After I finish reviewing what is still up on the list, I’ll update the “Currently reading” section and get started reviewing what will be new.

Three Views: The Millenium and Beyond - ed. Darrell Bock
I think eschatology is about as exciting as watching paint dry. I see the evangelical world overly interested in studying the aspects of eschatology which are least important - the rapture, the millenium, etc. Instead, our focus should be on Heaven and Hell (also part of what is formally studied within the discipline of eschatology). The ammillenial position in this volume was by far the best essay, and it forced itself to be reckoned with against both pre- and post-millenial positions. I find myself less clear as to my own position after reading this book, but not becuase of its failure. This book is beneficial to those seeking to understand the various views that are within evangelical orthodoxy, and what each position’s strengths and weaknesses are. More now than ever, I’m convinced that the key to any eschatology is missions: “And this Gospel of the Kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” - Jesus in Matthew 24:14

Ashamed of the Gospel - John MacArthur
I am ashamed that I read this. It was by far the most caustic book that I’ve read this year, maybe ever. John MacArthur, whom I am in general agreement with, touched some areas in this book that are clearly outside the bounds of his expertise. The worst part of my experience with this book was my innability to sense the Spirit of God in MacArthur’s words.
While this book is a much needed critique of the American church and her practices of selling out to the “marketing movement” within the church to establish so called “relevance.” While much of what MacArthur has to say is correct, this book only needed to be about 50 pages. Furthermore, his accusation that the roots of this lie in the misguided efforts of Donald McGavern reveal that He has no concept of contextualization at all, especially on the mission field. If anyone reads this book, I hope they will learn that it is not only what we say, but how we say it that makes a difference in whether we are heard or not.

New Testament Exegesis - Gordon Fee
While many within academia do not care for Dr. Fee becuase of his charismatic position, I found this book to be extremely helpful in analyzing New Testament literature. This is not a book that I would recommend to anyone for “fun” reading. It is, however, an invaluable resource to anyone who preaches frequently, and those who do exegetical research in the New Testament. Many facets of the Bible were brought to my attention through this work which have altered the way that I study the greek text, as well as the way that I structure a sermon. An introductory work for any seminarian, this one is definately worth adding to your library.

Worship: Rediscovering the Missing Jewel - Allen and Borror
One of the better books out there on the subject. Unfortunately, I was unable to devote as much attention to this book as I would have liked. However, I do this this volume has made a significant contribution to the church in teaching that a reorientation must take place within our services. I apply their thoughts even more strongly than the authors did in their book, but I am very much in agreement with their thesis: devotion to Christ is the most important thing that happens in the life of a Christian.

Spiritual Disciplines within the Church - Donald Whitney
This is one of the best books that is on the market concerning corporate disciplines. It is almost an appologetic for local church membership - which I strongly agree with. I do wish that Dr. Whitney would have discussed corporate fasts as an entire chapter. Nonetheless, this is a must read for any pastor to learn how he can shepherd his flock as a congregation in community through the disciplines of the Christian life. I cannot endorse this book more strongly for those seeking to cultivate community within their local body. This book takes strong shots against the individualism so rampant in today’s churches.

Old Testament Survey - Lasor, Hubbard, and Bush
One of the best surveys on the Old Testament ever written. Some will, no doubt, be upset at the left of center positions defended by the authors, but overall this work covers the major areas of scholarship as much as can be expected of any survey. At times, the bias against inerrancy is so blatent that clouding of judgment is inevitable on the part of the authors. However, no other survey that I am aware of does as good a job of discussing the historical aspects of the various books of the OT, the problems with respect to authorship, and the theology of the OT.

Archaeology and the Old Testament - Hoerth
I knew almost nothing about biblical archaeology before reading this book. Therefore, I cannot evaluate with any breadth of knowledge how this work stacks up against any other. That spoken, I did feel like I was reading a high school social studies textbook. This is both good and bad - good becuase it does not keep knowledge only in the hands of an intellectual elite, bad becuase (as far as I can guess) it does not provide a reader with any expert level research. But, this was not the author’s intent in writing this book. All in all, this was an easy, very informative read.

Holeman Bible Atlas -
I cannot say enough good things about this book. Its organization, information, writing style and maps are all second to none. Anyone interested in Old Testament history should pick this up for their library. Timelines are helpful, as are the hundreds of maps in detailing exactly what was going on in the Ancient Near East, Palestine, and Israel.

Here’s a paragraph or so on some of the books I read last semester.

Systematic Theology - Wayne Grudem
This is perhaps the best modern single volume systematic out there. Written from a reformed, charismatic perspective, it is a good synopsis of Christian doctrine. The author also released another book Bible Doctrine which accomplishes the same purpose as the larger work. I say this becuase where I would expect a more thorough work to incorporate philosophical arguements more, Grudem has failed to do so. Also, there does not seem to be enough incorporation of the fathers into this volume, especially with regard to soteriology. Therefore, the reformed “Doctrines of Grace” are presented in too strong a manner so as to say that any position outside of Calvinism is heterodoxy. Redeeming himself, Grudem does an outstanding job in his pneumatology, especially concerning the gifts of the Spirit. This work will play a significant role in wiping cessationism from the world of evangelicalism.

Biblical Hermeneutics - Silva & Kaiser
This is a good introduction into the study of understanding Biblical literature. However, it does not even begin to discuss the current issues within Christian accademic circles. While this was not the purpose of the book, it should have at least recommended other reading. To its credit, this book provides a foundation upon which a reader can build. The brief discussion of the history of interpretation is great if you don’t have time to read other works strictly concerning the historical aspects of hermeneutics.

NIV Application Commentary - Pastoral Epistles - Liefeld
For what it is, this is a great commentary. The NIV Application series is designed to grant readers who want more information with regard to both history and grammatical construction. However, this series does not do either to such a degree to make it the authority on either subject. Two other commentaries on the Pastoral Epistles will be considered better for those who want more in-depth study: ICC series volume by I. Howard Marshall, and the NIGTC series volume by George Knight. These were the two works that I reference most often in writing on the Pastorals.

I’ve been away from the blogosphere for too long now. It’s time to make a comeback. Well, I actually never really got off to such a strong start to begin with, but that’s besides the point.

After finishing up the semester at SWBTS, I took a summer mini-mester class on New Testament Christology with Dr. I. Howard Marshall from the University of Aberdeen. I finished the last of the requirements for this class earlier today (err, yesterday). On Monday, I start another mini-mester class on the History of Doctrine at DTS with Dr. Jeff Bingham. Needless to say, I’ve been busy. However, I’ve had plenty of time for reflection on lots that has been going on in my head.

Over the next couple of days, I expect to do some serious book reviewing, as promised. Nevermind that I’m about two months late. It’s finally coming. Check back soon. In the meantime, check out Michael Sawilowsky’s post on Trajectory hermeneutics. This pertains to the complementarian/egalitarian debate within evangelicalism. I think I agree with him…