Review: Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God's Grand Story

Holy Sexuality and the Gospel: Sex, Desire, and Relationships Shaped by God's Grand Story by Christopher Yuan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

So I'll admit that when I heard Christopher Yuan was coming out with another book, and that it was going to talk about the topic of sexuality and holiness, I was pretty excited and greatly looked forward to reading it. However now that I've had a chance to read it, I'm honestly a little disappointed. Don't get me wrong, it's still a pretty decent book and one that I would probably recommend for someone to read if they were interested in conversing on the subject of human sexuality, thought I would do so with some caveats of sorts.

1. Yuan come across SUPER strong on a certain theological position (one, that I may add, isn't held by 100% of Christians around the world), and comes just short of saying that if you don't hold to this position, you're essentially saying Jesus' work on the cross didn't do anything. While I appreciate his passion and dedication to maintaining the honor and significance that is due and necessary in the realm of atonement theology, I felt like the weight he was placing on his particular position was a bit putting off.

2. There were times when Yuan would quote parts of Scripture and take them at a 'super face-value', and I think miss something that the text is actually saying. Now I NEVER want to come across as one who believes he knows more than another, ESPECIALLY when that person is like Dr. Yuan and holds degrees which highlight the work he's put in and the sacrifices he's made to study Bible and theology. Yet, I can't help but think of other scholars who would disagree a little (or would at least be open to the possibility of an alternative exegesis from particular passages) with some of his conclusions. One such example that I can remember is his dealing with the passage outlining the Sadducees attempted trap of Jesus talking about whose wife the woman who was married multiple times would be. Yuan seemingly concluded that the only possible understanding of this passage, was that marriage would cease and has no part/place in eternity. New Testament scholar (and one of my favorite authors) Scot McKnight presents an alternative interpretation of this passage in his book "The Heaven Promise", which quite frankly I like more. (Rather than spoiling the surprise, I'll just encourage you to check out his book for yourself... it's an EASY read and I think you'll love it!).

Despite hesitations such as these, there were still many parts I found to be enriching, challenging, and down-right brilliant. For example, I love that he sought out to correct an easily believed lie within our culture today. Heterosexuality IS NOT the opposite of homosexuality, rather holy sexuality is (which Yuan sums up simply with "chastity in singleness & faithfulness in marriage)! By simply limiting our goal to 'heterosexuality', Yuan argues, we open ourselves to accept behavior that elsewhere is condemned as sinful, just for the sake of correcting the homosexuality one. We must not settle for less, but instead strive to level of holiness Jesus calls us toward, even if it's difficult. I also REALLY enjoyed his discussion on human identity (minus the original guilt part... see my first hesitation above), and think that his handling of that would be a great addition to the conversation on sexuality and identity, that we SHOULD be having with Christians today.

Can you read this book if you disagree with Yuan on certain things he holds to strongly and still be blessed by it? Absolutely! It wouldn't be my first book to recommend on the subject (currently that place is held by 'Messy Grace' by Caleb Kaltenbach), yet it is one that I will probably use and recommend as a secondary or tertiary source matter for the conversation.

One last thing, there were many times when Yuan would write something about our holiness being more important than our happiness (even in the context of marriage). This reminded me of my favorite marital book that I've read thus far in my life, which I HIGHLY recommend to you here: "Sacred Marriage" by Gary Thomas. =)

"I received this book from the publisher through their book launch program."
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Review: Spirit of the Living God

Spirit of the Living God by Leon L. Morris
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I read this book with a friend of mine who had it as a textbook in his graduate program years ago. Overall, this is a great little book to read if you're interested in exploring the realm of pneumatology (the study of the Holy Spirit). There was much I was already acquainted with that Morris discussed in the book, but that might simply be because this is an older book and I've read other books that used and references his work. There were parts within Morris' arguments that I found myself disagreeing with his conclusions and claims (… such as his stance that there was nothing attractive to God on account of man... something which I believe Scripture presents and hints of the opposite being true. I'm not saying man was 'deserving' by any means, however I do believe God saw His creation as something worth loving and saving.]), yet even then Morris does a good job (though the language is dated) at walking with a person who has never studied the person of the Holy Spirit, and guiding them into the often confused and manipulated waters of learning about Him.

If you are interested in learning more about the Holy Spirit, this book is a great primer. If you're wanting something to help you brush up on your understanding of who the Holy Spirit is, you'll benefit from this book. However if you're looking for something a little more 'in-depth', you're probably better off looking elsewhere.

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Review: The Self-Aware Leader: Discovering Your Blind Spots to Reach Your Ministry Potential

The Self-Aware Leader: Discovering Your Blind Spots to Reach Your Ministry Potential by Terry Linhart
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

As a staff we read this book together this semester. That being said, this is one of the better books I've read on leadership. It's easy to read and really helps highlight areas of your life as a leader that are easy to overlook and become oblivious toward. I highly recommend this book to everyone really. I think even if you're not in a formal leadership position somewhere, Linhart still helps shine light on areas of life that everyone would benefit from evaluating and seeking to grow in.

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Review: Grace Is Greater: God's Plan to Overcome Your Past, Redeem Your Pain, and Rewrite Your Story

Grace Is Greater: God's Plan to Overcome Your Past, Redeem Your Pain, and Rewrite Your Story by Kyle Idleman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was one of the books I dived into for our campus ministry's fall retreat that was this past weekend. Of all the books I read/am finishing up, this one is my favorite. I've always enjoyed how Kyle writes (with clarity and simplicity), yet each of his books have contained just enough challenge mixed with encouragement to really get you moving and thinking more seriously about certain parts of our faith. I highly recommend this book. It's ESPECIALLY worth the read if you haven't studied grace much before, or if you'd like a refreshing reminder of the extraordinary gift and responsibility that IS GRACE.

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Review: Letters to the Church

Letters to the Church by Francis Chan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I got this book from audible because I had a couple of credits to spare and it sounded interesting. I've read (or listened) to all of Chan's books EXCEPT for 'Multiply' and this by far could be considered his most critical book (I don't say that in a negative sense...more of a "hey, this is some heavy/pointed stuff, and there's probably going to be some things said that are going to be REALLY hard to hear). While that may be the case, he approaches the message from a position of humility and love.

Overall this book is a call for us in the American church to take a step back and evaluate if what we're doing is actually what's best for the KINGDOM, or if it in reality is just what's best for us. Some pretty hard things were said in this book, and I don't envy Chan for being the one to say them. Yet I do highly appreciate and respect his obedience to the calling he felt he received to share this message with us. Being in campus ministry and not in a 'congregational setting', I found a few of his suggestions and challenges compelling but not directly applicable to my situation. However, I DO feel like (based upon his tone and heart poured out in this book) that if he were to read this, he would want me to pray about taking that and trail blaze by figuring out what Jesus wants and what that looks like in our context.

If you're in leadership of any sort of ministry, I'd recommend giving this book a read. I could EASILY see great merit coming from engaging this book in a community (group of pastors, elders, ministry leaders, laymen, etc.) as well! Our culture seems to thrive on shrinking from proper confrontation and instead hide (especially behind the anonymity of social media and the internet when dealing with conflict between people). The confrontation you'll find through this book is NOT with a person (per se), but rather with complete surrender, discernment, and obedience to one who is to be both Savior AND Lord. I would encourage/challenge you to resist that temptation (as easy as it is) to shrink back from the confrontation here (i.e. making excuses, becoming defensive, etc.), and allow yourself to seriously engage what Chan's discovered on his journey with both church and Jesus over the past decade.

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Review: Spiritual Parenting: An Awakening for Today's Families

Spiritual Parenting: An Awakening for Today's Families by Michelle Anthony
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book certainly has it's pros and cons. I found multiple suggestions and arguments beneficial and even began incorporating some of them into my parenting. Overall I feel like much of what was said could have been said more briefly and in a few number of pages. If you're looking for books to read on parenting, this one may or may not be a groundbreaking for you, but I'd at least say give it a shot and see if even one of Michelle's stories inspires or encourages you!


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Review: Shame and Grace: Healing the Shame We Don't Deserve

Shame and Grace: Healing the Shame We Don't Deserve by Lewis B. Smedes
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is a book that was a textbook for my Christian Counseling class back in undergrad that I had started to read back then and simply skimmed (as most college students do) in order to complete the assignments dealing with the book. I find myself currently preparing for a retreat for college students in the campus ministry where I serve, where the topic is 'grace.' I'm thankful I still had this book on my shelf. While there were times (maybe writing style or maybe (more likely) fatigue) where I found myself a little confused as to what Smedes was trying to get at, overall this book provides fresh air to a community where members should be swimming in grace but instead are finding themselves drowning in shame. By identifying differences between healthy & unhealthy shame, deserving something versus being worthy of something, and sharing lots of stories to illustrate and guide, Smedes (I think) has produced a GREAT resource for Christians to read and work through. I would encourage anyone to read this book, though maybe going a little slower than I did, and taking some time to seriously wrestle with what he says and the practical suggestions he offers in trying to help us live more as a people who have experienced the best thing in the world, grace.

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Review: Imminent Domain: The Story of the Kingdom of God and Its Celebration

Imminent Domain: The Story of the Kingdom of God and Its Celebration by Ben Witherington III
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was an excellent little 'primer' on the Kingdom of God that would benefit people to read. I've often appreciated Witherington's writing style and contribution to theology and Biblical studies, and this book didn't disappoint. Splitting the book into two (2) parts and using the 'Lord's Prayer' as a structure for one of those parts, Witherington tackles the topic of what does "Kingdom of God" actually refer to and mean, and what are the implications thereof that we as followers of Jesus need to be aware of. I read this book as a supplement source to use in an upcoming series I'm doing with our campus ministry where we're going to look at the whole story of the Bible, and use the 'lens' of the Kingdom of God as we see how the whole Bible fits together from beginning to end. I'm excited to use this little book and see how it'll help college students develop a fresh and (hopefully) deeper understanding/appreciation for the "Kingdom of God."

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Review: Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World

Anxious for Nothing: Finding Calm in a Chaotic World by Max Lucado
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My wife and I listened to this book on audio book while we traveled back home. Overall, this is a fairly decent book. One of the things I really appreciated about it is how it feels almost as a devotional/spiritual formation/practical commentary on the Letter to the Philippians. Lucado did a good job of continually bringing in multiple parts of Paul's letter to help the reader/listener understand various parts of the letter in light of other parts. One caution I had, that I've noticed is a common practice today, is the usage of so much Scripture in references. Now don't get me wrong, I'm all for using a lot of Scripture (I've had students tell me time and again that I use A LOT of scripture when I teach/preach/etc.). What I mean is the passing references to a verse here or a verse there, without the surrounding context of some of that verse. I'm not saying Lucado took any verses 'out-of-context', but what I am saying is that this practice can lead people to believe that they can do the same, having no regard to the author/preacher/whoever's work at studying and summing up the rest of the context while just referencing one verse. I personally believe this one practice has led to much of the division we see today among Christians, but I digress. This book is a great short read/listen. It serves as a challenge and an encouragement to deal with the anxiety present in your life. Using the acronym C.A.L.M. (Celebrate God, Ask Him for help, Leave the problem with Him, & Meditate on good things), Lucado also helps walk the reader/listener through a process by which he/she can practically follow and begin to identify and address the areas and sources of anxiety that are currently present in his/her life. I recommend this book, especially because of its simplicity and brevity to read/listen to and digest.

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Review: Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters

Simply Jesus: A New Vision of Who He Was, What He Did, and Why He Matters by N.T. Wright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This book is a must read (as is most of what I've read thus far by Wright). My mentor said that "Mere Christianity" had been a book that he believed every Christian should read (especially college students), but this book takes the same mission that "Mere Christianity" did and fulfills it from a different angle, with a more modern feel. Having read "The Day the Revolution Began" prior to this one, I can see some of the ideas present in this book that Wright later developed more in that one, but still it was a great read to be challenged, encouraged, and refreshed in my understanding and journey of knowing who Jesus is and why that really matters.

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Review: Revelation's Rhapsody: Listening to the Lyrics of the Lamb: How to Read the Book of Revelation

Revelation's Rhapsody: Listening to the Lyrics of the Lamb: How to Read the Book of Revelation by Robert Lowery
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I started this book a number of years ago. This week I'm purposfully taking the week to intentionally study and work on material for the upcoming school year. This was the first book that I wanted to read when re-visiting Revelation in preparation for a class I'm teaching this fall. While I have already encountered much (if not all) of the material (mostly due to students of Dr. Lowery whom I've read/listened to), this book is still a vital resource for anyone looking to read and learn more about the last 'book' we have in the Bible. Dr. Lowery does a masterful job at helping students of the Scriptures, both new and old alike, approach Revelation with level headedness and humilty in order to seek out understading and truth. In addition to the methods and 'tools' Dr. Lowery provides in this short little book, he also provides an extensive list of Old Testament allusions found within Revelation. This feature alone is well worth the book! Overall, I highly recommend this (as a starter or as a refresher) if you are engaging with Revelation on any level.

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Review: How to Be a Perfect Christian: Your Comprehensive Guide to Flawless Spiritual Living

How to Be a Perfect Christian: Your Comprehensive Guide to Flawless Spiritual Living by The Babylon Bee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I wrote a better review but it was all deleted without saving. This is my shorter (probably not as good) review because my wrist is hurting, haha. =)

This book is satire. People of said it, it's worth saying again. It's important to know if you're planning on reading this book and taking everything it says seriously. That being said, it does do a fantastic job poking fun at REAL issues today by painting them in an outrageous light. Hence the satire. I have college students sending me articles all the time from the Babylon Bee, and the same humor you've come to expect from those are on nearly every page of this book! I found myself chuckling and laughing out loud quite a bit. I sometimes think about if I were to teach at a university what books would I use to teach with. This would be a book that I would have students use to do a project on. With the engaging humor and the over-the-top satire of it, I think it provides a perfect opportunity for students (and everyone else) to look at the outrageousness of it and follow the thread back to reality and evaluate if we (even if subconsciously) actually believe/act in these ways. Anyway, funny book, makes you think about how Christians today can appear and portray themselves, defiantly worth the read. If you pick up a copy, sit back and enjoy!

"I received this book from the publisher through their book launch program."

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Review: Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place

Original Blessing: Putting Sin in Its Rightful Place by Danielle Shroyer
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've been reading this book off and on for a year (it's crazy when I looked down and saw I literally started this book and finished it on the same day a year apart... that wasn't intentional but cool that it happened, haha). Overall, this book is certainly an interesting book to read and a thought provoker. The theological concept of 'original sin' has always intrigued me, mainly because of how it really seems unnecessary and doesn't seem to have as much biblical basis as many claim. I'm not an end-all authority on theology so I really appreciate reading varying perspectives on different concepts. Shroyer's book is certainly a nice addition to the conversation. While at times it seems a little taxing to push through, there was much that I enjoyed reading, even if her contributions were not enough to yet convince me of ALL of her conclusions. In all fairness, I hope to reread this book in the future (within a much shorter time frame) and I'm hoping I'll be able to derive a better understanding/appreciation for this book as well as provide a better review. Overall, I have a hunch/suspicion that anyone who holds onto the doctrine of 'original sin' will take issue with this book and won't be convinced otherwise. Yet despite this, it's a book worth reading and given a serious shot at contributing a valid voice within this theological conversation.

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Review: Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God, a Broken Mother's Search for Hope

Out of a Far Country: A Gay Son's Journey to God, a Broken Mother's Search for Hope by Christopher Yuan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Where to start... I grabbed this book about 3 years ago from a book table at a conference. It was one of those where (to be honest), the cover didn't really appeal to me and the title led me to believe it was a memoir of an immigrants journey to the US and becoming accustomed to 'Westernized' Christianity. Not that it would necessarily a bad read, it just wasn't something that really screamed at me to read. Nonetheless, something about this book made me buy it and keep it on my shelf.

I recently joined a 'launch team' to help read, review, and promote Dr. Yuan's newest book due late this summer, early fall. Due to this sudden opportunity, I remembered this book sitting on my shelf and thought to myself that I should probably make sure that I read his memoir (and first book) before I start adventuring into his new one (just in case there was some groundwork I needed to know). After finishing this book, all I can say is 'WOW!' I had NO idea how good this book was. Aside from the subtitle (which to be honest would trigger A LOT of 'judging a book by its cover by individuals who are pro same-sex relationships and the sort, due to the implications that the author arrived at a different destination than his beginning camp of homosexually active), reading about the life of Christopher AND his mother, the brokenness all throughout their family, and the awesome ways that God worked to speak to them and literally physically save their lives was just an absolutely incredible experience.

There was much to Chris's life that you wouldn't expect (but I don't want to spoil it for you, so you'll just have to pick it up and read it yourself). Nonetheless, to read about the journey, life choices, and metamorphosis that took place in the life of a family that dealt with as much as the Yuan family, is truly an enriching experience.

I HIGHLY recommend this book to just about anyone and everyone. It's not difficult to read by any stretch of the imagination, and is very engaging. It's presentation is genius, with each chapter written (almost as journal entries), alternating between Chris and his mother. Overall, fantastic, easy, and encouraging read that truly capture the modern day example of how prodigals lost in a far country from God can truly return home no matter what they've done and experience the love that their Creator has for them.

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Review: Open to the Spirit: God in Us, God with Us, God Transforming Us

Open to the Spirit: God in Us, God with Us, God Transforming Us by Scot McKnight
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I was able to request the book from Waterbrook press in order to write an unbiased review of it. First, if you know me, you know that I REALLY like reading Scot's work! I've enjoyed each of his three books on 'religious experience' (The Heaven Promise, The Hum of Angels, and Open to the Spirit), but this one was certainly my favorite of the three. In fact, this might be my favorite book that I've read by him since 'Jesus Creed' (I still have such books as "Fellowship of Differents" and "The Blue Parakeet" to read).

In this book, Scot does a beautiful job of calling us to a position of being 'open' to who the Holy Spirit is, and what He's doing around us and in us. There are probably parts of this book that would make some feel uncomfortable, simply because it's a subject matter that some of our circles in Christianity steer clear of and won't touch even with a 10ft pole. Regardless, this is a wonderful addition to the books available and is VERY easy to read. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has never really explored this mysterious figure of the Godhead, and is interested in exploring more about who the Holy Spirit is and what He does. Hands down, my 2 favorite chapters were chapter 9 (dealing with the subject of baptism in Scripture and how the Holy Spirit is connected with that) and chapter 15 (dealing with opening up to living a life of love infused and driven by the Spirit). There were other really good chapters (and a few that were just okay), but those two, I thought, were worth the time to read!

Reading this book ignites a desire to want to live life with more purpose, and helps you discover (or remember) truth that enables you to do just that. I would encourage you to read this book with an open mind, and then prayerfully and purposefully seek out what God may be leading you to do through the directing guidance of His very own Spirit!

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Review: The Sacred Meal: The Ancient Practices Series

The Sacred Meal: The Ancient Practices Series by Nora Gallagher
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've made it a goal to someday finish all the books in this series. It won't really be that difficult because they've seemed to be pretty easy to read (thus far). I picked up this one because it has been a subject matter that has recently come up among my study of church history as well as in conversations we've been having in our campus ministry. Overall, am I thankful I read this book? Yes. Is this the book I was looking for to unpack and explore all of the history and varying interpretations of the Eucharist (or whatever else you'd like to call it)? No. In fact there were a couple of times while reading this book where I found myself thinking, "This doesn't seem to have much to do with what she's claiming to be writing about." Yet, just when I was close to writing off the book as a whole, I stumbled across gems throughout that made the read beneficial and enjoyable. If you had to pick only one book to read about the Eucharist, I would probably look elsewhere (where? I don't have an answer as of yet for you). However if you have the freedom and desire to read multiple books on the subject, I would encourage you to throw this one in the mix. It wasn't AS edifying as Scot McKnight's contribution in the series (the book on fasting), but with the difference in style from most writers writing on such a subject, and the poetic flair used throughout, this book is sure to at least help you rest some from the rigors of theological study while continuing on the journey.

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Review: The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others

The Jesus Creed: Loving God, Loving Others by Scot McKnight
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

It really doesn't take you so long to read this book. I started to reread this book with a student throughout last semester (Fall '17), but stopped three chapters short of finishing it again. However, it was kind of cool to see that the three chapters left all dealt with what we're celebrating this week/weekend. Back when I first read this book in the summer of 2009, I was floored. I absolutely LOVED it and it quickly became one of my favorite books of all time. Scot also became arguably the author that I follow and look forward to new releases from in hopes of reading it as soon as available. I highly recommend reading this book, especially if you're interested in the subject and implementation of discipleship based upon the life and teachings of Jesus.

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The Conversation Continued... Managing Stress

This post is an effort, of sorts, to keep the conversation going. My hope is that what's talked about when we gather together isn't something that goes in one ear and then out the other, but rather something that informs, as well as challenges and encourages. Feel free to engage with me (and others) on here and/or in person!

"There is nothing else we do better when we do conversation well. There is no other communication device that provides such subtle and instantaneous feedback, nor permits such a range of evaluation and correctability."

- Richard Saul Wurman

So here's to the continuation of what began... to the conversation continued, about managing stress.

- - - 

This morning, Glenn walked us through something that is arguably the number one challenge and enemy college students face today, stress and worry. During the midst of our conversation, one of our guests, Justin, pointed out that it's whenever we are approaching the time of day when we lie down and begin to fall asleep, that we are seemingly bombarded by a surplus of worries and anxiety that we've seem to outrun all day. This got me thinking, maybe the reason we are overwhelmed by such stressful thoughts when we try to fall asleep is simply because that's the first time all day where we haven't kept ourselves busy to the point that we don't have time for them. Put another way, we've been running from them all day that we now that we finally stop, it catches up. Kyla shared a wonderful practical suggestion, that she will sometimes pray until she falls asleep. While that is absolutely a great idea, I wanted to pitch another one that while it might be challenging, I think it would be even more effective.

Maybe, since we're constantly running all day long, we need to take time to practice an old, neglected spiritual discipline: solitude. Think about it. Maybe all of our stresses and anxieties that bombard us at bedtime can be dealt with and given over of God during a time BEFORE bedtime. What if we stopped, just long enough, to allow our anxieties and worries to catch up and be dealt with before trying to sleep? This isn't an original idea. In fact, Jesus often practiced this while He was living here on earth. In an effort to keep this post from being SUPER LONG, I'll leave you with some practical suggestions/ideas, both for further research and for applying this discipline.


Thoughts For Application:

1. Pick a time each week where you can go off on your own (for maybe 20 min), where you allow all of your worries/anxieties for the coming days gather before you. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you why your heart rate seems to race, and what is maybe even causing stress that you didn't even realize. Then, follow the Scriptures advice. "Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you." (1 Peter 5.17, NIV)
2. Schedule your times. If you make them a non-negotiable in your schedule (treat it as a 'prior engagement' when other things arise), you'll be prepared and ready for when more stressful things get dumped on your plate (like homework, group projects, etc.).

Further Reading/Information:

1. Celebration of Discipline by Richard Foster  (HIGHLY recommended)

Now... let the conversation continue... what do you think?...

Review: The Day the Revolution Began: Reconsidering the Meaning of Jesus's Crucifixion

The Day the Revolution Began: Reconsidering the Meaning of Jesus's Crucifixion by N.T. Wright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was a superb read! In typical Wright fashion, the material is engaging and thought provoking all throughout. In this volume, Wright takes on the 'platonized' version of Christianity that marks nearly all of the Western church, namely the view of atonement and eschatology ending with us 'abandoning' earth and 'going to heaven.' This is a grave error, according to Wright. Rather than living by a 'works contract' view of atonement (for this is highlights the penal substitution perspective), Wright emphasizes a 'vocational covenant' perspective. This seems similar to what I read (though I could be wrong because it's been a few years and I didn't read the whole volume) to G.K. Beale's 'A New Testament Biblical Theology.' Rather than 'abandoning' earth and escaping the physical world for heaven (a heavily Plato influenced idea), Wright recaptures the Biblical eschatology where there will be a new heavens and a new earth that come together (God with His people) and the reality of a physical resurrection.

While there is a lot of repetition, I believe Wright does so because of the subject matter he's addressing and the high likelihood of a reader to lose track of the picture he's trying to weave together and fall back into the platonized Christianity we are currently in. This book is definitely worth a read for minister and non alike! I ESPECIALLY like the last chapter, where Wright talks about the practical application and implications of this 'vocational covenant.' That chapter alone, for me, would have been worth the whole book! (Though I'm sure if you were to read it by itself, you'd develop an itching for more that could only be satisfied by reading the rest!) =)

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Review: TOTC Song of Songs

TOTC Song of Songs by Iain M. Duguid
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Granted, I haven't read too many commentaries on this greatly neglected book, but I can honestly say from a stand point of reading many commentaries in general, this one is a definite keeper! Duguid's treatment of the subject matter is straightforward, easy to understand, and makes sense! We decided to go through the Song of Songs (or Solomon depending on your preference) with our students in our campus ministry during the month of February and I used this commentary as a guide to help navigate the confusing paths that one ventures through when reading wisdom literature, let alone poetry. Since this is a combination of the two, you can imagine just how confusing it can be to try to understand what the author is trying to say. Overall I would HIGHLY recommend you check this out if you are looking to learn more about this book. Don't shy away from it! It's included in our Scriptures for a good reason, and I believe that Duguid has compiled an amazing resource to help guide us through the various interpretive barriers that we face reading it from a western, 21st century civilization point of view.

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