Podcast #038 - Reviews, Recos, and a Rant

"Reviews, Recos, and a Rant"

Alan and Em discuss some pop culture items they've consumed recently ... TV shows, movies, books, music and more!

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Link: Purchase "daydreamer," by Formerly Bodies
Link: The Book of Ruth graphic novel
Link: Coyote Kid on YouTube
Link: St. Kateri Conservation Center

We would love to hear from you about this topic, the podcast episode, or the podcast in general. Send e-mail feedback to dorknesstolight@gmail.com 

You can follow the network on twitter @DorknessToLight or Alan @ProfessorAlan

Podcast #031 - Surprisingly Good Christian Pop Culture

"Surprisingly Good Things From Christian Pop Culture"

Alan and Em talk about some of the surprisingly good products that have come out from Evangelical pop culture over the years. They talk about some of the music, books, and other items that they enjoyed long ago and still think (mostly) hold up.

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You may also subscribe to the podcast through Apple Podcasts or the RSS Feed.

Link: The book Leaper, by Geoffrey Wood
Link: The Million Dollar Mysteries, by Mindy Starns Clark
Link: Author Gilbert Morris' Daystar Voyages
Link: Author Stephen R. Lawhead
Link: The Book "Selling Satan"
Link: Radio U
Link: The band Iona
Link: Super House / Flying House
Link: Jars of Clay 
Link: Switchfoot's The Beautiful Letdown 



We would love to hear from you about this topic, the podcast episode, or monsters in general. Send e-mail feedback to dorknesstolight@gmail.com 

You can follow the network on twitter @DorknessToLight or Alan @ProfessorAlan

"The Art of Gentle Protest"

As discussed on our most recent podcast episode (#18), the Nomad Podcast recently hosted author and activist Sarah Corbett on their show. On Nomad episode 174, the podcast discussed her work as a craftivist and her belief that "gentle protest" has the greatest potential to bring about important social change.

Her book, How to be a Craftivist: The Art of Gentle Protest, can be purchased here.

A Guaranteed Best-Seller

The best sarcasm works because it could be true. 

Thomas Nelson Announces ‘The Purpose Driven Jesus Calling Adult Coloring Book Featuring Tim Tebow’ By Joel Osteen

Book Review of "Wounds That Heal"

Wounds That Heal, by Stephen Seamands. Paperback.

Stephen Seamands, a professor of Christian doctrine at Asbury College, has produced a very readable and insightful study of the healing work of the Cross. His point is that in a world of wounded people, we have hope. Through the ministry of Jesus, God enters our painful situations to bring healing and redemption.

The book does a good job balancing biblical analysis and pastoral care. The book is filled with real-life stories of people finding healing and redemption amidst their painful experiences. Seamands also includes a range of quotes and examples from people from a range of Christian experiences.

The book is valuable for personal or group use. Each of the 10 chapters ends with a half-dozen or so questions for reflection. Along with the wealth of personal stories included in the text, these questions make sure that the book is as practical as it is theological.

The book starts with a discussion of hurt, rejection and shame. He then moves to a discussion of freedom, liberation, and healing. The overarching theme is that at the Cross, Jesus felt all of the emotions of humanity, including shame, abandonment, and rejection. And through His work, all people have the opportunity to receive the benefits of His love and acceptance.

Source: My wife purchased this book, most likely from the bookstore at this church. 

This review originally appeared at Alan's Eyes & Ears. 

Book Review of "The Case for the Psalms"

Book #35. The Case for the Psalms, by N.T. Wright. Unabridged audio.

Most of N.T. Wright’s long bibliography is made up mostly of academic and semi-academic works, focusing on life in first-century Israel. He has made great strides in explaining the world that Jesus and Paul came from.

But in this small book, Wright is more reflective. He turns his attention to the Psalms, the Hebrew book of prayer and worship, the great hymnbook of the Bible. He calls for modern Christians, whether they worship in a liturgical manner or not, to include regular reading of the Psalms in their daily lives. He takes a broad swipe at modern worship music, calling musical leaders in church to write more songs that incorporate or reflect content from Psalms.

The subtitle of the book is “Why They Are Essential.” In answering that question, Wright talks about his own devotional practices, giving many examples of how Psalms have been meaningful in his life. This is perhaps the most time that Wright has spent in any of his books talking about himself and his life.

The walks through the Psalms, section by section. This structure enables Wright to bring his academic expertise to the material. He provides historical, literary, and spiritual contexts for reading these hymns, but is able to do that in a highly readable manner.

Source: HOOPLA Digital.

This review originally appeared at: Alan's Eyes and Ears.

Book Review of "Strength For The Journey"

Strength for the Journey, by Diana Butler Bass. Hardcover.
 

Diane Butler Bass is an author, retreat leader, and seminary professor. In this book, she combines her personal church history with sociological and theological insights to present this look at the present state and future of mainline churches in the United States.

Bass’ main point is that although mainline churches have spent the last few decades losing members (hemorrhaging, some may say), that there is in fact renewal taking place in those denominations. Her focus is on the Episcopal Church, of which she has been a member since her twenties, but she believes that what she sees there applies to other mainline American churches.

Bass talks about her post-college drift away from Evangelicalism, and being drawn towards the Episcopal Church. She spent a few decades moving from city to city for career and family purposes, giving her experience at a number of different congregations. She was able to experience shrinking and growing congregations, older and younger congregations, and stable and changing congregations. All of this experience is woven skillfully into the work.

Her conclusions are interesting, and counter-cultural. I am not convinced that she will eventually be proven right, and that mainline churches will recover a leadership position in society, but her arguments are interesting. Bass has an academic background, but the personal aspects of the narrative help keep the book easily readable. She saves the most traditionally academic analysis until the last few chapters.

Source: public library. I sought out a book by this author after hearing her interviewed (in relation to a different book) on the Nomad Podcast. 

This review originally appeared at: Alan's Eyes and Ears.