Reviews: Rants & Raves by a Christian Parent

Book Review: “The Scroll” by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky

reviewsbyrrr — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 07:01:58 +0000

Dr. David Chambers, famous and former biblical archaeologist, loses the faith that he used to be able to prove with his digs. He now finds himself leading an archaeological dig that may prove the Bible’s accuracy and a secret that my change history.

I enjoyed the Indiana Jones-type plot of the story. There was a good amount of action, dialogue, information (whether real or fiction), humor, and even the “former flame.” I felt like I was right with the archaeologists discovering pieces of lost history. I believed the authors handled the Jewish and Muslim cultures well. I don’t know a lot about the Jewish and Muslim cultures and traditions, but the authors didn’t seem to stereotype descriptions. I especially enjoyed the bit of suspicion and suspense in the story. I enjoy a story that can keep me second-guessing.

The pacing of the story was fine until the story neared the end. Everything seemed to happen quickly, as if, the authors were trying to fit the story within the confines of the book. The climax seemed, well, anti-climactic. There was a lot of action and excitement one moment, and then the next moment, everything is fine. I guess I was just expecting more drama. Also, the relationship background between David and Amber was vague. The book mentions what happened to them, but it never really discusses their relationship. I felt like I was reading an installment of a series instead of a single novel, where the book hints at what happened, but doesn’t fully disclose details.

Overall, the book was enjoyable and “visual.” I could see this book as a movie. “The Scroll” by Grant R. Jeffrey and Alton L. Gansky is descriptive without being dull. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Theology: n/a
Family-friendliness: 4/5 (There’s some violence throughout the story, but I believe this book would be appropriate for a teenager)
Overall: 3/5

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Book Review: “Inside Threat” by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn

reviewsbyrrr — Sun, 02 Oct 2011 05:16:00 +0000

Riley Covington has returned to football. However, his actions on the field cause him to contemplate the Lord’s will for his life. In the meantime, terrorist attacks are happening throughout the US as an attempt to distract from a large-scale attack at the National Cathedral where members of Congress are at attendance for a state funeral. “Inside Threat” by Jason Elam and Steve Yohn delivers a suspenseful and action-packed page-turner.
I enjoyed the characters the most. They act and speak like regular humans. When characters dialogue, it could easily be dictation from real life conversation. However, sometimes, the dialogue gets a little too real. There are a lot of interrupted sentences or sentences left hanging leaving the imagination to fill the blank in. More often than not, the mind of the reader fills the blank with an inappropriate word. I also think that some Christians may not appreciate the use of words, such as “crap,” “screw,” or “piss.” I personally don’t mind the language in the book so much, but there is an incident where Riley says “crap” while he’s praying. I believe that when you’re praying to God, you should be yourself but you need to also approach God humbly and reverently.
The terrorist attack at the National Cathedral was handled realistically. The authors did a good job of authentically describing something that could happen in real life. I don’t believe it was stereotypical. Although the attack was the most exciting and suspenseful part of the book, it was graphic and horrifying . Unfortunately, fiction cannot begin to describe the atrocities done by terrorist groups, but it was still difficult to read. Somehow I wish I could skip over some parts.
I’ve never read any of the other Riley Covington thrillers, but the authors effectively got the reader “up to speed” with the characters. I also liked the way the authors handled the tension between Christianity and Islam. One thing about Riley Covington’s character that seems unrealistic is that he’s a linebacker who also worked in a counter-terrorism special ops group (which I just can’t see happening in real life).
I was disappointed with the presentation of the Gospel in the book. The Gospel was presented as a way to get to Heaven and have eternal life instead of the only way to have one’s sins forgiven.
Because of the graphic violence in the book (which I don’t believe was sensationalized), I cannot recommend this book to non-adults. However, if you’re an adult and don’t mind reading through some graphic violence, there’s a bit of something for everyone: suspense, action, romance, drama.
Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest opinion.

Family-friendliness: 1/5
Theology: 3/5
Overall: 3/5

Could You Change Your Mind about Abortion in Seconds?

reviewsbyrrr — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 20:58:19 +0000

Are you pro-life? Pro-choice? The “180 Movie” challenges people on their stance on the controversial subject of abortion. Why do you believe what you believe about abortion? Abortion is not as subjective as one might think. Watch this shocking and thought-provoking documentary.
Warning: Parents, there are some graphic images in this film. Please use your discretion.

Book Review: “The Seraph Seal” by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner

reviewsbyrrr — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 04:30:24 +0000

“The Seraph Seal” by Leonard Sweet and Lori Wagner is an intriguing story of Paul Binder as he solves some ancient mysteries about the apocalypse.

Pros: “The Seraph Seal” is brilliantly and creatively written. The characters have depth, and the story is complex. The futuristic technology seemed believable for the year 2048. I’ve read other apocalyptic fiction, and there was a corniness about them, but I didn’t think so with “The Seraph Seal.” The authors wrote at a high level and seemed to have a knowledge of different cultures. I don’t know how authentic (or fictionalized) some of the documents (such as the Diatessaron or the poems of St. Catherine) were, but I enjoyed the use of such elements throughout the book. The use of history and art make the reader believe these events could actually happen. In the back of the book, the authors have included “The Journals and Notes of Paul Binder” and an “Alphabet of the Apocalypse: Reading the Signs of the Times,” which I found informative and interesting.

Cons: The book seemed too ecumenical with the use of traditions from Christianity, Kabbalah, and even Mayan prophecy. For this reason, the book didn’t seem overtly Christian (even though it’s touted as a “Christian” book). To me, the storyline seemed to say, “It doesn’t matter if you believe in the one true God, because all these other religions predict the same things.” Even when Paul is “converted,” he wasn’t repentant. He just started to believe in God, or more like he had a faith in something. Another thing I disliked were the number of characters. The storyline can be confusing because of the different primary and secondary characters in the books. There were many times when I had to remind myself who was who in the book. As the story was ending, it seemed to be rushed, abrupt, and took somewhat of a sci-fi tone. There seemed to be a lot of unanswered questions.

Overall, I enjoyed reading “The Seraph Seal.” I like fiction that makes the reader think. For me, “The Seraph Seal” had potential, but I just can’t get past the negative aspects of the book.
BookSneeze has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest opinion.

Family-friendliness: 2/5 Although it’s not graphic, there’s a lot of violence throughout the book.
Theology: 2/5
Overall: 3/5

Book Review: “PrayerWalk” by Janet Holm McHenry

reviewsbyrrr — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 03:59:03 +0000

I never heard of prayerwalking until I started going to a church about 4 years ago. While I was in a meeting to get more information for a mission trip, somebody had mentioned prayerwalking. It sounded interesting to me, and I somewhat got an idea in my head of what prayerwalking was. It wasn’t until I saw “PrayerWalk” by Janet Holm McHenry that I decided to get more information about prayerwalking.
McHenry had a down-to-earth approach, and she was thorough and informative regarding both the physical and spiritual aspects of prayerwalking. Her book includes a 30-day prayerwalk challenge, guide to organizing a community prayerwalk, and Bible study guide. She recounts how and why she started prayerwalking and discusses the blessings and changes that happened due to her prayerwalking.
Like the author, I wanted to start prayerwalking because I wanted to be more physically active and work more diligently in having a better prayer life. I think prayerwalking is a perfect melding of the two. However, I feel somewhat uncomfortable saying I want use prayerwalking to help me become physically fit (even though that would definitely be a by-product of prayerwalking). The focus isn’t supposed to be on me, but on glorifying the Lord. McHenry doesn’t seem to focus on the physical so much, but there are times when she says something that doesn’t strike me right, such as referring to Jesus as our “Personal Trainer.”
Overall, “PrayerWalk” was encouraging and motivating to read. I recommend this book to anyone who not only wants to be physically fit, but also to those who want to strengthen their spiritual walk and change the lives around them.
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

Family-friendliness: 5/5
Theology: 4/5
Overall: 5/5

Read an excerpt from “PrayerWalk.”

Book Review: “The Lightlings” by R.C. Sproul

reviewsbyrrr — Mon, 13 Jun 2011 04:03:51 +0000

I read “The Lightlings” by R.C. Sproul to my 2 and 4 year olds, and they just loved it! “The Lightlings” is a short allegory of God’s redemption of humanity. Dr. Sproul does a wonderful job telling this story in a beautiful and memorable way.
I agree with the theology of the book, but there are some things I really didn’t like. Although Justin Gerard does an excellent job with his beautiful illustrations throughout the book, the Lightlings look like fairies. I know it’s an allegory, but children might get mixed messages about what is fantasy and what is truth. The Bible is constantly being under attacked and touted as a fairy tale, and the fairy-like Lightlings to portray humans doesn’t help. Dr. Sproul also didn’t say the actual name of “Jesus” in the book. He uses “Son of the King of Light,” “Light of the World,” etc. instead. Now, as a Christian, I know of whom Dr. Sproul is speaking. But what if the person reading was a universalist or something else? Well, the “Son of the King of Light” can be anybody to them. My children understood who the “Son of the King of Light” was, but it’s because my husband and I try to be diligent about teaching them Biblical truth. Some children may not be blessed with parents who can discern these important truths.
The discussions questions at the end of the book are a good way for parents to teach (and even learn themselves) Biblical truths to their children. I appreciate that Dr. Sproul answered the questions with Scripture.
Despite the negatives, “The Lightlings” is a good way to introduce children to the story of God’s redemption. This book would especially make a good Christmas present.
I will be receiving this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Theology: 5/5
Family-friendliness: 5/5
Overall: 4/5

Book Review: “The Priest with Dirty Clothes” by R.C. Sproul

reviewsbyrrr — Sat, 11 Jun 2011 05:31:09 +0000

The definition of “impute:” 1) to attribute bad action to somebody, 2) to attribute bad quality to somebody, 3) in law, to charge somebody responsible for another’s crime, 4) extend quality to somebody else (to regard a quality such as righteousness that applies to somebody as also applying to another person associated with him or her)
Before I read “The Priest with Dirty Clothes” by R.C. Sproul, I wasn’t sure of the meaning of “impute.” Yes, I knew the concept of imputation, but it was a word I heard only recently even though I’ve been in church almost all my life. The above definition of “impute” from the Encarta World English Dictionary describes exactly what Christ does when He saves a sinner.
The theological concept of imputation is clearly, simply, yet eloquently illustrated in the allegory of “The Priest with Dirty Clothes.” Through this story, Dr. Sproul makes it easy for young children to understand and remember this important concept.
This book contains beautifully rendered artwork by Justin Gerard, scripture, and questions that parents can ask their children regarding the biblical truths portrayed in the story.
“The Priest with Dirty Clothes” may be advanced for younger children (I have a 2 year old who couldn’t sit still long enough to reach the end), but my 4 year old enjoyed listening to the story and looking at the pictures. This book was meant to illustrate the concept of “imputation” to children, but it’s also a great way for adults to learn and remember!
I will be receiving this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Family-friendliness: 5/5
Theology: 5/5
Overall: 5/5

Book Review: “Daddy Dates” by Greg Wright

reviewsbyrrr — Fri, 13 May 2011 16:24:45 +0000

As a mother of three girls I decided to read Greg Wright’s “Daddy Dates” in hopes of giving it to my husband as a gift for Father’s Day. I’ve seen firsthand what an absent father (both physically and emotionally) can do to a girl. I worked at a group home where 100% of the girls that were there didn’t have a father involved in their lives, so I wholeheartedly agree that a father should be totally involved in their daughter’s life.
Although “Daddy Dates” was written with men in mind, I enjoyed reading it. It was down-to-earth, funny, and heartwarming. I think men will appreciate it because it comes from a father’s point of view and it’s simple and straightforward. Even though the book was about the father-daughter relationship, I appreciated Wright’s chapter on dating Mommy too.
Wright uses the same dating techniques he used when dating in high school. I know it may sound weird when it comes to dating your daughter, but that’s exactly what a father needs to do except have, what he called, “a completely different purpose, of course: one pure of heart, with a new trajectory. “
This book includes a personality quiz and Daddy Date ideas, which are very helpful.
As much as I love this book, I wish Wright touched a bit more on the spiritual side because the spiritual side should be the most important part of a Christian. Also, I believe some strains of Christians might be offended with his handfuls of “hecks,” “dangs,” and various pop culture references. Overall, I believe this is a must-have in any father’s bookcase.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

Family-friendly: 5/5
Theology: n/a
Overall: 5/5

Book Review: “Story Engineering” by Larry Brooks

reviewsbyrrr — Tue, 10 May 2011 05:20:58 +0000

“Story Engineering” by Larry Brooks is an informative book about the Six Core Competencies of writing: concept, character, theme, story structure, scene construction, and writing voice. Brooks explains how a story must have all these elements to be successful.
I enjoy writing. I’ve even tried my hand on writing stories a long time ago, but it just never seemed to move forward. After reading “Story Engineering,” I see now that I was missing some essential elements. I wrote whatever came to mind (Brooks called it “pantsing”) without any kind of development. This book has sparked an interest in story writing again.
I appreciate how detailed Brooks wrote about each competency. He discussed every aspect in a clear, thorough, yet simple matter. His touch of humor helped too.
I believe the introduction and Part One were a little lengthy and a bit repetitive. I can understand why he wrote he wrote what he did, but I just wanted to get into the six core competencies already!
This book would be an asset to both amateur and professional writers. I especially think this would be excellent for creative writing students, English and journalism majors, etc.
BookSneeze has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for my honest opinion.

Family-friendliness: n/a
Theology: n/a
Overall: 4/5

Audiobook Review: “Outlive Your Life” by Max Lucado

reviewsbyrrr — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 03:58:15 +0000

“The sign of the saved is their concern for those in need. Compassion doesn’t save them or us. Salvation is the work of Christ. Compassion is the consequence of salvation.” I totally agree with this statement by Max Lucado, author of “Outlive Your Life.”
Lucado encourages the Christian to make a difference in other people’s lives. There were many aspects about the book I agreed with, but it seemed like social gospel to me. I’m all about charity, humanitarian projects, etc., but Christians are called to spread the Gospel. And yes, there does need to be a balance. I think many Christians are all about meeting a person’s spiritual needs by sharing the Gospel, but forget to meet their physical needs. And vice versa. Both are harmful. What good is it for a person to be physically comfortable when their soul is going to Hell? I think there could’ve been more emphasis on evangelizing. After all, a person’s greatest need is forgiveness of their sin.
I enjoyed his retelling of biblical accounts, especially that of Ananias and Sapphira. I like Lucado’s mix of humor, personal accounts, and biblical accounts.
The narrator, Dan Butler, had a soothing and pleasant voice, but he was a little bit too slow for me. Even when listening to the audiobook sped up, it was as if he were narrating at a normal pace.
I’ve heard a lot about Max Lucado, but I personally haven’t read any of his books. After listening to “Outlive Your Life,” I can see why he is a popular among Christian circles.
Overall, I was encouraged and reminded about what it means to be a Christian.
Max Lucado’s “Outlive Your Life” may be purchased from christianaudio.com. This review was written as part of the christianaudio Reviewers Program.

Family-friendliness: 4/5
Theology: 3/5
Overall: 3/5