4 comments about The Presbyterian Handbook.

1. About 200 pocket-sized pages. Unpretentious and casual, but in a self-conscious, studied way. It is openly derivative of the Worst-Case Scenario-style books. But it probably is about ten years too late. The cover is a simple dark blue with an cartoon of John Calvin in glasses. The subheadings are "Church Stuff", "Bible Stuff", "Everyday Stuff." It has the feel of your 60 year old, pleasant but annoying uncle, trying to be cool and funny to the teens at Thanksgiving.
   
   The contributors include Donald McKim. The bibliography is mostly McKim, his old friend ('progressive evangelical,' recently turned homosexual rights advocate) Jack Rogers, and their crowd.
   
   The content -- its tone and quality -- varys wildly from section to section. It feels sewn together from a load of contributors. At times it is very helpful and clear (such as where it explains the levels of Presbyterian church government), at other times extremely goofy, at others incomplete or wrong, at others irrelevent. The only consistent feature is that most sections are concise.
   
   The theological values are basically middle of the road for PCUSA. That means what is defined as "THE Presbyterian" is occasionally unrecognizable to other (non-PCUSA) Presbyterians. But in general it is fairly supportive of the theological heritage and of the Scripture's importance and trustworthiness. My biggest complaint (other than some mild comments questioning the historicity of certain Biblical accounts) is the sometimes overly LOW view of the sacraments.
   
   In any case, MANY, MANY decent tips, comments. I especially like a few of the charts (Bible translations) and lists (esp. Bible ones, like the 12 Apostles summaries, and practical tips for having a regular schedule of Bible reading. etc.).
   
   A few random negative comments, some very picky, I know:
   * Dozens of topics big and small (How to pass the plate, what to bring to potlucks) YET ZERO on church discipline.
   * No index
   * P. 27 Under How to Sing a Praise Song, intentionally 1960s looking illustration bears the caption "Beware of especially passionate worshipers who might raise their hands too quickly." The goofy uncle trying to be funny again.
   * Pp. 35-36 -- WAY too brief of an explanation on baptism. The description as it stands does not address re-baptism.
   * P. 37 -- Lord's Supper -- states the cup is "usually grape juice." Uggh. Wish they had advocated for wine!
   * P. 39 -- States that traditionally Presb. celebrate quarterly or monthly. That may be true, but I wish they had at least mentioned that some have always celebrated weekly, including some of the Reformers.
   P. 47-48 on how to stay alert in the service (drink water before, but not too much, etc.). Hard to tell if its trying to be funny.
   P. 51 -- What to bring to a church potluck: Cereals: Southeast - cornflakes, Midwest - cornflakes, Northeast - cornflakes, West Coast: TOFU flakes. Desert - Cleveland - fudge brownies w/ fudge frosting; Kansas City - triple fudge w/ fudge sauce and a side of fudge. Los Angeles - TOFU fudge.... Painful. Uncle Floyd at open mike night at the local comedy club.
   P. 60 -- The section is entitled History's Six Most Notorious Heretics. But then the choices are a mixture of famous and obscure. How can Hatuey (-1511) be included in the top six? Well, because he is Native American. Similarly, Hypatia of Alexandria (370-415) makes the cut. Why? "Her mistakes were to prefer study to marriage, to know more than the bishop, and to be a female teacher of males." Maybe, but she actually happened to be a powerful and prominent Neo-Platonist pagan too, which had something to do with it. Similarly, Joan of Arc was not declared a heretic for just being a "better army leader than men," was she? Probably more about her political value, or maybe even the bizarre visions.
   
   And here the truly unorthodox (Pelagius) are lumped together with the merely controversial (Luther).
   
   p. 62-63: "How to Avoid Getting Burned at the Stake" section: mocks the concept of heresy.
   
   p. 65: World Religions: list 22 groups, some with less than a million members, but not JWs or Mormons. Makes me think they have incorrectly lumped these two into the 'Xian' category.
   
   p. 68: Family Tree of Xianity is a muddled, misleading mess
   
   p. 69: Xian Denominations -- lumps together all Baptists into one, all Methodists into one, etc., YET Pentecostal/Charismatic AND Assemblies of God each get separate categories. Then the number for Adventist is given as just 100,000! 7th Day Adventists alone are almost a million, never mind the dozens of other Adventist groups. Lots of the numbers on this page are way, way, way off.
   
   p. 70 -- comparative denominations chart: too many problems to list. Rip those pages out.
   
   p. 107ff. "How to choose a spouse" etc.: Oprah-level psychobabble. Trite pop wisdom, with little reference to a Biblical worldview.
   
   p. 189 -- states with indignaion to beware that some Reformation confessions of faith 'prohibited women from baptizing.' This, it explains, was an historic accident of the debates with Roman Catholics. Actually, all of the Reformers did not think women should preach or do any of the roles reserved for ministers. And every side of every debate agreed.
   
   Helpfully ends with blank pages for "Notes & Stuff"
   
   These are mostly negatives. There is lots and lots of good and helpful information in there too. I just don't think it is a reliable tool for the uninformed, nor adds much knowledge or perspective for the more informed.
   
   A whole lot better (though just a tad more difficult) is Sean Michael Lucas' brand new On Being Presbyterian (2006).



2. This is easy-to-read and to understand. A helpful book for those who want to understand Presbyterian beliefs and practices.



3. If you want basic information about Presbyterian theology with a lot of humorous subjects in between, buy this one. We bought copies to give to new members. Learn what to bring for potluck suppers (by region); how to pass the collection plate; what to wear under choir robes in the hot summer plus excellent factual information on who we are as Presbyterians.



4. I've been both and elder and an employee of the church off and on for over 4o years. I'v taught classes and even given a sermon or two on laymen's Sunday. I found this handbook to very handy, full of good solid information and a handy reference when the old memory begins to fail me. My fellow session members are beginning to pick up on this book and ordering them. There was a proposal that we buy them for all new elders. Hope it passes.

5 comments about Evangelical Ethics: Issues Facing the Church Today.

1. For two decades this book has well served the evangelical community as a basic textbook in ethics. First published in 1985, a much needed second edition appeared in 1993. But with further ethical reflection called for, especially in the rapidly developing area of bio-technology, a third edition was in need, and here is the result.
   
   This new edition features a new chapter on genetic engineering, which looks at the history, technology and morality of such issues as cloning and stem cell research. There is also a new chapter on environmental ethics. In addition to addressing some contemporary environmental concerns such as global warming and biodiversity, it offers a biblical foundation for thinking about the earth and our stewardship of it.
   
   And the existing ten chapters have been revised as well, bringing statistical and bibliographic information up to date.
   
   The opening chapter lays out some general principles of ethical thinking from a biblical viewpoint, including the problem of conflicting obligations, and the place of Christian morality in a pluralistic culture.
   
   The other nine chapters focus on major ethical and social hot potatoes of the day. Thus there are meaty chapters on such issues as contraception, reproductive technologies, homosexuality, abortion, war and peace, and capital punishment.
   
   All the issues are approached from a decidedly biblical and socially conservative standpoint. Thus in the chapters on abortion and euthanasia, a strong pro-life stance is argued for as the one most closely reflecting the biblical data.
   
   On the issue of war and defence, Davis argues that the Christian case for pacifism rests on a weak hermeneutical basis, and that the just war tradition, including nuclear deterrence, is morally justifiable.
   
   On the related issue of capital punishment, the author takes the view that it is still a binding principle, not limited to Old Testament times. It reflects both the justice of God as well as his wrath against the wrongdoer.
   
   On the thorny issue of divorce and remarriage, Davis argues that while God hates divorce (Mal. 2:16), there are cases, such as sexual infidelity and desertion, where divorce is morally permissible, though not obligatory. Reconciliation should be the main emphasis, with divorce seen as a painful last resort.
   
   Homosexuality is not overlooked. The social, medical and theological components of this discussion are all well covered. Davis argues that homosexuality is contrary to the divine will for human sexuality, and real hope is available for the homosexual who seeks to renounce his lifestyle.
   
   In sum, this book offers a clearly biblical approach to many of the controversial social and ethical debates of the day. A lot of ground is covered in the book's 350 pages. One can argue that more could have been included. For example, a full discussion of cloning and stem cell research could have been featured in a separate chapter. The very topical issue of same-sex marriage is not even mentioned in the chapter on homosexuality. Other omissions come to mind.
   
   But one can only cover so much material in a single volume. And Davis has elsewhere developed some of these topics further, as in his 1984 book on abortion. All in all this is one of the best books on contemporary social and ethical debate from a biblical perspective.



2. Davis is an author who I am proud to call a fellow "Evangelical" Christian. He does a good job of debunking the myth that faithfulness to the Bible's doctrine is equivalent to intellectual decay.
   
   Actually, Davis is engaged with considerable empirical research. He shows a side of scientific development and insight that is often deleted from media outlets because it seems to confirm the truth of Scripture.
   
   Davis weighs in on issues that are extremely difficult. However, his formula for discerning the best ethical choice is straightforward and effective. The Scriptures take their rightful place as the central ethical standard for Evangelical Ethics. An investigation into scientific development, Biblical scholarship, and changing societal mores together yields a thorough investigation of some of the toughest issues of our day, including poverty, sexuality, and abortion.
   
   Davis is a great inheritor of the legacy of Machen and other Evangelicals that saw the doctrines of Christianity as timeless truths that could be repeatedly proven in the practical matters of everyday life. This is a great book.



3. Combining the Old With the New., January 4, 2007
   
   Evangelical leaders are mostly conservatives rather than liberals. I
   suppose a liberal is on the "right"? There are evangelicals in the
   embattled Episcopal Church. I'd always believed that that that particular
   denomination of the Christian belief is from the Mother Church of England.
   Now, it is more Prostetant, low-church wing of the global Anglican
   Communion and moral and doctrinal questions about ecclesiastical structure
   are more important.
   
   As a Methodist from birth, I found this quite hysterical and funny as
   compared to today's common religious books. The 2003 consecration of a
   noncelibate homosexual being an Episcopal bishop in New Hampshire. We
   Methodists have always had homosexual ministers and nothing was said about
   it. The Catholics have heterosexual bishops who are certainly not
   noncelibate. To make so much fuss over today's society is contrary to God's
   will be done. It is just another segment of the Christian life as found
   in scripture. It is possible that Jesus was gay, as he was always
   surrounded by men (all of the disciples were male), though he did enjoy the
   sisters, Martha who cooked for him and Mary who washed his feet. The
   DeVinci Code was definitely fiction, as no way would he have married an
   unclean female like Mary Magdalene.
   
   In the Bible times, there were wandering people of God, who spent a
   long time in the wilderness as they seek the "One" the city which is to
   come. Jesus himself spent some time in the Wilderness meditating before
   he told his parables and also before he was on the cross to die for our
   sins. We are all sinners in his eyes until we show that we are pure at
   heart.
   
   It has been talked about that the Episcopal church will blend in with
   other churches to form a new denomination somewhat like what they were
   accustomed to but totally different in that they have an open mind and
   are more modern with today's society. It has somewhat been in the past a
   church for the wealthy, but the Presbyterians have now taken that spot.
   So, it is now right to be "right."



4. This was a great and interesting read. The author not only knows what the issues are, but also how to deal with them. Great for any Christian who is looking to know what to do with some of the current moral delimnas facing the US.



5. It has been easy for me to slip into the mentality that engagement in ethical issues is not the priority of the Christian individually or the Church as a whole. To be honest, as I consider the past eight years of my Christian life, I can say that most of the time I have spent in seriously pondering the truth of Christianity and its application, I have narrowed in primarily on issues that relate directly to me. To my shame, I admit that I have engaged in little significant ethical reflection in regards to how I am called, as a Christian, to think and interact Biblically on moral issues in society.
   
   Evangelical Ethics, by John Jefferson Davis, is a much-needed corrective in my own life and, I would trust, for Christ's Church as well. In just my first reading, I have been profoundly encouraged to not only engage the significant ethical issues facing the Church, but to not rest content until I understand those issues in light of Scripture. This is not easy work, but it is an essential work. Jesus calls us to be salt and light.
   
   After opening the book with a chapter on decision making, Davis examines eleven major ethical issues facing Christians and the Church today: contraception, reproductive technologies, divorce and remarriage, homosexuality, abortion, infanticide and euthanasia, capital punishment, civil disobedience, war and peace, environmental issues, and genetic enhancement and manipulation. In each section, Davis presents the historical and legal background of the particular issue, providing thick documentation from the relevant sources. He then examines each issue in light of Scripture, bringing the reader to what he considers a clear Biblical position, or, at least, a place where the reader can use the given information to begin to think more clearly about that specific issue.
   
   Davis' work is also highly accessible. The book itself, not including the end notes, is only 288 pages. It is not an exhaustive treatment of each subject; rather, it is a helpful introduction to the major ethical issues presently facing the church. Though thoroughly researched and documented, Davis' work is straightforward, clear, and will benefit pastors, scholars and laypeople alike.
   
   Evangelical Ethics has been tested in over two decades of readership and is now in its third edition. Since it was first published in 1985, Davis' treatment of contemporary ethical problems has been a standard in churches and Christian classrooms. Having read and profited from Davis' book, I now understand why this is the case. It is well-researched and well-written, and it provides a sure foundation from which to start thinking about these important issues. I highly recommend it.

5 comments about The Sacred Journey: A Memoir of Early Days.

1. Perhaps the best thing about Rev. Buechner's book is that, in reading about his early journey toward finding Christ, it really will, as so many have noted, help you reflect on your journey. Buechner writes about how our lives are like novels, that they have a structure and a meaning, and indeed, they do, if we take the time to delve into them and try to process them. God, of course, is the Author of that meaning, and as Buechner finds meaning in his life, so too can we find meaning in ours. This is one I am sure I will read again and again. (Fair warning -- the cover photograph will come to haunt you as you read about what happens to Buechner's father!)



2. The mystery of our lives. The oddity of memory. The things that make us who we are. Frederick Buechner explores all of these topics in the first volume of his autobiographies, "The Sacred Journey."

   Slowly--word by word and line by line, Buechner has won my respect as an author. How he unravels the story of his own life, how he makes the past breathe, gives it life...it has all combined to deepen my esteem for him. He is one of the greatest living authors.

   Buechner's honest search for something universal in his story has captivated me. We all stand, in one way or another, in the shadows of our own lives. Alone, we cannot even comprehend the whole of our own journeys. The value of Buechner's excavation of his past is that when others view it, it may help them see the importance of their own journey.

   In spite of the author's uncertainness about writing them, I have found Buechner's autobiographies to be of great value. I am thankful for the man's openness, courage and skill (they are fun to read).

   I give "The Sacred Journey" my wholehearted recommendation.




3. I have read The Magnificent Defeat, Godric and the meditation book, Listening to Your Life. I've read other books by Richard Rohr that have blown me away in how they've illuminated Christianity for me but I've never read anything quite so beautiful, so rich with humanity as this slim little volume.

   It is rare that words fail me but it seems that anything I could say about this work wouldn't do it any justice at all. It's not about Christianity, it's about looking into your life, listening to all the strangeness, horror and wonder and perchance finding what God might be saying.

   and still my words fail. Read this and take the journey yourself. You'll see what I mean.




4. check out doug thorpe's comments on this book; he's a Seattle Pacific University muse, so his words must be golden. here's my two cents:
   
   the writing style of the sacred journey seems deceptively simple, even hypnotic, and buechner has done a masterful job at piecing his memories together into a meaningful (and occasionally preachy) message. in fact, he provides a first-rate example of how to do exactly that which he suggests, pour over one's past for surprising glimpses of God's grace-filled touch. if nothing else, buechner sure knows how to write a stirring introduction.



5. This book talks about Mr. Buechner's life. It is a bit scattered at times as he can take one sentence and make an entire paragraph, but overall is a good look at how places and memories make up our lives.

5 comments about The Will of God as a Way of Life: How to Make Every Decision with Peace and Confidence.

1. We live in an age where people are fascinated with the future. They can't get enough of what will happen tomorrow, where they'll live, who they'll marry. It's a culture of promised security, where we have confidence that in the days to come we will be significantly well-off, attractive, and liked. Anyone who can give an indication of how or what that future will look like is treated as a god, is flocked to and paid thousands of dollars for even the most insignificant pithy prospect of tomorrow's good wishes.
   
   Even outside of horoscopes and psychic hotlines, this is a problem in Christian circles as well. With the traditional understanding of a God who both knows the future and has a specific, intentional place for each one to end up, the thought of twisting his arm to tell us how it's going to happen is strangely alluring and addictive. People rushing up to altars in a moment of need: "Pastor, do you have a word for me? What am I supposed to do? What if I mess things up and God is hopelessly upset with the life I choose?"
   
   To that and more comes this great book. I won't add to what has already been said, but I would highly recommend it. As a campus pastor, I see so many students who are completely confused and frustrated when you seriously start talking about the will of God in their lives. I wish I could buy this book for each of them.



2. This book was a disappointment. From the enthusiastic reviews, it seemed this book had a handle on the subject. I gave up after reading half way through. Although he does make the point that God is more concerned in how you live your life rather than what you actually do (should I be a doctor or a lawyer, should I move to this city or that?), the author still settles into the same old line in making Godly choices--talk to friends, watch for open doors, etc. The Open Door concept is troubling in its non-Biblical theme--you stop moving in one direction when the going gets tough. The author explains how he made decisions and then proceeds to give reasons for the decisions. This is "doctrine by experience" rather than true Biblical teaching.
   
   This author never gives a real Biblical basis for decision making, throwing in a verse here and there for seasoning, but never giving a scriptural foundation for determining God's will. Instead, he is over-infatuated with early and medieval Christian writers, giving more space to their quotes than the Bible. I learned nothing new.
   
   For a life-changing study on this subject, read Decision Making and the Will of God: A Biblical Alternative to the Traditional View by Garry Friesen. Not only will it give you a better Biblical understanding of God's will for your life and making choices in general, it is a good lesson on how to interpret the Bible.



3. we liked this book so much we are going to use it in our sunday school class



4. I could hardly put this book down.It will change your way of thinking about God's will and is very applicable to life's challenges and backed up with scripture. Life changing!



5. this book is moving, inspirational, well stated on the journey of grief. On October 4,2002 my 21 year old nephew, David, died as a result of an automobile accident. My family did the best we knew how to comfort the parents and siblings. One thinks they can imagine what they must be feeling, because we all love our children/siblings, right! But then life happens. On February 23, 2003, my youngest son, Joshua (22) and his best friend, Matt (23) died in an automobile accident. Turning to the darkness to find the light was not easy. I watched my other 2 children, Josh's fiance' left with a 4 month old son to raise alone, my parents, my siblings and their children, friends, all travel this journey of grief, with good days/bad days. But, in the light, I have been able to see the Glory of God so brightly shine. Many strangers, were sent by God, to aid in this process, including the young mother who found the accident to the officer who investigated the accident to name a few. We miss these guys dearly and daily, but we are managing to build a garden around the stump. Thanks to Jerry Sittser, for so elegantly creating a visual to life after death.

5 comments about The Eyes of the Heart: A Memoir of the Lost and Found.

1. A wonderful, beautifully written memoir of loved ones Buechner remembers and love ones for whom he wishes he remembered more. Basis of books and objects from his library is one part of the charm. The other, however, can not be described without dispelling part of the enchantment of the first chapter.



2. Sharing intimate details of his childhood and adult memories--in a kaleidoscope of chronology which requires flexibility on the part of the reader--Buechner offers a gentle autobiographical
   patchwork of his life. He invites us graciously into the most
   hallowed rooms of his heart, describing precious objects whose
   existence and display coalesce into his own personal magic kingdom. We are treated as his honored guests, allowed free access into the privacy of sacred spaces: his home, his family archives and his fluid imagination. He reveals the dreams and feelings, labors and heartache of various family members going several generations back. Not because they were noteworthy in the eyes of the world; instead because he painstakingly acquired the knowledge, and now is willing to share their human
   experiences with his unknown readers--experiences which just might echo our own.

   Mainly the author presents conversations with those dear ones who have gone on before. He, like us, seeks to know what really Happens after death. Endowing his characters with post-terrestrial information and wisdom, he seeks to calm his fear of the great unknown (and ours) by spiritual rationalization as viewed through "the eyes of the heart"--a quotation from Ephesians. We learn much about his family of course, but also about literature and his favorite authors, such as Trollope. Striving to comfort himself and his readers about those who have been Lost, he assures us that they have also been Found in afterlife by a benficient Divinity--a message which offers desperately-needed peace and hope for those who grieve. This plotless book consists of variations on one theme, so it can not be classified as a novel, yet it remains much more than mere autobiography. I recommend this book for introspective readers who seek meaning in this world, especially after suffering the loss of dear ones. Take hope--take heart--as Buechner strives to assuage our pain and our fears about the post-human condition.




3. As a fan of Frederick Buechner, I found this volume in our church library and secured it anticipating a summer weekend of ecstasy, reading this book on the back porch while sipping lemonade. I found it disappointing, as he focuses on his collection of Buechner family memoribilia. As hard as he tries to universalize it, making it accessible to all of us, for me, it just didn't work. And it reads like a review of one's summer family reunion. Sorry. Read his other stuff. It's great!



4. I have been a fan of Mr. Buechner's for a long time and his writings have touched me very deeply. This book was read at a crucial time in my life when my mother was not well. It means more to me than I can say, now that mom is with the Lord in heaven. Mr. Buechner has always touched my heart, but the poignancy of his writing affected me deeply. Just wanted to drop my 5 stars in for this book, seeing how some reviewers didn't value it that much. To me, it is one of his best books. I treasure it.



5. Somewhere at the very bottom of your soul, if you are very patient and vulnerable and humble, the eyes of your heart can eventually see the actual substance of faith, friendship, and fate. Our longing to know ultimately, beyond the thin veneer of our time-bound realities, is the final quest of the soul, to express gratitude in the most profound sense. Frederick Buechner illuminates the essence of meaning with exquisite care.

5 comments about From Fear to Freedom: Living as Sons and Daughters of God.

1. Rose Marie has done a wonderful job of weaving Biblical truths about personal grace and forgiveness with vulnernably told stories from her own life. If you live like an orphan when the King Himself is your Father, this book is for you. She helps the reader understand how we choose to live as rejected people, judged people, miserable people, complaining people, life's victims. She goes on to teach the loving grace and forgiveness of God. She also addresses those situations that are beyond our control, and how to accept and pray for others who hurt us. Its a whole new perspective for the person trained in leaglism. It added balance to my life in the form of personal grace that spills over to others, and has helped bring me closer to my loving Father,God.



2. This book is absolutely amazing. God truly speaks through her writing! If you are a woman who struggles with feeling like she doesn't "measure up," hates being "out of control," read this book! There is GRACE for God's children and there is acceptance in HIM! He loves us and is with us at ALL times!



3. I don't think there is a woman alive who would not be touched by this book. Rose Marie's struggles resonate with most women. We have given this book to many of our friends and they all have been encouraged.



4. As a Christian who struggled with legalistic Christianity, the Lord used this book to open my eyes up to His saving G R A C E. I realized through this book that I can't do anything on my own and that even Christians try to live the Christian life without Christ. The Lord used this book to help me see that I don't need to live the Christian life by rules, laws, and regulations. Just by His grace. And when I come under His grace, everything else follows.



5. HONESTY HONESTY HONESTY. This book is for every Christian. No one is exempt. Evangelical Christians understand we are saved by Grace through Faith alone, but when it comes to sanctification, we are so dishonest about our overwhelming need of God's grace every breathing second of our life. Worse yet, bad teachers & pastors keep pilling on more guilt of the law without a balance of Guilt, Grace & Gratitude.

   Are Jack and Rose Marie bucking the heavy emphasis of law in our sanctification that the Reformed tradition advocates? Are the Miller's advocating a Lutheran position of sanctification as getting use to our justification? (More on Lutheran doctrine of Sanctification, read Lutheran Seminary Prof. of Systematics & Author of Christology David Scaer) I believe the Miller's are advocating the proper Biblical position that the body of Christ grows in their faith by being attached as branches to the vine. We are to keep our eyes focused on the Jesus Christ the author and perfector of our faith.

   I was blessed by the quote at the beginning of the book by Francis Schaeffer "The present value of the blood of Christ." was proclaimed by Schaeffer when a crisis would present itself. I have reworked this quote after reading this book to say in all trying circumstances: "This situation is another opportunity to see God's faithfulness of Grace and Mercy work in my life." vs. the old defeating attitude, "Here I go again, another trial I can't control".

   As a step father of two unsaved adult children 19 & 27, I found great encouragement from the Miller's new confidence in prayer for their daughter Barbara's salvation.

   Several years ago, I dropped out of the Miller's Sonship course because I was afraid my mentor was going to abandon me in my orphan state and not raise me out. I have been passionately reading sound Biblical material on the implication of the Fall and how it radically turns me into an orphan fearing the unknown. Both Sonship and this book will be life changing for you like me. Nearly every page has a sentence or paragraph that I have highlighted. "Goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever"!

   Has this book changed my life? Yes. Why did I give it four vs. five stars like the other reviews?

   Rose Marie by her own testimony in Chapter 6 describes a true conversion experience of seeing her sins and the righteousness of Christ. "I was so deeply convicted of my sin against God and awed by his receiving love that I barely made it through lunch that day." "Was this a conversion experience? Many people have asked that question. I am not certain. I had known all the right Christian words. And I prayed and had seen answers to prayer, especially in matters of health, protection, and material provision for our family. (Rose Marie-that is common grace, not regenerating grace-my words) But before Switzerland my working religious outlook does not seem to have generated by grace. Below the surface, mine was a religion of self-control through human will power, and my primary interest was in self-justification, not in Christ's justification." Rose Marie must edit this section before its next printing and say I was not saved. I was trusting in my own righteousness. I could not forgive, and scripture is clear Matthew 6:15 "But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

   Many details were left out. The story was shortened. I would like to know more about Rose Marie's relationship with her sister, mother and father when they lived in her and Jack's home. How did she handle a home full of people from the congregation that Jack was pastor when she had a mentally ill mother and sister to care for? Was her husband Jack adding additional burden? To my memory, Rose Marie does not share much about what her friends said to her during her struggles before her conversion experience in Switzerland. All her advice seems to come from her husband Jack.

   "Why do I have such a hard time trusting God whenever the way before me is unfamiliar?" Read the book and be blessed!

5 comments about Presbyterian Questions, Presbyterian Answers: Exploring Christian Faith.

1. I was interested in learning more about the Presbyterian Church (USA). This book is good for a quick overview on all things, but it does not go into great detail on any subject. Nevertheless, it has proven to be a very useful book. I do recommend it especially for people who do not really know what the Presbyterian Church teaches and are interested.



2. I am a Presbyterian Pastor and just used this book for a new member's class. Very well written and concise too. Highly recommended.



3. The title I gave this review says it all. I found this book very pleasurable to read. The question / answer format of this book provides the reader brief but concise information about the Presbyterian Church (USA) beliefs and practices. I would recommend this book to any inquirer or a lifetime PCUSA member who would like a refresher course in their faith.



4. If you want short question and answers to a wide range of doctrinal questions from a Presbyterian perspective this is an excellent little book. I enjoyed it. If you long for deep explanatory information going through Scripture verse by verse its not here. Its just the basics but still worth the time and money.



5. Donald McKim's book is a marvelous introductory work for inquirers and many who have been Presbyterian for a long time. The questions are those that are REALLY asked by people, and the answers are cogent and short. (Something we pastors might learn!) This book can be used in New Members Classes or Inquirers classes, as well as being read privately by other interested people. Young people and young adults will value this, also. Keep a few copies on hand....they'll come in handy!

2 comments about On Being Presbyterian: Our Beliefs, Practices, And Stories.

1. Despite being Baptist, I love and admire Presbyterianism. My parents are Presbyterians and raised me in that environment. Though I may not necessarily believe in them, I am at least sympathetic to many of the tenets of Presbyterianism, such as covenant theology, infant baptism and the Presbyterian system of church government. It was with some interest, then, that I began to read On Being Presbyterian by Sean Michael Lucas. This book, recently published by P&R Publishing, is intended to serve as a primer on all things Presbyterian. Lucas wants to show "how a particular type of identity is formed, as the confluence of beliefs, practices and stories." He seeks to introduce the beliefs, practices and stories that have converged to create Presbyterianism as it exists today.
   
   These three divisions form the structure for the book. In the section dealing with beliefs, Lucas looks at God's sovereignty, the priority of grace, covenant and kingdom, the nature and purpose of the church and the signs and seals of God's grace. When dealing with practices, he examines piety, worship and church government. The final section looks at the genesis of Presbyterianism through the leadership of Calvin and Knox, and then turns to an examination of Presbyterianism in America. The book wraps up with an epilogue entitled "On Becoming Presbyterian" where he suggests what would be expected of a person who wished to adopt this system of beliefs and how a person might set about finding such a church body.
   
   This book often recalled memories from my youth, many of which were very good memories. It helped me realize that in many ways I continue to be Presbyterian at heart, for it was necessity rather than desire that drove us out of these churches (there are far more solid Baptist churches in Canada than Presbyterian ones). While I do love Baptist churches, there is a part of me that will probably always be Presbyterian.
   
   Ultimately, as a Baptist, I suppose that my view of this book only counts for so much. Eventually we'll need to ask other Presbyterians for their views on the book. They are, after all, more qualified to pass judgment on it. So let's look at some of the men who have endorsed this book. Ligon Duncan endorsed it saying it is a "popular introduction to Presbyterianism that I can put in the hands of Bible-believing, gospel-loved Presbyterians and other evangelicals interested in this part of the Christian family." Bryan Chapell, President of Covenant Seminary, says "The people who fill Bible-believing Presbyterian churches increasingly have little Presbyterian background. Lucas provides a terrific resource to get everyone up speed." John Muether of Reformed Theological Seminary says it is "A compelling and coherent account of the distinctive features of Presbyterian identity that draws the vital connection between Reformed faith and practice. Pastors, elders, and Presbyterian laypeople will want to study this book and pass it on to their children."
   
   I enjoyed On Being Presbyterian and would recommend it either to those who are interested in learning about the distinctives of Presbyterianism, or those who are Presbyterian and would like to learn and understand more about their beliefs, practices and history. It is well-written and quite easy to understand and absorb.



2. One of my favorite truisms after my years as a minister is "no one grew up Presbyterian". What I mean by that is that in most of our churches, there are very few people for whom the whole idea of being "Presbyterian" is a new thing. Combine this with the fact that, as I'm also fond of saying, "you don't have to be a Presbyterian to join a PCA church", means that a lot of us don't completely understand or buy in to all that a Presbyterian church believes. Sean Michael Lucas, a church history professor at Covenant Seminary, understands this dynamic. He did not grow up Presbyterian either! And to help teach a new members class at his former church, Lucas began writing what became, On Being Presbyterian. On Lucas' blog page, he describes his goal for the book as follows:
   
   "I meant this book to be a lay-oriented introduction to Presbyterianism. As I wrote, I imagined that I was sitting across the table from someone at a Starbucks, trying to explain Presbyterian beliefs, practices, and stories to them. My hope was that the book would represent "vanilla Presbyterianism" in a winsome and warm way." [...]
   
   The book is helpful in many ways. It is divided, as the subtitle suggests, into three parts, 1. Presbyterian Beliefs, 2. Presbyterian Practices, and 3. Presbyterian Stories. The book deals with many of the common struggles people have with Presbyterian beliefs such as infant baptism, predestination, the Five points of Calvinism and rule by elders. It also does a great job of describing Presbyterian views and practices on worship and church discipline. Each chapter also has helpful study questions at the end, along with suggestions for further reading. Lucas generally writes very clearly and helpfully, as you would expect given his stated goal above:
   
   "What Presbyterians (and other Reformed believers) have always understood is that the Christian life is a way of life that is based on doctrine; or, to put it another way, our practices are based squarely on our beliefs." (pp. 100).
   
   "Any progress that we make in the Christian life is due solely to the sovereign work of God's Spirit, motivated by God's amazing grace and rooted in God's glorious gospel. And the practices of piety that we have considered take our focus away from ourselves and our striving for God and plant us firmly in the Gospel itself." (pp. 110).
   
   One brief caution, I love history-but if you don't share that love, than the third section of the book can be a little tough. He basically covers the history of Presbyterianism and the PCA in three chapters. But history lover or not, the first two sections are worth the price of the book. Wondering about infant baptism? Trying to figure out this predestination thing? Can't figure out what a Session is? Lucas' book will be a great help to you.

5 comments about A Children's Guide to Worship.

1. As a pastor of a church with many young children, I find this an excellent resource for families. We give copies to families as a way of helping prepare children for attending worship. I highly recommend this book to churches, families, and as a gift. Well done!



2. When my first grade daughter began to express real/serious interest in taking communion, I knew I had to get on the stick and think about what to do. (In the Presbyterian church baptised children may take communion.)

   My thinking was I was OK with her taking communion, if she could convince me that she understood that it was not a "snack" and really understood at least the idea tbat communion is a rememberance of Jesus.

   I started looking about for books to assist me (and her) in talking about the subject. This book is really oriented to assisting kids in understanding a typical Presbyterian (traditional)Sunday service. Each page or two explains a different element of worhsip, for example the creed, Lord's Prayer, Gloria, hymns and sermon. The sacraments of baptism and communion are covered in the same brief fashion.

   The illustrations are apppealing and the explanations of each part of a typical worhship service were simple and engaging. The language is right for reading to a 1st grader. Some second or third graders could probably read it (mostly)unaided.

   I see this as a very good book for parents to use with their kids in talking about the different parts of worship and their meaning. The brief discussion of communion was very helpful in talking with my daughter.

   This book is focused on "traditional" worship styles. Families who attend "contemporary" services might not find it as useful. While the book is written by a Presbyterian author as an aid to Presbyterian families, I suspect that members of other protestant churches would also find it useful.

   I can highly recommend this book to parents of young school age children.




3. Along with Susan Hunt's Big Truths for Little Kids, this is my favorite book lately to give to parents whose kids have just been baptized.

   The illustrations and packaging are attractive and inviting,and the teaching is solid. My 4 yera old loves it. It really shows the meaning and value behind the church calendar and symbols, in a lucid manner. It seems to me that while Catholics overemphasize these things (and sometimes are tempted to confuse the symbols with the reality itself), 21st century Evangelicals have overcorrected -- throwing the calendar and symbols and ritual out all together. Its like the Catholics seem to confuse the sign with the destination, and we contemporary evangelicals (more Anabaptist now than Reformational) throw away the sign all together making it harder to get to the destination. Boling's work is a loving labor of 'sign-building!' C.S. Lewis said that the danger for Catholics at their worst is to become like every other religion (superstituous folk religion; syncretism), but the danger for Protestants at our worst is to become like no religion at all! Contemporary evangelcialism -- throwing away or relegating the sacraments to meer memorials, building chucrhes without symbols or even crosses, stripping away all of the church calendar except Christmas and Easter (rescued there, only by Hallmark!), dispensing with all vetsments and mystery in worship -- is becoming Lewis' nightmare. And utterly rootless to boot.

   And I think of Bunyan's allegory of there being 5 gates into Man-Soul: Eye-Gate, Ear-Gate, Nose-Gate, Mouth-Gate, Touch-Gate. We evangelicals (liek Bunyan's Puritans) often close every gate except Ear-Gate in worship. In good Reformational fashion, eveanglecila Presbyterian Boling tries to open up Eye-Gate for us, with a rich, beautifully illustrated glossary of Christian symbols in the back.

   Anyway, my [children]loves the book, and now can tell us why Lent reminds us to repent, why Advent gets us ready for Christmas, and that when he sees the Alpha Omega it means God is with us from the beginning end.




4. As a Lutheran pastor, I bought this hoping that it would be something we could give to parents and children in the congregation to help guide them through worship. Because it is very specifically geared to a Presbyterian service, it's not that helpful for explaining our Lutheran liturgy.



5. Ruth has managed to put the "high church" language and theology into child-friendly material. We distribute these books to children to read during worship. It is thought-provoking for the child, and helpful for the parent.

No comments about Christ Plays in Ten Thousand Places: A Conversation in Spiritual Theology.