13 July, 2010
Mick
Book Review
A Guy's Guide to Life, Book Review, Christian living, Christianity, growing up, Jason Boyett, manhood, Religion
Jason Boyett’s book A Guy’s Guide to Life claims to train you how to be a man in 224 pages or less. I’d hope this would be possible since the publication is only 209 pages long of actual material. I think the idea was to include all of the other pages at the beginning and end, but that’s beside the point.
After perusing through the pages, Boyett has some good stuff to offer. His first goal is to point out that we have a preconceived notion of what a man should be based on our culture. Though this is comical in approach, there is some seriousness as he tries to show that a Christian man is not necessarily the same as a macho man.
Boyett deals with issues on dating, grooming, health, and even sex. I can honestly say this would be a good read for any male who wants to be a Christ-follower. He hits on some very touchy topics that can actually help shape your view of what men should be.
If you want to buy it, click here.
To learn more about the author, check out his website.
6 July, 2010
Mick
Book Review
Andrew Farley, Book Review, Jesus, Naked Gospel, Religion
Andrew Farley’s book, The Naked Gospel, was an enjoyable read. In a nut shell he pretty much says that all you need in this Christian life is Jesus. And he is correct.
One of the things I have said many times over is that we cannot expect to change people. Too many times religion is used to shape someone into some kind of moral elitist, but that is not what following Christ is about. Religion, though it can be a good thing, can be harmful and unnecessary. Farley hits on this point, and I’m glad he did.
For the first half of the book, Farley explains some of the issues that have developed over the past 2000 years since Jesus was around. The second half then goes into some of his theology and such.
I like the idea, but am not completely akin to his theological views. But then again, do any of us have the same theology?
When all is said and done, only one thing will really matter; your relationship with Jesus. This is what is really at the heart of The Naked Gospel, and I couldn’t agree more.
27 April, 2010
Mick
Book Review
Bible, Book Review, Christianity, If I Could Ask God Anything, Kathy Slattery, Quick Answer, Religion
Kathy Slattery’s book If I Could Ask God Anything is an attempt to give parents (as well as anyone around children) a resource to help answer some crazy questions that kids ask. The book answers questions like, “What is the Great Commission?” or “Why did Jesus do Miracles?”
Though it can be a great resource to have, I have some qualms with this publication. Before I get to my big hang up, I do want to say that it has Biblically supported answers that make sense. This is not something you would probably pick up and read, but like I said above, it’s a great resource.
So here’s my issue. I think that we too often just look for the quick answer. Yes, this book points to Scripture for support, which is solid. Yes, the answers are true and reliable. But what happened to people finding out the answers by navigating through the Bible? We need to stop just going for the answers (the product), but do the research as well (the process).
12 March, 2010
Mick
Book Review
Book Review, Holiness, Identity Crisis, Mark Sayers, narcissism, Spiritual Growth, Uber, Vertical Self
Mark Sayers, founder of uber, takes a look at the identity crisis found in Western society with his new book The Vertical Self. The challenge that Sayers lays out is that in a narcissistic society, no one will really know what their true identity is until they encounter their identity with God (i.e. the vertical self).
Who is Mark Sayers? Good question. Before reading this book I had no idea, but the idea intrigued me enough to give The Vertical Self a read. And since Leonard Sweet took time write the forward and put his name on the book, I figured it would be worth my time; and I was correct.
We live in a world where people are trying to figure out their identity. What’s awesome and dangerous all the same is that we have a freedom to be whoever we want. In fact, you can practically change who are over night and fit right in with a new crowd of people. You may think there is nothing wrong with that, but is there any fulfillment?
People are trying to be cool, but instead we need to be holy. We are God’s work of art, created in His image. Think of it this way, after reading 1 Corinthians 12:12-20, if we are not doing what we are created to do, then we are not properly functioning as a body. We are created uniquely be an all-powerful Creator who loves us. Embrace that. See yourself as God sees you.
Links to Check Out:
Visit Mark Sayers’ blog: Click Here
Buy the Book on Amazon: Click Here
8 February, 2010
Mick
Book Review
Beer, Book Review, Christianity, Guinness, history, Religion, Social Justice, Stephen Mansfield
The Search for God and Guinness is written by New York Times best-selling author, Stephen Mansfield. In The Search for God and Guinness, Mansfield makes a very successful attempt at showing the history of one of the worlds largest beer brewers. The history that you find in this book, however, is surprising in that the Guinness family has actually been compassionate to those in need in the name of Christ.
I was immediately drawn into the book as Mansfield gives a humorous story about a blonde he met outside of the Guinness Brewery in Ireland that had no idea what the company did. What captured my attention even more is how the company has used their wealth to help so many people. Did you know Arthur Guinness (the founder) is responsible for starting Sunday schools all over Dublin?
I have always said that there are two kinds of cultures that surround this beverage. One can be found on almost every college campus, which is drinking beer for the sole reason to get drunk. The other, much more respectable culture is about people enjoying the beverage because they enjoy the taste with no intent to get drunk.
After reading this book, I think it would be safe to say that Arthur Guinness, his descendants, as well as the rest of the company would like to be associated with the later of the two cultures.
In the end, reading through The Search for God and Guinness has been encouraging. Seeing a wealthy family rise up to the needs of their community instead of being greedy and selfish brings a great respect for Guinness.
Links to Check Out:
Follow Stephen Mansfield on Twitter: @mansfieldwrites
Visit Stephen Mansfield’s webpage/blog: mansfieldgroup.com
Buy the Book on Amazon: Click Here
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