by Alice K. Turner ★★★★★ This is not a new book; I dug it from my shelves just to write this review. It’s not a scholarly-looking book; the oversize cover, glossy pages, and color pictures on every other page make it look more like a children’s book than a theological treatise….
Revelation 21:24, Where is the New Jerusalem?
Speaking of the New Jerusalem, Revelation says, The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. This is one of many verses that make it clear Revelation speaks of the New Jerusalem as residing on earth; not in some spiritual…
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Book review: Revelation, Four Views–A Parallel Commentary
by Steve Gregg ★★★★★ If you begin with the premise that Revelation is inspired scripture, and wish to understand or choose from the four primary interpretations, then you won’t find a better book out there than this one. This was definitely a favorite during my research. Dare I say so…
Genesis 2:7, Adam is Formed
the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living being. Many Christians continue to hold to the idea of a young earth, and of God creating Adam and Eve at the beginning…
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Book review: How God Changes Your Brain
by Andrew Newberg, M.D. and Mark Robert Waldman ★★★★ I see this as two books in one: first, a basic look at the malleability of our brain and how it can be trained–specifically, how spiritual practices rebuild neural paths within our brain–and second, a practical guide to basic meditation. I…
Luke 1:47-55, The First Christmas
And Mary said, I’m bursting with God-news; I’m dancing the song of my Savior God. God took one good look at me, and look what happened— I’m the most fortunate woman on earth! What God has done for me will never be forgotten, the God whose very name is holy,…
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Book review: Jesus of Nazareth
by Paul Verhoeven ★★★★ Question: What happens when an accomplished film maker delves into the realm of historical Jesus scholarship? Answer: Fresh insight. Paul Verhoeven is the only non-theologian admitted to the Jesus Seminar, a group of scholars dedicated to uncovering the historical Jesus. While his book will not be recognized…
John 4:24, God is Spirit
God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth. These are the words of Jesus, to the woman of Samaria. She was asking whether it was correct to worship God at the holy place of the Jews or of the Samaritans. Jesus’ reply made it clear…
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Book review: God and Sex
by Michael Coogan ★★★★★ If you’re hoping for a biblical Harlequin, look elsewhere. This is a heavy little book, even a little overwhelming, as it delves into the sexual inequalities of biblical times. I found the book rather dark in places; an obvious agenda of the author is to extol…
Luke 2:1-2, When Was Jesus Born?
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) Today’s post is not meant to ridicule traditional Christian beliefs; it is to help reconcile followers of…