Book Review.
Ortberg, John. When the Game is Over It all goes Back in the Box. Zondervan. 2007
Comment. Henry
When it comes to ‘user friendly’, ‘seeker friendly’ writing, John is a bit of a legend. My introduction to John’s books was the title catching book, “If You Want to Walk on Water You Have to Get Out of the Boat”. I picked up this book after I had finished reading the “Bonhoeffer” book, a totally different experience. It was during the reading of this book that I had a brand new personal experience. I had an electrical malfunction of my heart that landed me in hospital by ambulance and introduced me to a new ‘buddy’, a pace-maker. If all this sounds like a disclaimer, so be it. This is a very easy read however some of his illustrations and applications lacked validity and punch in my opinion. I am sure this opinion does not make John any less of a writer.
The game analogy for life is a biblical example and as such stands up well to scrutiny. Being a non-athletic person, the winning and losing part of athletic competition resonates less with me than it probably should. I do relate to the proper preparation and corresponding discipline(s) of the game. Being in the ‘race’ is not an option. We are all in (not just a pun).
The race involves rules and the sooner we acquaint ourselves with those rules and abide by them the better. A value system that does not reflect richness toward God will not support a valid race. It will be test continually, it is part of ‘score-keeping’. Remove hindrances (Paul’s idea). In this race there is ‘advantage’ in surrender (oxymoron?). No one can become your ‘designated runner’. Life values are continually being tested, e.g. value of stuff, regrets, rules of the game, gratitude, focus on mission.
The game of life certainly comes with hazards. “Beware of the shadow mission.” (169) Respect the ‘competition’. If you win alone you have lost. It is important to encourage as you compete. “Collect the right trophies.” (221)
Pardon the brevity of this review. I am sure that this resource has good practical value as a tool in a ‘craftsman’s’ hands.
Monday, February 27, 2012
Sunday, February 19, 2012
Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy.
Book Review.
Metaxas, Eric. Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. Thomas Nelson. 2010.
E.M.- author, Writer for New York Times, Washington Post, Atlantic Monthly. Cultural commentator. Founder and host of Socrates in the City.
Comment. Henry.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s contributions to the Christian community were primarily in the area of theology. In this resource we learn about his life as it was impacted by and contributed to Germany as a nation during a very turbulent time of its history. It was during this time that he was indeed at different times, a ‘pastor, martyr, prophet and spy’. The author has taken great pains to give clarity to Bonhoeffer’s life and activities that some have found problematic. This is a challenging, informative read.
Dietrich’s family, on both his father’s and mother’s side was upper-class. He and his twin sister were the second youngest of a family of eight children. His oldest brother was killed in WW1. His aspirations to become a theologian were not something that was expected by the rest of the family. His theological training involved travels to and educational involvement in Berlin University, Rome, as a pastor in Barcelona, and as a student in Union Seminary (New York)
With the installation of the “Fuhrer Principle” (148) Hitler became the chancellor of Germany and in short order “raw power ruled, and its only goal was to destroy all other power besides itself”. (149) Any resistance to this movement was considered treason and in particular Jews were targeted. Hitler was able to persuade the state church to support his national agenda. Dietrich was part of the “Confessing Church” (222) which was the official body of believers in Germany which did not support Hitler. One of Hitler’s goals was the nationalizing of Christianity as a Nazi religion under his control.
Dietrich’s work as a pastor took place in Germany but also in England with a short assignment in Barcelona. “His sermons were strong meat for parishioners used to a much lighter fare.” ( 202) He was very involved in the ecumenical of the day. Karl Barth was one of his associates in the crusade for the Confessing Church that produced the “Barmen Declaration” (222) in 1934. It was the official document of the German Evangelical Church.
I will not attempt to summarize or review Bonhoeffer’s theology or theological position accept to say he extreme in his opposition to anything having to do with Hitler’s murderous Nazism In fact he was prepared to become involved in violence (a conspiracy) to bring it to an end. He was against war but he was not a pacifist. The use of force was valid when battling evil.
Becoming a martyr was Bonhoeffer’s choice. He had several opportunities to legitimately leave Germany and continue his crusade against Hitler from abroad but this he felt was not God’s will for him. His experience demonstrated graphically the viciousness of the Third Reich. For many of his associates Bonhoeffer became a political ‘Blitzableiter’ (lightening rod). He was executed at Flossenurg on April 9, 1945. Three weeks later the Allies entered this area liberating others that were designated for execution.
There is much that has gone unmentioned in this review. For those interested in this topic I say, by all means read the book. It is among other things a heart wrenching story.
henrydirksen.blogspot.com
Metaxas, Eric. Bonhoeffer, Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy. Thomas Nelson. 2010.
E.M.- author, Writer for New York Times, Washington Post, Atlantic Monthly. Cultural commentator. Founder and host of Socrates in the City.
Comment. Henry.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s contributions to the Christian community were primarily in the area of theology. In this resource we learn about his life as it was impacted by and contributed to Germany as a nation during a very turbulent time of its history. It was during this time that he was indeed at different times, a ‘pastor, martyr, prophet and spy’. The author has taken great pains to give clarity to Bonhoeffer’s life and activities that some have found problematic. This is a challenging, informative read.
Dietrich’s family, on both his father’s and mother’s side was upper-class. He and his twin sister were the second youngest of a family of eight children. His oldest brother was killed in WW1. His aspirations to become a theologian were not something that was expected by the rest of the family. His theological training involved travels to and educational involvement in Berlin University, Rome, as a pastor in Barcelona, and as a student in Union Seminary (New York)
With the installation of the “Fuhrer Principle” (148) Hitler became the chancellor of Germany and in short order “raw power ruled, and its only goal was to destroy all other power besides itself”. (149) Any resistance to this movement was considered treason and in particular Jews were targeted. Hitler was able to persuade the state church to support his national agenda. Dietrich was part of the “Confessing Church” (222) which was the official body of believers in Germany which did not support Hitler. One of Hitler’s goals was the nationalizing of Christianity as a Nazi religion under his control.
Dietrich’s work as a pastor took place in Germany but also in England with a short assignment in Barcelona. “His sermons were strong meat for parishioners used to a much lighter fare.” ( 202) He was very involved in the ecumenical of the day. Karl Barth was one of his associates in the crusade for the Confessing Church that produced the “Barmen Declaration” (222) in 1934. It was the official document of the German Evangelical Church.
I will not attempt to summarize or review Bonhoeffer’s theology or theological position accept to say he extreme in his opposition to anything having to do with Hitler’s murderous Nazism In fact he was prepared to become involved in violence (a conspiracy) to bring it to an end. He was against war but he was not a pacifist. The use of force was valid when battling evil.
Becoming a martyr was Bonhoeffer’s choice. He had several opportunities to legitimately leave Germany and continue his crusade against Hitler from abroad but this he felt was not God’s will for him. His experience demonstrated graphically the viciousness of the Third Reich. For many of his associates Bonhoeffer became a political ‘Blitzableiter’ (lightening rod). He was executed at Flossenurg on April 9, 1945. Three weeks later the Allies entered this area liberating others that were designated for execution.
There is much that has gone unmentioned in this review. For those interested in this topic I say, by all means read the book. It is among other things a heart wrenching story.
henrydirksen.blogspot.com
Thursday, February 9, 2012
The Voice That Calls You Home.
Book Review.
Raynor, Andrea. The Voice That Calls You Home. Inspiration for life’s journeys. Atria Books. 2009
A.R.- a hospice Chaplin ordained with the Methodist denomination. Andrea is a cancer survivor. Has an M. Div. from Harvard Divinity School. She lives in Rye, New York.
Comment. Henry.
This a very touching and personal autobiography of Andrea’s experiences as a hospice Chaplin whose services included a lengthy stint serving a Ground 0 after the 9/11 disaster. Her personal experience as a cancer survivor gives added material about handling personal trauma. There is great ‘latitude of interpretation’ of how she believes God’s voice can and should be heard. She seems to have no problem with hearing God’s voice through séances and channelling and the more religiously accepted mediums of communicating with God. Such latitude would not be acceptable as evangelical. A helpful resource for anyone dealing with people who have terminal health experiences and/or their care-givers.
Quotes from Intro: “How do we hear God’s voice?” “It is never comforting to compare one person’s pain with someone else’s.” “God’s absence is only an illusion.”
Being in the presence of a dying soul is holy ground. Lack of wisdom and compassion can result in serious ‘miss-judgements’. Close care-givers (spouses) should always be given the opportunity to extent end of life services of love, e.g. initial preparation of body.
“The events that happen to us and those we love have no bearing on God’s love for us.” There are no easy answers for those who have lost loved ones. It is very possible that we will have a ‘chance’ meeting with God by meeting someone else’s need. Premonitions of impending death are not unusual.
Ten chapters are taken up with Andrea’s experiences as a Chaplin at Ground 0 after 9/11. These experiences are quite different from her normal ministry. They are attempts to give reverence and dignity to the remains of unidentified victims of a horrific tragedy. These were very difficult times with heart-rending stories.
“To walk with the dying is to glimpse what it means to go home.” (151)
Andrea’s family was into doing séances and communicating with the deceased. She describes her father as “foremost a Christian man with a deep connection to Christ”. (166) Relying on psychic’s information, like channelling, was another way of hearing God’s voice. (Wow!!) Here is the context of where she is coming from. “I believe in- the transcendence of the spirit, the reunion of souls, guidance from spiritual masters, communion with the dead, and the possibility of reincarnation. In short, I believe in Mystery.” (253)
Four chapters are devoted to her cancer experience. This has been a significant part of her ‘expanded’ theatre of ministry. This gave her added material for sharing her ‘inspiration for life’s journey’.
Henrydirksen.blogspot.com
Raynor, Andrea. The Voice That Calls You Home. Inspiration for life’s journeys. Atria Books. 2009
A.R.- a hospice Chaplin ordained with the Methodist denomination. Andrea is a cancer survivor. Has an M. Div. from Harvard Divinity School. She lives in Rye, New York.
Comment. Henry.
This a very touching and personal autobiography of Andrea’s experiences as a hospice Chaplin whose services included a lengthy stint serving a Ground 0 after the 9/11 disaster. Her personal experience as a cancer survivor gives added material about handling personal trauma. There is great ‘latitude of interpretation’ of how she believes God’s voice can and should be heard. She seems to have no problem with hearing God’s voice through séances and channelling and the more religiously accepted mediums of communicating with God. Such latitude would not be acceptable as evangelical. A helpful resource for anyone dealing with people who have terminal health experiences and/or their care-givers.
Quotes from Intro: “How do we hear God’s voice?” “It is never comforting to compare one person’s pain with someone else’s.” “God’s absence is only an illusion.”
Being in the presence of a dying soul is holy ground. Lack of wisdom and compassion can result in serious ‘miss-judgements’. Close care-givers (spouses) should always be given the opportunity to extent end of life services of love, e.g. initial preparation of body.
“The events that happen to us and those we love have no bearing on God’s love for us.” There are no easy answers for those who have lost loved ones. It is very possible that we will have a ‘chance’ meeting with God by meeting someone else’s need. Premonitions of impending death are not unusual.
Ten chapters are taken up with Andrea’s experiences as a Chaplin at Ground 0 after 9/11. These experiences are quite different from her normal ministry. They are attempts to give reverence and dignity to the remains of unidentified victims of a horrific tragedy. These were very difficult times with heart-rending stories.
“To walk with the dying is to glimpse what it means to go home.” (151)
Andrea’s family was into doing séances and communicating with the deceased. She describes her father as “foremost a Christian man with a deep connection to Christ”. (166) Relying on psychic’s information, like channelling, was another way of hearing God’s voice. (Wow!!) Here is the context of where she is coming from. “I believe in- the transcendence of the spirit, the reunion of souls, guidance from spiritual masters, communion with the dead, and the possibility of reincarnation. In short, I believe in Mystery.” (253)
Four chapters are devoted to her cancer experience. This has been a significant part of her ‘expanded’ theatre of ministry. This gave her added material for sharing her ‘inspiration for life’s journey’.
Henrydirksen.blogspot.com
Monday, February 6, 2012
Let Your Life Speak.
Book Review.
Palmer, Parker J. Let Your Life Speak. Listening for the Voice of Vocation. 2000 Jossey-Bass.
P.P.- writer, teacher, and activist. Senior associate of the American Association for Higher Education and senior adviser to the Fetzer Institute. PhD- Berkeley. Member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker).
Comment. Henry.
This book is all about one’s search for ‘self-hood’. The focus of the book is summarized in this question; “Is the life I am living the same as the life that wants to live in me?” There is a line of narcissism that can easily be crossed when there is a strong focus on self. There seems to be some evidence of that in this resource. The author actually expounds on the positiveness of depression. A Christian self-help resource.
Our vocation needs to be an authentic expression of our inner self not a reflection of circumstantial and/or peer pressurSelf-care is never a selfish act.” (30) Knowing and respecting limitations are a necessary part of wholesome self-care. When we attempt to give what we don’t possess we experience burn out. “Live in a creative tension between our limits and our potentials.” (55)
In as much as the journey to God “is not up but down” (69) depression may well become part of that journey. “The spiritual journey runs counter o the power of positive thinking.” (80) The belief that the responsibility of ‘escaping’ depression rests with us alone is a form of “functional atheism”. (88)
Selfhood and vocation are examined through the metaphor of the seasons. Transitions can be extreme and changes must be accepted. “Seasons is a wise metaphor for the movement of life.” (6)
Palmer, Parker J. Let Your Life Speak. Listening for the Voice of Vocation. 2000 Jossey-Bass.
P.P.- writer, teacher, and activist. Senior associate of the American Association for Higher Education and senior adviser to the Fetzer Institute. PhD- Berkeley. Member of the Religious Society of Friends (Quaker).
Comment. Henry.
This book is all about one’s search for ‘self-hood’. The focus of the book is summarized in this question; “Is the life I am living the same as the life that wants to live in me?” There is a line of narcissism that can easily be crossed when there is a strong focus on self. There seems to be some evidence of that in this resource. The author actually expounds on the positiveness of depression. A Christian self-help resource.
Our vocation needs to be an authentic expression of our inner self not a reflection of circumstantial and/or peer pressurSelf-care is never a selfish act.” (30) Knowing and respecting limitations are a necessary part of wholesome self-care. When we attempt to give what we don’t possess we experience burn out. “Live in a creative tension between our limits and our potentials.” (55)
In as much as the journey to God “is not up but down” (69) depression may well become part of that journey. “The spiritual journey runs counter o the power of positive thinking.” (80) The belief that the responsibility of ‘escaping’ depression rests with us alone is a form of “functional atheism”. (88)
Selfhood and vocation are examined through the metaphor of the seasons. Transitions can be extreme and changes must be accepted. “Seasons is a wise metaphor for the movement of life.” (6)
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
The Apostle's Creed
Book Review.
Baclay, William. The Apostle’s Creed. Westminster John Knox Press. 1998.
W.B.- popular Scottish interpreter of the New Testament. Former Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism at Glasgow University.
Comment. Henry.
Dr. Barclay has been a great contributor of helpful information about Scripture through his commentaries, especially about the New Testament. In this resource he tackles a ‘document’ that has become a classic statement summarizing the Christian faith, the Apostle’s Creed. A quote from the last chapter puts his contribution into perspective. “The Church had a creed long before it had the Apostle’s Creed; ‘JESUS CHRIST IS LORD’. So long as we are certain of the lordship of Jesus Christ, we can rethink and reinterpret all statements about the Christian faith, and in the Apostle’s Creed we have a symbolic statement of faith which in the light of the lordship of Jesus Christ and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is dynamically expandable in every age.” (324) In as much as this is a commentary my ‘review’ will be more like an outline only.
The introduction is actually an interesting history of the creed. The format of discussion is line (chapter) by line (chapter).
“I believe in God.” (15) Biblical writers do not attempt to prove the existence of God. It is a self-evident fact. Modern man wants ‘proof’. There are many arguments for the existence of God.
“I believe in God the Father Almighty.” (26) This is the Christian conception of God, the “fatherhood of God”. (31) It goes beyond the Old Testament of God and certainly different from the Greek concept of God the Father. He is Almighty in love.
“Maker of Heaven and Earthy.” (37) The Christian view of creation is theism, not pantheism or deism. “The idea of an evolutionary process has lent a glory to the task of creation which it never had before, for it means that God has made man his fellow-worker in the making of the world.” (43) (interesting!)
“And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.” (45) There are four relationships targeted in this designation. “Jesus in the relation to the fullness of his manhood. Christ (Messiah), the anointed one. (45) His only Son- relationship to God. (46) Lord- the relationship of Jesus to us. (51)” “Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.” (55) Barclay acknowledges the controversies that surround this element of the decree.
“Suffered under Pontius Pilate.” (69) There is some interesting history surrounding Pilate as a player in this drama. “Was crucified”. (77) The gospel writers give very few details about this common method of execution. The cross has become a significant symbol of Christianity. “Dead and Buried.” (94) This was a crucial part of the gospel presentation of the early church. “He descended into Hell.” (97) This truth reinforces his death.
“The third day he rose again from the dead.”(110) This claim “is either the greatest single fact in history, or if it is not true, is the greatest deception in history.” (110) “He ascended into heaven.” (134) There is not much preaching on this element. “And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” (144) Christ entered “His regal office as King of Kings and Lord of Lords”. (156)
“From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.” (48) Paul was a strong proponent of the teaching of the second coming of Christ. Some conclude from John’s gospel that the second coming has to do with Pentecost and Christ’s presence with and in all believers. Is the truth of this element symbolic or literal? That depends on the type of eschatology that is followed. Judgment is part of Christian doctrine. There are many different interpretations of this element (doctrine).
“I believe in the Holy Ghost.” (201) This element brings in the doctrine of the Trinity which is very difficult to explain. Neither person of the Trinity can be explained but it can be experienced.
“In the Holy Catholic Church.” (215) “It is within the church that the story of Jesus and the Christian faith are preserved.” (210) “In the communion of the Saints.” (245) (koinonia). “In the forgiveness of sins.” (252) This is central to the Christian gospel message. Even with saints there will come times for the need of mercy and repentance. “In the resurrection of the body.” (280) This is difficult to explain. “In the life everlasting.” 9293) This is a fitting climax to the declaration of the Christian belief.
henrydirksen.blogspot.com
Baclay, William. The Apostle’s Creed. Westminster John Knox Press. 1998.
W.B.- popular Scottish interpreter of the New Testament. Former Professor of Divinity and Biblical Criticism at Glasgow University.
Comment. Henry.
Dr. Barclay has been a great contributor of helpful information about Scripture through his commentaries, especially about the New Testament. In this resource he tackles a ‘document’ that has become a classic statement summarizing the Christian faith, the Apostle’s Creed. A quote from the last chapter puts his contribution into perspective. “The Church had a creed long before it had the Apostle’s Creed; ‘JESUS CHRIST IS LORD’. So long as we are certain of the lordship of Jesus Christ, we can rethink and reinterpret all statements about the Christian faith, and in the Apostle’s Creed we have a symbolic statement of faith which in the light of the lordship of Jesus Christ and under the guidance of the Holy Spirit is dynamically expandable in every age.” (324) In as much as this is a commentary my ‘review’ will be more like an outline only.
The introduction is actually an interesting history of the creed. The format of discussion is line (chapter) by line (chapter).
“I believe in God.” (15) Biblical writers do not attempt to prove the existence of God. It is a self-evident fact. Modern man wants ‘proof’. There are many arguments for the existence of God.
“I believe in God the Father Almighty.” (26) This is the Christian conception of God, the “fatherhood of God”. (31) It goes beyond the Old Testament of God and certainly different from the Greek concept of God the Father. He is Almighty in love.
“Maker of Heaven and Earthy.” (37) The Christian view of creation is theism, not pantheism or deism. “The idea of an evolutionary process has lent a glory to the task of creation which it never had before, for it means that God has made man his fellow-worker in the making of the world.” (43) (interesting!)
“And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord.” (45) There are four relationships targeted in this designation. “Jesus in the relation to the fullness of his manhood. Christ (Messiah), the anointed one. (45) His only Son- relationship to God. (46) Lord- the relationship of Jesus to us. (51)” “Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary.” (55) Barclay acknowledges the controversies that surround this element of the decree.
“Suffered under Pontius Pilate.” (69) There is some interesting history surrounding Pilate as a player in this drama. “Was crucified”. (77) The gospel writers give very few details about this common method of execution. The cross has become a significant symbol of Christianity. “Dead and Buried.” (94) This was a crucial part of the gospel presentation of the early church. “He descended into Hell.” (97) This truth reinforces his death.
“The third day he rose again from the dead.”(110) This claim “is either the greatest single fact in history, or if it is not true, is the greatest deception in history.” (110) “He ascended into heaven.” (134) There is not much preaching on this element. “And sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty.” (144) Christ entered “His regal office as King of Kings and Lord of Lords”. (156)
“From thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead.” (48) Paul was a strong proponent of the teaching of the second coming of Christ. Some conclude from John’s gospel that the second coming has to do with Pentecost and Christ’s presence with and in all believers. Is the truth of this element symbolic or literal? That depends on the type of eschatology that is followed. Judgment is part of Christian doctrine. There are many different interpretations of this element (doctrine).
“I believe in the Holy Ghost.” (201) This element brings in the doctrine of the Trinity which is very difficult to explain. Neither person of the Trinity can be explained but it can be experienced.
“In the Holy Catholic Church.” (215) “It is within the church that the story of Jesus and the Christian faith are preserved.” (210) “In the communion of the Saints.” (245) (koinonia). “In the forgiveness of sins.” (252) This is central to the Christian gospel message. Even with saints there will come times for the need of mercy and repentance. “In the resurrection of the body.” (280) This is difficult to explain. “In the life everlasting.” 9293) This is a fitting climax to the declaration of the Christian belief.
henrydirksen.blogspot.com
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