Book Review

Reinventing Paul by John Gager

The author's goal of this books is to challenge the assumption of the traditional view of Paul and present a new view(s). There are 5 chapters in this book:

• The Traditional View of Paul
• New Views of Paul
• The Letter to the Galatians
• The Letter to the Romans
• Loose Ends

In my opinion, the author makes some serious errors right from the beginning. First, it seems he is operating on the assumption that Paul wrote Galatians and Romans. While it is true that Paul is the human author, we must remember that the words are inspired by the Holy Spirit. So it isn't really Paul writing what he thinks, rather it is God telling us what He wants us to know about the Jews and the Gentiles and salvation.

Second, the author focuses on and compares Galatians and Romans. When trying to understand the meaning of a particular portion of Scripture you must compare it with all other Scripture of the same topic. The author does not do this, rather limits his use of Scripture to attempt to prove what he thinks and wants to accomplish with his book.

It seemed to me the real purpose of this book was to simply publish something. Often times academic institutions strongly encourage the faculty to produce something. It looks as though this book is an example of that mentality.

Much of the book is simply quoting what other people have already wrote. In fact, there are over 400 footnotes that take up over thirty pages in the back.

Overall, in my opinion, this book is totally worthless and filled with nonsensical ideas. To give an example, Gager says of himself on page 151 that he is "a non-believing 'Christian'". I am not sure what that means, but I am certain he will figure out what it means someday.

Skip this book!

Book Review

Can America Survive? by John Hagee

This book is separated into 4 parts:

• A Nuclear Iran
• The Fall of America
• The Beginning of the End
• The Final Days

Part one deals with Iran's quest for nuclear weapons. The author says Iran will use them against the United States as well as other nations. The current political diplomacy needs to stop because it has allowed Iran to simply stall and build their arsenal.

In part two, the author looks at several problems with America. He believes a bomb will be used to wipe out our electrical system for months or years. He then talks about the world rejecting the dollar and the United States rejecting Israel's plea for help. Finally, he believes Christianity will become a crime in the United States.

The last two parts of the book are a little more focused on what the bible has to say about the return of Christ and the end of life as we know it on earth.

I am not sure of the purpose of this book. I would guess that it was wrote to simply get people (Americans) thinking about these topics. The author goes into a lot of detail about Iran, which I do question his "expertise" on Iran. However, he also goes into a lot of financial and economic detail about the United States, which I believe he has his facts correct for the most part.

I also question the title of the book, Can America Survive?. The ultimate answer of course is no, but as far as Christians are concerned it won't really matter since they will all be taken to be with Christ right before the tribulation.

The subtitle is also a little misleading, maybe it is just a marketing gimmick, 10 prophetic signs that we are the terminal generation. The 10 signs are given only in chapter 9 and are things like: oil, knowledge, television, and deception.

Overall, this book was interesting and easy to read but was otherwise unimpressive. Like I wrote earlier, I am not sure what the point of the book really is. What is the motive of the author: to get people thinking, to lead people to Christ, or to simply get his name out there and sell books about a provocative hot button issue?

While there is nothing really wrong with this book, if you have read the bible and are familiar with Revelation then you can probably skip this book. If you are not familiar with the bible then go read it first.

Book Review

Serenity - a companion for the twelve step program (NKJV Bible)

Serenity is a bible for those in the twelve step recovery program. This is a red letter New King James Version with the entire New Testament, Psalms, and Proverbs.

The first eighty pages explain the twelve step program. Scattered throughout the bible are examples and scriptural support for each of the twelve steps.

I believe the bible is an excellent book to live by, but especially for those struggling with an addiction. While I also believe the NKJV is an excellent translation, I think there are other translations, like the ESV for example, that maintain biblical accuracy, yet are a little easier to read and understand, especially for someone struggling with an addiction.

Overall, I would recommend this bible to anyone struggling with addictions or learning about the twelve step program.

Book Review

The Cheapskate Next Door by Jeff Yeager

The intention of this book is to give the reader secrets about living happily below your means. The author starts by giving the reader 16 attitudes that cheapskates have. Here are a few examples:

• cheapskates don't keep up with the Joneses
• cheapskates value time more than money
• cheapskates know and buy value in products
• cheapskates know the difference between needs and wants
• cheapskates avoid debt

The author then goes on giving some stories and examples of money saving cheapskate ideas in the rest of the book. Some of the ideas are simply bizarre like: not wearing underwear during the summer to saving ear wax to polish your car. No thanks.

Other ideas and examples are potentially dangerous and unhealthy like going through other peoples garbage to look for anything usable or eating from other people's leftover plates in restaurants to avoid purchasing appetizers.

Most of the tips though are already common knowledge:

• live at home for college
• go to a community college
• buy a used car and pay cash for it
• go to the library for books
• shop around for the best prices
• turn down your hot water heater
• wash clothes in cold water
• use public parks for entertainment

Overall, this book is absolutely worthless and is a waste of time. There was not one piece of good or new secret in this book. The book wasn't even a good read. This is one book you can safely skip.

Book Review

An Angel's Story by Max Lucado

This is a fictional account of the birth of Christ. Lucado tells the story of Christ's birth through the eyes of the angel Gabriel. This is a quick easy read and is a good story to read to children.

Overall, Lucado writes a very interesting story. The goal is not to embellish or make the bible more interesting or exciting. Of course, like any good story many parts are true to the word of God. However, Lucado makes his point of the book clear in the afterward section.

"Whether or not you like the fiction is insignificant. But whether or not you see the truth is essential." The truth is that God cares for His children. That's the point of this book and that is the point of God's word.

Book Review

Traveling Light by Max Lucado

This book is an interesting look at the twenty-third Psalm. The object is to show the reader how to release their burdens based upon Psalm 23.

Some of the burdens addressed are:

• Self reliance
• Discontentment
• Weariness
• Worry
• Hopelessness
• Guild
• Arrogance
• Grief
• Fear
• Shame

The author takes each verse of Psalm 23 and shows how David writes about his life and his burdens and how he knew that God was always and is always there for him. The same applies to us today as well.

In each chapter Lucado always has a story illustrating the concept. Of course, he uses his vivid and descriptive writing style to make his point. He also pulls over examples from Scripture as well.

Overall, I recommend reading this book simple for its unique view and explanation of Psalm 23. However, if you are struggling with the burdens mentioned then you should find this book extremely helpful in letting go and trusting your life to God.

Election 2010 - Update

In my last post, I was unable to make really any recommendations because all of the candidates are no good for Pennsylvania.

On Saturday, I received information from the Action Committee for Rural Electrification (this is the political group for our energy supplier, REA).

They too could not make a recommendation for:
Governor
US Senate
US Representative

But they did also recommended Dave Reed.

I will say it again, Pennsylvania is in trouble!

Election 2010

Here is the list of candidates for the 2010 Election in November.

US Senator
Joe Sestak or Pat Toomey

Governor
Dan Onorato or Tom Corbett

12th District Rep
Mark Critz or Tim Burn

Local Rep 62nd District
Dave Reed

The only candidate I can recommend is Dave Reed.

I have not decided how I will vote in the other races. My vote would merely be a vote against the other person, not a vote for someone. I may on the other hand simply write in my name. Who knows.

In either case, the next few years don't look good for Pennsylvania.

Gillette Fusion Proglide

As the quest for the perfect shave continues, my next experience involved the Gillette Fusion Proglide, a 5 blade razor. I recently purchased this razor plus two blades for about $2.00 on sale.

Knowing my shaving skills, the 5 blades made me a little nervous, so I decided to also buy a styptic pencil, which is to help stop bleeding in the case of minor cuts. After two months of using this razor I never needed or even opened the styptic pencil.

After the first shave, I was very impressed by the closeness and smoothness of this razor. However, it did not leave my face with a close smooth look, just a close smooth feel. By the end of the day you could see and feel some stubble again.

After about 2 weeks of use, the moisturizing glide strip was shot and the razor of course was no longer cutting like new. One nice aspect was the fact that the razor didn't cut me even when dull.

The razor also has a single blade to cut side burns which seemed to work well.

Overall, this is a great razor, but the question is "Is it worth the price?"

The initial cost of the razor is about $10 with 2 blades. The replacement cartridges cost about $3.00 each.

There is no doubt this is a better razor than the Bic Advanced 3 I tested a few months ago. The real test will be how this razor compares to the Schick Hydro, which will be tested next, and the Mach 3 to be tested later.

For now though I'll give this razor a 90%, mainly because of its hefty price tag.

Book Review

When God Winks at You by SQuire Rushnell

The premise of this book is to give the reader true stories of God's active role in this world. The author calls these interventions "Godwinks."

There are nine chapters in this book, each dealing with its own particular topic or wink from God.

• Personal
• Hope and Reassurance
• Transitions
• Comfort
• Prayer
• Unanswered Prayer
• Just in Time
• Family
• Quest

On page 3, the author gives his definition of a "Godwink". "every time you receive what some call a coincidence or an answered prayer, it's a direct and personal message of reassurance from God to you."

The word "wink" is used in several places throughout the Bible. In most cases the reference is used in a way that is to describe a person looking the other way when evil or something bad is being done. So, I am not sure I like the term "Godwink" to describe this intervention in our lives.

Overall, this book is simply a collection of feel good type stories. Even though the book is over 200 pages, it is a quick read.

If you are interested in this type and style of book, then you will certainly enjoy reading it. If, on the other hand, you enjoy books with more substance and biblical reference and examples, then you will probably not enjoy this book too much.



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