Book Review: Adolescents, Rapid Social Change, and the Law, Editied by Roger Levesque

Modern society is a raging fire. It’s constantly changing, often making life difficult to gauge for people of all ages. But this especially applies to adolescents—our pre-teens, teenagers, and college aged kids. I am one of them. This book is dedicated to helping families, guardians, friends, and mentors of young people help those same young people navigate through social changes.

Chapter 1 introduces the concepts that will be featured in the different sections of this book, each unique. What is labeled as part 2 of the book deals with the media, and the dangers that lie therein. The issues here are:

• Ch. 2—Protecting Youths from Themselves
• Ch. 3—Protecting Youths from the Sexualized Media
• Ch. 4—Protecting Youths from Online Predators
• Ch. 5—Protecting Youths from Sexting

Part 3 of the book looks at the education system and protecting the students in our schools. This book talks about:

• Ch. 6—Protecting Youths from Racial Discrimination in Public Schools
• Ch. 7—Protecting Financially Disadvantaged Youths
• Ch. 8—Protecting the Sexual Identity of Youths (LGBT) in Private Schools

Part 4 of this book moves to the family unit. The problems discussed here are:

• Ch. 9—Protecting the Income of Financially Successful Youths
• Ch. 10—Protecting Youths’ Relationships with Deployed Parents
• Ch. 11—Protecting Youths from Trafficking

This book could have been so much better in one very specific way: it needs to acknowledge that there is a God in Heaven. When God is recognized as the authority, it makes many of the principles in this book much easier to implement into society (other than the chapter on LGBT movement). Personally, I agree that protection is needed for youths in all areas but that of the LGBT movement. We are created in the image of God for a heterosexual relationship between 1 man and 1 woman for 1 life. But the absence of God in this book takes away the most essential element of protecting youths. Many of the principles present are good and can be implemented under God. But only then can youths truly be protected. For these reasons, I give this book 2 stars out of 5. 

WHERE TO BUY THIS BOOK:

http://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319415338

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THIS BOOK:

Levesque, Roger, Ed. Adolescents, Rapid Social Change, and the Law: The Transforming Nature of Protection. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International, 2016.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Springer book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: 100 Days with Jesus, by Diann Cotton

Gorgeous book, Great material

If you have followed my blog for any length of time, you know that I feature (when I get around to it) a study entitled "A Portrait of Christ." In this study, I look at the attributes of Christ in every book of the Bible. This book, 100 Days with Jesus, goes a step further and looks at 100 different attributes of Jesus Christ.

I personally found this book to be very enjoyable and doctrinally correct. The beautiful and compact design of the book makes it a perfect coffee table devotional book. Every Christian desiring to know more about their Savior should read a book like this at least once in their lifetime. 4.5 stars out of 5.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

https://www.amazon.com/100-Days-Jesus-Glimpse-Person/dp/1462740979/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1518018114&sr=8-1&keywords=100+days+with+Jesus+cotton

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THIS BOOK:

Cotton, Diann. 100 Days with Jesus: A Daily Glimpse into the Person of Christ. Nashville, TN: B&H Publishing, 2017.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the BH Bloggers book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Book Review: Progress in the Pulpit, by Drs. Jerry Vines and Jim Shaddix

Progressing with the power of the first volume.

After receiving the first book by Vines and Shaddix, Power in the Pulpit, I was so blessed. When I found this second volume that they released, I jumped at the opportunity to read it. I was not at all disappointed!!

Vines and Shaddix wrote this volume specifically for the seasoned preacher/pastor. They wanted to be able to help people who have been in ministry for an extended period of time continue to improve. Every detail of this book was carefully crafted. This is an amazing volume and an essential for any preacher's library. 5 STARS OUT OF 5!

WHERE TO BUY THIS BOOK:

https://www.amazon.com/Progress-Pulpit-Grow-Your-Preaching/dp/080241530X/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1517945908&sr=8-2&keywords=progress+in+the+pulpit

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THIS BOOK:

Vines, Dr. Jerry and Dr. Jim Shaddix. Progress in the Pulpit: How to Grow in Your Preaching. Chicago, IL: Moody Publishers, 2017.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the MP Newsroom book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Book Review: A Philosophy of Israel Education, by Barry Chazan

When education is mentioned, Israel’s past is often brought up. Many great doctors and religious figures have received their training in Israel. This short book is a written analysis of the relational approach that the Israeli people take to education in their country. 

Chapter 1 gives the philosophy that Israel has toward education. From the tasks that they perform to the education of the homeland to the identity that is taught to their students, everything falls in line with this uniquely Jewish perspective. Chapter 2 talks of the new rise of education in Israel. The people who are involved seek to make Israel’s education system relevant as it once was. Chapter 3 gives the culture of Israel’s education system. The educator himself and the rituals involved are all very unique.

As with some of my more recent reviews, this was merely a review of the subject, with little to no subjective material present. This was a nice history of what Israel education was and what it can be. For these reasons, I give this book 4 stars out of 5.

WHERE TO BUY THIS BOOK:

http://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319307787

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THIS BOOK:

Chazan, Barry. A Philosophy of Israel Education: A Relational Approach. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International, 2016.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Springer book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: How Harry Cast His Spell, by John Granger

A Useful Tool to Solve "The Harry Potter Dilemma"

One of the most discussed and criticized books/book series in the realm of Christianity is the Harry Potter series. Many reject the series due to the witchcraft present, while others accept the series because of its redeeming qualities. John Granger (no relation to Hermione), in what is now the third edition of his book analyzing the Harry Potter series, does not make judgments for the reader. Rather, he presents the facts that he has found on both fronts and allows the reader to make the call for himself.

This book is split into two halves. The first half is an analysis of the series as a whole. Granger in this section looks at things in series like magic, prejudice, identity, even down to the names that Rowling uses. In the second half, Granger looks at each book specifically, with a chapter each on The Philosopher's Stone, The Chamber of Secrets, The Prisoner of Azkaban, The Goblet of Fire, The Order of the Phoenix, The Half-Blood Prince, and three chapters on the final book, The Deathly Hallows. Each of these chapters presents a special analysis of a particular aspect of the book in question that can help the reader understand the story better.

One choice that I will have to make as a future pastor/youth pastor is how I will deal with what I will refer to for a long time as "The Harry Potter Dilemma." No matter where I go there will be people on both sides of the argument. I will have to be respectful of all. I have not landed on one side of the argument or the other yet. But this book will help me make a good, strong, reasoned decision. For these reasons, I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5.

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

https://www.amazon.com/How-Harry-Cast-His-Spell/dp/1414321880/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1517944934&sr=8-1&keywords=how+harry+cast+his+spell

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THIS BOOK:

Granger, John: How Harry Cast His Spell: The Meaning Behind the Mania for J.K. Rowling's Bestselling Books. Carol Stream, IL: SaltRiver, 2008.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Tyndale Rewards program. It is my policy to give an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

TYNDALE REWARDS PROGRAM:

https://myreaderrewardsclub.com/

Book Review: Redemptive Leadership, by Joseph Bucci

When it comes to leadership, we often think of great men, both past and present, from military leaders like Alexander the Great and George Washington to sports leaders like Phil Jackson and Tom Landry to church leaders like Jonathan Edwards and Dr. David Jeremiah. But one distinguishing factor of truly great leadership is covered in Redemptive Leadership. This is the trait of leading people who are recovering from mistakes that they have made and turning them into leaders themselves. In this book, the authors specifically look at this trait from a management perspective.

Chapter 1 looks at the American people and how they view redemption. The author finds that most Americans do, though they lack a Biblical perspective on what redemption really is. As Christians, we know that redemption is the process of Christ paying the punishment for our sin and setting us free from that bondage. Chapter 2 gives the why—the reasons that we should even study this type of management and leadership. Chapter 3 gives examples of redemption in management literature- things that have already been written on the topic. Chapters 4-9 details the research findings of various statements: 

• Chapter 4— “Managers reflected on the decision making that led to the first termination, but then they reviewed the rationale for bringing someone back (45).” 
• Chapter 5— “Managers sorted through organizational issues with stakeholder groups, but then they carefully considered the proper placement of the returning employee (54).” 
• Chapter 6— “Managers created structured agreements with conditional acceptance, then they communicated clearly and directly about conditions and consequences (62).” 
• Chapter 7— “Managers were moved with compassion and empathy for the reinstated employees, but then they acted to ensure that the process for reinstatement demonstrated justice and fairness (72).”
• Chapter 8— “Managers offered support and encouragement to the returning employee, but then they carefully scrutinized the returning employees work, with greater follow-up frequency and continued, consistent discipline (80).” 
• Chapter 9— “Managers balanced the need (sometimes desperation) for good workers and their belief in second chances with the facts: these employees had displayed aberrant behavior and had previously failed at this opportunity (89).”

Chapter 10 reviews the previous chapters and their findings and gives ideas on how to implement those ideas into everyday management. Chapter 11 makes the case for using redemptive management as a viable strategy. Chapter 12 gives a case study on redemptive management. Chapter 13 shows that there are some limitations to this research, so the manager should proceed with caution when implementing this. Chapter 14 gives a few additional thoughts from the perspective of faith.

I enjoyed this book. I felt that it hit the mark of where Christians should be looking. There are often situations where people made mistakes but now want to make things right. I believe that we should do as God does—forgive and give second chances, even when someone does not necessarily deserve it. For these, reasons, I give this book 4.5 stars out of 5. 

WHERE TO BUY THIS BOOK:

http://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319313429

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THIS BOOK:

Bucci, Joseph J. Redemptive Leadership: Offering Second Chances As a Value-Added Management Practice. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International, 2016.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Springer book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Book Review: Religion and the American Presidency, Edited by Mark J. Rozell and Gleaves Whitney

When it comes to thinking about America, one of the first things that comes to my mind is the religious freedom that we enjoy here. This country was founded on religious, Christian in fact, principles. Many laws that we have were implemented from the Bible itself. With the most important political figure being the president, it is only natural that the office of the president would have been affected by religion. Religion and the American Presidency is a summary of the different religious beliefs that several presidents have held throughout history.

Chapter 1 is merely an introduction to religion and the presidency, including presidential campaigns. Chapters 2-14, the remainder of the book discuss the individual presidents and how religion affected their lives.

• Chapter 2 – George Washington
• Chapter 3 – Thomas Jefferson
• Chapter 4 – James Madison
• Chapter 5 – Abraham Lincoln
• Chapter 6 – Harry S Truman
• Chapter 7 – Dwight D. Eisenhower
• Chapter 8 – John F. Kennedy
• Chapter 9 – Jimmy Carter
• Chapter 10 – Ronald Reagan
• Chapter 11 – Bill Clinton
• Chapter 12 – George W. Bush
• Chapter 13 – Barack Obama
• Chapter 14 – Donald Trump

There is not much to analyze with this book. With it being a history of the religion in these Presidents’ lives, not much subjective material is present. That being said, some personal bias will always reign, especially when politics are involved. This book did a good job of avoiding that as much as possible. For these reasons, I give this book 4 stars out of 5. 

WHERE TO BUY THIS BOOK:

http://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319621746

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THIS BOOK:

Rozell, Mark J. and Gleaves Whitney. Religion and the American Presidency. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International, 2018.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Springer book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Book Review: How To Be a Perfect Christian, by The Babylon Bee

A Satirical Look Modern Christianity-- Classic Babylon Bee

For several years now, The Babylon Bee has been recognized as one of Christian satire's loudest voices on the internet. Articles posted almost daily mock what we perceive as norms in modern Christian circles, with culprits from the everyday Christian to Joel Osteen to Tim Tebow to Veggietales. And now, the familiar satirical voice is coming to the world in book form.

For those of you who are not into sarcasm and satire, let me warn you-- this book is absolutely full of it!! There is not a page in this book which does not feature a sarcastic remark. As one progresses through the book, he must realize that by joking about everything that we want, the authors are pointing out the true silliness in some of the arguments that we have as believers. I truly appreciated this. The one thing that I did not appreciate was the author's use of actual parts of Scripture as satire. For example, at one passage the author references the book of Revelation and the letter to the Ephesian church in that book. For my own part, I found these references to God's Word as disrespectful. 

But despite these occasional disrespectful parts, I found this book to be hilarious and quite eye-opening about the stupidity of some arguments. For these reasons, I give this book 3.5 stars out of 5.  

WHERE TO PURCHASE:

https://www.amazon.com/How-Perfect-Christian-Comprehensive-Spiritual/dp/0735291527/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1516637821&sr=8-1&keywords=how+to+be+a+perfect+christian+the+babylon+bee

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THIS BOOK:

Ford, Adam and Kyle Mann. How to Be a Perfect Christian: Your Comprehensive Guide to Flawless Spiritual Living. New York: Multnomah, 2018.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Blogging for Books book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Book Review: Peace and Resistance in Youth Cultures, by Siobhán McEvoy-Levy

Rebellion and Peace.

2 qualities that have become the norm in society ever since the fall of man back in the Garden of Eden. Written on the pages of history are rebellions and treaties, revolutions and alliances. This book seeks to look at the modern view of these 2 ideas, as is evidenced in the literature of today’s youth, specifically the Harry Potter and The Hunger Games series. Now I know that neither of these series has been particularly well-received in Christian circles. What I am seeking to find from this book is not an analysis of these series. Rather, I am looking for the mindset of our culture now that people all over our country and our world have read these books.

Part 1 gives what it says are the “theoretical and historical foundations” of this work. This begins with how our culture so deeply desires peace, as is evidenced by every part of popular culture. It continues by defining youth, an often-overlooked part of our society, but also the very future of it. Youth is often seen on both sides of the rebellion and peace that are seen in society. Part 2 goes into the textual analysis of rebellion and peace. First, the author finds war and peace in the Harry Potter series, then compares part of the series to the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. The author then continues doing this with The Hunger Games series, with a chapter on the peace that can come after a legitimate rebellion. Part 3, which extends from chapters 7-11 centers on this subject: can the mindset that we see in these works of fiction of overthrowing an oppressive government and finding peace translate into the mindset of the culture that we live in.

Ultimately, I have found that the most popular entertainment of our day will translate into what people believe. If they surround themselves with something, they will ultimately take it to heart. We must be careful when exercising the spirit that these books can sometimes spread. Not every situation that happens deserves to have a full-fledged rebellion. There must be a balance, and I feel that at times the protagonists of both series can get out of that balance. But when it comes down to what is right and what is wrong and the government violating those principles, we must continue to honor and respect the government. These books, while not always demonstrating that respect, can teach us this very lesson. Honor the government, and let God guide us in what we should do. For these reasons, I give this book 3 stars out of 5.

WHERE TO BUY THIS BOOK:

http://www.springer.com/us/book/9781137498700

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THIS BOOK:

McEvoy-Levy, Siobhán. Peace and Resistance in Youth Cultures: Reading the Politics of Peacebuilding from Harry Potter to The Hunger Games. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International, 2018.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Springer book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Book Review: Violence in Southern Sport and Culture, by Eric Bain-Selbo

When it comes to sports and violence, the sport that comes to mind most often is football. And no place is more famous for football than the American south. This group of people is absolutely crazy about this sport, as modern-day gladiators line the field, waiting for their turn to hit somebody. But when it comes to the south, the other thing the people there are known for is religion. It is known as the “Bible Belt” for a reason, with a church seemingly on every corner. With sports viewed as an expression of religious rites, how then does it quantify having violence within? This book details all of that through a football game format: 4 quarters and overtime when necessary.

The first quarter looks at religious violence. This has obviously grown more prevalent over the last several years. Islamic terrorists wage their jihad (holy war) around the world. People from other religions commit violent acts in the name of their deity. It has, unfortunately, become a part of the lives of some religion. The second quarter deals with the violence of football. Bruising blocks, pounding tackles, and hard hits characterize every aspect of this game. The author does not at all support what he deems as irrational violence. He believes that it is unnecessary and that we should most definitely have second thoughts about viewing this game and supporting it. But, as the third quarter elaborates, this game in the south has become a religion. People religiously go to college football games on Saturday. They paint their bodies, pay hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, for tickets, and show a sense of devotion to their specific team that spans for generations. The fourth quarter finally sums up the conclusions of the author, which I have attempted to lay out above. 

When it came to this book, I did not know what to expect. But here are a few thoughts: 1) I do not necessarily agree that the violence of the sport is irrational. The people who play this game love what they do. They would not dream of doing anything else with their lives now. That dedication to their cause is what is deemed as religious on the athlete’s part. 2) For Christians, I truly believe that we must look deep into our hearts when considering sports. While they may be important to us, we must not allow them to become the gods of our lives. We must be careful about this. For these reasons, I give this book 3 stars out of 5. 

WHERE TO BUY THIS BOOK:

http://www.springer.com/us/book/9783319500584

BIBLIOGRAPHY OF THIS BOOK:

Bain-Selbo, Eric. Violence in Southern Sport and Culture: Sacred Battles on the Gridiron. Cham, Switzerland: Springer International, 2017.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL: I received a complimentary copy of this book through the Springer book review program, which requires an honest, though not necessarily positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.