The Attributes of God by Arthur W. Pink

The Attributes of God

The Attributes of God
by 

Arthur W. Pink,

 

Digital Fire (Editor)

it was amazing

76 highlights (Private)

Not a light read.  But worth the effort for the individual committed to knowing God. [John 17:3]

In Christian culture, I find it interesting how rarely believers think about God as an entity, as a person(s). Who is He? Can He be known and to what extent? So much focus, of our thought and activity seems to revolve around our behaviors as followers of Christ (in spite of the fact that we as Christians are saved by faith alone NOT by works). And if glorifying God and having relationship with Him is our fullest purpose, what better way to pursue that than by getting to know who God is, contemplating His qualities as we can understand them. I think that is why I find this book so refreshing.

Arthur Pink delves into God's attributes. Who He has revealed Himself to be through scripture. Attributes such as His Solitariness, His decrees, His knowledge and foreknowledge, His supremacy, His sovereignty, immutability (unchanging), holiness, power, faithfulness, lovingkindness, grace, love, Wrath (interesting chapter) and many more explorations.

It was an expansive read for me. The author explores the breadth & depth of scripture to paint a picture for us with his practiced hand - to give us a glimpse of God.  I found exploring each facet helpful in gaining a better perspective of his nature overall.  Having a fuller understand of his character is helpful in not isolating one particular aspect to the exclusion of other - such as considering only God's judgement and wrath without also considering his love, grace and mercy.  

I plan to reread it at some point.  It is well worth revisiting.

Favorite Quotes:

"God is no gainer even from our worship. He was in no need of that external glory of His grace which arises from His redeemed, for He is glorious enough in Himself without that. What was it that moved Him to predestinate His elect to the praise of the glory of His grace? It was, as Ephesians 1:5 tells us, “according to the good pleasure of His will.”

There is such an absolute perfection in God’s nature and being that nothing is wanting to it or defective in it, and nothing can be added to it to make it better.

“Known unto God are all His works from the beginning of the world” (Acts 15:18).... 

an infinite understanding does not proceed by steps, from one stage to another:

because there was only one act of His infinite mind about future things.

Sin could not proceed from a holy God by positive and direct creation, but only by decretive permission and negative action.

Real prayer is indited [dictated] by the Spirit, yet it is also the cry of a human heart.

But what is the use of praying to One whose will is already fixed? We answer, Because He so requires it.

Christ is both God and man. He is Omniscient, yet “increased in wisdom” (Luke 2:52). He was Almighty, yet was “crucified through weakness” (II Cor 13:4). He was the Prince of life, yet He died. High mysteries are these, yet faith receives them unquestioningly.

When speaking of Himself, God frequently accommodates His language to our limited capacities.

Sin can no more exist without demanding His punishment than without requiring His hatred of it. God has often forgiven sinners, but He never forgives sin; and the sinner is only forgiven on the ground of Another having borne his punishment: for “without shedding of blood is no remission” (Heb 9:22).

The clay rises up against the Potter and asks, “Why hast Thou made me thus?” A lawless insurrectionist dares to call into question the justice of divine sovereignty.

Would God be “good” if He punished not those who ill-use His blessings, abuse His benevolence, and trample His mercies beneath their feet?

It would much quiet the minds of God’s people if they would remember that His covenant love binds Him to lay on them seasonable correction. Afflictions are necessary for us: “In their affliction they will seek Me early” (Hosea 5:15).

On Judgement:

Eternal life is a gift, therefore it can neither be earned by good works, nor claimed as a right. Seeing that salvation is a “gift,” who has any right to tell God on whom He ought to bestow it?

Is God obliged to force His gift on those who value it not? Is God compelled to save those who are determined to go their own way?

God is not influenced by things outside of Himself as we are. If God were influenced by the abject misery of leprous sinners, He would cleanse and save all of them. But He does not. Why? Simply because it is not His pleasure and purpose so to do.

The Silmarillion by J.R.R Tolkien

When I consider the works and life of J.R.R Tolkien, I cannot think of any other writer that has been as creative and extensive in the literary world that they create.  (The man single-handedly invented multiple written and spoken languages for the races in his stories.)  I have previously read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and they are a few of my favorite books, but I have always been hesitant to approach The Silmarillion.  It has a reputation for being a difficult read.  Now that I have read it, I can see why many people are of that opinion, and while this book will not appeal to most people I would definitely recommend it to a committed few.  Here is why (or why not):


First of all, if you are expecting this novel to be like Tolkien's other stories, wise up.  This is not a focused tale that follows a few central characters.  The Silmarillion is more like a chronicle of the history of the world that Tolkien has created; It covers from the beginning of time to the end of The Lord of the Rings.  Tolkien himself may as well be the creator mention at the beginning (Eru), because this entire world of Middle-Earth sprung from his vast imagination.  The Silmarillion is much more a mythology and history than dramatic narrative.  So, most people who read this book expecting an exciting adventure story are obviously disappointed because it is not that at all.  While there are a large number of wonderful tales expressed in this book, there is not a central protagonist as one might expect in a typical adventure novel.  However, the scope and depth of the history and mythology that Tolkien has created for Middle-Earth is staggering.  I could not help but marvel at his vision as I was reading.  There is so much detail in the book that it is obvious that it took him decades to concoct the material for this epic book.


Secondly, if you are daunted by large numbers of names and unfamiliar geography and family histories (for instance the book of genesis), then you will not like the beginning of The Silmarillion.  There are a vast number of characters introduced (some of whom you never hear from again) and the ones that are represented are often only in the story for a brief period.  But once again, the scope of Tolkien's vision while sometimes confusing, is spectacular.  I can't imagine the amount of time it must have taken him to create roles for the literally hundreds of characters in this book, not to mention the detailed geography, or his invented languages which he seamlessly flows into the character's names and lands.


So, in summation, if you are not familiar with Tolkien's other works, don't read this.  Go read The Hobbit; it is a great, adventure tale and a good introduction to the world that he has created.  But, if you have read and enjoyed his other books and can appreciate great mythology then you will love this book.  I did.


I give it 4 out of 5 stars with a caveat that it is definitely not for everyone.  :-)


Favorite quote:  
"Last of all Húrin stood alone. Then he cast aside his shield, and wielded an axe two-handed; and it is sung that the axe smoked in the black blood of the troll-guard of Gothmog until it withered, and each time that he slew Húrin cried: 'Aurë entuluva! Day shall come again!' Seventy times he uttered that cry; but they took him at last alive"


The Silmarillion


The Hobbit


The Lord of the Rings

Stuff White People Like by Christian Lander

my rating

What I learned from this book:  I am white.  You might say to me, "Aren't you 24 years old?  You should have figured that out by now."  That is true and of course I knew that ...you jerk.  However, until I read this man's blog & book, I never understood the vast depths of my white-ness.

Note: it should be stated (although obvious) that this book explores quirky and/or strange things that Christian Lander has observed in white culture a.k.a stereotypes.  But these stereotypes are not intended to be negative just humorous.  It does NOT say that these preferences are exclusively "white" or that every Caucasian loves all of the things that he mentions.  Plus, keep in mind that he is a comedian, so cut him some slack.

Anyways, some of my favorite Stuff White People Like:

• Indie Music - "If you mention a band that you like and the other person has heard of it, you lose."
• Wes Anderson Movies - "If they don't get the joke and other white people are laughing, they'll all join in.  It's pretty much the case that if one dude with glasses laughs, the entire theater will be in stiches within 15 seconds."
• Arrested Development - "Even though white people prefer to say that they don't watch T.V. one thing that they agree on is that Arrested Development was the best show ever."
• Bicycles - "Bike shops are almost entirely staffed and patronized by white people."

The only problem that I have with the book is that he often confuses "white" with being a southern Californian or a liberal.  I wish he had more expansive commentary on other white areas of the country (i.e. Texas or Minnesota).  But, whatever; it is all in good fun.

Hilarious book.  Good coffee table book for sure.

Recommended to:  White people and/or people with a sense of humor when it comes to race relations

Buy:  Stuff White People Like: A Definitive Guide to the Unique Taste of Millions

The Shack

The Shack by William P. Young


My rating: 2 of 5 stars
Disclosure: I must admit that, in general, I am skeptical of Christian fiction and pop novels in Christian culture. (Note: I am not referring to fiction that espouses or alludes to Christian beliefs and/or stories, but rather, fictional representations of God and/or spiritual encounters)

Anyways, I was given this book as a gift from a relative of mine about 6 months ago. He had read it and said that he really enjoyed it. I had also heard it mentioned a number times amongst some of my Christian friends and the plot sounded intriguing, so I decided to give it a chance. The header of the book reads: "Where Tragedy Confronts Eternity." In a nutshell (no spoilers), the main character "Mack" experiences a great tragedy in his life and his faith in God is shaken as a result. Throughout the novel, the main character's interactions and conversations with God, Jesus, the Holy Spirit, his friends and family helps him sort through and better understand his “Great Sadness” and suffering in light of a loving God. Although, the book itself is truly moving and the depth of the content is admirable, I was disappointed with the way that God was represented. As a result, I would not recommend it to most people although it might be an interesting read for someone who is strong in their understanding of the character of God.

First of all, let's talk about the story itself. Admittedly, the content is both difficult and moving. The characters are presented well and their sorrowful situation can definitely be identified with and demands sympathy. I actually got a little misty at one point while reading it. As far as the structure and writing goes, it is not particularly eloquent, but it is clear enough and it the story does not drag. The most engaging parts of the novel are Mack's direct interaction with God, and while this is the most engaging portion of the story, it is also the most difficult for me to accept. If the divine beings (trinity) in the novel were instead presented merely as other characters giving there perspective concerning the character of God, I think I would have been more accommodating to the content.

HOWEVER, when it comes to God, I have a hard time tolerating anyone claiming to speak directly for Him or especially “as” Him. One of my biggest pet peeves when I am driving down the interstate here in the bible belt is when I see a billboard for a church that says something like:

“Haven't seen you in a while” - God
or
“Blah, blah, blah, blah” - God

It doesn't really matter what it says unless it is a direct verse from the bible. What I am trying to say is, those people have no right or authority to speak directly as God! In the same way, I have trouble allowing Paul Young the freedom to present and speak as these “God” caricatures in this novel. God is presented as an Aunt Jemimah-ish cookie making person, Jesus as a young, fun loving buddy, and the Holy Spirit (or Sarayu) as a mystical, gardening Asianish woman. So, first of all I have a little trouble with God being presented in so light a fashion. But the main thing I have a problem with here is that Mack has extended made-up dialogue with “God” in these three forms for chapters and chapters. To his credit, I can tell that the author genuinely tries to present the trinity (some character qualities at least) as it is revealed through scripture, but just like the billboards I mentioned earlier, who is Paul Young to speak as God or even on his behalf??? Like I said, if these were merely other characters in the novel that happened to possess qualities that were similar to the characteristics of God as revealed through scripture, I would be more accommodating, but they are not.

These things being said, there are some very good qualities to this book. The themes that the novel approaches are deep and these themes are rewarding exploration for those who honestly seek to understand and have a relationship with God. Young approaches the theme of human suffering in a unique and compelling way, and I appreciate the loving and gracious quality of God that he presents. There are certainly less “fuzzy” characteristics of God that need to be understood as well, but this is a small novel so it makes sense that he cannot broach every theological subject all at once.

Unfortunately, while the premise and theme of The Shack is both interesting and challenging, the suspect quality of the way God is presented combined with a lack of scriptural reference, and very little mention of salvation makes this novel one that I would rarely recommend. I do not regret reading it, but I probably will not read it again.

LEAST favorite line: "Nobody wanted God in a box, just in a book. Especially an expensive one bound in leather with gilt edges, or was that guilt edges?" (doesn't make sense contextually; the author is just trying to be clever. fail.

Recommended reading:

The Bible
Attributes of God by Arthur Pink

View all my reviews >>

The Case for Faith

The Case for Faith: A Journalist Investigates the Toughest Objections to Christianity by Lee Strobel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars You can tell as you read this book that Lee Strobel has a very analytical nature. He investigates the primary hindrances of faith in much the way a lawyer would or even a private detective. I respect that because that is not at all the way I approach those types of issues. In this novel, Lee Strobel lays out what he calls the "big 8" objections to Faith including the issues of suffering, death, and Hell in light of a loving God. He interviews a number of scholars and one prominent atheist (formerly a pastor) in order to find answers to these questions. The responses are quite interesting. If you were unaware, Strobel was an atheist himself prior to researching the validity of Christ's resurrection. He came to believe in Christ's deity while seeking to disprove it. However, while his bias is evident, he seems to present the information in this book in a systematic and thorough fashion. However, however, while he is systematic in his presentation, he is not necessarily objective. While I found the information in this novel helpful for my personal faith, I do wish it was more objective. The topics are so heavy and deep in their implications that I don't think this medium is the best way to present these ideas. I would much rather listen to a lengthy and open discussion amongst experts on these topics rather than receive this condensed and edited version on paper. All-in-all I enjoyed the book. I would recommend it primarily to Christians who are well established in their faith and desire to hear a broad defense of faith in God in light of evil/suffering. If you are not a Christian, I would recommend reading Strobel's other book "The Case for Christ" first. After reading that you should have a much clearer understanding of where Strobel is coming from with his assumptions in this book. View all my reviews >>

Brave New World

Brave New World, P.S. by Aldous Huxley

My rating: 4 of 5 stars I was surprised after reading this when I discovered that Aldous Huxley wrote Brave New World in 1932. His descriptions of the culture of the future (he assumed 600 hundred years later) are disturbingly acute, when considering the trends of our current culture as well as our expectations of the near future. Ok, maybe humans mass manufactured in test tubes is a far off possibility (not possible at all I would think), but certain aspects of Aldous Huxley's future world are interesting. His description of future people group's dependence upon drugs and sexuality for fulfillment are particularly cutting when looking at the changes in our own culture in America over the past 50-60 years. Enjoyable novel. It helps the reader to consider what aspects of humanity are truly important and beautiful; the juxtaposition of individual humanity, through the noble savage, and social humanity are very effective in illustrating these points. Recommended if you enjoy science fiction or literature concerning social commentary.

Favorite quotes: "There was a thing called Heaven but all the same they used to drink enormous quantities of alcohol."

also,

Referring to soma..."All of the advantages of Christianity and alcohol; none of their defects." View all my reviews >>

The Gunslinger

The Gunslinger by Stephen King


My rating: 3 of 5 stars
This is the first book by Stephen King that I have actually read all the way through. I have started a few of his other books before (The Tommyknockers, The Stand), but he just was not able to keep my attention. This book was different though. I enjoyed it for what it was... Actually, I'm still not sure what happened, but it was intriguing enough to keep me guessing about what was going to come next as the Gunslinger chased the man in black across the desert and underneath mountains. The action in the novel was well paced to keep the story moving and interesting although I can't really say that the characters left a lasting impact on me.

All in all, it was a good book. I am not sure I will read the rest of the series though.


View all my reviews >>