I read this book as part of a summer reading program sponsored by Concordia. While reading the book, I found my reactions alternating between "Tell meI read this book as part of a summer reading program sponsored by Concordia. While reading the book, I found my reactions alternating between "Tell me something I don't know" and "Huh?" The dense writing and references to sources ranging from "Paradise Lost" to "Star Wars" made the book difficult, rather than easier, for me to understand. I found the most useful parts of the book to be the last page of each chapter, on which the author sums up the main point of the chapter: The rule to be broken is identified in one word and briefly defined. The author is a Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod pastor, and he writes the book from a strong LCMS position. I've been exploring the LCMS, as I am a disaffected member of another Lutheran denomination, and this book is yet another example of an attitude that I perceive as characterizing his church: It's as important to be LCMS as it is to be Christian. I think my Baptist brother would take strong exception to the author's inclusion of "asking Jesus to come into your heart" as part of a "lie" that characterizes inauthentic Christianity....more
Quite simply, this book explains what I believe and why I believe it better than any other work of religious commentary. I have taught this book in adQuite simply, this book explains what I believe and why I believe it better than any other work of religious commentary. I have taught this book in adult Sunday school classes and have used illustrations from it in lessons on other topics....more
This book shows dramatically how good, right, and beautiful evil can make itself appear until its true nature emerges. The characters' unravelling of This book shows dramatically how good, right, and beautiful evil can make itself appear until its true nature emerges. The characters' unravelling of the truth makes intriguing reading for mystery fans. Because it is a work of Christian fiction, it will be particularly intriguing to members of this faith. This is one of my favorite books, and I think it shows Peretti at his best....more
The response of the country of Australia and a group of American Naval personnel stationed there to the certainty that they will die following a monthThe response of the country of Australia and a group of American Naval personnel stationed there to the certainty that they will die following a month-long nuclear war in the northern hemisphere makes up the book's plot. It took two years for the radiation to reach the southern continents, and the book follows the reactions of several individuals as an end that was once distant comes closer. There's not much more to say about the plot without revealing it, but the book provides an opportunity to consider how one would react to the knowledge that one's life will end at a particular time. Those who saw the TV movie made in 2000 should know that it differs considerably from the book. The basic plot and the ultimate outcome are the same, but the story is told quite differently. For example, many of the main characters' personalities were changed and some of the circumstances play out differently. Perhaps the greatest difference, though, is the time period: In the book, which was published in 1957, the war took place in 1961 and the characters are awaiting the end in 1963....more
Aside from the plot itself, it was interesting to read about the 1970s as a setting in "the future" in a book published in 1962: a future in which JohAside from the plot itself, it was interesting to read about the 1970s as a setting in "the future" in a book published in 1962: a future in which John Kennedy was not assassinated, Richard Nixon did not become president, the Watergate scandal never happened, and an entirely different set of political crises played themselves out. ...more
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