Walking in the Dust of Rabbi Jesus, by Lois Tverberg

I have enjoyed Tverberg's book very much. She takes a look at Jesus teachings and gives good insights into some of the cultural and language implications that many of us miss because we don't know the idiom's of the Jewish Culture from the 1st century. She does a great job of explaining many of the Hebrew words that Jesus used and how they could be interpreted by his listeners because of the way they used the language. Her explanations are wonderful.

One of the main points she makes in the first part of the book is that the Hebrew language has a very small vocabulary. As such many words have multiple meanings. They are often used interchangeably and thus you have to look at the context of the teaching. Some of the idiom's are interesting because they made sense to Jesus listeners but not necessarily to us. As she points out we have a saying, "quit beating around the bush," that makes sense to us but would it have made sense to Jesus listener's? Well the opposite is also true. What made sense to them maybe confuses us.

If you went to Seminary and learned Hebrew much of what Tverberg says you will already know (most likely). But if you are a lay pastor, like me, or a layperson who doesn't have that language training then you will find this book very helpful. While it deals with language use it is written in a very straight forward easy to understand manner that you will be able to easily follow.

If you have loved the teachings of Ray Vanderlann or Kenneth Bailey then you are going to love this book.

I hope you enjoy this good new resource!

The Hour Before Dawn, by Penelope Wilcox

In this latest addition to the St. Alcuin's monastery life Penelope Wilcox has given us another wonderful story with excellent real life issues of tragedy and triumph. Father John the newest Abbott of the monastery is trying to settle into his new role and get things well under control when a life changing event takes place. Word reaches the monastery that Father John's mother and sister have met with tragedy.

When he left home to come to the monastery he had no idea that his mother and sister would be left in a vulnerable state. His family was unique in that all could read and write. This was unusual in their day. Women especially were not to be 'learned' individuals. As such people in the village questioned by what 'magic' these women were able to practice healing arts. The rumor's started to float around that they were witches and that what they practiced was black arts. When in fact both loved Jesus and were committed to living out godly lives.

The tragedy is that the some of the townspeople who have been drinking loose control. They come to the house to destroy the garden and cause havoc, but end up burning the house, killing Father John's mother and his sister is gang raped by the crowd of drunken men.

His sister is able to make her way to a local convent of sisters who take her in, heal her physical wounds and provide her a place to be safe. Upon Father John's arrival his sister is not happy to greet him but instead is accusatory towards him and feels it is his fault that their mother is dead and she is now 'damaged goods.' She feels that his leaving for Monastic Life was inappropriate when he should have stayed as the man of the house to protect them.

The story will weave it's way through the guilt and punishment feelings that the abbott will go through. It follows his path with Father William to find another Monk who has been attacked and left for dead in a local village. They will bring this Monk to Father John's sister for treatment.

Through the healing that takes place for this injured Monk we will find healing taking place for Father John, Father William and for Father John's sister. Each receives healing in a different way. Each faces their demon's and overcomes them.

The book is a wonderful tale of human emotions and needs. Yet it revolves around the lives of men committed to Monastic Life.

If you have never read any of the books in this series you might want to start with the first four books and then read this one, but that is not necessary. This book will stand on it's own whether you have read the others or not.

This is a great read and will give you much to sit and ponder and reflect on in regards to your own life.

Thank you Penelope for another great novel.

Enjoy!

Am I Really A Christian, by Mike McKinley

So many people in today's culture when asked what their religion is will say, "I'm a Christian." But do they fully understand what that means, what it represents, what it entails? It seems as though our Western Culture has taken Christianity to a level of 'being' that is so far from what God intended that it is amazing that anyone could ever write a book such as this and get the argument correctly.

Mike McKinley gets the argument correct. He hits the nail on the head. You might think you're a Christian if. . . . . He then goes on to put to rest many of the major myths of what people think are truisms such as; 
1. You are not a Christian just because you say you are. 
2. You are not a Christian just because you like Jesus. 
3. You are not a Christian if you love your stuff

Those are just three of the seven chapters that answer questions about how people misconceive their Christianity. Chapter 8 is probably the best chapter in the book because it talks about "Can I ever really know if I am a Christian?" He is dealing with our assurance of salvation. He uses scripture to point out the truth of assurance, the promises of Jesus, the realities of what it truly means to be a Christian and what you gain from the experience.

But what rubs people wrong about this book is the fact that McKinley doesn't pull any punches about Christianity. It is a a tough lifestyle. It demands your total surrender of your life to your Lord and Savior. It requires you to "die to self" and "live for Him." While these are difficult concepts for people in our culture today to embrace they bring with them blessings beyond belief (not riches and wealth) but the blessings of God in His bringing us peace, patience, love, kindness and gentleness, to just name a few.

This is a book that as McKinley states is best read in a group of your friends from church so that you can discuss in flat out honestly whether you agree with his premises or not. Then you can look at scripture and conclude whether you agree with scripture or not.

I recommend this book for every small group within your church circle and also as an exploratory small group guide for you to use with your non-Christian friends who want a starting off point to discuss Christianity.