Review: Romans (Everyday Bible Commentary)

Formerly known as the Everyman's Bible Commentary, Alan F. Johnson's perceptive commentary on the New Testament book of Romans has been republished as Everyday Bible Commentary: Romans (Moody, 2018). This is a full-length commentary on Romans but is written for a popular audience. Nevertheless, Johnson provides a wealth of scholarly insights that are accessible to those without a seminary education! The mission of this commentary series suggests that Bible study should not be for the scholarly elite; if the Bible was written for the people, then all people should be able to understand it. Johnson fulfills this mission in his commentary.

The book is divided by the book's major divisions, just as a normal single-volume commentary would be. Especially useful are Johnson's charts and diagrams. Romans is a notoriously complex work, and Johnson does an excellent job untangling it for laypeople. Johnson treats theological issues fairly and does not dive too far into doctrinal interpretations, instead leaving the assumptions to the reader. This book is rather designed to serve as a reference to one's Bible study, teaching preparation, or personal devotions. It remains readable and interacts with the entirety of Scripture, the historical witness, and theologians throughout church history. This physically small book is actually quite hefty in its content, and laypeople and ministers alike will find value in this incredibly accessible commentary on Paul's masterpiece. It is also very affordable!

(My thanks is given to Moody for providing a complimentary review copy.)

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Product Review: LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle

Overview When adventure strikes, the right bag makes all the difference. Too often, however, luggage bags are either large, ponderous suitcases or small, flimsy duffle bags. I have traveled to Central and South America multiple times with terribly large suitcases. It added extra complication to my trip—especially lugging the bag up the steps! This is the problem which LL Bean seeks to rectify in the LL Bean Extra-Large Rolling Adventure Duffle. With a 137-liter capacity, this duffel is able to hold the items of the biggest pack-rat while being easy to transport. It features a telescoping handle, smooth-gliding wheels, and cinch straps. Specifications Capacity: Approx. 8,350 cu. in., 137 L. Weight: 9 lb. 3 oz. Dimensions: 17"H x 34"W x 15"D. Highlights This bag is sturdy. Not only is it capable of holding many items, but it is incredibly durable. It has a reinforced nylon bottom and a thick plastic frame so that the bag does not sag or become weak....

Review: NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible

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The advancements of technology and social media are changing what it means to be human, yet religious studies rarely tend to intersect with technological and neurological sciences. In Pastoral and Spiritual Care in a Digital Age: The Future is Now (Lexington Books, 2018), Kirk A. Bingaman ventures into how technology informs spiritual care. Himself a professor of pastoral care, Bingaman claims that humans are becoming techno sapiens. Rather than retreating from technology, Bingaman sees the unavoidable development of technology as part of God's ongoing work of "doing a new thing." Consequently, he sees positive means for artificial intelligence that can be embraced in pastoral care. For Bingaman, pastoral and spiritual care in a digital age requires preserving humanity through contemplative spiritual practices, preventing technology from overtaking human identity. Bingaman's book is important for many reasons. First, he asserts that technological change is unav...

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