Maybe We Don't Need More Book Reviews
Monday, February 22, 2010 at 12:41PM 
What do Tim Keller and Brian McLaren have to do with each other? Both have addressed similar issues in recent days. The differences in how they deal with these issues couldn't be greater.
Brian McLaren has released a new book. He suggests that we read the Bible as an inspired library that records "an ongoing vigorous conversation with and about God." It's more of a messy conversation with an evolving view of God than a final authority. McLaren also takes issue with the concept of a violent God, arguing that we've moved away from primitive understandings of a tribal deity. We need to read Scripture differently, and we need to get past our outdated issues of a wrathful God.
Tim Keller preached a sermon on February 14. This series was planned in advance, and I doubt that Keller was thinking of McLaren as he preached. From the passage, Keller showed that Christ's view and use of Scripture is higher than ours. He also spoke on the doctrine of God's wrath, explaining that this view of God is more loving and leads to greater concern for social justice.
I've read many reviews of McLaren's book, but this one sermon by Tim Keller would be enough. And yet there's no indication that Keller was even thinking of McLaren. Maybe we don't need more reviews. Maybe we just need a better grip on theology clearly communicated from our pulpits on a regular basis.
If you're a preacher, like me, we'd better take this seriously. Let's not wait until a book comes out before we give our people an understanding of important issues like the doctrine of Scripture and the nature of God.
But let's also be encouraged. Keller just preached the text in front of him and it was covered. Of course, Keller knows the issues in our culture that the text addresses. As we stick to the text and allow it to speak to our culture, many of the important issues will be covered.
Maybe we don't need more book reviews. Maybe we just need better preaching.
Reader Comments (11)
Since I started pastoring, I have spent a lot more time in Scripture, preaching/teaching through the text. It has made a huge difference in my own faith and in the formation of our community. To that end, if I look for books these days, it is general for those that contribute to this. For example, "Seeing Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes" by Kenneth Bailey has hugely served in open our understanding of Jesus and His context. I read another book recently (that will remain unnamed) which presented some good ideas and questions, but ultimately clouded the water for me.Good thoughts, Darryl. Thanks!Peace, Jamie
Keller is simply outstanding. He is the preacher's NT Wright. I've listened to eight sermons in the past six months and learned something every time - food for the soul.
nicely done ... i stand confronted and edified ... thanks
I'll buy that.
does that mean theocentric preaching?
Maybe we need fewer books and more Bible?
Duhhh I've been saying that for years.
I am not against more books. We never come to the Bible apart from what we've learned elsewhere. Good books help us better approach the Good Book. I don't think that is what Darryl is suggesting either.
I was merely being facetious, Jamie. However, now that you mention it:Many seem to prefer reading books ABOUT God to reading God's word. Many would rather read books ABOUT the Bible than read the real thing. Heaven forbid that they expend some energy and effort in deciphering the text for themselves; so much easier to rely on someone else's interpretation. And yes, I also use study material to expand my understanding of The Word. I just do not rely on them exclusively.Reading is akin to eating. Remember the old adage: "You are what you eat." Another old adage: "Junk in, junk out."Perhaps we should take as much care when selecting a book as we would in choosing what to eat. I wouldn't feed my body on garbage, why would I want to feed my mind, and especially my soul, the intellectual equivalent?
I wasn't actually responding to anyone in particular, Art, just wanting to make the point. Sorry for the confusion.However, I would argue back that no one comes to the alone. No one truly deciphers "the text for themselves". Unless you are reading the text in its original form, it has been translated and interpreted by people who have been trained to do so through the extensive study of other books. Like you as a reader will also inevitably do, they will have brought something of their own worldview into that process. And unless you somehow were raised in utter isolation from any Christian tradition, you bring preconceived notions (both conscious and otherwise) to the process of understanding. Let's face it, coming from that kind of isolation would not ultimately be profitable either.These are but a few of the dynamics at play among many, many others that require the use of other books to empower us to approach Scripture. What I am trying to affirm (and I think you would agree) is that it is not THAT books are necessary, but rather that we seek the best books possible to aid our minds and faith communities to better wrestle along with the Spirit the written word of God.Peace, Jamie
Absolutely Jaime. I couldn't agree more. As I said, I use study materials as well, I just do not rely on them exclusively. I was hinting at the same ideas, you just said it more eloquently.As to your point concerning preconceived notions: I have had to unlearn some ideas planted by a cult. Having made that mistake once, (becoming involved in a cult, that is,) I do not intend to repeat it. No more "junk food" for me!!!