Once a year, my employer encourages everyone who works there to read business books and write reviews of them in exchange for cash (up to $200). I've been there for nine years now, and read many books in that time, but had never read one particular classic of the self-help genre. In part because The … Continue reading The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Review)
Second Edition of Political Visions and Illusions
Long-time readers of this blog (hi, Dad!) may be familiar with David T. Koyzis's book Political Visions and Illusions, which was originally published in 2003 and I reviewed here in 2012. When I first read it, it was a game-changer for me. I had read some political philosophy here and there, but lacked a coherent … Continue reading Second Edition of Political Visions and Illusions
Your Future Self Will Thank You (Review)
If you're like me, you've had the experience of deciding to do something and then actually doing the opposite. You want to go to the gym, but sit on the couch instead. You think it would be best to get a salad, but go for the burger and fries. You think you should be saving … Continue reading Your Future Self Will Thank You (Review)
The Politics of Ministry (Review)
The word "politics" often has a negative connotation. It conjures up images of manipulation, brazen self-interest, hunger for power, and outright contempt for any who might disagree or get in the way. Even if you think it's necessary in certain circumstances, if your soul has not been damaged beyond repair you can't help but regard … Continue reading The Politics of Ministry (Review)
What I Learned from Eugene Peterson
Like many people, I was saddened to hear last month of the passing of Eugene Peterson. I first became aware of him in college, when his book A Long Obedience in the Same Direction: Discipleship in an Instant Society was recommended to me by our InterVarsity staff worker. Later, when I began my studies at Regent College, it was … Continue reading What I Learned from Eugene Peterson
Naked and Unashamed (Review)
I've read a handful of Christian marriage books in the time that my wife and I have been married, and I find that generally marriage books tend to fall somewhere on a spectrum between practical and theoretical. The practical books give you a lot of specific advice on how to get along with another person, … Continue reading Naked and Unashamed (Review)
Christ and the Powers (Colossians 2:6–15)
About a month ago I preached a sermon on the concept of the principalities and powers, taking Colossians 2:6–15 as my text. When I'm given the opportunity to preach on whatever I want, I usually explore questions I have. The main question that led me to look at the principalities and powers is, "Why do … Continue reading Christ and the Powers (Colossians 2:6–15)
Strange Days (Review)
In my previous post, I reviewed Australian pastor and cultural critic Mark Sayers's book Disappearing Church. Just after finishing Disappearing Church, I read his next book, which came out in 2017: Strange Days: Life in the Spirit in a Time of Upheaval. As I read the book, I kept thinking of conspiracy theories. Not that Sayers is a … Continue reading Strange Days (Review)
Disappearing Church (Review)
I had heard the name "Mark Sayers" here and there over the past few years, but I never really paid attention until Sayers, a pastor in Melbourne, Australia, got together with Portland pastor John Mark Comer and started recording a podcast, "This Cultural Moment." In brief episodes, Sayers and Comer explain culture through the lens … Continue reading Disappearing Church (Review)
Becoming Dallas Willard (Review)
The first Dallas Willard book I read was The Divine Conspiracy, which is a great title for a book. Saying there is a "divine conspiracy" afoot makes potential readers curious, like there is something about Christianity that this book will tell you even if you grew up in church. I was curious enough to pluck it off the … Continue reading Becoming Dallas Willard (Review)
Elliot Ritzema 