en-US Tue, 06 Aug 2024 11:51:41 -0700 60 144 41 /images/layout/goodreads_logo_144.jpg 12797239 Why should you join a church?

Becoming a member of a church is an important, and often neglected, part of the Christian life. Yet the trend these days is one of shunning the practice of organized religion and showing a distaste or fear of commitment, especially of institutions.

Jonathan Leeman addresses these issues with a straightforward explanation of what church membership is and why it's important. Giving the local church its proper due, Leeman has built a compelling case for committing to the local body.]]> 142 Jonathan Leeman 1433532379 Uri 4 currently-reading 4.26
author: Jonathan Leeman
name: Uri
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 4
read at:
date added: 2024/08/06
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 174845 122 Dietrich Bonhoeffer 0060608528 Uri 0 4.27 1939
author: Dietrich Bonhoeffer
name: Uri
average rating: 4.27
book published: 1939
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2013/10/18
shelves:
review:
A remarkable journey through life in the community, its necessity, and its supreme need for the individual. I will re-read this book next year.
]]> 16005300
His influence is not thought to rank with his Calvinist contemporaries as J. I. Packer, John Piper, and R. C. Sproul. Yet in the end it may be Shepherd's distinctive views that prove to be the more lasting and influential. Those views spring from his recovery of the older Reformed idea of the covenant as the overarching theme of the Bible and of the church and the Christian life.

This festschrift contains chapters by theologians and pastors indebted to Shepherd for his godly influence and uncompromising stand for an obedient faith. It contains an enlightening chapter on the "Shepherd Controversy" at Westminster Seminary and Shepherd's own explanation of his theological development.]]> 312 P. Andrew Sandlin Uri 0 currently-reading 3.83 2012
author: P. Andrew Sandlin
name: Uri
average rating: 3.83
book published: 2012
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2013/01/25
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 6767731
If you've ever wondered if he is just a commercial invention...

If you've ever thought there is no such person...

You may be surprised to know the true Saint Nicholas.

You'll never again think of Santa Claus in quite the same way.

An instant classic by one of America's most respected thinkers, The True Saint Nicholas is a book to be shared with family and friends every year to evoke the true spirit of Christmas.]]> 128 William J. Bennett 1416567461 Uri 4
Bennett provides a pleasant read filled with fantastical stories and a delightful context to the Bishop of Myra.

The records at the very least seem to concur with the general perception that the Saint Nicholas that existed in the days of Constantine (yes, he most likely slapped Arius!) was indeed filled with generosity and abounding in love for all sorts of people.

Bennett illustrates that Saint Nicholas, the Bishop, had become commercialized only a few centuries after his death. The entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well in those days. The life of Saint Nicholas was being used by manipulative men to sell and to attract business. This commercialization is no different than the Americanized Santa Claus (invented much later in the 20th century).

At the same time it is important to note that abuses are always prone to happen, and that simply doing away with the figure in order to avoid the tough questions is no way to handle the matter. Rather, there is a legitimate way to use the history of Saint Nicholas, and its subsequent re-adaptation-- with all its colors and jolly-ness in the North Pole Santa Claus-- to draw us and our children's attention to those rare gifts and virtues of the Christian faith.

Bill Bennett connects the modern Santa Claus with the faithful Bishop who suffered and lived for the sake of His Lord. The connection, though foggy at times, is still sufficiently clear to remind us of that ancient giver of gifts and rejoice in his life.]]> 3.80 2009
author: William J. Bennett
name: Uri
average rating: 3.80
book published: 2009
rating: 4
read at: 2012/12/01
date added: 2012/12/01
shelves:
review:
There are too many unknown facts, as Bill Bennett rightly asserts. Much of the historical data is purely speculative with the exception of a few references, poems and prayers in honor of Saint Nicholas. The Roman Catholic tradition has largely exorcised ol' St. Nicholas from the Church, while the Eastern Orthodox tradition continues to celebrate his life every December 6th.

Bennett provides a pleasant read filled with fantastical stories and a delightful context to the Bishop of Myra.

The records at the very least seem to concur with the general perception that the Saint Nicholas that existed in the days of Constantine (yes, he most likely slapped Arius!) was indeed filled with generosity and abounding in love for all sorts of people.

Bennett illustrates that Saint Nicholas, the Bishop, had become commercialized only a few centuries after his death. The entrepreneurial spirit was alive and well in those days. The life of Saint Nicholas was being used by manipulative men to sell and to attract business. This commercialization is no different than the Americanized Santa Claus (invented much later in the 20th century).

At the same time it is important to note that abuses are always prone to happen, and that simply doing away with the figure in order to avoid the tough questions is no way to handle the matter. Rather, there is a legitimate way to use the history of Saint Nicholas, and its subsequent re-adaptation-- with all its colors and jolly-ness in the North Pole Santa Claus-- to draw us and our children's attention to those rare gifts and virtues of the Christian faith.

Bill Bennett connects the modern Santa Claus with the faithful Bishop who suffered and lived for the sake of His Lord. The connection, though foggy at times, is still sufficiently clear to remind us of that ancient giver of gifts and rejoice in his life.
]]> 13027751 262 Gregg Jackson 0983723818 Uri 0 currently-reading 4.33 2011
author: Gregg Jackson
name: Uri
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2012/06/21
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 119073 552 Umberto Eco 0156001314 Uri 0 currently-reading I almost feel like I am in that library with them.]]> 4.13 1980
author: Umberto Eco
name: Uri
average rating: 4.13
book published: 1980
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2012/06/05
shelves: currently-reading
review:
Highly stimulating; detailed-rich; captivating.
I almost feel like I am in that library with them.
]]> 4676320 274 Ian Hodge 0930462130 Uri 0 currently-reading 2.78
author: Ian Hodge
name: Uri
average rating: 2.78
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2012/06/05
shelves: currently-reading
review:
Great work. North's Intro was worth the book. Brings out the harsh reality of Keynesian economics, and also adds that Keynes was an open homosexual. The book is a response to a Christian disciple of Keynes, Douglas Vickers. I interviewed Dr. Hodge yesterday and hope to post it on in the next couple of days.
]]> 352857
Instead, covenantal soteriology has focused on the so-called covenant of works between God and Adam, which turns out to be problematic both biblically and theologically. Smith places the eternal covenant in the position it deserves—the keystone of biblical and systematic theology—with profound consequences for the Christian worldview.]]> 102 Ralph Allan Smith 1591280125 Uri 0 currently-reading 3.89 2003
author: Ralph Allan Smith
name: Uri
average rating: 3.89
book published: 2003
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2012/05/30
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 11167391 496 Patrick J. Buchanan 0312579977 Uri 0 currently-reading 4.02 2011
author: Patrick J. Buchanan
name: Uri
average rating: 4.02
book published: 2011
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2012/05/30
shelves: currently-reading
review:
Buchanan's introduction alone is magnificent.
]]> 6821603
In Raised with Christ, author Adrian Warnock exhorts Christians not to neglect the resurrection in their teaching and experience. Warnock takes his cue from Acts, where every recorded sermon focuses on Jesus's resurrection. He stresses that Christians who faithfully proclaim both the death and the bodily resurrection of Jesus, and live out the implications of that message in vibrant, grace-filled churches, will be enabled to reach a world that lives in death's dark shadow.

The power of the risen Christ is active in every true Christian, transforming our lives. Raised with Christ will help you discover afresh the massive implications of the empty tomb. Jesus's resurrection really has changed everything.]]> 272 Adrian Warnock 1433507161 Uri 0 currently-reading 4.05 2009
author: Adrian Warnock
name: Uri
average rating: 4.05
book published: 2009
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2012/05/22
shelves: currently-reading
review:

]]> 87665 168 G.K. Chesterton 160096527X Uri 0 4.17
author: G.K. Chesterton
name: Uri
average rating: 4.17
book published:
rating: 0
read at: 2012/05/21
date added: 2012/05/21
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]]> 929864
An incurable plague has mutated every other man, woman, and child into bloodthirsty, nocturnal creatures who are determined to destroy him.

By day, he is a hunter, stalking the infected monstrosities through the abandoned ruins of civilization. By night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for dawn....]]> 312 Richard Matheson 0765357151 Uri 0 3.79 1954
author: Richard Matheson
name: Uri
average rating: 3.79
book published: 1954
rating: 0
read at: 2010/06/04
date added: 2012/02/16
shelves:
review:
Fine novel, thus far. Differs quite a bit from the movie.
]]> 962589 R.C. Sproul Jr. 0801083729 Uri 3 3.61 1985
author: R.C. Sproul Jr.
name: Uri
average rating: 3.61
book published: 1985
rating: 3
read at: 2009/10/16
date added: 2012/01/29
shelves:
review:

]]> 4008488 420 Alan Jacobson 1593154941 Uri 0 3.60 2008
author: Alan Jacobson
name: Uri
average rating: 3.60
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2011/01/31
shelves:
review:
my review here:
]]> 17245 You can find an alternative cover edition for this ISBN here and here.

When Jonathan Harker visits Transylvania to help Count Dracula with the purchase of a London house, he makes a series of horrific discoveries about his client. Soon afterwards, various bizarre incidents unfold in England: an apparently unmanned ship is wrecked off the coast of Whitby; a young woman discovers strange puncture marks on her neck; and the inmate of a lunatic asylum raves about the 'Master' and his imminent arrival.

In Dracula, Bram Stoker created one of the great masterpieces of the horror genre, brilliantly evoking a nightmare world of vampires and vampire hunters and also illuminating the dark corners of Victorian sexuality and desire.

This Norton Critical Edition includes a rich selection of background and source materials in three areas: Contexts includes probable inspirations for Dracula in the earlier works of James Malcolm Rymer and Emily Gerard. Also included are a discussion of Stoker's working notes for the novel and "Dracula's Guest," the original opening chapter to Dracula. Reviews and Reactions reprints five early reviews of the novel. "Dramatic and Film Variations" focuses on theater and film adaptations of Dracula, two indications of the novel's unwavering appeal. David J. Skal, Gregory A. Waller, and Nina Auerbach offer their varied perspectives. Checklists of both dramatic and film adaptations are included.

Criticism collects seven theoretical interpretations of Dracula by Phyllis A. Roth, Carol A. Senf, Franco Moretti, Christopher Craft, Bram Dijkstra, Stephen D. Arata, and Talia Schaffer.

A Chronology and a Selected Bibliography are included.]]> 488 Bram Stoker 0393970124 Uri 0 4.02 1897
author: Bram Stoker
name: Uri
average rating: 4.02
book published: 1897
rating: 0
read at: 2011/01/31
date added: 2011/01/31
shelves:
review:

]]> 3593045 A Primer on Worship and Reformation proposes that true change begins, not with a process or an idea, but through faithful worship. To witness true global change—true reformation—we must first pray that we would see worship at the center of life. The truth is that when the Word is faithfully preached, even the gates of hell tremble. When the Psalms are sung, the meek inherit the earth. When the church celebrates at the Lord's Table, those who mourn are comforted. If we learn these lessons and believe them to be true, we will find that through renewed worship God brings change to every facet of our lives.]]> 72 Douglas Wilson 1591280613 Uri 0 4.28 2008
author: Douglas Wilson
name: Uri
average rating: 4.28
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2010/06/21
shelves:
review:

]]> 5550769 0 Terry L. Johnson 1884416438 Uri 0 4.43
author: Terry L. Johnson
name: Uri
average rating: 4.43
book published:
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2010/06/21
shelves:
review:

]]> 7095929 62 James B. Jordan 0984243917 Uri 0 4.07 1994
author: James B. Jordan
name: Uri
average rating: 4.07
book published: 1994
rating: 0
read at: 2010/06/04
date added: 2010/06/04
shelves:
review:

]]> 3513013 BOOKS 352 Yann Martel 0143100637 Uri 0 4.24 2001
author: Yann Martel
name: Uri
average rating: 4.24
book published: 2001
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2010/06/03
shelves:
review:

]]> 7504168 185 John W. Robbins 0940931648 Uri 0 4.33 2004
author: John W. Robbins
name: Uri
average rating: 4.33
book published: 2004
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2010/03/26
shelves:
review:
lots of documents contra Shepherd. As a Shepherdite, I found none of them persuasive, though Raymond's article was helpful.
]]> 1985692 448 Jeffrey J. Meyers 1591280087 Uri 0 4.45 2003
author: Jeffrey J. Meyers
name: Uri
average rating: 4.45
book published: 2003
rating: 0
read at: 2010/02/03
date added: 2010/02/03
shelves:
review:

]]> 5539722 241 Kenneth L. Gentry Jr. 0967831768 Uri 0 4.08 2005
author: Kenneth L. Gentry Jr.
name: Uri
average rating: 4.08
book published: 2005
rating: 0
read at: 2010/02/03
date added: 2010/02/03
shelves:
review:

]]> 276384 256 Pope John Paul II 0679765611 Uri 0 4.24 1994
author: Pope John Paul II
name: Uri
average rating: 4.24
book published: 1994
rating: 0
read at: 2010/02/03
date added: 2010/02/03
shelves:
review:

]]> 1812457
In a world where religion seems to grow increasingly irrelevant The Shack wrestles with the timeless question, "Where is God in a world so filled with unspeakable pain?" The answers Mack gets will astound you and perhaps transform you as much as it did him. You'll want everyone you know to read this book!]]> 248 William Paul Young 0964729237 Uri 0 My interview with Tim Challies on the book can be found at ]]> 3.73 2007
author: William Paul Young
name: Uri
average rating: 3.73
book published: 2007
rating: 0
read at: 2009/11/11
date added: 2009/11/11
shelves:
review:
My review will come shortly on my blog: apologus.wordpress.com
My interview with Tim Challies on the book can be found at
]]> 274564
Parents whose children have been or are about to be baptized will find Sartelle's concise booklet to be just what they need to better understand infant baptism. The practical responsibilities of Christian parents and the promises of God regarding their children are set forth clearly and in a positive, nonargumentative way. Pastors and elders will especially want to make it available to those under their care.]]> 28 John P. Sartelle 087552429X Uri 0 3.84 1985
author: John P. Sartelle
name: Uri
average rating: 3.84
book published: 1985
rating: 0
read at: 2009/01/01
date added: 2009/11/09
shelves:
review:
short read. Southern Presbyterian view of baptism...ROMAPHOBIA written all over it.
]]> 2885586 Book by North, Gary 77 Gary North 0930464710 Uri 0 3.41 1995
author: Gary North
name: Uri
average rating: 3.41
book published: 1995
rating: 0
read at: 2009/10/21
date added: 2009/10/21
shelves:
review:
Though I have tremendous affection for RJ Rushdoony, his view of the family is twisted and dangerous. Gary North carefully refutes his thinking in this short treatise.
]]> 4344289 56 Duane Garner Uri 0 3.96 2008
author: Duane Garner
name: Uri
average rating: 3.96
book published: 2008
rating: 0
read at: 2009/10/01
date added: 2009/10/16
shelves:
review:
Duane's book is an excellent introduction to the vast misunderstanding out there!
]]> 6420332 93 James B. Jordan 0975391488 Uri 0 4.01 1999
author: James B. Jordan
name: Uri
average rating: 4.01
book published: 1999
rating: 0
read at: 2009/10/16
date added: 2009/10/16
shelves:
review:

]]> 2194404 Excellent Book 142 Steve Wilkins 1591280001 Uri 4 4.23 2002
author: Steve Wilkins
name: Uri
average rating: 4.23
book published: 2002
rating: 4
read at: 2009/08/11
date added: 2009/08/11
shelves:
review:
Our congregation has profited greatly from this shorty treatise...the church conquers through service.
]]> 577369 287 Keith A. Mathison 0875523897 Uri 4 4.10 1999
author: Keith A. Mathison
name: Uri
average rating: 4.10
book published: 1999
rating: 4
read at: 2009/08/04
date added: 2009/08/04
shelves:
review:
A basic and helpful introduction to Postmil. Eschatology.
]]> 6421341 97 James B. Jordan 0975391496 Uri 0 3.94 1994
author: James B. Jordan
name: Uri
average rating: 3.94
book published: 1994
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/07/28
shelves:
review:

]]> 547281 144 Douglas Wilson 1885767455 Uri 0 strongly recommended to married and unmarried couples.]]> 4.31 1995
author: Douglas Wilson
name: Uri
average rating: 4.31
book published: 1995
rating: 0
read at:
date added: 2009/07/25
shelves:
review:
I am writing a review of this book on my blog apologus.wordpress.com
strongly recommended to married and unmarried couples.
]]>