Veritas et Lux

A Christian Reading Manifesto: A New Resurgence of Learning

Reading is a discipline that allows us to explore new frontiers and supercharge our intimacy with God. It is one of God’s appointed means of helping us grow in our knowledge of Christ and love for him. Yet many Christians are reluctant to read and as a result, are spiritually malnourished.

A Christian Reading Manifesto is a brief rationale and apologetic for Christ-followers. It is both a challenge and an invitation to enter the world of reading to help accelerate sanctification and Christian growth.

Endorsements

“Dr. David Steele is a reader! I don’t know another person as deeply committed to a daily, disciplined pattern of reading and learning as this seasoned pastor and author. His new book, A Christian Reading Manifesto: A New Resurgence of Learning, is designed to help other Christians embark on a literary journey. Steele begins by pointing out how reading fuels our minds for productive thinking and ignites our hearts with a greater love for God. Recognizing the obstacles which hamper serious reading, the author offers helpful insights on how to avoid the lure of digital media and mind-numbing images. I was personally motivated by his encouragement to read ‘with the aim of becoming a lifelong learner.’ The ‘added value’ of Steele’s book is a list, categorized topically, of books he has read and recommends. This bibliography is a treasure that is worth the price of the book! I enthusiastically endorse and recommend David Steele’s, A Christian Reading Manifesto.”

— DR. J. CARL LANEY, Professor Emeritus, Western Seminary, Portland, OR; author of The Divorce Myth.

“Dr. Steele provides a fresh look at an age-old idea: that believers should know what they believe and prioritize their lives accordingly. A Christian Reading Manifesto is a must-read for any believer making an effort to reorient their lives toward that which matters: to return to the purer and baser points of spirituality, to take their souls seriously, to remind themselves that there are resources that have been and are being neglected, and to love God with all of their minds. I highly recommend Dr. Steele’s work and will be recommending it to my congregation.”

— DR. DANNY GARDNER, Senior Pastor, Highland Baptist Church, Westminster, CO

“As a Christian Educator, I am grateful for Dr. Steele’s faithfulness to doctrinal truth, the written Word and the great books of the faith. A Christian Reading Manifesto is a timely and compelling call to action that inspires the next generation of Christians to sharp eyes, soft hearts and sanctified minds.

I had the blessing and honor of studying school leadership under David Steele’s father. David continues his father’s legacy of clear, faithful teaching that balances faith, excellence and scholarship. This book is a clear reflection of those values. I want to encourage you to prayerfully join Dr. Steele in his celebration and call to become a Christian reader!”

— BOB RUHLMAN, Superintendent of Schools, Christian Unified Schools, El Cajon, CA

“Whether you are new to the Christian faith or a seasoned saint, I encourage you to read A Christian Reading Manifesto. Your mind will be enriched, your heart will be encouraged, and your feet will be set to action as you are exhorted to put into practice what you’ve read, while continuing in your journey of studying sound Christian literature. A Christian Reading Manifesto is a treasure to help you to grow in your discernment so that your faith can be Word-grounded and Word-shaped in this present age.”

— DAVE JENKINS, Executive Director, Servants of Grace Ministries, Executive Editor, Theology for Life, Host and Producer, Equipping You in Grace, and Contending for the Word; author of Contentment: The Journey of a Lifetime.

Pick up your copy of A Christian Reading Manifesto today!

The Eclipse of God – Erwin Lutzer

Erwin W. Lutzer, The Eclipse of God (Eugene: Harvest House, 2024), 291 pp.

Fyodor Dostoevsky said, “If God did not exist, everything would be permitted.” The Russian novelist words ring true in a haunting way as American culture has all but eliminated God from public discourse. Erwin Luther’s book, The Eclipse of God picks up on Dostoevsky’s theme and explores the ramifications of life without God.

The purpose of the book “is to help us see that first and foremost the church must return to God – we must return to the God of fire, the God who is both merciful and just, the God who redeems but also judges. We must renew our understanding of His sovereignty and holiness.”

Part 1: Searching for Light in a World of Darkness

Dr. Lutzer chronicles the eclipse of God by pointing to three pivotal figures – Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, and Sigmund Freud. The author adds, “They created a contagion, a debilitating virus, that has infiltrated every one of our institutions, our lives, and our families.” Marx attacked God as ruler, Darwin attacked God as creator, and Freud attacked God as lawgiver. Each of these enemies of God is explained, explored, and laid bare. Lutzer demonstrates his keen grasp on these men who continue to rule from the grave.

Part 2: Returning to the God of Our Fathers

The author confronts the various lies and paves a path forward – one that is true to God’s Word and faithful. Lutzer confronts moral relativism, epistemological confusion, the theory of evolution, and man-centered views of God – to name a few.

While much of the book is descriptive (and rightly so), Dr. Lutzer ends on a note of triumph by arguing that Christians must live lives of theological integrity. “If we can stay focused on Christ in the darkness, we will gladly redouble our efforts to shine the light of the gospel as far and wide as possible. We know that the darkness never retreats on its own; only light can push back the darkness. We will serve the Lord with joy, despite the cultural headwinds, and we will not see ourselves as victims, but victors.”

The Eclipse of God is a book for our times. It is packed with cultural analysis and sharp, biblical thinking. Lutzer has done great service by gifting this book to the church as readers Christian minds will be educated, inspired, cultivated, and challenged.

Beholding the Triune God: The Inseparable Work of Father, Son, and Spirit – Matthew Y. Emerson and Brandon D. Smith

Matthew Y. Emerson and Brandon D. Smith, Beholding the Triune God: The Inseparable Work of Father, Son, and Spirit (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 142 pp.

One of the most important subjects for Christians to consider is the doctrine of the holy Trinity. St. Augustine wrote, “And I would make this pious and safe agreement … above all, in the case of those who inquire into the unity of the Trinity, of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit; because in no other subject is error more dangerous, or inquiry more laborious, or the discovery of truth more profitable.” The bishop from Hippo understood the gravity of this topic and commended it to followers of Christ.

Matthew Y. Emerson and Brandon D. Smith’s book, Beholding the Triune God: The Inseparable Work of the Father, Son, and Spirit is short and readable. It rivets the attention of readers on seven important areas including revelation, providence, creation, salvation, mission, communion, sanctification, and judgment.

The task of the authors is to behold the Trinity through his inseparable operations, a doctrine that teaches that one “cannot separate the acts of God between the persons of God. Every act of God is a singular act of Father, Son, and Spirit … Thus, every act of God is the act of the one God – Father, Son, and Spirit are each God but are not each other.” The central theme of the book, then, is to demonstrate that every thing God does is the work of the triune God.

Emerson and Smith work diligently to prove the unity of the Trinity in the seven specific areas noted above. They highlight pertinent biblical texts and draw learners into a deeper understanding of the triune God’s activity in the world and specifically in the church.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

The Unhurried Pastor – Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin

Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin, The Unhurried Pastor (The Good Book Company, 2024), 173 pp.

Pastoral ministry moves at a breakneck pace. Tragically, many pastors begin their ministries in crisis mode and never turn back. The results are usually devastating. Some pastors leave the ministry, discouraged. Others succumb to sin and leave the ministry defeated.

Brian Croft and Ronnie Martin’s book, The Unhurried Pastor is a helpful antidote for busy pastors. The subtitle accurately reflects the intent of the authors: Redefining Productivity for a More Sustainable Ministy. Croft and Martin offer gracious encouragement for men who need to reevaluate and recharge to gain a solid footing in their ministries.

The authors provide practical help and tools for pastors to consider, all of which is grounded in Scripture. A helpful appendix is included that helps pastors evaluate various factors, including communion, contemplation, and commencement. This valuable tool will enable men to honestly assess their ministries and move forward in health and vitality.

Praise the Lord for two men of God who see the struggles that many pastors face. May many be encouraged as they wade into the calm “waters” of this excellent book.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Tracing God’s Story: An Introduction to Biblical Theology – Jon Nielson

Jon Nielson, Tracing God’s Story: An Introduction to Biblical Theology (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 359 pp.

Tracing God’s Story by Jon Nielson is a helpful introduction to biblical theology that reaches across a diversity of interest levels and educational backgrounds. The book is basic enough for newcomers to biblical theology but contains enough detail to please more seasoned students.

Nielson’s work is arranged in eight scenes, including:

God’s Creation and a Crisis
God’s Promise of a People
God’s People Grow
God’s Kingdom – Rise and Fall
God’s People – Captive and Coming Home
God’s Salvation
God’s Church
God’s Eternity

Tracing God’s Story presents the big story of redemptive history, which begins with creation and culminates with a New Heaven and New Earth. Each section contains two chapters respectively that invite readers to read significant portions of Scripture with broad descriptions of the narrative, a helpful review section, and a challenge to pray through the material presented. The author is careful to keep the focus on the Lord Jesus Christ – from creation to the cross, culminating in eternity future.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

On the Christian Life: A New Translation – John Calvin

John Calvin, On the Christian Life: A New Translation (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 73 pp.

John Calvin was a man with holy pursuits. He was a man with a Godward gaze. His pilgrimage began in Noyon, France on July 10, 1509. His mother died when he was only five years of age. In 1521, Calvin enrolled in the College de Montage in Paris. Here, he would study logic, rhetoric, and the arts – the very essence of a classical education. Additionally, he would labor over three languages – Latin, Greek, and Hebrew.

The next stop on Calvin’s educational pilgrimage was Bourges and Orleans, where he would study law from 1528-1533. However, sometime between 1533-1534, he experienced a “sudden conversion” and fled from Paris to Basel, Switzerland, where he would begin writing the first edition of the Institutes of the Christian Religion. As one might expect, Calvin devoured the Bible and pursued the Protestant cause with great passion. Listen to how he expresses his deepest desire and how God turned the key to his heart: “In short, while the one great object was to live in seclusion without being known, God so led me about through different turnings and changes that he never permitted me to rest in any place, until in spite of my natural disposition, he brought me forth to public notice.” The turning of this “divine key” set Calvin on a Christ-centered trajectory that changed his life personally and professionally, and would soon change the world. Calvin completed the first edition of the Institutes in 1536.

On the Christian Life – A New Translation contains highlights from book 3 in Calvin’s Institutes. The section is entitled, “How We Obtain the Grace of Christ.” The four chapters help readers understand the role of God’s Word, self-denial, meditation, and developing an eternal perspective. Calvin writes in an unusually contemporary fashion, always directing our gaze to the Scriptures and the Lord Jesus Christ.

On the Christian Life would be a superb introduction to anyone who may be intimidated by the depth and breadth of Calvin’s Institutes. It is educational, illuminating, and God-centered.

Highly recommended!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Grace Defined and Defended – Kevin DeYoung

Kevin DeYoung, Grace Defined and Defended (Wheaton: Crossway, 2019), 130 pp.

Whenever Kevin DeYoung pens a book, I devour it – quickly. DeYoung writes with biblical precision. He writes with clarity. And his writing exalts the Lord Jesus Christ. His latest book, Grace Defined & Defended is no exception.

This short book is a summary and exposition of the Canons of Dort. The Synod convened from 1618-1619 and crystallized the Reformed position concerning soteriology.

DeYoung reproduces the historical Canon of Dort and provides a short commentary that explains and defends the content. Misconceptions are erased and the doctrinal ore is successfully mined and served up in a readable and devotional manner.

The selling-point of Grace Defined & Defended is its ability to drive readers to the Canons of Dort – a document that most contemporary believers have never heard about, let alone read.

DeYoung’s ability to unpack and explain this 400-year-old confession is unparalleled and should be devoured by followers of Jesus. Readers who affirm historic Calvinistic orthodoxy will be edified and encouraged. Fence-sitters and Arminians will be challenged and convinced. And all readers, in the final analysis, will exalt the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Soli Deo gloria!

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

What Does Depression Mean for My Faith? – Kathryn Butler

Kathryn Butler, What Does Depression Mean for my Faith? (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024), 61 pp.

Depression is an ongoing challenge for many people. The solutions range far and wide. Dr. Kathryn Butler cuts through the fog of confusion and uncertainty and offers real hope in her book, What Does Depression Mean for my Faith?

The most striking thing about his little book is its transparency. The author faces the problem of depression head on. She refuses to “sugar-coat” this vexing issue. She wise distinguishes between ordinary sorrow and clinical depression. Admitting the pain of depression, she acknowledges, “In such bleak times, sufferers of depression need Christian love and the truth of the gospel more than ever.”

The author focuses her attention on causes and characteristics of depression. She suggests various forms of treatment, never minimizes the ultimate hope that is found in the power of the gospel.

Theological matters are dealt with minimally here, so thoughtful readers should find more help from authors such as Ed Welch and Martyn-Lloyd Jones.

Dr. Butler’s book is an excellent starting point for someone who seeks help for depression or a caregiver/counselor who needs tools to provide help for a counselee. However, as noted above, additional resources will be needed for maximum impact.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Shepherds For Sale – Megan Basham

Megan Basham, Shepherds For Sale (New York: HarperCollins Publishers, 2024), 319 pp.

Jude warned the first-century church to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude 3). To contend involves a fight with adversaries. It requires passion and zeal for the truth. Jude was not a conspiracy theorist. Nor was he overreacting to a momentary glitch in church history. Verse 4 reveals the reason for his warning: “For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God into sensuality and deny our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.

The warning of Jude is as relevant now as it was in the first century. Megan Basham’s new book, Shepherds For Sale, bears witness to the compromise and apostasy sweeping through the church. As one might assume, Basham’s alarm is not being received well in some quarters – especially from the Big Eva establishment. She is being accused of misrepresenting people and engaging in sloppy scholarship. But a careful reading will reveal these accusations are unfair and unfounded.

Basham’s central argument is that pastors and evangelical leaders have “traded the truth for a leftist agenda.” But the real focus is the strategic move of liberals and progressives to curry favor with conservative Christians. And as the author shows in many places, these Christian leaders are taking the bait.

The book explores several issues including abortion, illegal immigration, climate change, Covid-19 propaganda, the homosexual agenda, and critical race theory, to name a few. Shepherds For Sale exposes how progressive thinkers have “run the table” in a cultural blitzkrieg to infiltrate the church. Basham gives countless examples of how enemies of the Christian faith are gaining ground, not to mention the willing consent and capitulation of left-leaning Christians. The end result is a weakened and compromised church. Thought leaders in the church who once appeared to stand on biblical principles have been seduced for a mess of pottage. Basham shines the spotlight on these spineless turncoats, catching them red-handed with their hands in the pottage.

J. Gresham Machen addressed similar matters in the 20th century. He wrote, “False ideas are the greatest obstacles to the reception of the gospel. We may preach with all the fervor of a reformer and yet succeed only in winning a straggler here or there, if we permit the whole collective thought of a nation or of the world to be controlled by ideas which by the resistless force of logic, prevent Christianity from being regarded as anything more than a harmless delusion.” Tragically, many Christians have failed to heed his warning.

Shepherds For Sale, a meticulously researched book, illustrates the harm to the church when it accepts false ideas and repackages worldly ideology to appear palatable. Basham’s book should be required reading for every thoughtful Christian.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.

Who Are You? – Christina Fox

Christian Fox, Who Are You? (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2024).

The question of identity is a hot topic in our culture.

Who am I?
What is my purpose in life?
What does it mean to belong?

The answers to these basic questions help establish one’s trajectory and worldview. Tragically, many people are receiving answers that are out of step with the Word of God, especially children.

Who Are You? by Christian Fox is a short children’s book that addresses the matter of identity. The author has teamed up with Daron Parton who provides stunning illustrations that will appeal to young children (and adults who appreciate good animation). The author does a real service for parents who can read this book with their children and help them answer questions of identity grounded in Scripture.

A helpful section at the book’s close is included for parents that provides practical tips for discipling their children.

I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review.