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Category Archives: Book Reviews
Paul and the Faithfulness of God: The New Perspective
We are considering N. T. Wright’s newly released Paul and the Faithfulness of God (Christian Origins and the Question of God) — a massive and masterful consideration of Paul’s theology. Beginning around page 110, Wright re-argues the case for the so-called … Continue reading
The Faithfulness of God: From the Journal of Onesimus
Journal, Day 1 My master has gone insane! I realize that a slave has no call on his master. It’s not my place to argue or to take a position. But my master bought me, and he trained me as … Continue reading
Paul and the Faithfulness of God: Philemon as Guide
We are considering N. T. Wright’s newly released Paul and the Faithfulness of God (Christian Origins and the Question of God) — a massive and masterful consideration of Paul’s theology. The title Let’s start with the title: Paul and the Faithfulness … Continue reading
“Muscle and a Shovel”: In Reply to the Author, Michael Shank
Dear Michael, I’m flattered that you consider my blog worthy of your time and attention. I began writing this as a comment in response to your comment, but I proved too long-winded (surely proving my own need for an editor). … Continue reading
Posted in Book Reviews, Uncategorized
257 Comments
Reader-Requested Review: “Conviction vs. Mercy”
Another reader asked for my thoughts on Conviction vs. Mercy by Gardner Hall. (I bought the Kindle edition for $0.99!) Hall works with Hispanic congregations of the Churches of Christ in the New York City area and is, as is clear … Continue reading
Posted in Book Reviews, Uncategorized
11 Comments
Reader-Requested Review: “Muscle and a Shovel”
I may never do this again, understand? But I’ve read a couple of books at the request of readers who wanted my thoughts. Both books are self-published from within the Churches of Christ. Today, we consider the first — Muscle … Continue reading
Posted in Book Reviews
124 Comments
Roland Muller’s Honor & Shame, Pentecost, Part 2
(Act 2:36 ESV) 36 “Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Peter accused the Jewish audience — implicitly, the entire race — of … Continue reading
Roland Muller’s Honor & Shame, Pentecost, Part 1
[This my own analysis — kind of an experiment to see how Acts 2 might be read from an honor-culture perspective. If the Jews of the First Century were truly an honor culture, then we should be able to discern that … Continue reading
Roland Muller’s Honor & Shame, Summary
As promised, I’ve ordered and read Roland Muller’s Honor and Shame: Unlocking the Door. Muller served many years as a missionary in Islamic countries, and so understands the honor culture of the Middle East very well indeed. Most importantly, he’s wrestled with how … Continue reading
Misreading Scripture With Western Eyes: Honor, Part 6 (Public vs. Private; Examples; Conclusion)
We’re considering Misreading Scripture with Western Eyes: Removing Cultural Blinders to Better Understand the Bible, by E. Randolph Richards and Brandon J. O’Brien — an excellent book. In summarizing the chapter, the authors explain, In the meantime, pay attention to … Continue reading
