Sunday, April 23, 2006
What Oh What Shall I Read?
You would think that going into a Christian bookstore would be a great experience. Books of encouragement and conviction would surround you just waiting to be bought and read. Unfortunately, when I visit my Christian bookstore, it is usually the books that do not fit the above description that are displayed prominently for all to see. Deciphering between the good and the bad is sometimes like trying to take a walk in the jungle with only a butter knife to help you.
Two books read by many people my age are "Wild at Heart" and "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge. Having never read either book, I did a little research to find out if they were as good as I'd heard. "Wild at Heart" was disturbing in its twisted theology, but it was its portrayal of a godly woman that really set off my alarm. Eldredge's description was more like the Proverbs non-31 woman than her Titus 2 counterpart! On the other hand, "Captivating" elevates woman to someone who's love God is craving. He is seen as almost incomplete, crying out for us to love and choose Him. Another trend in both books is something I have noticed from many pastors in recent years. They feel that the Bible does not cover a topic as much as they'd like so they constantly feel the need to bring in movie quotes to fill in the gap. Many times the movie quotes are used more than Scripture!
After reading many different reviews, I'm sorry to say that both books look like they would be more harmful than beneficial to read. As substitutes, I highly recommend "The Birkenhead Drill" and "The Heroism of the Fathers is the Legacy of the Sons" by Doug Phillips and "So Much More" by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin. Just because a book is labeled "Christian" does not make it "great" or even "good." As Agent Tim pointed out recently, attacks on Christianity can come in many different forms. For our own sakes, everything we take in must be measured up against God's Word--the ultimate authority.
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Two books read by many people my age are "Wild at Heart" and "Captivating" by John and Stasi Eldredge. Having never read either book, I did a little research to find out if they were as good as I'd heard. "Wild at Heart" was disturbing in its twisted theology, but it was its portrayal of a godly woman that really set off my alarm. Eldredge's description was more like the Proverbs non-31 woman than her Titus 2 counterpart! On the other hand, "Captivating" elevates woman to someone who's love God is craving. He is seen as almost incomplete, crying out for us to love and choose Him. Another trend in both books is something I have noticed from many pastors in recent years. They feel that the Bible does not cover a topic as much as they'd like so they constantly feel the need to bring in movie quotes to fill in the gap. Many times the movie quotes are used more than Scripture!
After reading many different reviews, I'm sorry to say that both books look like they would be more harmful than beneficial to read. As substitutes, I highly recommend "The Birkenhead Drill" and "The Heroism of the Fathers is the Legacy of the Sons" by Doug Phillips and "So Much More" by Anna Sofia and Elizabeth Botkin. Just because a book is labeled "Christian" does not make it "great" or even "good." As Agent Tim pointed out recently, attacks on Christianity can come in many different forms. For our own sakes, everything we take in must be measured up against God's Word--the ultimate authority.
Labels: Books
