Leitourgia

In To Light a Fire on the Earth: Proclaiming the Gospel in a Secular Age  (Image, 2017), Bishop Robert Barron, popular radio evangelist, argues the relevancy of Catholicism in an age desperate for spiritual revitalization. The book reads like a conversation, an interview of sorts, with Barron being interviewed and quoted while John Allen, Jr., narrates the experience. Through this, we eavesdrop on their chats regarding aspects of the Christian and secular life and how, mysteriously, the Catholic faith calls Christians deeper into involvement with the world. I read this book from a Protestant perspective; nevertheless, I have deep respect for the Catholic tradition. Barron made excellent points on how the universal Church ought to operate in the world and provides a fantastic approach to it. This book is a sequel to his popular primer Catholicism: A Journey into the Faith,  and is useful for Catholics and non-Catholics alike who desire to go deeper in understanding how orthod...

Zondervan's newly updated NIV Thinline Bible  (2017) is a revised edition of its classic Bible. There is nothing new about the translation; however, the way in which it is presented varies. Of most significance is the new ComfortPrint font, specially designed by the publisher for readability. The font is relatively large, at 9.4pt, and the words of Jesus are in read. It has a lay-flat design with a thumb index. It is leather and slim, measuring less than an inch in width. Finally, it has two ribbon markers. Overall, this is a fantastic Bible. I particularly liked the font; it looks somewhat strange, but it is helpful. I did a test read through the book of Ruth and noticed that, somehow, my eyes navigated the page better. This Bible is shed of its study notes or additional end resources for a clean reading experience. The classic NIV translation is well-respected and balanced. For those looking for a simple Bible for study, reading, or church, look no further.

As we celebrate the 500th anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, special focus returns to the questions on Protestant doctrine. How much different was it from the Catholic Church? Was a doctrinal split inevitable? In Nathan Busenitz's new book Long Before Luther: Tracing the Heart of the Gospel from Christ to the Reformation  (Moody Publishers, 2017), the author seeks to answer the oft-asked question: Where was the Gospel before the Reformation? Through a careful examination of the development of the doctrine of justification, Busenitz shows the beautiful flourish of justification throughout church history. Augustine is used as the "turning point" in the book; with the doctrine of justification examined in pre-Augustinian and post-Augustinian theologies. This subject may turn away some; however, the chapters are very short and easy to read. With a dense bibliography and extensive use of primary sources, readers are able to trace Busenitz' logical argument for...