Category Archives: Book Reviews

We are considering Michael Shank’s book Muscle and a Shovel. And we are at the end (unless I change my mind). What’s Missing? Shank’s theology has several flaws. 1. It greatly de-emphasizes Jesus in order to emphasize baptism. You can’t … Continue reading →

We are considering Michael Shank’s book Muscle and a Shovel. Faith = the Plan of Salvation? Back in chapter 35, Shank writes, The Bible definition of faith is belief, repentance, public confession of belief that Christ is God’s Son and … Continue reading →

We are considering Michael Shank’s book Muscle and a Shovel. In this post, we consider the history of the Churches of Christ some more. In the 19th Century, the founders of the Restoration Movement, rejected creedalism, that is, the idea … Continue reading →

We are considering Michael Shank’s book Muscle and a Shovel. Shank describes waking his wife up at 11:30 PM to discuss the conversion of Paul and his baptism. “Jonetta, I was baptized for the wrong reason and if that’s the … Continue reading →

We are considering Michael Shank’s book Muscle and a Shovel. Chapter 31 Shank is close to being re-baptized. Shank and his wife drink some beers, and he gets sick on too much alcohol. Chapter 32 Shank realizes that he smokes … Continue reading →

We are considering Michael Shank’s book Muscle and a Shovel. Thomas Campbell, Alexander’s father, in his “Declaration and Address,” stated the aims of the Restoration Movement. It’s generally considered the founding document of the Campbell wing of the Restoration Movement. And it … Continue reading →

We are considering Michael Shank’s book Muscle and a Shovel. “Reverend” We’re now getting to even more picayune peculiarities of the conservative Churches of Christ. (I’m starting to get really embarrassed by this. I mean, I attend a Church of … Continue reading →

We are considering Michael Shank’s book Muscle and a Shovel. Chapter 27, continued Randall illustrates the exclusionary principle that underlies the Regulative Principle — “Mike, what did the Lord use in the communion meal?” I thought about it for a … Continue reading →

We are considering Michael Shank’s book Muscle and a Shovel. Chapter 26 The Five Acts of Worship Randall next makes a presentation on the Five Acts of Worship: Lord’s Supper, Prayer, Singing, Giving, Preaching. Randall argues that if you dropped … Continue reading →

We are considering Michael Shank’s book Muscle and a Shovel. Chapter 22 Shank becomes upset with the divisions resulting from “denominationalism.” Each denomination teaches an opposing set of practices and beliefs. Their idea of unity is to keep their individual … Continue reading →