The Bible Story, but not the Bible

If you’re interested in the main themes of the story of the Bible, but don’t feel up to reading the bible, this may be the book for you.  Dr William H. Marty’s The Whole Bible Story: Everything that Happens in the Bible in Plain English (Illustrated Edition) (Baker Books, 2017) was originally published several years ago (2011) and this edition adds illustrations. Some of the illustrations, by the way, were enjoyable to look at and even enlightening.  I also enjoyed the brief intro to each chapter which presented the setting, and the main characters. The chapter conclusion was also as helpful or more helpful than the chapter itself.

                It certainly is in “Plain English” which might be a good thing for some people; but the way it’s written concerns me. Nothing is out of place, the themes are not misrepresented, but I didn’t get enough of a sense that this is not a bible—it’s a condensed version of the metanarrative. Yes, it might be good for the beginner, but unless there is someone to disciple that beginner and lead him or her to the complete Bible there are bound to be some serious misunderstandings down the road.

                This seems to be a fairly basic and elementary rendering if it is used with college students. I might have enjoyed it while in release time religious education when I was in 5^th or 6^th grade) many years ago) but by High School, much less college, I don’t think I would have appreciated it.

                Another concern I have is that much of the New Testament don’t seem to be adequately covered. The gospels and ACTS have sections dedicated to them, but much of Paul’s theology, found in the epistles, not to mention the Revelation, get pretty short shrift.

                Quite frequently I can pinpoint a specific target audience to whom I would recommend a book. Not the case with this one. My best advice, if you’re having trouble with some of the more literal translations of the Bible, get a paraphrase, or a translation that slants towards thought-for-thought rather than word-for-word. I’m not even sure what to do with this book. I guess it will sit on the bookshelf until I find someone who might be able to use it.

                3/5

                I received a copy of this book in exchange for a written review.  There was no expectation that I would be required to post a positive review. 

when generosity is transformational

How much does it take to make a difference for the kingdom? And in the broadest sense of the word, the answer has to be “it depends”.  There are all sorts of variables, but one common factor is the willingness to listen to God, and follow where He leads.

                Mac Pier has compiled 31 stories of people who have been willing to do just that, and then give in extraordinarily generous ways. In his latest book, A Disruptive Generosity: Stories of Transforming Cities through Strategic Giving (Baker Books, 2017) Piers relates the accounts of people from around the globe who are making a difference in their cities. 

                Pier explains that there are 3 themes in his book, 1) God's vision for the world as referenced in the book of Isaiah, 2) spiritual movement, and 3) relational networks.  The relational network is something that he builds on, and is a specific one, people that he knows, with whom he has worked, and who he counts among his friends. The spiritual movement is one that is happening world-wide. God is moving people to where they can hear the gospel, and by most accounts, the percentage of believers is growing faster than the general population.

And then there is Isaiah. My favorite part of this book. I was torn between wanting to read story after story, and wanted to read this book as a devotional to be savored over a period of a month.  Each chapter starts with a verse from the prophet Isaiah, then we are introduced to one or two of the people in the relational network, and Mac shares what they are doing in their part of the world. Each chapter ends with a brief statement about the scripture, followed by ‘points to consider” and a brief prayer.

Caution. This is not for the faint of heart. Much of the strategic giving involves tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, and in some cases millions. This type of giving is far more than I can aspire too, but it inspires me to “give up to my potential”.

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for a review.

4/5

Convicted: forgiveness like you've never seen before!

We all know what it’s like to hurt or be hurt, and many of us have experienced forgiveness in its many forms. In other words, we all have stories about forgiveness, but probably none of us quite to the extent of the story told in Convicted: a Crooked Cop, An Innocent Man, and an Unlikely Journey of Forgiveness and Friendship (Waterbrook , 2017).

Jesus told a story about a moneylender who held 2 outstanding debts, one much greater than the other. The characters in the story include a woman who had sinned greatly, recognized the extent of her sin, and had much for which to be forgiven. She was grateful.  At the same time another sinner refused to see that he also had sinned greatly, he felt that he was entitled to having his debt cancelled.  The same forgiveness was not forthcoming.  As Jesus tells the story, before telling the woman that her sins are forgiven, he makes an equally telling comment to the second sinner:  “Therefore, I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven — for she loved much. But he who has been forgiven little loves little." (Luke 7: 47, NIV)

                Jesus spoke in a parable to illustrate a truth, and the book Convicted is a retelling of a true story. The authors are writing of their experience. Andrew a crooked cop, who had somehow gotten impressed with himself, and felt that he was above reproach. His entitlement mentality led him to places that he should never have gone. And Jameel, someone who, and excuse the cliché, happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Really. And that misfortune took him to a place where he never planned on going.

                Jameel’s hatred helps him for a time to survive prison, but hatred can’t sustain you forever, and by the time he meets Andrew again, things have changed.

                Andrew is finally held accountable for his crimes, and as you might expect the two men meet. What you might expect is that Jameel’s hatred would lead to a violent confrontation, but instead what we see play out is forgiveness that most of us wish we could experience, but might never have the opportunity to see. And after forgiveness, comes a friendship that crosses lines of race and strengthens the faith walk of each man.

Be looking for this book in Mid-September.

(privileged to be on the launch team, so I got an advance copy of the book)