Christian Book Notes

Schaff, Phillip.  The Person of Christ: The Perfection of Humanity Viewed as a Proof of His Divinity.  Hannibal: Granted Ministries, 2011.  224 pp.  $16.00.  Purchase at Granted Ministries for $10.00.

Introduction

This work published by Granted Ministries is a combination of the original 1865 edition which was published by Bible House and the last edition which was published by the American Tract Society in 1882.  This is the second edition published by Granted Ministries.

Dr. Schaff (1819-1893) was born in Switzerland and educated in Germany.  He emigrated to the United States in 1844 where he served as a professor at Union Theological Seminary in New York Seminary until his death.  During that time, he became a much respected church historian.  This work, in particular, takes a long hard look at the man, Jesus Christ, upon which the church is founded.

Summary

This work is divided into three sections.  The first section looks at the Person of Christ.  Over ten chapters, the reader will learn of the life of Jesus from His birth to his Crucifixion.  The last two chapters of the first section offer a summary of what was gleaned from Scripture as well as a look at what Christ had to say about Himself.

The second section studies false theories regarding the person of Jesus Christ.  First, the author offers a study on the denial of miracles before moving on to dealing with the hypothesis of imposture — that is, Jesus was pretending to be sinless.  The next false theory dealt with is that of self-deception.  Many might know of this as part of C.S. Lewis’ Liar, Lunatic, or Lord argument for the authority of Christ as both Lord and Savior. The final false theory dealt with is that of poetical fiction.  Here, Schaff looks specifically at two men who have attempted to promulgate this theory with different emphases.

The final section is a collection of many testimonies of unbelievers throughout the history of the church.  To our knowledge, none of the men Schaff quotes ever became a believer in Christ.  Nonetheless, they all spoke highly of Him.

Review

Written in the latter half of the 19th century, this work remains timeless in both its subject matter and usefulness for the church.  Dr. Schaff is, as usual, impeccable in his research and support for his arguments.  He also lays out such a complete and compelling argument that for one to walk away from this conversation and not believe is doing so willfully.  Even though the book was written some 150 years ago, the arguments remain accessible even if a bit weighty.  This work is certainly not beach reading but can definitely be read by anyone with a thirst to learn more about the person of Jesus Christ.

I appreciated the opening remarks for each section of the book by Granted Ministries.  These help today’s reader to better understand the implications of what is being read as well as how to apply it to every day life.

Recommendation

Again, though this is an “advanced” book (Granted Ministries has it labeled as a “level 2″ book of 3 levels) I would not hesitate to offer it to a new believer or even someone who is wanting to know more about Christ as an unbeliever.  Ultimately, faith is from God and to God through the power of the Holy Spirit and no one can argue another person into the kingdom.  That does not mean that resources outside of Scripture can be used to this end.  Dr. Philip Schaff’s work, The Person of Christ, is one such resource that can be used for this end.  It deals with one topic and one topic only — Jesus Christ.  There is no better topic for either the believer or unbeliever to study.  I recommend this work to all regardless of faith.

The Genius of Ancient Man: Evolution’s Nightmare.  Don Landis, General Editor.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  112 pp.  $16.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Pastor Don Landis is the founding chairman of the board of Answers in Genesis as well as a graduate of Moody Bible Institute.  More importantly, he serves as Pastor of Community Bible Church in Jackson Hole, Wyoming where he also is the president of Jackson Hole Bible College.  More to the topic at hand, Pastor Landis has taught on ancient man for many years.

Summary

Rooted in presuppositional apologetics, this work is divided into 12 chapters that provide a mountain of evidence that what commonly think of as an unintelligent ancient man (ancestor of modern man) is actually surprisingly more intelligent than we could ever imagine.  Chapter one offers various perspectives and makes the case that one’s worldview (presuppositions) will determine how one interprets the information presented.  Here, the team from Jackson Hole Bible College make the case for holding to a biblical worldview.  Chapter 2 offers a discussion on presuppostional apologetics as well as a few starting points from which to base the discussion.

Chapters 3-12 offer one piece of evidence after another culminating in a picture of ancient man being far more intelligent than modern man.  Throughout these chapters, a case is made for a biblical understanding of God’s priority of sequence and time as well as a look at the various structures and their precision crafting without the convenience of modern tools and computers.  They look at the music and art from the ancient past as well as their advanced technology and architecture in accordance with astronomy and the seasons of the Earth.

The final two chapters argue that Babel is alive and well today and if we are not careful, we are going to lapse back into forgetting that God exists completely.  The last chapter whets one’s appetite for further study in the subject of ancient man from a biblical perspective.

Review

Not only does this resource show beyond a shadow of doubt that ancient man was, in fact, more intelligent than we care to admit, it shows explicitly how.  Through pictures and scientific evidences, Landis has compiled many instances that have left the worldly scientist baffled.  Consequently, he has also shown how sin has corrupted man’s ability to think and act and be creative.  While not the main thrust of the work, the reader quickly can surmise that when sin came into the world, it’s impact was far more reaching than we thought.  (I speak in general terms.)

I appreciated the timelines and the challenge the evolutionary premise has in trying to understand the evidence in order to fit into there presupposition.  Ultimately, the case is made, successfully in my opinion, that if one were to look at the evidence without any preconceived notions, they would have to, at the very least, accept the truth of a Designer who created all things including man and that something went very wrong somewhere early in the history of this creation.

Recommendation

This is certainly a book to consider purchasing for your high school or college student.  It is not only engaging because of all the information but also the photographs and the charts help in digesting the information being presented.  Also, this work will provide a rudimentary education for the Christian to be able to have a conversation with the evolutionist to the point of showing the he is not a religious fanatic opposed to science.  Rather, he will show that the evidence indeed points to a Creator and that presupposition ought not be jettisoned in light of science and should be considered in the discussion.  I highly recommend this resource to all.

Collins, C. John.  Did Adam and Eve Really Exist? Who They Were and Why You Should Care.  Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2011. 192 pp.  $15.99.  Purchase at Westminster for less.

Introduction

Dr. C. John Collins is professor of Old Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, MO.  His research is in Greek and Hebrew grammar, science and faith, and biblical theology (different from systematic theology).  He has written a couple other books that are worth your time.  They can be found here.

Summary

Dr. Collins has organized this work in a fairly straight-forward manner.  Divided into six sections with a couple appendices, he delves into a most critical and necessary discussion that is fraught with emotion on both sides of the conversation.  He first introduces the subject before entering into a discussion of worldview from historical, mythological, and biblical perspectives.

The third section looks at the many particular texts that speak of Adam and Eve.  Texts found in Genesis, the rest of the Old Testament, the four Gospels, the writings of Paul, and the general epistles.  He also looks at what historians and theologians call Second Temple Jewish Literature.  That is, literature from outside the Bible.

Next, in section four, he offers a discourse on the uniqueness and dignity of humankind versus all other “animals.”  Section five may be the most controversial as it is here that he looks at whether or not science can actually help us “pinpoint ‘Adam and Eve.’”  In his concluding section, he states why he believes it matters what we believe about Adam and Eve and how this should impact our worldview.

Review

To be honest, I was not sure what I was getting into in reading this work.  I am fairly conservative in my understanding of Genesis 1-11 and therefore very conservative in my understanding of Adam and Eve.  I was prepared to get argumentative with the text and, by extension, the author.  To my surprise, I did not.  Not so much because I agreed with his conclusions, but because Dr. Collins allowed the Bible to speak plainly for itself.  He logically showed the importance and the repercussions of one’s beliefs concerning Adam and Eve.

He is clear and concise and lacks the emotional rhetoric that many use when having this discussion.  His humility in handling the subject is notable though his convictions are plain to see.  Furthermore, he helps to show the reader why it is important that they know what they believe and to do so with conviction and consistency.  In essence, think critically about what you believe.

Recommendation

I greatly enjoyed reading this work.  It is not for just the theologian, but for every Christian who has questions concerning Adam and Eve.  I highly recommend this book to all believers.  After all, it is extremely important that you know why you believe what you believe.

Andrews, Edward D.  Applying God’s Word More Fully in Your Life: How to Broaden and Deepen Your Understanding of God’s Word.  Cambridge: Bible-Translation.Net Books, 2012.  296 pp.  $14.95.  Purchase at Amazon.

Introduction

Edward is the President and CEO of the Bible Translation Magazine.  This online magazine was started due to a conversation he had with a few co-workers, at their invitation to discuss the Bible.  That conversation turned out to be a full-frontal assault on the Bible to which Ed had no answers.  The magazine exists for the “everyday Christian” to be able to defend the Bible as the inerrant Word of God.  You can spend hours on his website and still not exhaust all of the information available.

Summary

Divided into 16 chapters with two appendices, Andrews explains to the reader the importance of studying and applying God’s Word.  Chapter one lays a foundation for fully trusting in the Bible as being divinely written with chapter two offering a challenge to seek after God.  The third chapter looks at the person of Christ with four and five explaining the necessity of salvation in Christ alone.  The rest of the book offers point by point applications for the Christian on issues such as baptism, living a life of holiness, worry and stress, and the importance of love. Each chapter concludes with a “Questions for Meditation” section that aid the reader in applying what they are reading both in the book and in the Bible.

Review

Despite some editorial errors, Applying God’s Word is an excellent resource to offer a new Christian.  Though not exhaustive, this work is very thorough.  There are many facets of walking with Christ that are confusing and often not explained to the young Christian.  Edward helps to ease that problem.  The book is written more in a Sunday School fashion than an author writing from a desk never having actually dealt with these issues in real life.

While reading this work, you will feel as though he is answering the question you want to ask and then having a conversation based upon his answer.  Truly, Andrews has written a fine work that will be used by God for many young believers  wondering just how they should apply this huge book called the Bible to their lives when there is a 2 1/2 century gap.

Recommendation

This is an excellent resource to have on hand when someone comes to you and asks “why?” While Edward D. Andrews may not be a household name in many apologetic circles, he certainly has the education and knowledge to be included.  Reading this work will help you to do just what the title says, “Apply God’s Word More Fully in Your Life.”

Comfort, Ray and Jeffrey Seto.  Made in Heaven: Man’s Indiscriminate Stealing of God’s Amazing Design.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  80 pp.  $15.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

I have been blessed to have many interactions with Ray Comfort from an interview to reviewing many of his books.  He has always been spot on in his writings though I know he and I disagree on a few secondary issues.  Nonetheless, his ministry has had a major influence in mine – especially when it comes to evangelism.

Jeffrey Seto, on the other hand, I have never heard of until now.  If you are like me, then you will be stunned to discover that he works as an aerospace engineer in experimental research and development.  His specialty is supersonic boom suppression, structural and system testing in both civilian and military areas and synthetic vision approach systems.  To be honest with you, what he does is beyond me!

Summary

Divided into 32 chapters over 63 pages of text, this book is fast moving compiling much evidence showing how we have in a very real way stolen from God’s creation to design materials to better our lives.  These two authors look at everything from shark scales to cat eyes and mosquitoes to show how we are looking to creation.  Watch this video to better understand what this resource attempts to show:

Review

My mind was blown thumbing through this book.  I had no idea where some of the inspiration came for many of the items I use every day.  The only criticism I had was the lack of cited resources to support some of the claims but the conclusions drawn were logical nonetheless.  The diagrams were extremely helpful in explaining some of the tougher concepts.  Page after page left me spell bound with God’s creative power and saddened by man’s feeble attempt to play God and not give him any glory whatsoever.  Ray Comfort and Jeffrey Seto offer a resounding apologetic giving God all the glory and helping us to shift our perspective and to seek how we can further give God glory while using every day items in our homes and as we travel.

Recommendation

I have always enjoyed studying science and how we as humans come up with some of the things we do.  Unfortunately, I have never really considered the claims made in this resource.  That has changed.  My mind was blown and I have been challenged to radically change my perspective and for that I am grateful.  This book is highly recommended to all believers and even to non-believers.  This would be an excellent coffee table book in the home or for the Christian business man or even doctor.  It will stimulate your mind and enable to you further worship God in an area (or areas) that you never considered.

IndoctriNation: Public Schools and the Decline of Christianity.  Edited by Charles Laverdiere.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  384 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

This book is a companion to the DVD by the same name.  You can purchase the DVD here.  Colin Gunn, Co-Director of the video, states, “In presenting this book as an accompaniment to our film, one of our objectives is to equip the homeschooling public with the ammunition necessary to effectively defend our educational choices….using these resources to graciously challenge our brothers and sisters who are still deceived by the public school system.”

Ultimately, the contributors, directors and editors are seeking to sound an alarm and wake the rest of the world up to what is happening in out public school system.

Summary

Consisting of 23 chapters and 5 appendices over 384 pages, the reader is treated to a fairly in depth study of what is taking place in the public school system.  There is practically no stone left unturned and they certainly hit the ground in a dead sprint.  By the second chapter, the reader is already confronted with the reality of why kids are being drugged (see ADD & ADHD) and how they are being dumbed down (ch. 3).  The rest of the book looks at the various and many ways in which the government is now running the public schools and turning our children into mindless young men and women who are told what to think and become incapable of thinking for themselves all the while proclaiming their independence and ability to think and make decisions for themselves!

Review

Initially, this resource seems to be as though preaching to the choir.  If you are homeschooling, it is more than likely because you are frustrated with the public school system for various reasons – many of which are detailed in IndoctriNation.  Nonetheless, there are so many reasons to not send your child through the public school system that even the most knowledgeable of homeschooling parents may not be aware.  this resource will offer sound reasoning for each “issue” that the parent (and child) will be better equipped to deal with the consistent and continual attacks on the homeschoolers.

While this book (and DVD) does serve as a rally cry and a call to arms as we engage in what amounts to a war for our children and nation, it does not do so disparagingly.  The key word in the above quote by Colin Gunn is “graciously.”  They are able to accomplish this much better than I anticipated.

Recommendation

For those considering homeschooling, I highly recommend this resource.  For those who are homeschooling, I highly recommend owning a couple copies of this resource as you are sure to give away a few copies!  The truth is, we are engaged in a war of worldview and with the massive amounts of resources by the worldly, we must be shrewd and wise in our dealings.  IndoctriNation offers a quality resource that equips the parent, child, and Christian to defend not only their personal decisions, but also to defend the faith given to us once for all.  It starts in the home.  May we be cognizant of this fact.

How Do We Know the Bible is True? Volume 2. Edited by Ken Ham and Bodie Hodge. Green Forest: Master Leaf Books, 2012. $14.99. Purchase at Amazon for less

Introduction/Summary

Ham and Hodge are back defending the authority and authenticity of Scripture.  There first book, How Do We Know the Bible is True, Volume 1 was released in 2011.  You can read my review of that work here.  Whereas in the first book, the editors dealt primarily with Scriptural questions, this second volume looks more questions stemming from scientific, political, and ethical questions aimed at the Christian faith intermingled with questions directed at the Bible itself.  This approach offers a more well-rounded apologetic to Christianity as a whole and not just the Bibleper se.

For example, the first question asked and answered is “Why are young people walking away from our churches?”  They next look at why many Christian colleges are shifting to a secular paradigm and exploring the trustworthiness of the Jesus Seminar.

They also engage the reader in the radiocarbon dating conversation and even the Shroud of Turin.  A few of the other discussions include whether or not Noah’s Ark has been found and what should we make of the so-called “missing” books of the Old and New Testament.

Review

At first glance, given the questions dealt with in this second volume, one might think that the editors and contributors are leaving Scripture all together.  That being said, however, I do not believe this to be the case.  What these men of God are attempting to show is that we, as a culture, have left the Scriptures all together and they are now explaining both implicitly and explicitly what we have to deal with as Bible-believing Christians (are there truly any other “kind” of Christian?).

In other words, we now have to deal with a sort of pre-apologetic before we can actually jump into Christian apologetics and often times even the Gospel presentation.  This is why we have to wrestle with a question on Atlantis (ch. 25).  Fortunately, Ham and Hodge answer why there is a need for apologetics (ch. 6) and conclude the book with a couple  of chapters on evangelism (ch. 18 and 30).

The chapters are short and to the point and offer many cited resources for further development of their thoughts and for the education and equipping of the saints.

Recommendation

As with the first volume, I recommend How Do We Know the Bible is True, Vol. 2 to all Christians.  This particular volume, however, takes a different approach in that it wrestles with the conclusions that many have arrived at after doubting the Christian faith for so many years.  I hope they continue to develop this series thus bringing together a look at what it means to wholly believe in Christ and the Scriptures and what it looks like if we do not.

Dr. Ashton, John F.  Evolution Impossible: 12 Reasons Why Evolution Cannot Explain the Origin of Life on Earth.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  208 pp.  $13.99.  Purchase at Amazon for less.

Introduction

Dr. John Ashton has been a science teacher and researcher for over forty years.  He currently serves as an adjunct professor of biomedical sciences and applied sciences in Melbourne, Australia. You can connect with Dr. Ashton at Facebook and Twitter.

Summary

The book is packed full of information over fourteen chapters and 200 pages.  Each chapter is fairly straight forward and offers a more logical understanding of the evidences we have before us concerning the theory of evolution.  Chapter one deals with just that…evolution is a theory not a fact.  Chapter two offers a synopsis of Darwin’s theory which is the launching point for the twelve reasons why evolution cannot explain life’s origins.

With topics ranging from living cells not being able to arise by chance to what the fossil records really show (hint: it’s extinction not evolution) to evidences both geologically and historically for a global flood all the way to evidences for the existence of an intervening God (not a deistic god), there is enough information here to keep the reader equipped for some time.

Review

I appreciated Dr. Ashton’s straight-forward, common sense approach to the information presented.  While he is obviously biased against evolution, he does not allow that bias to taint the objective facts that are presented.  Furthermore, he does not skew the facts so that his case is made more “effective.”  Rather, he allows the evidence to speak for itself.

For example, his chapter on current erosion rates is well researched and attested and therefore shows logically how millions of years are not possible.  Quite frankly, he simply offers a different framework from which to view the evidence.  Often times, this is all it takes.  If one must jump through hoops to force a square peg through a round peg hole, then one ought to take a look from a different angle at the evidences being studied.  In other words, allowing for ALL possible explanations goes a long way in finding a solution.

Recommendation

I recommend this resource to all who are interested in the discussion on evolution and creation.  There is a lot of information presented in this book making it an extremely useful book for various classwork and apologetic discussions.  If you are in high school or college, this resource will be of great use as you will certainly be asked to defend your views of creationism (that is, if you hold to that view).

Hodge, Bodie, Tommy Mitchell, and Ken Ham.  Answers Book 4 Teens, Vol. 2 – Your Questions, God’s Answers.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  96 pp.  $14.99.  Purchase at Masterbooks.

Introduction

The boys are back and, as they did the last time, they have sought to allow the Scriptures to answer some of the toughest questions teens are asking today. You can read my review of Answer Book 4 Teens Vol. 1 here.  Otherwise, you can check out this introductory video put together by the team at Master Books.

Summary

Hodge and Mitchell (with contributions from Ken Ham) look at another 15 questions that are being asked everyday in schools, homes, and church groups.  Instead of offering their own answers, they let the inerrant Bible give the answer.  The questions range from creation in six days to cavemen and unicorns to slavery.  Along the way, they offer insight into what it means to “go through the motions” of Christianity and the need for true salvation as well as answering the all important question asked by most high school students– What about going to college?

Each chapter is roughly six pages long full of charts and graphs and, most importantly, biblical insight into each subject.

Review

Once again, I believe the MasterBooks team has struck gold.  While their answers, if you have read many of the works being published by MasterBooks and New Leaf Press, may seem rote, suffice it to say that they are not. Unless, that is, you believe the Bible to be rote!  I appreciated the tenderness in which they answered more difficult questions like college and slavery.  Even more, there final question on saving faith is more than a necessary conclusion to this resource as there are many youth (and adults!) whose faith is in something aside from Christ.

While one will not necessarily agree with everything that is written, the reality is the argument is not with the men who wrote this book.  Rather, it is primarily with the Word of God.  Yes, there are areas in which we can agree to disagree, but those areas must be understood as having major ramifications for the essentials of the faith.  Obviously, no one is 100% correct on every issue, but the views must be weighed in light of the inerrant Word of God which, in my estimation, Hodge, Mitchell and Ham do just that.

Recommendation

As the video above stated, this is a great resource for small groups, youth groups, personal study and/or family devotions.  Aside from that, this is also a great resource to help equip any one in the faith to “always be prepared to give an answer for the hope within.”  I highly recommend this resource for anyone who calls on the name of Christ as Lord and Savior.

The Henry Morris Study Bible, King James Version.  Green Forest: Master Books, 2012.  2,215 pp.  $39.99.  Purchase at Amazon for much less.

Introduction

The good men and women at Master Books are at it again. This time, they have  published a study Bible that deals expressly with the importance of a literal 7-day creation understanding of Genesis 1.

For those who are not aware of who Henry Morris (1918-2006) was, he was the author of classic Creationist works such as The Genesis Flood, Evolution and the Modern Christian, and Scientific Creationism among many others. He is perhaps best known for founding The Institute of Creation Research in 1970

The translation used for this particular study Bible is the King James Version.  The goal is to defend the scientific accuracy of a “recent special creation” and seeks to resolve supposed contradictions between history and biblical doctrine.

Summary

Obviously, the importance of this study Bible is that it is a Bible – the inerrant Word of God.  Second, this study Bible seeks to defend a literal seven day Creation account through study notes compiled through extensive study.  At over 2,200 pages, it is clear that there are many notes (10,000+) throughout the entire Bible that points the reader and student back to Genesis 1 as the foundation of our faith.

Each testament and book of the Bible is introduced with cross references found at the end of each verse instead of below in a footer or in the center of the text.  Included are 22 appendices that are extremely beneficial to the student.  For example, the chronology of the Patriarchs in Genesis and the internal designs found in the Bible top the list.

An interesting twist on the appendices, however, is the look outside the Bible.  There is one appendix that lists the many Bible-believing scientists in history and a look at the Creationist faith of the founding fathers of the United States of America.

Review

I was impressed with the study notes found in this Creation-apologetic study Bible.  Many of the notes delved into the original language (tense, mood and person).  This is important as it aids the student to better understand authorial intent and meaning.  While not every study note deals directly with Creation, they all increase one’s understanding that the Word of God has been faithfully transmitted down to us today.

What I found most interesting were the additional appendices that led the reader to move outside the Bible.  The various lists are helpful, especially for the science student looking to defend the Bible in class, even if unique.  For example, appendix five looks at the various global processes that indicate a recent creation.  There are 68.

That being said, arguably the most beneficial appendix in this work is number 11.  Here we have a list of the quotations or allusions to Genesis found in the New Testament.  They list 200.

Recommendation

It is extremely easy to get a study Bible and forget that you are purchasing a Bible – the Word of God. I say that because The Henry Morris Study Bible is an excellent resource because of the plethora of study notes.  This resource is excellent for anyone who is in school (home or not).  If you are a believer in a literal 7-day Creation, you will want to own this book.  If you are taking a science class at the high school or, more importantly, the college level, I believe this particular study Bible would be a most important addition to your apologetic repertoire.