by
Michael Scott Rohan & Allan J. Scott
A
short book, densely packed with historical information about the Viking era,
and how Christianity came to be the primary religion of the Scandinavian
regions. This book revealed even more than I already understood, the extant to
which all northern Europeans interacted with and influenced each other, and how
the growth of Christianity in Europe was as much a political movement as it was
a religious one. It also illustrated the bravery of the first missionary monks
who sought to bring Christianity to the pagan north. More than anything this
book whet my appetite to learn more about Scandinavian history.
Sunday, August 28, 2016
The Helix War – Marseguro and Terra Insegura
by
Edward Willett
The first book (actually two novels bound in one volume) by local Regina writer Edward Willett that I have read. This sci-fi story mixes themes of genetic manipulation with religious extremism and a need for the acceptance of ‘the other’ in an entertaining manner. Fast paced yet thoughtful, based in a scientifically realistic but highly imaginative future Willett has made me a fan. There is actually a fair amount of theological wrestling in these novels, and no easy answers given, other than a God who demands hatred and killing is not a God worthy of believing in, a God of love and creation is the better God (though not as easy to use for political purposes).
The first book (actually two novels bound in one volume) by local Regina writer Edward Willett that I have read. This sci-fi story mixes themes of genetic manipulation with religious extremism and a need for the acceptance of ‘the other’ in an entertaining manner. Fast paced yet thoughtful, based in a scientifically realistic but highly imaginative future Willett has made me a fan. There is actually a fair amount of theological wrestling in these novels, and no easy answers given, other than a God who demands hatred and killing is not a God worthy of believing in, a God of love and creation is the better God (though not as easy to use for political purposes).
David and Goliath: Underdogs, Misfits, and the Art of Battling Giants
by
Malcolm Gladwell
Gladwell has a way of looking at things askew, and then making more sense of them in doing so. I enjoyed this book as much as Outliers, which I read last year. Gladwell draws on scholarly research along with biographical material to weave together an account of why sometimes circumstances which seem like a disadvantage can really be an advantage, and vice versa. His opening account of the battle between David and Goliath, and his use of scriptural quotes and stories of religious persons throughout the book reveals a renewed interest in his childhood faith. After finishing this book I believe I have a wiser and more complete way of looking at the world around us.
Gladwell has a way of looking at things askew, and then making more sense of them in doing so. I enjoyed this book as much as Outliers, which I read last year. Gladwell draws on scholarly research along with biographical material to weave together an account of why sometimes circumstances which seem like a disadvantage can really be an advantage, and vice versa. His opening account of the battle between David and Goliath, and his use of scriptural quotes and stories of religious persons throughout the book reveals a renewed interest in his childhood faith. After finishing this book I believe I have a wiser and more complete way of looking at the world around us.
Charles Williams – The Third Inkling
by Grevel Lindop
I first heard about Charles Williams from a comment by Bruce Cockburn in the liner notes of Dancing in the Dragon’s Jaws. Since then I have read his 7 novels and some of his poetry and theological work as well. He was part of the group of literary and scholarly friends known as The Inklings, whose more famous members were C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This comprehensive biography fills in some of the life details of this interesting and enigmatic character. Lindop is a poet himself, and so there is no surprise that more time is spent on Williams’ poetry than his other writings, but then again Williams probably considered himself a poet first, and writer of fiction, literary criticism and dramatic works second. After reading this interesting and sometimes surprising account of Williams life I think I will have a better understanding into his works. Charles Williams was a charismatic and flawed individual, a sinner and saint, a creative force who created his own path while trying to pay the bills, a continual struggle for artists, musicians and writers to this day.
I first heard about Charles Williams from a comment by Bruce Cockburn in the liner notes of Dancing in the Dragon’s Jaws. Since then I have read his 7 novels and some of his poetry and theological work as well. He was part of the group of literary and scholarly friends known as The Inklings, whose more famous members were C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien. This comprehensive biography fills in some of the life details of this interesting and enigmatic character. Lindop is a poet himself, and so there is no surprise that more time is spent on Williams’ poetry than his other writings, but then again Williams probably considered himself a poet first, and writer of fiction, literary criticism and dramatic works second. After reading this interesting and sometimes surprising account of Williams life I think I will have a better understanding into his works. Charles Williams was a charismatic and flawed individual, a sinner and saint, a creative force who created his own path while trying to pay the bills, a continual struggle for artists, musicians and writers to this day.
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Visions of Vocation: Common Grace for the Common Good
by Steven Garber
A thought provoking and inspiring book by a wonderful writer. Steven Garber explores the meaning of vocation from many angles. The primary question being "Knowing what you know, what are you going to do?" It took me a long time to finish this book, but simply because it is so rich. I would read a bit, and then take time to reflect and digest what I had read - often inspiring me to change the way I interact with the world. Highly recommended.
A thought provoking and inspiring book by a wonderful writer. Steven Garber explores the meaning of vocation from many angles. The primary question being "Knowing what you know, what are you going to do?" It took me a long time to finish this book, but simply because it is so rich. I would read a bit, and then take time to reflect and digest what I had read - often inspiring me to change the way I interact with the world. Highly recommended.
Monday, August 1, 2016
Escape from Rindorn (Volume 1 of the Magelandorn Chronicles)
by Bart Eriksson
A fantasy novel set in an alternative medieval world, this book is a real page-turner. Written by a friend and fellow Lutheran Pastor this book has interesting characters and plenty of action. Monasteries and hermits make for some welcome elements. The tale seems hardly begun (I'm not sure how many volumes Bart is planning for), and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
A fantasy novel set in an alternative medieval world, this book is a real page-turner. Written by a friend and fellow Lutheran Pastor this book has interesting characters and plenty of action. Monasteries and hermits make for some welcome elements. The tale seems hardly begun (I'm not sure how many volumes Bart is planning for), and I can hardly wait for the next book in the series.
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