Do you know why the dead sea is dead? It's because water flows into it, but not out of it. The result: no one can drink the water and the stuff in there just dies. It's not a good thing.
Well, that's how my brain is feeling. I've been reading quite a little bit this last month and I need to get some of it out. So, fortunate reader, you (un?)fortunately are the recipient of this knowledge dump. Here you go.
1. Investing for Dummies:
Wow, what a great introduction to investing. Unfortunately, I've pieced together most of this through other books, articles, and people, but this would no doubt have saved me a lot of time had I encountered it a little bit earlier. Like any good book, it first gives you a big picture look at investing, covering all types of investments, good and bad. It then dives into a comprehensive look at all these different kinds of investments.
The value of the book lies in its intuitive layout and comprehensiveness. If you are new to investing and willing to learn, this is the book for you.
Brett Rating: 7/10
2. Christianity and Liberalism:
This classic was good- I'm sure at the time it was prophetic and super-applicable. It still is, but its current application has more to do now with scientism/humanism/skepticism than with liberal theology. The essence: while liberal christianity sounds like the same thing as Christianity, it is completely different in substance, coming from a different source and taking different views on just about every important topic. Machen isn't really trying to argue for traditional Christianity but simply to illuminate the difference.
Brett Rating: 6/10
3. Erasing Hell:
This is a small, lesser known book of Francis's and while the writing is simply not equal to that of Crazy Love or Forgotten God, the topic matter makes up for that in lending intensity and "life-changingness" to the work.
The argument of the book is this:
1. If there is a Hell, it is serious and should change our hearts and our lives.
2. There is an eternal hell that is taught in the Bible (despite what Rob Bell might say)
Therefore, our lives must accomodate for this heavy, heavy, truth.
I think most Christians can resonate with me when I say that most of the time it's just easier and more pleasant not to think about hell. But I think you'd also agree that if you sat with it like Paul did ( "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart...") our lives would probably look alot more like Paul. I read this on a South American flight and I must admit, it darkened my day but made me rethink my life... something that Francis has a way of doing. I'm not going to rate this one.
3. Concerning Christian Liberty:
This essay was awesome- not simply as a look into an idea and time that changed the world, but as a truth that still holds today as the most powerful, soul-shaking, message in the universe. In this, Martin Luther simply expounds on how faith in Jesus Christ is the basis of our right standing with God. We are full of sin, he has lived the perfect life. By faith, we unite ourselves with him- and we get his perfection and he takes the wrath we deserve. Therefore, the most important thing is not doing some action to gain right standing with God, but to look upon The Word (by which Luther means the Gospel message) and to believe- that we are loved, justified, and approved, solely based on the work of Christ.
Good works and Christian morality are awesome and we're made for them, but they can also be dangerous as we are tempted with each right action to believe that we have somehow attained some added measure of favor with God- this of course is unbelief, not believing that Christ's life and death are sufficient for securing justification. I quoted this in a previous post and may be quoting it in the future.
Brett Rating: 9/10
4. The Harry Potter Series
After stating ultimatum after ultimatum that I would never read the Harry Potter books, my friend Josh made the point that by refusing to read, I was missing the series of my time. And so I was. And so I read. And so I finished.
I won't give any spoilers to those who haven't read, but... wow. It truly is epic and this series comprises the story of our time. There's something that happens somewhere throughout the books that makes you attached- to the characters, the setting (Hogwarts), and the battle. Part of the connection is the sheer amount of time that you spend with them, but I think it's mostly that you grow up with them that makes this so powerful.
It's a great series. Highlights for me include the end of book 4 as certain events mark the transition from kids' books where the good guys always win and it's always a sunshiny day to a story where good and evil, love, and sacrifice are brought to the forefront. This book certainly has a point to make- it will stir your heart and inspire you to check your heart and consider your values.
Closing, random thoughts: Dumbledore is my second favorite fictional character, second only to Samuel Hamilton. Is it weird that they are both fellow INTPs? :) For the end of the seventh book: with Craig as my witness, I knew it!
Brett Rating: 9/10
5. A Million Miles in a Thousand Years
While I started this book simply because I knew that Macchu Picchu came up in one of the chapters, I finished with way more than a heads-up on the Incan trail. The premise of the book is interesting. The book revolves around the idea of story. Essentially, Don Miller asks the question, "What makes an interesting story?" The great premise of the book is that that which makes for an interesting story makes for an interesting life. Through Don's movie-making, adventures in South America, biking across the U.S. the reader is challenged to write a better story.
It was a super-interesting paradigm- and a helpful/challenging one as well. It left me praying, "Lord, help me to live a better story, one of sacrifice, friendship, and... interestingness :)"
Brett Rating: 6.5/10
6. You Staying Young
So, this is a pop-book by those hot doctors that middle-aged women love. While the contents are good, it was way too long and explained way to much for the average reader. For me, I don't care how mitochondria work. Just tell me what to do to age well. As a reader of the blog, you have the benefit of not having to read the book but simply to just get the advice. So here's 300 pages in one list:
1. Exercise regularly
2. Eat good foods, not junk, and don't eat more than you need (I am ignoring this right now as I try to put on wait).
2. Brush and FLOSS (flossing affects way more than you think)
3. Invest in deep relationships
4. Pray or meditate regularly
5. Take great supplements: fish oil, vitamin B... and aspirin!
6. Get enough sleep
Brett Rating: 4/10
