Category: Book Recommendations

Huge Sale on Important New Book: “What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality?” by Kevin DeYoung

~ Bob Hayton

What Does the Bible Really Teach about Homosexuality? by Kevin DeYoungThere ia a new book on the difficult contrvoersial subject of the Bible and homosexuality which is making a lot of buzz. Kevin DeYoung’s book has garnered a host of endorsements.

Right now, Westminster Bookstore has a great sale on this book. You can learn more about the book at Crossway (where you can also check out a couple video clips from the conference where this book was birthed). Or you can check out the resources collected at Westminster Bookstore for this title.

The sale has individual copies of the book for $9, but the price for cases brings it down as low as $6 each (more than 50% off). Ebooks are also $6. to get the discount click here.

I’m going to reproduce the book blurbs for this title below and encourage you to consider picking up a copy at this great price.

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Disclaimer: This book was provided by Crossway Books via Westminster Bookstore. I was under no obligation to offer a favorable review.

The Rise of Young-Earth Creationism

~ Bob Hayton ~ 8 Comments

40 Questions about Creation and Evolution by Kenneth D. Keathley and Mark F. RookerToday among conservative evangelicals there is a concerted effort to defend the “biblical” position that the earth is young. Growing up in fundamentalist Baptist circles, I like many others, simply assumed this was the Bible’s clear teaching. I also assumed that this was the historic position of the church.

There are plenty of good arguments for young earth creationism (YEC) as it is known today. These arguments have persuaded a majority of evangelicals that this is the Bible’s teaching and the position to stand for.

But has support for a young-earth position always been this widespread? Judging from the last 200 years, the answer appears to be a decided no. Today, that support is weakening and authors Kenneth D. Keathley and Mark F. Rooker have recently given us a book to help evangelical Christians sort through this question and the wider creation-evolution controversy. In their book, 40 Questions about Creation and Evolution,  Keathley and Rooker point out that the young earth position took center stage only in the last 50 years.

Before I provide an excerpt with their comments, I do want to speak briefly about this helpful book. I appreciate the openness each author has in carefully laying out the evidence (good and bad) for the various positions that evangelicals hold. One of the authors favors young earth creationism, and another leans toward the old earth view. But both take pains to speak charitably of the other positions and honestly about the difficulties of his own view. Their irenic candor and careful grappling with the major positions, is what makes this book such a joy to read. A full review of this book will come later, but for now, I wanted to offer this excerpt for your reading and possible discussion.

Here is an excerpt related to the origins of today’s young-earth creationism. I should note that unlike some other works which point out the history behind the YEC position, this book does not malign that view and in pointing out the history it does, is not using the “guilt by association” tactic either.

The Rise of Young-Earth Creationism

As we noted earlier, most Christians, including evangelicals, accepted the view that the universe was millions and perhaps billions of years old. [My comment: he is speaking of Christians in the 18th and 19th Centuries.] This is true up through the first half of the twentieth century. R.A. Torrey (1856-1928), who helped to found both Moody Bible Institute and Biola University and who edited a series of books called The Fundamentals (from which we get the term “fundamentalist”), held to the gap theory. Even William Jennings Bryan, of the Scopes Monkey Trials fame, held to a day-age interpretation of Genesis 1.

Two of the most ardent anti-evolutionists of the twentieth century were W.B. Riley (1861-1947) and Harry Rimmer (1890-1952). Riley, editor of The Christian Fundamentalist and president of the Anti-Evolution League of America, held to the day-age position. Riley insisted that there was not “an intelligent fundamentalist who claims that the earth was made six thousand years ago: and the Bible never taught any such thing.” Rimmer, a self-educated layman and apologist known for his debating skills, held to the gap theory. In a celebrated series of debates, the two men argued for their respective positions with Rimmer generally considered to have been the victor.

Until 1960, the view that the proper interpretation of Genesis requires that the earth be less than 10,000 years old was advocated almost exclusively by George McCready Price, an apologist for Seventh-Day Adventists. Seventh-Day Adventists believe that the writings of their denomination’s founder, Ellen G. White, are divinely inspired and are to be treated as Scripture. White claimed she received a vision in which God carried her back to the original week of creation. There, she said, God showed her that the original week was seven days like any other week. Price worked tirelessly to defend White’s position as the only view that did not compromise biblical authority.

In 1961, John Whitcomb (1924-) and Henry Morris (1918-2006) published The Genesis Flood, which has sold over 300,000 copies and launched the modern creationist movement. Whitcomb and Morris argued that Ussher’s approach to determining the age of the universe was generally sound and that he universe must be less than 10,000 years old. Combining flood geology with the mature creation hypothesis, The Genesis Flood presented a compelling case for young-earth creationism. It would be difficult to exaggerate this book’s impact in shaping evangelical attitudes toward the question of the age of the earth. In many circles, adherence to a young earth is a point of orthodoxy. (p. 187-188)

When I first learned this, I was amazed. It freed me to rethink the matter from a new light. If good Christian leaders like R.A. Torrey, B.B. Warfield and the like could uphold direct creationism yet allow for an old earth, perhaps the matter is not such a do-or-die point. This doesn’t speak to the acceptance of evolution or a rejection of a historical Adam. The book’s authors do draw some clear lines in the sand, but when it comes to the age of the universe, that is a matter on which they agree to charitably disagree. May more of us follow this approach to the controversy. The age of the earth need not be a slippery slope, and good Christians are found on both sides of this debate.

UPDATE: Read my review of this book here.

Check out the book’s detail page at Kregel.com, where you can find an excerpt. Or pick up a copy at any of the following retailers:

• Christianbook.com
• Amazon.com
• Direct from Kregel

Disclaimer: This book was provided by Kregel Academic for review. The reviewer was under no obligation to offer a positive review.

Free Download: “Everyone’s A Theologian” by R.C. Sproul

~ Bob Hayton

Free Download from Christian AudioRecently, I finished listening to the ChristianAudio version of R.C. Sproul’s helpful introduction to systematic theology. Everyone’s A Theologian is practical and accessible. Sproul explains technical concepts in a simple-to-understand way that has been the hallmark of his influential ministry. The audio version of the book was almost like listening in on a lecture series by Sproul. The book really is better heard than read. The only drawback to this version is that it is not Sproul’s voice which reads the book.

This month, you can get this book for free from ChristianAudio.com. In addition, there is a marked discount on other titles by Sproul. Of the titles discounted, The Holiness of God is a true classic. One is a book on Islam by Sproul and a converted Arab scholar. Another is an introduction to Reformed Theology. Each of those titles and more are available for download at only $4.98 a piece.

Click here to go to the free monthly download page, where you can download Everyone’s A Theologian for free. Click here to explore all the R.C. Sproul titles available at a deep discount. You should hurry since the discount only lasts through the end of February.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of Everyone’s A Theologian from ChristianAudio.com for review. My review will post later this month. I am under no obligation to offer a positive review.

Bob’s Best Books of 2014

~ Bob Hayton ~ 1 Comment

Another year has passed and that means it is time to post my “Bob’s best books” list! This will be my sixth annual post of listing the top books I read or reviewed in the past year.

The following titles represent the very best of the books I read or reviewed in 2014. If you are looking for some books worth reading this year, I hope you’ll give these titles some serious consideration.

Bob’s 10 Best:

God Dwells Among Us by G.K. Beale and Mitchell KimBest “Theology” book — God Dwells Among Us: Expanding Eden to the Ends of the Earth by G.K. Beale and Mitchell Kim (IVP).  This was the book I was most eager to read. G.K. Beale’s larger work, The Temple and the Church’s Mission (IVP) is perhaps the best biblical theology title ever written. It certainly is a paradigm-shifting, transformative work that unpacks the significance of the temple theme from Genesis all the way to Revelation. The one draw-back of that title is its headiness. It is scholarly to the extreme and requires a firm mind and lots of effort to wade through the work and unearth its many treasures. Mitchell Kim has done us all a favor in taking Beale’s excellent work and bringing it down to the bottom shelf where everyone can enjoy it. With Beale as co-author, the work is not only simplified and clarified, it is also updated. The result is the best takeaway that biblical theology can offer – a pastoral application of the temple theme for Christians here and now. This is now my go-to book to recommend and encourage anyone interested in biblical theology to read. It is accessible and truly life-changing. I hope this book receives as eager a reception as its predecessor did, and I trust it may make an even more lasting impact. Read my full review for more on this book.

Judges for You by Tim KellerBest “Commentary & Reference” book — Judges for You by Tim Keller (The Good Book Company).  Any book by Tim Keller is worth reading. This commentary is no exception. He has a gift for knowing where people struggle with something, and where it is that careful explanation will especially help. Judges is a book that is easily “out-of-touch” for modern Christians. And more, it provides some jarring contrasts with our modern sensibilities and the acts of genocide that are found there. Keller masterfully handles all this while emphasizing the Gospel message found in Judges. He applies the text and explains it, and provides helpful discussion and study questions. The book would be great for a small group study. Read my full review for more on this great commentary.

The Pastor's Kid by Barnabus Piper Best “General Christian Interest” book — The Pastor’s Kid by Barnabus Piper (David C. Cook /ChristianAudio).  I was interested in this book for two reasons. First, I, myself, and a pastor’s kid. My dad was an assistant pastor, a pastor, then an assistant pastor again, and finally a missionary. Don’t know what kind of acronym that gives me! Second, I was a member at John Piper’s church for a few years, and Barnabus is one of his sons. The book did not disappoint. Piper had helpful advice for both the PK trying to recover from his experience, and the pastor in the midst of rearing a PK. Piper interviewed several pastors kids for his book, and is honest about the fact that some have jettisoned the faith altogether. Piper has not, but he opens up about the struggles unique to a pastor’s kid. What I found most helpful was his grace-centered thoughts on the dangers of legalism. My review of this title will be forthcoming.

The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield Honorable Mention — The Secret Thoughts of an Unlikely Convert by Rosaria Champagne Butterfield (Crown and Covenant / ChristianAudio).  I had heard a lot about this book, and was eager to listen to the author read her own story on the ChristianAudio production of this work. It did not disappoint. The author’s story of conversion of a lesbian chair of women’s studies at Syracuse University into an evangelical Christian who went on to marry a Reformed pastor. Personal testimonies are always encouraging but this tale has a caution as well. She challenges the church to be more loving and welcoming to homosexuals, and to recognize where we needlessly offend.  Read my review for more on this fascinating book.

Isaiah by the Day by Alec Motyer Best “Christian Living” book — Isaiah by the Day by Alec Motyer (Christian Focus).  I may be stretching this category a bit, but this devotional from Alec Motyer is perfect for anyone. The book includes helpful devotional readings from the book of Isaiah. The text is a fresh translation by the author, complete with textual footnotes that help clarify the meaning of the original Hebrew. Each reading is situated within the scope and flow of the book as a whole, and it is this outline and care for context that I found so helpful. With such a large book as Isaiah, it is easy to get lost, as it were. Motyer has lived and breathed Isaiah for a good portion of his teaching ministry. And this is no stale study, the devotional comments that conclude each reading apply the text to our contemporary situation. Over and again I was blessed, first by Isaiah and then by the insights Motyer pulled from the text. Don’t look for a critical breaking-apart of this magisterial book, Motyer’s portrayal illustrates why we can view the entire book as written by a single Isaiah. In all, this scholarly book would make for a very helpful devotional for anyone. My full review will be forthcoming, but for now enjoy a sample reading in this post.

Can We Still Believe the Bible? by Craig Blomberg Best “Missions & Church Life” book — Can We Still Believe the Bible? by Craig Blomberg (Brazos Press).  I wasn’t sure what to expect from this title. The full title made me interested in it, Can We Still Believe the Bible?: An Evangelical Engagement with Contemporary Questions. Today there are certainly a lot of “contemporary questions” and no shortage of critics who malign the uniqueness and validity of Scripture. Additionally, not a few evangelical scholars are quick to throw bones to today’s critics as more and more they move further from historic biblical orthodoxy. Blomberg’s interaction with common objections to Christianity is refreshing. He writes from a clear stance of faith. And while at times he does add nuance and demur from a typical enangelical position, for the most part he brings the best of evangelical scholarship to bear on the thorniest problems, defending the canonicity of the NT, the authenticity of the biblical text, a conservative position on inerrancy and more. There will be areas where not everyone will agree with him, but the end product is incredibly helpful by almost any measure. My review is forthcoming. For more on this title, check out Michael Kruger’s helpful review.

Basil of Ceasarea by Marvin Jones Best “Church History & Biography” book — Basil of Ceasarea by Marvin Jones (Christian Focus).  I enjoy learning about church history and this book introduced me to Basil. He lived and ministered when the biblical doctrine of the trinity was under attack from all sides. Basil’s writings helped solidify the orthodox position. He also critiqued the practice of how monks kept their order in his day. Over time his views changed as he read and studied more, and in time his ministry and writings ended up impacting the church in significant ways. Chances are you don’t know much about him, and my brief summary here only scratches the surface. Pick up this title to learn more of the man, Basil, and read my review for more on this book.

Jonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr Best “Childrens & Family” book — Jonathan Edwards by Simonetta Carr (Reformation Heritage).  Almost every year I have a book by Simonetta Carr on my list. She has a gift for bringing the lives of significant figures from church history to life for children. Her Christian Biographies for Young Readers series is a beautiful set to own, thanks to the brilliant illustrations. It is also perhaps the best series for teaching children to respect and learn from church history. Jonathan Edwards is a favorite of mine, and this account of his life brings out many details that adults may be quick to overlook, such as Edwards’ careful description of the flying spider and his allowing his ten year old son to travel in the Indian territory as a junior missionary. Like other titles in this series, intriguing facts, maps, pictures and other sidebars abound in this book, all the more to help engage and educate the readers. Read my review for more on this book.

A Draw of Kings by Patrick CarrBest “Fiction” book — A Draw of Kings by Patrick Carr (Bethany House).  I enjoy well-written fiction. Clean fantasy is my favorite genre. So I was elated to find this magnificent series by Patrick Carr. This book is the thrilling conclusion of his “The Staff and The Sword” trilogy. The world created in this series includes a kingdom, a magesterial church, and a heresy which turns out to be more orthodox than it seemed. Oh, and it includes another sector of society, those gifted with the ability to cast lots. An unlikely hero and an impossible confontation come together in the culmination of this epic tale. I compare Carr with Stephen Lawhead or Terry Brooks. I was truly impressed and caught up in the tales until I finished all three. If you’re looking for a great new series to try this year, look no further than this set. Read my review for more.

The Advocate by Randy SingerHonorable Mention — The Advocate by Randy Singer (Tyndale House / ChristianAudio).  This was a very long book but a fascinating piece of historical fiction. The life of Theophilus is imagined and his 1st Century world described in a masterful way. Theophilus is an advocate, and studied under Seneca, but found himself in the service of Pontius Pilate. The book spends a lot of time developing the main character and pushing forward a romance, and at first Christianity is only a tangential concern. But as the character’s life progresses, in time he is called to put faith in Jesus Christ. The tale is much more complicated than that, there is a complicated love triangle, gladiators and conspircies, and two maniacal emperors. The tale becomes engrossing the longer it goes and by the end you are loathe to leave Theophilus behind. I was completely impressed by this story and hope to sample other works from this author.  My review is forthcoming.

All the Rest:

This year was busier than most, and I only managed to read 35 books and review 20. My total of book and media reviews is now 187 from more than 35 different publishers. You can see all my reviews listed here. If you’re interested in seeing all of the other books I read this year, you can check out that list at Goodreads.

For my previous “Bob’s Best Books” lists, see below.

Additionally, if you are an avid reader, you may want to follow my reviews or friend me on Goodreads or LibraryThing.

If R.C. Sproul, Sr. Were Marooned on an Island…

~ Bob Hayton

A fun Monday morning post. Recently I read R.C. Sproul, Sr.’s little booklet, What is Baptism? (Crucial Questions Series). The booklet is a helpful look at baptism, for people from a variety of perspectives. I found his defense of infant baptism helpful in understanding the other position, but not over the top or vitriolic. It also was not the central point of his book.

Anyway, the reason for this post is an intriguing reference Sproul made to his favorite verse – Genesis 15:17. He went on to give an answer as well to the age-old question, what book would you want with you if you were marooned on an island?

I often tell people that if I were marooned on an island and had only one book, the book I would want with me, of course, would be the Bible. If I could have only one book of the Bible, I would want to have the book of Hebrews because of the way in which it so richly summarizes all the teachings of the Old Testament and relates them to the finished work of Christ in the New Testament. But if I could have only one verse of the Bible, I would want Genesis 15:17.

[Kindle locations 151-153]

Genesis 15 is the story of Abraham’s covenant. God has promised great blessings to Abraham and his children, but Abraham wants a guarantee. He is told to cut sacrificial animals in half and wait. Then we see “a smoking fire pot and a flaming torch” pass through the pieces. This is a theophany, this is the Shekinah glory of God passing through the pieces — making the covenant unilateral. “Abraham saw a divine manifestation passing between the animal pieces and immediately understood the significance. God was enabling Abraham to know for sure that His promises would come to pass… only God passed through the pieces because He alone was making promises. He was instituting His covenant with Abraham [Kindle locations 165-166, 172].” As Hebrews says in 6:13-14, God could swear by none greater (in making his promise to Abraham), so “he swore by himself, saying, ‘Surely I will bless you and multiply you’.”

What a great thought to treasure today. God’s gospel promises to us are unilateral. God has sworn by himself, as there is none greater. He gave his own Son for our salvation. If he did that, how can he not also with him give us everything that we need — indeed all that pertains to life and godliness (Rom. 8:32 with 2 Pet. 1:3-4).

What would you want on a desert island? Gen. 15:17 would be good. Hebrews would be better. I agree with R.C. Sproul, Sr. on this one!