Review: The Case for Easter: A Journalist Investigates the Evidence for the Resurrection

The Case for Easter: A Journalist Investigates the Evidence for the Resurrection by Lee Strobel
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

For the purposes of a research paper, I picked up this book alongside probably 30 or so other books, journal articles and encyclopedia articles and this was by far my favourite. The others were mostly either a challenge to read or skimmed the surface; they were either full of complicated theological matter or were too simplistic. Strobel pitched it just right - he pens in an engaging and easy-to-follow manner and yet dived in deep into the subject matter.

An able writer himself, Strobel provides an insightful introduction to each of three segments - (1) Did Jesus really die on the cross, (2) Was Jesus body really missing from his tomb and (3) Did Jesus appear to people after his death on the cross. The highlight of the book is probably when taps upon the expertise of Alexander Metherell, William Lane Craig and Gary Habermas, providing a summary of the interviews he conducted with them when he was still a skeptic. I was surprised that I enjoyed the read (because I wrongly expected popular level books to be mediocre)!

Like today's great comedians who entertain stadium-sized crowds, this book ended a series of exciting storytelling with a bang - one that left this reader highly encouraged and inspired. While the rest of the book appealed to one's intellect and reasoning, the final story tugs on the heartstrings.

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Review: Theologygrams: Theology explained in diagrams

Theologygrams: Theology explained in diagrams by Rich Wyld
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is probably a humourous, light-hearted take at something in the vein of the very serious and informative Visual Theology by Tim Challies. From the content, my guess is that the target audience are British Anglican Christians.

I really like the idea and creativity behind it, (and it was great fun reviewing this book after going through other more wordy ones), but unfortunately only two out of all the diagrams in the book were brilliant - namely the Matthew 13 Parable on p46-7 and the 7 churches in Rev. 2-3 on p86-7. The rest in my opinion, were not as insightful or amusing.

It indeed is a great pity, because when I checked out Rich Wyld's blog (theologygrams.wordpress.com), I found that I like many of the unpublished charts that were posted since the book was published. Hopefully in subsequent print revisions, more of these later ones posted in 2016-7 be added. Pop culture perhaps has moved on since the first edition was published in 2014. If however you found this book appealing, I recommend you check out Adam4d's work as well!

I received this book from Inter-Varsity Press for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Review: 5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know about Their Kids and Sex

5 Things Every Parent Needs to Know about Their Kids and Sex by Anne Marie Miller
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

How I wish that this book existed for my parents to read so I didnt have to find out what sex (and the related topics) was all about on my own through the internet! This book is well written, easy-to-follow and relatively engaging with the numerous personal stories and real-life accounts from people she interacts with. I felt myself agreeing repeatedly at the propositions she tries to make and hope that there will be more books like this in time to come! Also, at the end of each topic/chapter, Miller includes a Q&A by an expert on the subject matter, which is quite a nice touch.

Miller's own struggle during her adolescent days lends an authentic touch that connects with the millennial. As a 30 year old newlywed without any kids, I appreciated how informative this book is, not because I did not know most of the apps (eg. Snapchat, Tinder, Omegle) that Miller introduces to the clueless non-tech savvy parents, but because the information about the utility and dangers of each app will come very useful for them!

The deduction of 1 star is bordering on nitpicking, but I felt that some sections were more draggy and long-winded than they had to be, so if subsequent editions display more editing and brevity, i'd be happy to edit the rating to 5 stars.

I received this book from Baker Publishing Group's Blogger Review Program for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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Review: Studying the Parables of Jesus

Studying the Parables of Jesus by Peter Rhea Jones
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is an initial review based on the Parable of the Lost Son in Luke 15:11-32. I will update this in the future when I have utilised the book more extensively for the purposes of writing a bible study on the Parables of Jesus.

Across all criterion of juxtaposition, Jones' tour de force is my book of choice - be it for the purposes of academic writing, or for preparation of a sermon.

While Jones writes in an exciting, engaging manner, his intricate vocabulary use and numerous cross references to other scholars (both past and present) would narrow down the target audience to the advanced reader/scholar. With regards to depth, scope and clarity, Jones' commentary surpasses all twenty or so commentaries on Luke's gospel that I consulted for the abovementioned passage - textual issues, exegesis, interpretation, theological reflections and even questions for discussion/reflection are provided in the treatment of the text.

Interestingly, I found that I preferred Jones' treatment of the passage in comparison to Bock's magisterially extensive two volume tome of a commentary. Readers who are looking for an easier and lighter read would be well served by R Kent Hughes' Preaching the Word Commentary on Luke. Even if we to use its most similar compatriot (in term of number of pages), Arland J. Hultgren's the parables of Jesus: A commentary, as a better point of compassion, Jones still gets my vote (James Montgomery Boice and Robert H. Stein's titles are much slimer in comparision). While Hultgren's citations and cross references is many times more extensive than Jones, the former's writing is comparatively less engaging; Jones writes with a greater clarity and brevity without sacrificing much theological insight.

I requested this book from Smyth & Helwys for the purposes of providing an unbiased review. All views are my own.

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