Remaking the World, by Andrew Wilson
4.5/5 stars
Exceptionally written, compelling premise that this generation (not the American Revolution necessarily) had a global impact on the shaping of the West. Easy read. Engaging. Enjoyable and stimulating.
Dune, by Frank Herbert
4/5 stars
Beat expectations by a long shot. Compelling story. Occasionally, Herbert becomes a bit self-important/self-aggrandizing in his writing. Plot is a bit aggressive in terms of timeline to achieve the outcome (made much, much worse in the film). Global revolution and widespread fanatical jihad take more than two years to produce. But, the overall story lets you ignore that. Very enjoyable.
(pictured Children of Dune instead...) Dune: Messiah, by Frank Herbert
2.5/5 stars
Disappointing after the first volume. The problems of the first are accelerated in the second. This becomes slow moving, angsty drama without the payoff.
Understanding and Applying the Bible, by Robertson McQuilken
3.75/5 stars
A very good textbook outlining how to address the Bible in its context and genre. It lays a solid footing for a reader to engage with and interpret Scripture. This version could have benefited from some additional editing. Formatting, spelling, and other errors were distracting from otherwise good content.
Journey into God's Word, by Duvall and Hays
2.75/5 stars
A primer in Bible interpretation. It was a bit casual and familiar for my preferences. The content was very solid. A great option for the lay reader.
How the Read the Bible as Literature, by Leland Ryken
3.75/5 stars
A solid, no-nonsense introduction to Biblical genre and its impact on interpretation. It was a bit dry for a casual read. But the content was exceptional. Ryken’s take on parables could be considered controversial, but is a helpful balance against an overly strict single-meaning position.
Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof
4.25/5 stars
Excellent, clear, concise summary of Christology. Early and late heresies, as well as a well put statement of orthodoxy.
The Person of Christ, by Donald MacLeod
2.5/5 stars
Thick at points, simple in others. More of work of polemics against modern reductionism and revisionism than a full statement of orthodoxy. He muddies some comments re: distinctions between the persons. Some of his comments re: the heretics are interestingly sympathetic as he criticizes more the people who were labeled by the heresy rather than the man who initiated it.
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