Leitourgia

In Thank You for Arguing  (Three Rivers Press, 2017), rhetorician Jay Heinrichs presents a readable yet comprehensive overview on the art of argument. Now in its third edition, this newly-revised version of the popular text features an "Argument Lab" at the end of the book, allowing students to practice their argumentation skills upon completion of the book. There is also a glossary of rhetorical strategies, helpful for quick and easy reference. This is an excellent book that I wish I had when I was taking rhetoric classes. The author uses a humorous style and many real-world and pop culture examples, such as how to argue your way out of a traffic ticket. As Heinrichs argues, all the world requires rhetoric, so why not learn how to win everything from a presidential debate to a sibling argument. There are many pullouts with applications of his text—and he even analyzes the rhetorical devices used in the book itself! Overall, this is a very valuable text for casual readers a...

What is God like? Is he the angry, violent God that we read about in the Old Testament? Or is he the picture of a loving, compassionate Father that we see in the New Testament? In Brian Zahnd's Sinners in the Hands of a Loving God: The Scandalous Truth of the Good News,  a pastor tries to correct Christians' false views of God. The book is named after revivalist Jonathan Edwards' most famous sermon for a reason; this sermon that had a profound impact on American evangelicalism also influenced how many American Christians view God today—an angry God. The initial concern that readers may have is, "But God actually commanded genocide, didn't he?" Zahnd excellently avoids falling into heretical traps such as Arianism, Marcionism, and Gnosticism. He is careful to jump to far conclusions and uses Scripture to back up his points. Without ignoring the passages of Scripture that show God's angry side, he unpacks a Christological argument for how the incarnatio...

Ever wonder what an award-winning Bible translator does on a Sunday morning?  As Kingfishers Catch Fire  (WaterBrook Multnomah, 2017) is a collection of Eugene Peterson's sermons and musings from his years as a church leader. Subtitled "a conversation on the ways of God formed by the words of God," this anthology of Peterson's homiletic hits seeks to develop our spirituality in a way of deeper holiness. This book is organized around a canonical structure, almost like a pseudo lectionary. It is as if we are invited into Peterson's church for front-pew seats on a Sunday morning service, eavesdropping on what he has to say to his congregation. The initial impression—wow! Peterson is warm, didactic, and authentic as he interprets and applies the Scriptures. This book is targeted toward seminarians and pastors, but it can easily find a resonant audience from laypersons. A valuable resource for personal spiritual formation that, with God's help, can spill into how...

The proposition of Real Artists Don't Starve  (2017, Thomas Nelson) is intriguing. It begins with a shocking discovery about Renaissance artist Michelangelo. While he may be seen as the stereotypical "starving artist," he was actually paid a fortune for his murals on the Sistine Chapel. This led author Jeff Goins to the conclusion that being an artist does not mean succumbing to the "Starving Artist" mold. Instead, he contrasts this with the "Thriving Artist" of what he calls the New Renaissance. The book presents practical principles for becoming an artist who thrives, embracing countercultural mentalities of creativity. Make no mistake—this book is not  a how-to on starting a work from beginning to end. Rather, Real Artists Don't Starve  presents a method, a mindset in which to enter a creative process. As a musician, composer, and graphic designer, I benefited from many of these ideas that I often saw as wrong, such as that "stealing...

In an updated version of his groundbreaking work, Emotionally Healthy Spirituality  (2017, Zondervan), award-winning author Pete Scazzero outlines ten problems that arise from spiritual immaturity and provides biblically based remedies. The thesis is simple: It's impossible to be spiritually mature while remaining emotionally immature. His explanations are succinct, easy-to-read, theologically correct and scripturally rooted. This book comes highly recommended for those in all positions—from top-tier leaders to the average layman. Scazzero melds psychology and theology as he uncovers the causes of spiritual immaturity. Step-by-step illustrations illuminate his concepts. He also uses a variety of illustrations, from popular culture to the Bible. Questions for reflection and a prayer at the end of each chapter provide an excellent immediate application of the principles. This book would be excellent for small group, leadership development, or discipleship courses. Overall, all coul...

The NIV Kids' Visual Study Bible (Zondervan Kidz, 2017) is a full-color, illustrated study Bible for the young explorer. With over 700 illustrations, photos, maps, and infographics, this Bible also features a one-column layout and a ribbon marker. There are study notes on the sidebars and allow space for annotation. Overall, this is an excellent Bible for young readers. The text is the NIV, not the easier-to-read NIrV, and the commentary does use more advanced language, so parents should be cautious to present this to older children. The many colors and engaging graphics are sure to captivate children. The study notes are deep, insightful, easy to understand, and accurately bring to life much of the ancient text. Furthermore, the Bible gives insight into the cultural context, in particular the archaeological and geographic circumstances surrounding particular passages, which serve to add validity to the events mentioned in the text. The introductions to each chapter provide a sim...

In David Green's practical quasi-memoir, Giving It All Away...and Getting It All Back Again: The Way of Living Generously  (Zondervan, 2017), the CEO and founder of Hobby Lobby reflects on a lifestyle of trusting God through financial and legal troubles. The master business leader tells of the famous Supreme Court battle involving the company and ruminates on a life that trusted God with the resources he has been given. This book, however, is not about his personal struggles so much as it is a theological discussion of generosity. Applying the doctrines of God's sovereignty to a corporate setting, Green offers practical advice on becoming a generous steward of God's resources. Green argues that this radical generosity has a boomerang effect that, if we are responsible to God's creation, his providence will spill into our lives. Giving It All Away  is a fantastic read for those who want to learn from a Christian businessperson on the integration of faith, work, and e...