Religion and Spirituality

Nov 26 2010

In the Mail: Original Sinners

Original Sinners: Why Genesis Still Matters by John R. Coats

Publishers Weekly

An entertaining narrative voice, personal reflections from the author’s life and insightful interpretations combine to produce this accessible and lively new addition to Genesis scholarship. Coats, a former parish priest and management consultant, cogently applies source theory—the hypothesis that four separate documents went into the first five books of the Bible—to familiar stories whose ethical and spiritual DNA seeps through Western culture. Through his approach, the author makes complex biblical scholarship comprehensible, while challenging the reader to examine the actual text. Asserting that biblical characters are rather relentless in their mirroring, Coats uses second-person hooks (Imagine yourself as the first human being) to invite readers to use their own perspective to interpret the text. Cheeky chapter headings entice and inform; First, about the ark, which is most definitely not a boat begins his analysis of Noah and the flood. While cultural references from Maimonides to Mae West spice up the narrative, Coats’s exploration of how his own history and self-understanding inform his interpretations makes the most compelling reading. His reflections on his own aging and his analysis of the stories of Noah and Abraham prove compelling and thought provoking.

By Kevin Holtsberry • In The Mail • 0 • Tags: , , , , ,

Sep 19 2010

Original Sinners: A New Interpretation of Genesis by John R. Coats

When it first came in the mail I didn’t think I would read Original Sinners: A New Interpretation of Genesis. It is written by a man who has lost his faith – who no longer sees the Bible as the Word of God but rather a sort of literary touchstone or psychological tool to understand yourself better.  Here is Publishers Weekly:

An entertaining narrative voice, personal reflections from the author’s life and insightful interpretations combine to produce this accessible and lively new addition to Genesis scholarship. Coats, a former parish priest and management consultant, cogently applies source theory—the hypothesis that four separate documents went into the first five books of the Bible—to familiar stories whose ethical and spiritual DNA seeps through Western culture. Through his approach, the author makes complex biblical scholarship comprehensible, while challenging the reader to examine the actual text. Asserting that biblical characters are rather relentless in their mirroring, Coats uses second-person hooks (Imagine yourself as the first human being) to invite readers to use their own perspective to interpret the text. Cheeky chapter headings entice and inform; First, about the ark, which is most definitely not a boat begins his analysis of Noah and the flood. While cultural references from Maimonides to Mae West spice up the narrative, Coats’s exploration of how his own history and self-understanding inform his interpretations makes the most compelling reading. His reflections on his own aging and his analysis of the stories of Noah and Abraham prove compelling and thought provoking.

This is not usually the sort of book I read.  But having read the introduction I was interested enough to push on. And in the end I found it an interesting read despite disagreeing with his fundamental assumptions in many ways.

Keep Reading

By Kevin Holtsberry • Reviews • 1 • Tags: , , , , , ,

Aug 29 2010

The Barbarian Way by Erwin Raphael McManus

During the summer our church has a Sunday school class that consists of various members presenting book reviews.  It is a good way to deal with vacations and yet still present good material and engender discussion.

One of the books covered was The Barbarian Way: Unleash the Untamed Faith Within by Erwin Raphael McManus. Knowing this was the case when I saw it at Half-Price Books I grabbed a copy.

It was a quick read and an interesting perspective. But despite some good insights and a lively style the book never really delivers the punch I expected.

Here is the publisher’s blurb:

Erwin McManus wasn’t raised in a Christian home, so when he came to Christ as a college student, he didn’t know the rules of the “religious club.” He didn’t do well in Shakespeare courses, so he didn’t really understand the KJV Bible he was given either. But he did understand that prayer was a conversation, and he learned to talk to God and wait for answers. Erwin’s way was passionate and rough around the edges-a sincere, barbaric journey to Christ.

Barbaric Christians see Jesus differently than civilized Christians. They see disciples differently, and they see Christ’s mission differently. The Barbarian Way is a call to escape “civilized” Christianity and become original, powerful, untamed Christians-just as Christ intended.

The problem I had was that reading that second paragraph basically covers the book. I never felt like McManus took it deeper. He made a good case that human nature always steers toward safety, complacency, and rationalization – and that this is the opposite of what it means to be a Christian.

But what he doesn’t do very well to my mind, is flush out more deeply how this plays itself day to day in your life. The attitude and perspective is there but the insight into what that means below the surface isn’t. Granted it is a 150 page book but I was still looking for a little more.

Still, Christians and churches would do well to think about whether their faith calls them to comfort and safety or whether it calls them to a life of radical commitment that eschews comfort for sacrifice and rejects safety for dependence on God.

By Kevin Holtsberry • Reviews • 0 • Tags: , , ,

Aug 1 2010

In the Mail: Original Sinners: A New Interpretation of Genesis

Original Sinners: A New Interpretation of Genesis by John R Coats

Publishers Weekly

An entertaining narrative voice, personal reflections from the author’s life and insightful interpretations combine to produce this accessible and lively new addition to Genesis scholarship. Coats, a former parish priest and management consultant, cogently applies source theory—the hypothesis that four separate documents went into the first five books of the Bible—to familiar stories whose ethical and spiritual DNA seeps through Western culture. Through his approach, the author makes complex biblical scholarship comprehensible, while challenging the reader to examine the actual text. Asserting that biblical characters are rather relentless in their mirroring, Coats uses second-person hooks (Imagine yourself as the first human being) to invite readers to use their own perspective to interpret the text. Cheeky chapter headings entice and inform; First, about the ark, which is most definitely not a boat begins his analysis of Noah and the flood. While cultural references from Maimonides to Mae West spice up the narrative, Coats’s exploration of how his own history and self-understanding inform his interpretations makes the most compelling reading. His reflections on his own aging and his analysis of the stories of Noah and Abraham prove compelling and thought provoking.
I have actually read a few chapters of this one – it got lost in the In the Mail queue – and it looks interesting despite my many disagreements with the author’s fundamental approach to faith and religion. I wanted to make you aware of it since it might be some time before I get around to a review

By Kevin Holtsberry • In The Mail • 0 • Tags: , , , , ,

Jun 13 2010

Gripped by the Greatness of God by James MacDonald

For Sunday School this past session I was in a class that featured video from James MacDonald based on the book Gripped by the Greatness of God. I enjoyed the class a great deal and decided to read the book to review and reinforce the lessons.

I highly recommend both the book and the video series.

It is an engaging and challenging study based on the book of Isaiah. It helps you comes to grips with the foundational character of God and how that should and will impact your spiritual growth if you truly believe what you read and learn.

Here is the publishers blurb:

When was the last time you were really and truly gripped by God’s greatness? Most Christians recall heartfelt resolutions around a fire at bible camp as children, and perhaps a revival meeting or two. But what causes the fervor of those experiences to translate into a consistent life pattern? Pastor and author James MacDonald believes that the better we understand God, the better we understand ourselves, and the less likely we are to favor our own will over God’s. He writes: “God is not safe and He will not be squeezed into some neat, respectable Sunday discussion..No. To Know God at all is to watch Him explode any box we put Him in with His terror, majesty and indescribable wonder.”

Expounding upon Isaiah’s encounters with God, MacDonald prods snoozing saints to rediscover the wonder of God’s attributes. He also shares candidly from his experiences in life and ministry where God proved Himself to be the Great I AM. This book will spur new and seasoned believers alike to detest mediocrity in their spiritual walks. Ideal for individual or small group study.

MacDonald has a lighthearted yet serious style and while the book is an easy read that does not mean the issues and ideas addressed our easy to apply in your life. It moves from the character of God to how our understand of that character, and or willingness to truly act on this knowledge, can change the way we experience God.

A great read for anyone interested in taking their faith deeper.

By Kevin Holtsberry • Reviews • 1 • Tags: , , , ,

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