Author Archives: davidsteele1966

LOVE, FREEDOM, AND EVIL – Thaddeus Williams (2011)

The debate over free will has raged ever since Pelagius recoiled at the prayer of Augustine: “Grant what thou commandest and command what thou doest grant.”  Thaddeus J. Williams enters into the discussion with his excellent book, Love, Freedom, and Evil. Williams show graciousness and charity throughout as he refuses to caricature his opponents, namelyContinue reading “LOVE, FREEDOM, AND EVIL – Thaddeus Williams (2011)”

REAL MARRIAGE – Mark and Grace Driscoll (2012)

Real Marriage by Mark and Grace Driscoll hit the evangelical world by storm a few days ago.  Some, like the influential theologian, Wayne Grudem, are praising it and some are condemning it.  In my mind, the hype is a bit overplayed on both sides. Real Marriage  is biblical in its scope, practical in its counsel,Continue reading “REAL MARRIAGE – Mark and Grace Driscoll (2012)”

DESIRING GOD – John Piper

Desiring God is a book devoted to helping readers find their happiness in God.  The theme is that “God is most glorified in me when I am most satisfied in him.”  Dr. Piper carefully builds his case for this concept and calls it Christian hedonism.  The issue for the Christian is one of desire.  WillContinue reading “DESIRING GOD – John Piper”

TOP BOOKS IN 2011

NOTE TO SELF – Joe Thorn Short and pithy chapters that go straight to the heart. See my review HISTORICAL THEOLOGY – Gregg Allison A sweeping narrative that informs and motivates budding students of historical theology. See my review PILLARS OF GRACE – Steve Lawson The long line of godly men continues … See myContinue reading “TOP BOOKS IN 2011”

RED LIKE BLOOD: Confrontations with Grace – Joe Coffee and Bob Bevington (2011)

I got more than I bargained for when I set out to read Red Like Blood.  And I got less than what I bargained for.  I anticipated atonement themes; cross-centered reflections on the person and work of Christ. I looked forward to warm-hearted, theologically informed writing that gloried in blood of Christ that cleanses peopleContinue reading “RED LIKE BLOOD: Confrontations with Grace – Joe Coffee and Bob Bevington (2011)”

TEN QUESTIONS TO DIAGNOSE YOUR SPIRITUAL HEALTH – Don Whitney

Healthy people understand that regular physical checkups are a normal part of life.  A trained physician is able to diagnose physical problems – high blood pressure, cholesterol, various diseases and a host of physical maladies. Diagnosing one’s spiritual health is also an important part of life.  Don Whitney’s book, Ten Questions to Diagnose Your SpiritualContinue reading “TEN QUESTIONS TO DIAGNOSE YOUR SPIRITUAL HEALTH – Don Whitney”

SURPRISED BY GRACE: God’s Relentless Pursuit of Rebels -Tullian Tchividjian (2010)

The primary objective of Tullian Tchividjian is clear in his book, Surprised by Grace.  His aim is to celebrate, delight in, and magnify of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Some readers might be caught by surprise in this little book that chronicles the story of Jonah but places the lion’s share of attention on Christ.  ForContinue reading “SURPRISED BY GRACE: God’s Relentless Pursuit of Rebels -Tullian Tchividjian (2010)”

KILLING LINCOLN – Bill O’Reilly (2011)

Many Americans recognize the name Bill O’Reilly who faithfully engages both the sympathetic and the skeptical on his weekday television show, The O’Reilly Factor. O’Reilly teams up with historian, Martin Dugard in a work of historical fiction – Killing Lincoln.  The authors succeed in presenting readers with an account of the events leading up toContinue reading “KILLING LINCOLN – Bill O’Reilly (2011)”

A JOURNEY TO HIGH PLACES – Larry Ikenberry (2011)

A Journey to High Places by Larry D. Ikenberry is a fascinating  inside look at the life of a man who lives coram Deo, before the face of God.  This stunning account of Ikenberry’s adventures confronts danger in the African bush, soars over majestic peaks, faces the mighty force of a volcano, and in shortContinue reading “A JOURNEY TO HIGH PLACES – Larry Ikenberry (2011)”