[Note: This site has been down for the last week or so due to some problems with my server, but all has been fixed and everything should be working again. However, this blog will be going through some changes in the next few months. More on this later.]

I’ve been reading James K. A. Smith’s Desiring the Kingdom: Worship, Worldview, and Cultural Formation, volume 1 in his cultural liturgy series. This book hass been a very interesting read so far. James has questioned and critiqued the basic idea of ‘world-view’ as valid way of learning. His basic argument, which I think has lots of validity, is that the current education paradigm focuses on the person-as-thinker or (particularly in reformed circles), the person-as-believer. Though this last category (reminiscient of Romans 1) has much truth to it, according to Smith, it suffers the same problem as the person-as-thinker model: they are both dualistic platonic approaches to education, not taking into account the holistic person. In other words, it assumes that we are basically minds encased in bodies, and that all education functions primarily at this thought level.

Smith counters that we are not merely minds with a body to drag them down, but a holistic being. We are not primarily people-as-thinkers, but people-as-lovers. This isn’t, as Smith points out, love as in pizza, or even love as in spouse, but love as religion. We are worshippers at our core, striving toward ultimate love. We are desiring a Kingdom which is a picture of human flourishing. We are created to desire the Kingdom of God, and human flourishing in the light of God’s shalom, but because of sin we often seek after many other kingdoms. This leads us to seek our kingdoms in other places, finding our worship in culture.

Smith’s view of ‘world-view’ says that it is reductionistic. I agree with this, to some degree. We are much more than intellect, and we interact with the world through more than our thoughts. However, it seems (so far) that even with the valid critiques that Smith brings, he ends up doing the same in the other direction. It seems that Smith’s view of person-as-lover is similarly reductionistic. The reality is that person-as-lover necessarily also contains person-as-thinker, and person-as-believer, but Smith’s rhetoric sometimes leads us away from that understanding.

All in all, however, the book has been absolutely fantastic. I really recommend it. The book is focused primarily on university education, but the contents are applicable to a general theory of knowledge, as well as understanding how we are affected and effected by our culture.

The Holy Bible: Mosaic
(New Living Translation)
Hardcover: 1340 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414322038
ISBN-13: 978-1414322032
Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
Buy Here: Amazon.com

Thanks to Laura Bartlett, Keith Williams and Tyndale House Publishing for sending me a copy to review!

“On our own we are little more than bits of stone and glass. Together we are the body of Christ” – From “Mosaic User’s Guide,” pg M-9.

I’m not a fan of devotional Bibles. They tend to be extremely kitschy, particular to a specific culture and time, and thus useless to anyone else at any other time. They can prey on the individualism of our culture. And usually, they simply rip a verse (sometimes half of a verse) out of context, and give some morale boosting ditty that may or may not have to do with the already-out-of-context verse.

The Holy Bible: Mosaic (HB:M), put out by Tyndale House Publishers and Credo Communications, shatters each of these concerns and gives us a unique and beautiful product that is sure to make a great addition to any bookshelf.

The HB:M is not your typical devotional Bible. The concept behind it is that it seeks to connect readers to 2,000 years of church history and church expressions from every continent. I’m most excited about these aspects of the HB:M because, if read and used correctly, could help serve as a much needed antidote to the hyper-individualization of cultural Christianity. The HB:M is divided into two major sections, the devotional material and the Bible text. This review will focus on the first section.

Aesthetics
The HB:M is gorgeous. That was my initial reaction upon opening up the mail package I received the Bible in. From the beautiful hard cover (pictured above) to the typography, the artistic imagery on the title page to the cross imagery at the top of the devotional pages, the HB:M is quite possibly one of the most gorgeous Bibles I’ve ever seen. I said this about the NLT Study Bible last year, and that is still true, but in an artistic sense of aesthetics the HB:M are far above other modern Bibles.

One of the features for each weekly devotional is some sort of artwork that goes with the theme for each week (see Features below). These range from photographs by NT Scholar Doug Moo (the current featured artwork at the time of writing this, Pentecost Week 20) to the familiar bread and fish mosaic from 380 AD to lesser known works from China, Mexico and other areas. These might just be my favorite part of the Bible, as I have lamented elsewhere about the loss of artistic vision in the Church today.

Another aesthetic feature is the use of different paper for the devotional material from the Biblical text. This has a very important reasoning behind it: it maintains the designation of the Bible text as God’s word, and the devotional as man’s (as mentioned in Rick’s review and in Keith William’s video).

Features
As mentioned, the Bible is in two parts: devotional material and bible text. The devotional material is in the form of weekly reflections, all based around the liturgical church year. There are several elements to each weekly devotional:
Artwork – as I mentioned in the previous sections, this just might be one of my favorite features of this Bible. These come in different forms, including painting, actual mosaics, and photography. Some are bold with color (see the Mosaic from Church of the Resurrection of Christ on page M-26), while others are dark and muted (see Tianigi by Somoan contemporary, Michel Tuffery, pg M-267). All are beautiful expressions of faith captured in ways that mere words might fail us.

Scripture – this would be obvious, but as a highlight, the Scriptures used weekly are not like most devotionals, with a verse or part of a verse with no contexts. The suggested readings come from various liturgical readings for that week, and are centered around a theme. This week’s theme (i.e. as I’m writing this) is “Creativity,” and has Mark 7:31-8:10, a text which shows Jesus’ sovereignty over his own creation, a creation which expresses the creativity of God, present in us in the Imago Dei.

Meditations – Each week has an original devotional thought, written specifically for the HB:M by a contributor. These serve to connect “the weekly theme to the modern world.”

Historical and Global Contributions – These include quotes, hymns, prayers, and poetry from Christian thinkers throughout church history. The purpose of these contributions is for further meditation, but also to place the reader squarely within the historical story of God, to join our story with the story of those who came before us.

Space for your own reflection- Some blank lines are given for the reader to contribute their own reflection or meditation to that week.

After these devotionals are the two Tesserae, which are a mosaic-themed concordance to all the devotional material. Tesserae are the “small pieces of marble, glass, or tile” which make up a mosaic, and that is how the tesserae sections work as well. The first gives us a list of each week in the previous section, its theme, and the bibliography, artist/person, and title of every work that appears for that week. The second is a “Chronological Tesserae,” and lists each of the pieces that comprise the devotional material according to century. For example, from the 1st Century, we have a qoute from Clement 1, Ovid, and Philo Judeus.

Using the Bible
I have been using the HB:M as a devotional resource with my wife. Each night, we take one of the Scripture readings for the week, and one of the pages of reflection materials. I absolutely recommend this usage for everyone.

The HB:M lists several other possible usages as well. Of course, it could be used liturgically , but it can also be used thematically, organically (e.g., along with whatever regular Bible reading plan the reader may be using), or just however the reader can imagine. Here’s what is said about reading it “organically:”

“Many readers will still want to follow their regular plan for Bible reading, and Holy Bible: Mosaic can also be used along with it. As you read through the Bible, icons with page numbers will point you to devotional material where the passages you’re reading are referenced. Follow those references and allow the meditations to contribute depth and color to your regular reading plan.” Pg. M-12

This is a excellent idea and a creative link between the devotional material and the Biblical text.

Analysis
As I said, the HB:M is absolutely gorgeous. The artwork, photography, and non-devotional imagery all work together really well to be a beautiful whole.

The mosaic name and theme is excellent. It gives a nice unity to the whole project, and I can’t think of a better expression of the Church that Jesus died for. Reading through the various pieces in the devotionals, I can’t help but think of Revelation 7:9, “After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb.”

The devotionals themselves are excellent, with themes such as “Active Anticipation,” “The Kingdom of God,” “Sin and Death,” and “Possessions” (which happens to be next week, the artwork Resisting the Empire by Jeremy Collins is fantastic!). The only complaint I have is with the size of the space for personal reflection. The number of lines differ each week, and almost seem to be a space-filler, which makes me think “after-thought.” Even the more generous weeks, offering the most space, don’t really have the space I would need to put down my reflections. At the same time, I tend to be much more long-winded than others, so this might also be a personal issue that others wouldn’t think twice about.

The material comes from a very broad perspective of Evangelicalism, which some might object to (Brian McLaren has a quote in the same week as the Book of Common Prayer). I, however, find it to be very refreshing, because it introduces me to other traditions that I am unfamiliar with, and perspectives on the Scripture that is foreign to my world-view. This isn’t to say that I think there are several interpretations to Scripture (far from it!) but that others may see the same meaning from a different perspective than I (most obviously, an eastern, communal view instead of a western individualistic view).

I whole-heartedly recommend the Holy Bible:Mosaic, and celebrate it’s commitment to the historical and world-wide body of Christ. I also celebrate it’s use of art and aesthetics. Hopefully, the Bible will serve as a starting point of getting others interested into a study of Church history and historical theology, as well as a renewed interest in the arts. Either way, the Holy Bible:Mosaic is an excellent resource, and a welcomed addition to my bookshelf.

You can purchase the Holy Bible:Mosaic at Amazon.com

In the Beginning God: Creation, Culture, and the Spiritual Life
Marva J. Dawn
Paperback: 124 pages
Publisher: IVP Books
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0830837078
ISBN-13: 978-0830837076
Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.4 inches
Buy Here: Amazon.com
Thanks to Adrianna Wright and IVP Press for sending me a copy to review!

Marva J. Dawn, whether you tend to agree with her or not, is always a refreshing read for me. She never fails to point the reader back to worship. Her newest book, In the Beginning, God is no different.
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The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate
John H. Walton
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: IVP Academic
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0830837043
ISBN-13: 978-0830837045
Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.5 x 0.7 inches
Buy Here: Amazon.com

Thanks to Adrianna Wright and IVP Press for sending me a copy to review!

Introduction

It’s funny how polar opposites can be entangled. Both the beginning and end of history are sources of debate and sensationalism. Both have as many theories, and conspiracies, as people who are willing to discuss them. When was the universe and the earth created? How was it created? Is evolution and theism compatible? What role does creationism or Intelligent Design have in teaching science? If you’ve had a pulse in the last century, you’ve certainly heard, or probably even discussed, any number of these questions and more. Just within the Christian camp, there are legions of views, it quickly becomes overwhelming hearing them all. The debate just seems to be the same points rehashed.

Into this haze comes John H. Walton’s new book, The Lost World of Genesis One. Walton presents a theological and contextual reading of Genesis 1 presented through 18 propositions (one per chapter) that explains Walton’s suggested reading of the text, how it effects our theology, and ultimately what it’s implications for modern science and school curriculum. The books is a fairly easy read, especially considering its content which drifts in and out of theology, metaphysics, science, and others. Just hearing that list may scare some readers from picking up this book, but Walton does a fine job of explaining unfamiliar terminology and ideas. Also, though chapters and books on this subject tend to be very convoluted, the chapters in this book are pretty short—long enough to present the proposition in full, but short enough that the reader does not lose focus. The Lost World stands firmly in the tradition that I’ve noticed lately of being both scholarly/academic and accessible at the same time. I hope to see this trend continue.
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I was very excited to find not one, but two new books in the mail today—courtesy of Adrianna Wright and IVP Academic! Thank you IVP!

The first book is The Lost World of Genesis One: Ancient Cosmology and the Origins Debate by John H. Walton. Earlier this year, I had the pleasure of editing a chapter on the doctrine of creation for Dr. Greg Allison’s unpublished Historical Theology book, and have a great interest in all things Genesis 1 and 2. I have been excited about Walton’s book ever since I saw that it was supposed to come out soon. Two of the blurbs on the back also come from two of my favorite scholars, Bruce Waltke and Tremper Longman III.

The second book is Ministry by the Book: New Testament Patterns for Pastoral Leadership by Derek Tidball. I was introduced to Tidball by my paster, Daniel Montgomery. Seeing as how Tidball has greatly influenced him, and by extension myself, and that I am both attending seminary and applying for Sojourn’s own Pastor’s School, I welcome all resources on ministry that I can find.

So again, thanks IVP Academic. I will be getting reviews of these books up as soon as I finish reading them!

[Author's Note: Apparently, when the server crashed at the beginning of June, one of the posts that went missing was my book review of James White's book "The King James Controversy." I have found where I added my review on amazon, and am putting it back here again.]
The King James Only Controversy
James R. White
Paperback: 368 pages
Publisher: Bethany House; 2 Upd Exp edition (June 1, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0764206052
ISBN-13: 978-0764206054
Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 1.1 inches
Buy Here: Amazon.com

Thanks to Jim Hart and Bethany House Publishers for sending a copy of the book to review!

The “King James Controversy”–the debate on whether the KJV Bible is the only true Bible or not–is on that is very interesting to me for several reasons. First, I grew up in an area where many churches “favor” the KJV, and are functionally KJV Onlyists. Second, I am a bit of a translating geek if you haven’t been able to tell. I have been wanting to read James White’s book for awhile now, and was excited to receive the new second edition in the mail. I haven’t read the first edition, so unfortunately, I cannot compare the two, though it seems that a couple of sections were added, and James added the ESV to most of the translations lists throughout the text.

White has written an excellent book defending modern translations, such as the T/NIV, ESV, NLT, etc. His arguments are thorough, easy to understand, and devastating to the King James Only (henceforth KJVO) position. He shows, primarily, that the KJVO position is built on circular logic, and that if they were to apply their critiques of translations to the KJV itself, it would fail their tests horrible. Their logic is circular, because they set out to prove what they already assume to be true–the KJV is the only true Bible, therefore all other translations must be false because they disagree with the KJV. There are some major problems here, not the least of which is why should we accept the KJV as the standard? KJVOists can’t answer this, outside of “because it is.”
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Justification: God’s Plan & Paul’s Vision
N. T. Wright
Hardcover: 279 pages
Publisher: IVP Academic (May 30, 2009)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0830838635
ISBN-13: 978-0830838639
Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
Buy Here: Amazon.com

Thanks to Adrianna Wright and IVP Press for sending me a copy to review!

John Piper and N. T. Wright fighting it out is like a reformed theologians dream UFC match-up. Both are masters of the pen and word, who preach and teach in such a way that makes you feel like if you were to hold up their books their excitement would start to ooze of the page. We need more excitement like that. You either love them, or hate them, but when they butt heads everyone wants to watch. That’s what excited me most when Piper’s “The Future of Justification: A Response to N. T. Wright” came out. That’s why I was even more excited when I found out that Wright was writing a response: Justification: God’s Plan & Paul’s Vision. All that was missing was an octagon.

I love to read and listen to both Piper and Wright. I highly agree with them in some areas, and highly disagree with them in others. Both have been influential to me. Last year, I listed Wright’s “Surprised by Hope” as my favorite book that I read (along with Andy Crouch’s “Culture Making”). Imagine my surprise, then, when I found Wright’s new book to be, well, frustrating. Don’t get me wrong—it’s an excellent read. Wright always challenges me to take another look on my view of Justification in ways that other New Perspective writers don’t. I also, to ruin the end of the review early, recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in the matter. If you were ask me if I were to not recommend it, I would have to echo Paul’s favorite way to say no, “μὴ γένοιτο!” May it never be! I highly recommend the book. It still frustrates me, however.
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I just received the book King James Only Controversy, The: Can You Trust Modern Translations?, 2nd Edition, by James White in the mail from Bethany House. I’m really excited to read this book, and will put up a review of it once I have. Unfortunately, I don’t have the 1st edition to make any comparisons too.

Heaven is a Place on Earth: Why Everything You Do Matters to God
Michael E. Wittmer
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (May 1, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310253071
ISBN-13: 978-0310253075
Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
Buy Here: amazon.com

We have looked at the first three parts of Heaven is a Place on Earth, which explain “where we are,” “who we are,” “why are we here,” and “what’s wrong with the world?” This brings us to the fourth and final section of the book, “What is God’s Plan for This World?”
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Heaven is a Place on Earth: Why Everything You Do Matters to God
Michael E. Wittmer
Paperback: 272 pages
Publisher: Zondervan (May 1, 2004)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0310253071
ISBN-13: 978-0310253075
Product Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
Buy Here: amazon.com

So far, we have looked over the first two parts of Heaven is a Place on Earth. In doing so, we have covered two questions that pertain to worldviews, and saw how Christianity answers them: The first is “What is this Place?” which looks at what the Bible says about creation; the second is “Why are We Here?” and looks at what our purpose in life is in regard to relationships between people and God, other people, and creation. These sections are much shorter at two chapters each. We now move on to part III, “What is Wrong with Me and My World? The Fall in Genesis 3-11
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