Book Review: Rumors of God: Experience the Kind of Faith You've Only Heard About by Darren Whitehead & Jon Tyson

What to say about "Rumors of God?"  For some reason this book just didn't capture my attention the way that others of the same genre have in the past.  I'm not sure if it was me or the book to be honest about it.  Maybe it is because I have read so many other books of this type.  It just seemed to be saying the same thing.  I didn't find any "new" nugget of insight contained within the pages.

Mr. Whitehead and Mr. Tyson each take turns writing chapters in the book.  They were faithful to let the reader know which of the two was writing at any given time.  I'm not sure that it really mattered though in the overall scheme of the book.  Each told stories, from their church family experiences, on how God wants to and is willing to work in our lives if we give him the chance.  They tackle the ideals of Abundant Life, Generosity, Grace, and Freedom just to name a few.

I know that my review seems very negative and I wish is didn't seem that way.  This book contains very good information and teaches some wonderful Christian practices.  If you are looking for a book to renew your drive to know God, this book will fit your need.  On the other hand, if you have already read several books on that topic, this one will say much the same thing.

I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: "Fasting" by Scot McKnight

This is another book from the Ancient Practices Series.  This one, obviously, deals with the practice of fasting.  Mr. McKnight discusses the various forms of fasting and the motivations that lead to fasting.  He does a good job of giving the advantages and disadvantages one may find while practicing this ancient art of discipleship.

I came to this book with very little knowledge of the true art or reason of fasting.  All I really knew was that people, Catholics, gave up something for Lent each year.  This was usually soda pop or chocolate.  Every once and a while some one would be really bold and give up TV!  Mr. McKnight does a great job of connecting the reason for fasting to the actual act of fasting.  He puts it into a simple A leads to B may lead to C formula.  He makes a clear case for fasting to be in RESPONSE to a sacred moment.  He stresses that fasting is NOT the motive but the response.

He also promotes the idea of "whole-body spirituality."  This means that our bodies shouldn't be thought of separately from our spirit.  It should be thought of as another aspect of our spirit.  When we are committed to prayer or works for God, our bodies should be a part of that action.  This is the same reason that people may raise their hands during worship, kneel in prayer, or genuflect.   I find it interesting to think of fasting in the same context as the previous actions.

I also appreciated the fact that the author addresses the dangers in fasting.  There can be a lot of misuse of the practice.  He does a good job of touching on the many ways that fasting can be misused.

Would I recommend this book?  The answer would be "Yes" for someone who is just starting in investigate the practice.  I don't feel like I fully understand the art or practice of fasting but I do have a much better grasp.  If you have fasted before and feel like you have a full understanding of the hows and whys then you may need a more in depth book.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://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 <http://www.access.gpo.gov/nara/cfr/waisidx_03/16cfr255_03.html> : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Book Review: "Finding Our Way Again. The Return of the Ancient Practices" by Brian Mclaren

This is the first book in The Ancient Practices Series and I was super excited to read it.  I've really enjoyed the two other books I've read in the series.  I thought, surely, that this beginning would be just as good or better since it was setting us up to read the rest of the books.  Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations.

The book did have some good pieces of information, just not the information I was expecting.  I felt like the book spent most of it's time talking about the shared heritage of the three major world religions, Judaism, Christianity, & Islam.  The author stressed the point that perhaps if we all got in touch with our heritage we would all get along and peace would reign.   This isn't a bad hope/wish, just not what I thought the book was going to focus on.

One of the things that he wrote about that I enjoyed was that faith should be a way of life not a belief system.  That in the bible, it is often referred to as "the way," which infers that it is a progression not something static.  Faith is a road we travel.   The metaphor of the road is taken further by explaining that the roads in ancient days were rocky, twisted, & dangerous.  That one needed careful attention and commitment to travel the road.  If we follow Jesus and imitate his behavior, it is like following someone who has been down the road before us.  It makes traveling much easier, not easy, but easier.

He also points out that by practicing the ancient ways we are exercising our beliefs.  They are a way of building up our faith  reserves for times when we have nothing.  I find this point to be comforting.  It was also pointed out in one of the other books about the ancient ways, Common Prayer, I believe.  I like knowing that when I'm to upset, tired, despondent, or confused to come up with my own thoughts, my brain can draw on the words from the centuries and I can find comfort and sense in them.

To sum up what the author says are the points behind practicing the ancient ways; They are to 1) help us build character, 2)help us to be fully awake and alive to God, and 3) help us more fully experience God.

Now the big question, would I recommend this book?  To tell the truth, I'm not really sure.  It isn't bad, just seeming off topic and a bit rambely for my tastes.  If you do choose to read it, read several snippets or reviews so you know what the book is really about.

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.”