+

This is an exciting story following the fortunes of two families in colonial America who have been very close for years but end up divided by the French and Indian War. My boys enjoyed the action and suspense. I also appreciated a good portrayal of life and issues of the time. Pollard gives a positive assessment of British and French leaders (Wolfe and Montcalm, as well as Howe). There is a fairly balanced view of both sides in the war which is valuable.

This book is a good representative of 19th century children’s historical fiction. Key virtues such as bravery, nobility, loyalty, faith, and family are stressed. War, at times, does seem to be presented as a good in itself, though.

In the end, this was a fun, informative read which encouraged key virtues. We enjoyed it and would commend it to others.

(The Amazon link says this book is out of print, but it is not. It is still available from the publisher).

Proverbs Driven Life

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The Proverbs Driven Life: Timeless Wisdom for Your Words, Work, Wealth, and Relationships
by Anthony Selvaggio
(Shepherd Press, 2008), pb., 201 pp.

I received a copy of this book last week and was immediately interested. Good books on Proverbs are a real draw to me. Wisdom is a missing item in our culture which is far more interested in technique- and the lack of wisdom shows.

I have read various portions of this book so far and have been pleased. It is well written, engaging, substantive, and practical. The book is divided into six parts which address foundations, work, wealth, friends, marriage, and children. Each part is summed up in one sentence and is unpacked in two chapters. In the first chapter Selvaggio makes some very helpful observations on reading and interpreting the Proverbs well and he discusses how the Proverbs point to Christ. This discussion of interpreting Proverbs will be very helpful in a book where people sometimes get lost.

This is a good book that will be helpful in many contexts.

New Bond Book on Calvin

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Over at my pastoral ministry blog I have commented on a forthcoming historical novel on the life of John Calvin. I commented on it there because this book is intended for adults, but I mention it here since readers will know how much my family has enjoyed Bond’s books. You can see my comments on this book at the other blog.

I read this one to my boys as well, but it did require some editing on my part since in writing for adults Bond accurately portrays the degradation of the times.

Douglas Bond on Calvin

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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. This book is aimed at adults rather than children, but it continues the winning aspects of his earlier books. Here is a jacket blurb I wrote for the book:

Another great piece of historical fiction from Douglas Bond! As in his previous books, Bond provides a compelling narrative with clear historical accuracy and rich theological reflection. I don’t know if I have ever seen these aspects so compelling combined as in Bond’s books. This is why Douglas Bond is one of my family’s favorite authors.
In this book Bond helps the reader grasp the humanness of Calvin, the manner of life in 17th century Europe and the real struggle for the gospel. This is a great entry way into the life of Calvin and the Reformation in general. It is entertaining and spiritually edifying so I commend it heartily.

The book will be published by P&R. Look for its release. It is a great read for those who are very familiar with Calvin and those who are not.

UPDATE: The Book is now available!-
The Betrayal: A Novel on John Calvin

Latest Issue of JBMW

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The latest issue of JBMW has just been released. You can view a number of articles online, though I have decided this is a journal for me to subscribe to for the hard copy.
I have a couple of little pieces in the new “Odds & Ends” section. In one of them I interact with Harvey Mansfield’s book, Manliness, which has a lot of good to it. However, I critique the way in which he juxtaposes the man of action and the poet, arguing that our culture is the aberration in history in separating these two aspects of manliness. In older tales and history, the hero is both warrior and poet. We need to reconnect our ideas of manliness and poetry, between action and thinking.

The Blessing of Providence

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Due to some of my reading and preparing last week to preach on Psalm 97, I have been contemplating the blessing of the doctrine of providence, the comfort of truly knowing that God is in control. This doctrine is the root of hope, and thus joy. It is the basis of courage and perseverance as can be seen in the lives of many who have gone before us. Sadly, too often, the truth of God’s sovereignty is considered only as an abstract idea, often one to debate. Of course, we need to think about and wrestle with doctrine, but we must also live doctrine; and, this doctrine is truly one for living.

“The LORD reigns let the earth rejoice!” (Psalm 97:1)

This is the truth animating the end of Romans 8. This is why we have the confidence of Rom 8:28 that indeed all things will work together for good for those who love God and are called by Him. This is why nothing can separate us from His love. This is why the Psalmist regularly rejoices- indeed boasts- in the sovereignty of God.

This quote reflecting on Rom 8:28 has ministered to me this week:

“The truth is that all things, including the fruit of your own blunders and stupidity, sinfulness and ignorance, including the things we cry to God for deliverance from (as Paul did in 2 Corinthians 12:8), work together for good to those who love God” (Leith Samuel).

Praise the LORD! Because of Christ there is therefore now no condemnation on me (Rom 8:1)! Indeed, even the fruit of my stupidity and sin (quite a bumper crop!) will be caused by God my Father, the Almighty, to work together for my good. Can there be greater news than this? Do I now have cause to rejoice and to persevere regardless of what befalls me?

Ryan Center Conference 2009

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A few days ago I commented here on the need for Bible teachers in our churches. Aiding the growth of such teachers is at the heart of the Ryan Center for Biblical Studies here at Union University. As we say, we exist to encourage and enable sound biblical interpretation and application. One of the ways we do this is by hosting a conference for pastors and laypeople every other year that focuses on biblical interpretation.Our next conference will be this coming Spring, April 24-25, 2009 and our plenary speaker this year will be Dr. D. A. Carson. Continuing the general theme from our last conference, Dr. Carson will discuss the connection between the Old and New Testaments by examining some key texts in Hebrews. Anyone who is familiar with Dr. Carson knows this will be a special treat. Dr. Carson combines great scholarship with a heart for the church and an ability to communicate to the person in the pew.

In addition to the three lectures from Dr. Carson there will be a number of breakout sessions led by Union faculty and guest speakers. Some of these sessions will further examine the relationship between the testaments and others will discuss key steps in studying the Bible well. These are not technical, academic discussions but practical studies aimed at helping people study and teach well.

This will be great opportunity for training, teaching and encouragement for pastors, Bible study leaders and anyone interested in studying the Bible.

The conference will go from Friday night (April 24) through Saturday afternoon (April 25). More detailed information will be forthcoming. You can get the latest news from the Center’s website and the Conference’s facebook page.