Wrestling with Truth

In "Confronting Old Testament Controversies" Tremper Longman III uses his usual sound scholarship and insightful meditations as he wrestles alongside the reader, discussing and discovering the truth behind the Old Testament's presentation of Evolution, Sexuality, History, and Violence. As Longman approaches each of these topics, he does so with sensitivity, considering perspectives that are divergent from his own, but always arriving at a place that is consistent with the witness of Scripture. The section on Evolution/Creation allows the reader to discover the Ancient Near Eastern context in which the creation narratives were written. Presenting the theological narrative in light of the world in which it was written allows for deeper discovery of the purpose behind the creation narratives - that of glorifying God, declaring God as Creator. The section on history looks at archeological discoveries that seem to contradict Biblical testimony and intelligently provides argument for the historical reliability of Scripture. Longman again offers the reader insight into the point of the historical narratives - to declare God's grand plan and love for all peoples. As Longman explores violence (God as the warrior and God as wrathful) we discover that God truly presents as a warrior and this is consistent throughout the Old and New Testaments. This helps the reader to discover God's sovereignty, holiness, and desire to bring deliverance. Finally, in the most controversial section of the book, Longman discusses the current debate raging around homosexuality. He affirms a traditional interpretation of the passages, but then challenges the church to consider how we use (abuse) such passages, harming people whom Christ loves and desires to draw into His grace. Anyone wrestling with these important controversies would do right to read this text and wrestle along with Longman, discovering truth along the way.
This book was given to me as part of the Blogging Program with Baker Books.

A Weaker Approach to Apologetics

In "Faith is For Weak People," Ray Comfort explores various objections that people have toward the Gospel. He introduces each objection with an applicable anecdote, then explores each breifly, and then offers an apologetic regarding the objection. In this manner, Comfort explores ideas like evil, hell, pain, other religions, etc. In this regard, the book serves as a basic introduction for the Christian who wishes to have the beinnings of answers to these objections. Unfortunately, it feels as if the author does not always go far enough in discussing the various objections to the Gospel. Sometimes the answers seem to simplistic, not truly seeking to identify with searching persons questions. Though more might be desired for answering the skeptics questions, Ray does offer a basic defense and process through which he approaches witnessing - this may be the true value of the book. This basic approach is to ask the skeptic or the new acquaintance about their moral life and if they have broken any of the ten commandments. Most likely the person would answer yes, unless they are not even interested in the conversation. Then we are to proceed from there, offering the truth of the Gospel so that they can understand their need for a Savior and that none of us can restore relatoinship with a loving God without the gift of Jesus Christ. This approach assumes a few things such as proof that God exists and an acceptance or at least openness do the historical reality of Jesus Christ. That said, Ray Comfort gives the Christian witness some good starting points for sharing the Gospel with skeptics. The book just does not go far enough or offer complete answers for those who struggle with accepting Christ amidst the questions of life.
I recieved this book as part of Baker Books blogging program.