Book Log – July 2014

1. China’s Reforming Churches: Mission, Polity, and Ministry in the Next Christendom – Bruce Baugus, ed. This book is an excellent survey of presbyterianism in China – from its history (part 1) to the current landscape (part 2) to current challenges and opportunities (part 3) to how China’s reforming churches are appropriating the Reformed tradition to their context (part 4). Anyone who’s  Reformed(ish) and interested in what God is doing in China needs to read this book. Full review here.
2. Reading Theologically (Foundations for Learning) – Eric Barreto, ed. First of a new series from Fortress Press, this volume is essential not just for the seminarian or Bible college student but also for the thinking lay Christian. Some of the positions espoused are more progressive and positions I disagree with so I would be hesitant to recommend this book to young believers,  but I have no reservations in recommending it to mature believers who have thought through key issues of life and faith. In fact, one of the points made in this book is the importance of reading from perspectives you disagree with. Full review here.
3. The Crucified King: Atonement and Kingdom in Biblical and Systematic Theology – Jeremy Treat. This book is a revised Ph.D. dissertation done under Vanhoozer at Wheaton. It demonstrates how the frequently torn-asunder motifs of atonement and the kingdom of God relate by way of bridging the unfortunate gap between biblical and systematic theology. This book is an important and delightful read for ST/BT lovers (especially those who enjoy seeing the two disciplines integrated) and those who lament the dichotomization of kingdom and atonement. Full review here.
4. Women of the Word: How to Study the Bible With Both Our Hearts and Our Minds – Jen Wilkin. This book needs to be given to every new female believer – it’s an excellent introduction to how to read and study the Bible well. However, though this book is written at an introductory level, it would be a mistake to think that it’s only for young believers. Many long-time Christians do not know how to study the Bible, so really, this is a great book for any Christian struggling with this vital component of the Christian life and looking for help from a quick, easy read. Full review at Servants of Grace.
5. The Historical Jesus: Five Views – James K. Beilby and Paul Rhodes Eddy, ed. Part of the Spectrum Multiview series from IVP Academic, this book is an excellent introduction to the scholarly quest of the historical Jesus. In the introduction the editors provide a survey of the four stages of the quest, highlighting the most significant scholars, publications, and ideas. They also provide an overview of the important issues and debates in the current phase (“third quest”) and introduce the contributors to this volume – Robert Price, John Dominic Crossan, Luke Timothy Johnson, James Dunn, and Darrell Bock. After every essay, each of the other contributors presents a brief response. Full review here.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received the above books for free from the publishers for review. I was not obligated to to write positive reviews, and the opinions I have expressed are honest.  I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Posted by Jennifer Guo on August 1, 2014

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