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utah_mustacheman's reviews
374 reviews
Knowing Christ Crucified: The Witness of African American Religious Experience by M. Shawn Copeland
challenging
informative
medium-paced
Copeland creates a theology of the oppressed rooted in a commentary on African Spirituals. It is highly informative for reflection on how theology is made and how it sustains people. Copeland ultimately invites the reader to follow Jesus to the cross by picking up their cross. One section of the book feels ad hoc--a commentary on queer suffering-- but not unneeded or unwanted. Finally, her summary of the theological impacts form Black Spirituals is astounding.
World Christianity and the Unfinished Task: A Very Short Introduction by F. Lionel Young III, Muthuraj Swamy
challenging
inspiring
fast-paced
3.0
Strong summary of the last one hundred years of Christian growth in the whole world. Christianity is perpetuated mostly by Africans, Asians, and South Americans. This occurred through indigenous revivals and not colonialism or American/European missionary efforts. Young's invitation for the Global Church to partner with itself is not substantiated but creates and interesting and novel reflection.
Malestrom: Manhood Swept Into the Currents of a Changing World by Carolyn Custis James
challenging
dark
informative
fast-paced
4.0
An astounding book that helpfully address the toxic masculinity brought about by a myriad of cultures but specifically American Evangelicalism. Discussing and commenting on multiple biblical characters James eloquently subverts our idea of masculinity and godliness.
Your Daughters Shall Prophesy: Amplifying the Voice and Place of Christian Women by Todd Korpi
emotional
funny
medium-paced
3.0
Korpi gives insightful tips on how egalitarian churches and marriages can actually live out their values. There are multiple blind spots he addresses I found to be helpful to me.
God at Work in the World: Theology and Mission in the Global Church by Lalsangkima Pachuau
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Pachuau summarizes and synthesizes many theological themes to create a missiology. There are moments where Pachuau seems to be church-centric: "The church occupies an irreplaceable tradition in God's mission of saving and blessing the world." (128) While this urge, I think, comes from a necessity to triage many church traditions, it seems unclear whether God can move outside of the church. Where does Pachuau stand on that?
The strength of this work is its abundant clarity that cuts through theological complexity and distractions: "There is a mission because there is salvation," "Belief in the divinity of Jesus defines Christianity," and "Jesus operates fully within his culture while his mission transcended that culture even as it sought to transform it." A magnificent call to radically study the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as guidance for modern mission thinking.
The strength of this work is its abundant clarity that cuts through theological complexity and distractions: "There is a mission because there is salvation," "Belief in the divinity of Jesus defines Christianity," and "Jesus operates fully within his culture while his mission transcended that culture even as it sought to transform it." A magnificent call to radically study the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus as guidance for modern mission thinking.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Owens creates characters that are wonderful to love and invite tears when things do not go their way. Primarily a mystery as the plot, the story is driven by the abandonment of Kya and her continual invitations to love. Love requires risk.
I believe Owens goes out of her element during the court/trial scene. The moments where Kya, Tate, and Chase are out in the marsh are much more readable, and the reader really feels like Owens is in her specialty.
Overall, a wonderful quick read.
I believe Owens goes out of her element during the court/trial scene. The moments where Kya, Tate, and Chase are out in the marsh are much more readable, and the reader really feels like Owens is in her specialty.
Overall, a wonderful quick read.