Book Reviews

If you have read an interesting book recently, do send in a short review for this page. Contact webmaster

The Me I Want to Be

by John Ortberg

I am not the me I want to be...yet. You are not either. We have a desire to become better people but what does that mean? And how do we do that? In his latest book, John Ortberg answers both questions with humor and spiritual insight.
The bestselling author of When the Game Is Over, It All Goes Back in the Box; God Is Closer Than You Think; and The Life You've Always Wanted will help you discover spiritual vitality like never before as you learn to 'live in the flow of the spirit.'
But if God has a perfect vision for your life, why does spiritual growth seem so difficult? John Ortberg has some intriguing answers to that question, and he has organized his thoughts and God's words into a straightforward and timely guide for living your best life in The Me I Want to Be. This book will show how God's perfect vision for you starts with a powerful promise. All those who trust in God 'will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit' (Jeremiah 17:7-8). Ortberg urges you to recognize your brokenness, understand that God is the project manager, and follow His directions. The author first helps gauge your spiritual health and measure the gap between where you are now and where God intends you to be. Then he provides detailed tasks and exercises to help you live in the flow of the Spirit, circumventing real-world barriers---pain and sorrow, temptations, self-doubt, sin---to flourish even in a dark and broken world. As you start living in the flow, you will feel: --- a deeper connection with God --- a growing sense of joy --- an honest recognition of your brokenness --- less fear, more trust --- a growing sense of being 'rooted in love' --- a deeper sense of purpose God invites you to join Him in crafting an abundant and joy-filled life. The Me I Want to Be shows you how to graciously accept His invitation.

I see this book as a refreshing- and often humorous - call to experience the joy of flowing with the Spirit. While calling us to a place of love and joy, Ortberg in no way jeopardizes the importance of obedience to Christ and surrender to Him. He writes while keeping in the Evangelical world.

Ortberg calls us to a higher place, and that message is convicting and challenging yet left me saying 'yes Lord'. He also provides practical tools and tips for getting there. As you read this book, you'll feel as if you were taken under Ortberg's wing and guidance for spiritual mentoring.

Ortberg is pastor of Menlo Park Presbyterian Church in Menlo Park, California, and author of several books, including The Life You've Always Wanted; If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get out of the Boat; and God Is Closer Than You Think--all of which I have thoroughly enjoyed reading.

Reviewed by Lynne Leftwich

Became a Christian and All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt:
Replacing Souvenir Religion with Authentic Spiritual Passion
by Vince Antonucci

"Many people find themselves asking, "Is this it?" "We all read about the life Jesus describes and are painfully aware that our lives don't match his words," says Vince Antonucci, a disarmingly funny and edgy pastor. Raised by a Jewish mother and abandoned by his professional poker-playing father, Antonucci found Jesus at age twenty after studying the New Testament. When he finally went to church, he was disappointed to discover a "boring, stale religion." Through provocative storytelling and raw honesty, Antonucci unearths the life Jesus lived and wants us to experience, challenging us to move past spiritual boredom into a faith that's exciting, beautiful, and powerful. Recommended for all Christians thirsty for a fresh perspective on Christianity."

Antonucci is real with real questions growing up, real problems with a gambling and strayed father. He did not always have a relationship with Jesus but he shares his journey from his days in college to now. He shares his stories with humour and insight and God's love. This book will make you laugh and make you think. It is a refreshing book for a summer read

Reviewed by Lynne Leftwich

The Hole in Our Gospel
What Does God Expect of Us? The Answer that Changed My Life and Might Just Change the World
by Richard Stearns
published by World Vision 2009

Richard Stearns was once a part of corporate America but in 1998 that all changed after a visit to Rakai Uganda and becoming the President of World Vision. Richard shares his story and his heartbreaking experience as he sits in a mud hut and listens to the story of an orphaned child in Rakai. His journey to this place took more than a long flight from the United States to Africa. It took answering God's call on his life. A call that hurtled him out of his office at Lenox-America's finest tableware company-to this humble corner of Uganda.

This is a story of how a corporate CEO faced his own struggle to obey God whatever the cost, and his passionate call for Christians to change the world by actively living out their faith. Using his own journey as an example, Stearns explores the hole that exists in our understanding of the Gospel.

Two thousand years ago, twelve people changed the world. Stearns believes it can happen again.
Do we listen when God calls us? Do we only hear what we want to hear so that it doesn't interfere with our desire for health, wealth and happiness? This book makes you think about the opportunity to love others as Christ loves us. Stearns' own moving stories and journey of faith and obedience challenges us as Christians to look at the whole Gospel by wrapping our arms around the neediest among us. After reading the compelling facts and figures, and Stearns' excellent application of scripture and his own experiences at World Vision, you will no doubt be asking yourself: What should I do?"

For more information on World Vision visit www.worldvision.org

Reviewed by Lynne Leftwich

A Corpse at St Andrews Chapel
by Mel Starr
published by Monarch 2009

A 'whodunnit' with a Christian flavour. The story is set in the 14th century, in a small Oxfordshire village where the body of one of the local residents is discovered apparently having been savaged by a wolf. Enter the sleuth, Hugh, who is also local bailiff and surgeon. Lots of description of medieval village life, in which the church plays a prominent role, and Hugh's surgical procedures follow, with the plot slowly thickening then gradually unravelling as Hugh tracks down the culprits, interspersed with his search for a wife. An undemanding and enjoyable read.

Reviewed by Michael Adams

Why Men Hate Going to Church
by David Murrow
published by Nelson Books 2005

This book is for anyone concerned about the gender gap in their congregation. Most churches report significantly more women attending than men, despite men still being in the majority as pastors and ministers. If you think, as I did, that your own church doesn't have a gender gap (defined by the author as at least 12% more women in regular attendance than men) then do a count from your church address book. I was surprised to discover my church actually has a 14% gap.
The book goes into detail about why the church is more attractive to women than it is to men (and it is not because women are inherently more spiritual than men) then discusses strategies to redress the balance.
There is no single 'quick fix' solution to the problem, but many simple ideas, which the author calls 'straws' are described which can make a significant difference. Basically, men need to be inspired to see the Christian life as Jesus portrayed it - a challenge which is demanding, costly and even possibly dangerous but through which men can achieve great things for the kingdom of God. Consequently, volunteering for the coffee rota does not excite many men. The author gives many examples of things which do excite men such as foreign mission trips, or using their practical gifts and skills to serve the community as part of the church's overall outreach strategy.
The section on worship is interesting, where the feminine bias in some of the more 'romantic' gentle worship songs is discussed. Men's groups (apparently viewed with suspicion by some women) and the benefits of spiritual mentoring are also addressed.
The result of getting men more involved is growth in numbers of both men and women in church. Those churches which are growing the fastest are those which engage men, inspiring their faith by using their gifts in challenging ways and enabling them to be an inspiration to others. Men follow men, not doctrine.
The downside to this book is that the author is American so his examples and statistics are mostly drawn from the US and some of the vocabulary is different (for example 'bring and share church meal' = 'potluck' in US-speak). However, the basic principles described apply equally to any country.

reviewed by Jackie Price

Practising the Principles of Prayer
By David Pawson
Terra Nova 2008

This easy to read book is based on a series of talks given by the author, and as such has a conversational style, with lots of examples and stories to illustrate the various points. It is not theologically academic, rather the author is seeking to be very practical in encouraging the reader to understand how to pray, and what to expect when they do. It would be very suitable for a new Christian seeking to get to grips with basic principles, but also a great read for those who have been Christians many years, as some of the stories of answered prayer for example, are very inspiring. Topics covered include Prayer to the Father, Prayer through the Son, Prayer in the Spirit, Prayer against the Devil, Prayer for Others, and Prayer without Hindrance, amongst others.

Practical advice includes: How to pray out loud in a small group if you have never done this before, why are my prayers not answered, what does the Bible mean when it says we should ask for anything in Jesus' name and we will receive it, and what is prayer in tongues all about.

This is an excellent read, very suitable for taking on holiday as it is a book you can dip into as and when, though I found it hard to put down once I'd started reading.

Reviewed by Sharon Taylor.