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.


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New Spring by Robert Jordan

New Spring by Robert Jordan

My review

rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the first one of Robert Jordan's books I have read since he passed away 2 years ago. I very much enjoyed this prequel but and I am quite dissappointed that Jordan will not be able to complete the other 2 prequels he intended to write (not to mention the last book of the series).



I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy and has preferably read the other Wheel of Time books; It does not give much back story on the characters, so you will enjoy it more if you are already attached to them through the other novels. It is much shorter than the other Wheel of Time novels, but it has some great background on Moiraine, Lan, and Siuan.



Also, I just learned that Robert Jordan was a pen name of James Oliver Rigney, Jr. I feel pretty stupid for not know that before. :-) You will be missed Mr. Rigney.



October 17, 1948 – September 16, 2007

Blue Like Jazz

Blue Like Jazz: Nonreligious Thoughts on Christian Spirituality by Donald Miller

My review

rating: 3 of 5 stars
I'm not gonna lie, I was a little disappointed in this one. I guess everyone's recommendations just built my expectations too high. It's not that it was bad... I enjoyed a few of his anecdotes. It just felt like I was reading a really long blog post where someone was trying to sound hip and cool.



Favorite quote: "God's love will never change us if we don't accept it."


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