44! I can see the light

So a few years ago I was reading the book Systematic Theology by Wayne Grudem. At the time it seemed like 1300 pages of what could only be classified as theological shock therapy. Looking back on the book, it was neither that overwhelming of a read, nor really that arduous a task, but I'm a little older now and definitely a better reader, so that is to be expected. Anyway, I have asked the guys in my community group to read this book and since I try to not ask people to read books I haven't read myself, you shall now get a blog post describing the book. Grudem took the 1300ish pages of Systematic Theology and "condensed" it down to just under 600 pages for the book Bible Doctrine which was then parsed down to around 150 pages and presented as this book Christian Beliefs.
I really appreciate what Grudem has done in this book, having read the monster version I was actually surprised to find that a couple of the things presented actually seemed clearer in their abridged form. I have very few complaints with the book, I felt the tone and writing style was very accessible and easy to enter into. I did, however, wish that Grudem had chosen to discuss the ordinances of the Church as well as getting into exactly how the Bible was canonized, but I realize he was limited to 20 topics. I would highly recommend this book to anyone hoping to get in on the ground floor of reformed theology, or for anyone wanting to brush up on their knowledge of the essentials.

43

Book # 4 in the Percy Jackson series is completed!

T minus 8

I feel that I need to say this on the record - I am still reading mature adult writing. I just got wrapped up in this story and want to finish it. Like I said last time, I will give a huge write-up on the Percy Jackson series once I am done. But just in case anyone doesn't believe me I am also currently reading God's Passion for His Glory, it is definitely higher level reading. I haven't abandoned scholastic pursuits, but sometimes you have to finish an adventure!

41 - I'm hooked...

and I don't usually get sucked into storylines so easily. I have already started the third book, and I am going to catch Brad soon. At least I waited until all the books were released, this way I don't have to wait 9 months for the next installment to come out. Anyway, my previous review stands, I think I'll give a big doozy of a review after all the books are read. Okay well I have a mountain to conquer so I am outta here.

WARNING: This book, and the subsequent books in this series exist in a modern world not only occupied by "God" but by "gods" as well. If you may find this offensive, then you should skip this series.

That being said I loved this book. I was skeptical to start a series of children's books but my friend Brad gave this one the Butler seal of approval so I figured I'd drink the Kool-Aid. I was pleasantly surprised. I have always nerded out on Mythology, with the full understanding that it was just that, Mythology. I spent a few years as secretary of the Latin Club in high school, which essentially requires some mythological studies. So as I dived into the first few chapters, I was hooked. I am ready to get on to the next book, but I have some other reading to do, but if I'm honest I'll probably put that off and keep going on these. They really are compelling, it is good writing, good conflict, likable characters, people you hate, and superpowers. I need no more. It won't increase the surface area of your gray matter, but it will make you enjoy reading. That's enough for me.

Ambos Nogales

So I have little to no affection left for border towns, but my dad really loves the places. I don't know what it is about them, but he really wants to go to Nogales every time he visits, so I oblige. After our last visit a few weeks ago I decided that there was at least a minimal amount of study I needed to put into our nearest border-town-neighbors. So I started to read Ambos Nogales. This book is a Photo-journalistic view at both Nogales but has a remarkably deep level of story as well. I think my appreciation for the town on each side of the border has grown as a result. The problem with border towns, in my mind, is that you don't really get to know anyone. The population is transitory, most people don't originate from the area, and the dollar is driving daily life. Come to think of it, that isn't much different from the city I live in. I suppose the transitory nature of life here is a part of being situated on an international border, it is even a part I embrace. I love the idea of cultures living side by side, and co-mingling. I can appreciated acculturation in some contexts but I can also understand a fierce loyalty to ones "mother culture." I suppose in some circles this makes me un-American, but I also suppose it doesn't make me un-Jesus-like, and that's more what I'm shooting for. All of this to say, I realized in the last few weeks that the things I don't love about border towns are the things that have been imposed upon those towns by bureaucracy, crime, and international political posturing and preening. So, long story short, border towns are OK in my books, after all, if there wasn't a made up border there, they'd just be towns. I'm OK with towns.

Pursuit of Holiness

I should have read this a long time ago, for many many reasons. I have now. I found this book encouraging, and in consideration of my pursuit of reading 50 books, a wjole lot convicting. Why is it that I can be dedicated to reading 50 books, most of which are ultimately meaningless, but a pursuit of the life I am created, and desire to live is really tough to pull off. Anyway, this book bridges practical information and encouraging reminders very well, it has the right amount of conviction but enough encouraging to keep you going. If you haven't yet, go ahead and give it a read through.