Book Reviews

Posted: 3/28/08

Book Reviews

The Great Awakening by Jim Wallis (HarperOne)

Spiritual awakening doesn’t become genuine revival until it moves beyond the salvation of individuals and begins to transform society in general, Christian social activist Jim Wallis maintains. Just as surely as an earlier Great Awakening led to the abolition of slavery, Wallis believes a new spiritual awakening is stirring. And it seems to be leading 21st century Christians to address social challenges that cut across categories of liberal and conservative politics.

In this engaging book, Wallis points to evidence of the Holy Spirit’s movement. He sees it in the insistence of some evangelicals that a consistent pro-life ethic not only includes opposition to abortion, but also demonstrates concern for the poverty that drives some women to make desperate choices about terminating a pregnancy.

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And with the passing of the old generation of the Religious Right, he sees the potential for a new politically engaged group of “values voters” to emerge—voters who believe it takes both a village and a family to raise a child, who care about stewardship of creation and who recognize the radical demands of claiming Jesus Christ as Lord.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard

Dallas

The Betrayed by Lisa T. Bergren (Berkley Publishing Group)

Lisa T. Bergren outdoes herself. The second novel in the Gifted Trilogy, The Betrayed delivers nonstop action and suspense.

Set in 1340, the story begins where it left off in The Begotten. Continuing their quest to discover God’s purpose for their spiritual gifts, the Gifted find themselves in a spiritual war against Venezia’s most powerful agent of evil. One by one, members of God’s select group lose ground, both physically and spiritually, until it appears all may be lost. But as in life, when the Gifted remain true to their calling, God’s strength is revealed in their weakness.

The Betrayed is not for the faint of heart. It’s nearly 400 pages of disaster in the face of tragedy. But for those with the courage to endure, Bergren offers not only a great story, but encouragement we can carry with us into our own trials. Read The Begotten for the beginning of the story. But then, by all means, put The Betrayed on your reading list.

Kathryn Aragon

First Baptist Church

Duncanville

May I Walk You Home? Sharing Christ’s Love with the Dying by Melody Rossi (Bethany House)

Melody Rossi has penned a book that is desperately needed in our Christian society. She aims specifically at people who know someone who is dying without the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Her criteria for needing the book are straightforward: You know the person is not spiritually ready to die. And you don’t know what to do about it.

The book is easy to read, practical and sincere. It does not try to use guilt as a motivator, but rather focuses on the genuine desire not to see a loved one die without Christ. Rossi provides wonderful spiritual and moral support, as well as simple, clear suggestions that are helpful both in the spiritual and practical process of death and dying.

Every Christian ought to read this insightful little book. It is a valuable addition to anyone’s library.

Van Christian, pastor

First Baptist Church

Comanche