Seminary professor and pastor Dan DeWitt boils down worldview to a single question: is life and reality described and governed by chaos? Or is there order, based on a creator, and, ultimately, Jesus? In Christ or Chaos, DeWitt presents the contrast between an atheistic worldview and a worldview that embraces God and Jesus. Focussing on the classical categories of naturalism and moralism, DeWitt compares the worldviews of two fictional college students, one a Christian, one an atheist rejecting his Christian upbringing.
DeWitt does an excellent job of getting to the bottom line on important questions. He argues that science and naturalism are not enough to provide meaning in life. Drawing deeply from the tradition of C.S. Lewis, DeWitt describes a world which points to someone or something beyond ourselves. Further, within ourselves we have to recognize that the moral categories that govern our lives point to the existence and presence of God.
DeWitt is an engaging writer. He touches on major streams of theodicy without getting technical. His style is governed by a belief that "in the end, what will change your life is not an argument, but the very spirit of God." Anyone who has ever engaged a knowledgable atheist on these questions will tend to agree. On that point, I don't know that an atheist who reads Christ and Chaos will be at all moved. But faithful Christians who want to dialogue with their atheist roommates and others would do well to spend some time reading Christ and Chaos and "be prepared to give an answer to anyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have."
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
2016 Reading Challenge: A book about worldview
#vtReadingChallenge
Friday, February 26, 2016
Wednesday, February 24, 2016
God's Not Dead 2, by Travis Thrasher
Did you catch the 2014 movie God's Not Dead? It's a good one. Good enough, and profitable enough, that a sequel is set to be released April 1, 2016. To get a preview of the upcoming movie, I read the novelization by Travis Thrasher, God's Not Dead 2. Sure, it's movie tie-in, with lots of cinematic, melodramatic elements, but I really enjoyed the book.
When Grace Wesley, a high school history teacher, is leading a discussion about Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr., a student asks if their philosophy of nonviolence is akin to the teachings of Jesus. Grace, a Christian, responds by quoting some scripture. Some kids tweet about it, some parents get upset, the principal suspends the teacher, and a lawsuit ensues.
The teacher's defense counsel: Tom Endler, a down-and-out lawyer with a bad attitude, no respect for authority, and a firm commitment not to be a Christian. The prosecution: high powered, high dollar ACLU lawyers with an agenda. No one gives them a chance, but we all know God's not dead--and he answers prayer!
God's Not Dead 2 takes place in the same city as God's Not Dead. The main characters are new, but we get to catch up with some favorite characters from the first movie. I haven't seen the new movie yet, obviously, so I can't compare Thrasher's treatment. Based on the movie preview, it looks like there will be a few differences. But Thrasher's novel stands alone, even if the reader sees neither movie.
I did have slightly mixed feelings about the case itself. Grace teaches at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, named after a Baptist pastor. She is discussing King's public life, an activist who could hardly speak a sentence without some reference to scripture, and whose speeches more sermon than oration. Why is it not self-evident that a reference to Jesus and the Bible would not be out of place in such a discussion? During the trial, the school principal does reluctantly concede that King was a preacher, but that they focus on his civil rights leadership. Tom argues that the two can't be separated, and demonstrates King's use of scripture, making the point well.
The prosecution wants to convict Grace of using her authority to impose her religious beliefs. But the argument is really over the content of the lesson, or, rather, her response to a question about the lesson. It should not have been an issue. But that is really the point the movie and novel are trying to make: this sort of thing is becoming an issue. Tom asks, "Would it be fair to say that, except for Christianity, all other forms of diversity are welcome?" The question goes unanswered, but it is a question that we are forced to ask in real life in public spaces across America.
Speaking of real life, as part of the defense, Tom calls real-life two expert witnesses, Gary Habermas, the Liberty University professor who has written dozens of books about the existence of God and Jesus, and James Warner Wallace, who has written books like Cold Case Christianity and God's Crime Scene. Thrasher's account of their testimony makes a nice, succinct introduction to their ideas.
Just like God's Not Dead, stories of individuals struggling with their response to God are woven throughout God's Not Dead 2. Grace is strengthened in her faith under adversity; Tom considers whether he has faith; Grace's student is torn by her budding faith and her parents' atheism; Amy, the journalist from God's Not Dead, is faced with new struggles and she tries to grow in her faith. Thrasher's characters feel real and likable (well, except for the villains. . . .). The struggles they face are genuine and universal. God's Not Dead is a solid story, a pleasure to read. I look forward to the movie!
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
When Grace Wesley, a high school history teacher, is leading a discussion about Ghandi and Martin Luther King, Jr., a student asks if their philosophy of nonviolence is akin to the teachings of Jesus. Grace, a Christian, responds by quoting some scripture. Some kids tweet about it, some parents get upset, the principal suspends the teacher, and a lawsuit ensues.
The teacher's defense counsel: Tom Endler, a down-and-out lawyer with a bad attitude, no respect for authority, and a firm commitment not to be a Christian. The prosecution: high powered, high dollar ACLU lawyers with an agenda. No one gives them a chance, but we all know God's not dead--and he answers prayer!
God's Not Dead 2 takes place in the same city as God's Not Dead. The main characters are new, but we get to catch up with some favorite characters from the first movie. I haven't seen the new movie yet, obviously, so I can't compare Thrasher's treatment. Based on the movie preview, it looks like there will be a few differences. But Thrasher's novel stands alone, even if the reader sees neither movie.
I did have slightly mixed feelings about the case itself. Grace teaches at Martin Luther King, Jr. High School, named after a Baptist pastor. She is discussing King's public life, an activist who could hardly speak a sentence without some reference to scripture, and whose speeches more sermon than oration. Why is it not self-evident that a reference to Jesus and the Bible would not be out of place in such a discussion? During the trial, the school principal does reluctantly concede that King was a preacher, but that they focus on his civil rights leadership. Tom argues that the two can't be separated, and demonstrates King's use of scripture, making the point well.
The prosecution wants to convict Grace of using her authority to impose her religious beliefs. But the argument is really over the content of the lesson, or, rather, her response to a question about the lesson. It should not have been an issue. But that is really the point the movie and novel are trying to make: this sort of thing is becoming an issue. Tom asks, "Would it be fair to say that, except for Christianity, all other forms of diversity are welcome?" The question goes unanswered, but it is a question that we are forced to ask in real life in public spaces across America.
Speaking of real life, as part of the defense, Tom calls real-life two expert witnesses, Gary Habermas, the Liberty University professor who has written dozens of books about the existence of God and Jesus, and James Warner Wallace, who has written books like Cold Case Christianity and God's Crime Scene. Thrasher's account of their testimony makes a nice, succinct introduction to their ideas.
Just like God's Not Dead, stories of individuals struggling with their response to God are woven throughout God's Not Dead 2. Grace is strengthened in her faith under adversity; Tom considers whether he has faith; Grace's student is torn by her budding faith and her parents' atheism; Amy, the journalist from God's Not Dead, is faced with new struggles and she tries to grow in her faith. Thrasher's characters feel real and likable (well, except for the villains. . . .). The struggles they face are genuine and universal. God's Not Dead is a solid story, a pleasure to read. I look forward to the movie!
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
Monday, February 22, 2016
Adoption Beyond Borders, by Rebecca Compton
International adoption has come under fire in recent years, resulting in a decline in the number of American families who adopt internationally. If a child dies while in the care of his or her adoptive family, or, as in one case, a family gives up and puts a child on a plane back to the child's country of origin, it's a newsworthy tragedy. But the bigger tragedy is the extent to which these rare cases lead to policies which discourage and reduce opportunities for international adoption.
Psychology professor and adoptive parent Rebecca Compton examines the research on international and transracial adoption and draws conclusions about adoption policies in her new book Adoption Beyond Borders: How International Adoption Benefits Children. Her subtitle is a big spoiler for the book. On the question of whether international adoption is good for kids, she says YES! (with all caps and lots of exclamation points).
The benefits to children are no surprise to adoptive parents and others who favor adoption. Compton doesn't stop with anecdotes and emotion; she surveys academic studies and finds consensus to agree with her "Yes!" There will always be anecdotes, such as the ones mentioned above, or allegations about baby selling or human trafficking. The real story is that adopted children are abused less frequently than non-adoptive children. In fact, something that seems obvious to point out, adoptive children are in many ways better off, as adoptive parents have to go through extensive screening, they tend to have higher incomes, more education, and are older than typical first-time parents.
Perhaps the most important policy point Compton makes is an argument in favor of earlier placement. Due to bureaucracy, political considerations, and some (somewhat) justifiable logistical and practical considerations, even a smooth, early adoption will often be preceded with a child spending long months and, usually, years in an institutional setting before going home with the adoptive family. In some cases, a match is made, the adoption is complete, but families are prevented from taking home their child because of red tape, visa requirements, or other barriers. When placement is delayed, "significant disruptions in postnatal caregiving" in institutions leave children with bonding and attachment issues, which get more pronounced the older the child is when finally placed.
I was particularly intrigued by Compton's objection to the common distinction between "biological" versus "adoptive" parent. She writes, "labeling the birth mother as the 'biological' mother primes the belief that the birth mother is the 'natural' mother and therefore the 'good' mother, with the implication that the adoptive mother is none of these." She argues that while there are obvious "biological mechanisms that serve to bond an infant and its birth mother," there are also "mechanisms that allow for bonding between unrelated parents and children." Again, this is no surprise to adoptive parents, but her biological and scientific description of this process of bonding is interesting and affirming. I think I'll stop using the "biological mother" distinction. (I'm thinking "birth mother" might be better. . . .)
Compton concludes that "research reviewed in this book overwhelmingly affirms the conclusion that international adoption benefits children." Her biggest policy recommendation is in favor of "placing children in family settings as early in life as possible to minimize the well-established effects of psychological deprivation." Further, she recommends putting the welfare of the children before concerns about nationalistic or ethnic identity, which sometimes causes unnecessary delays in placement. The sooner bureaucratic barriers can be overcome in order to begin attachment with the adoptive parent, the better.
Every child who remains in an orphanage, or who bounces around foster homes without a permanent place to call home, is one more child who will, statistically speaking, have a much harder adult life. I welcome Compton's affirmation of international adoption and her recommendations for improving the process for the benefit of the children. And that benefit should be foremost in the minds of those who are in control of the legal and political process.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the complimentary electronic review copy!
2016 Reading Challenge: A book about adoption
#vtReadingChallenge
Psychology professor and adoptive parent Rebecca Compton examines the research on international and transracial adoption and draws conclusions about adoption policies in her new book Adoption Beyond Borders: How International Adoption Benefits Children. Her subtitle is a big spoiler for the book. On the question of whether international adoption is good for kids, she says YES! (with all caps and lots of exclamation points).
The benefits to children are no surprise to adoptive parents and others who favor adoption. Compton doesn't stop with anecdotes and emotion; she surveys academic studies and finds consensus to agree with her "Yes!" There will always be anecdotes, such as the ones mentioned above, or allegations about baby selling or human trafficking. The real story is that adopted children are abused less frequently than non-adoptive children. In fact, something that seems obvious to point out, adoptive children are in many ways better off, as adoptive parents have to go through extensive screening, they tend to have higher incomes, more education, and are older than typical first-time parents.
Perhaps the most important policy point Compton makes is an argument in favor of earlier placement. Due to bureaucracy, political considerations, and some (somewhat) justifiable logistical and practical considerations, even a smooth, early adoption will often be preceded with a child spending long months and, usually, years in an institutional setting before going home with the adoptive family. In some cases, a match is made, the adoption is complete, but families are prevented from taking home their child because of red tape, visa requirements, or other barriers. When placement is delayed, "significant disruptions in postnatal caregiving" in institutions leave children with bonding and attachment issues, which get more pronounced the older the child is when finally placed.
I was particularly intrigued by Compton's objection to the common distinction between "biological" versus "adoptive" parent. She writes, "labeling the birth mother as the 'biological' mother primes the belief that the birth mother is the 'natural' mother and therefore the 'good' mother, with the implication that the adoptive mother is none of these." She argues that while there are obvious "biological mechanisms that serve to bond an infant and its birth mother," there are also "mechanisms that allow for bonding between unrelated parents and children." Again, this is no surprise to adoptive parents, but her biological and scientific description of this process of bonding is interesting and affirming. I think I'll stop using the "biological mother" distinction. (I'm thinking "birth mother" might be better. . . .)
Compton concludes that "research reviewed in this book overwhelmingly affirms the conclusion that international adoption benefits children." Her biggest policy recommendation is in favor of "placing children in family settings as early in life as possible to minimize the well-established effects of psychological deprivation." Further, she recommends putting the welfare of the children before concerns about nationalistic or ethnic identity, which sometimes causes unnecessary delays in placement. The sooner bureaucratic barriers can be overcome in order to begin attachment with the adoptive parent, the better.
Every child who remains in an orphanage, or who bounces around foster homes without a permanent place to call home, is one more child who will, statistically speaking, have a much harder adult life. I welcome Compton's affirmation of international adoption and her recommendations for improving the process for the benefit of the children. And that benefit should be foremost in the minds of those who are in control of the legal and political process.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the complimentary electronic review copy!
2016 Reading Challenge: A book about adoption
#vtReadingChallenge
Sunday, February 21, 2016
The Lego Architect, by Tom Alphin
 |
| These are way above my skill set. (instructions not included) |
There are three great things about The Lego Architect. First, Alphin covers several styles or periods of modern architecture, describing characteristics of the style and major architects. He includes photos of typical buildings in each style. These essays, while short and simple, provide a very nice introduction to these different schools of architecture, sure to spark interest in budding architects.
Second, he includes photos of Lego models of some of those same buildings. The models are fabulous and simply breathtaking. For someone whose original Lego buildings consist of a rectangular castle or fort with no roof, I am awe-inspired by some of these models.
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| Build your own mini-Monticello. (instructions included) |
style of Lego instructions with which any Lego builder is familiar, for several relatively simple Lego buildings. In addition to the specific instructions (which even an uncreative dummy like me can follow), he talks about tips for building in the style of the chapter. Maybe a patient, somewhat skilled Lego builder could create some of the fabulous, complex buildings pictured within.
For the gawker who just loves looking at awesome Lego creations, or for the creative type who wants to take his or her Lego skills to the next level, The Lego Architect is a great place to start.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
2016 Reading Challenge: A book about a hobby
#vtReadingChallenge
Friday, February 19, 2016
Mars One, ed. Norbert Kraft
Think about this: in our lifetimes, a human settlerment will be established on Mars. Science fiction is becoming science fact! My parents and grandparents, when they were children, probably couldn't have imagined men walking on the surface of the moon, much less Mars. The team at Mars One is in full preparation mode to send the first group of settlers to Mars in ten short years!
To give some background, and to look forward to the task at hand, Norbert Kraft, Mars One Chief Medical Officer, has edited Mars One: Humanity's Next Great Adventure. Space travel insiders, including some involved in Mars One, have written a collection of essays about the realities of a one-way mission to Mars.
Here's what impressed me about Mars One. This isn't a speculative book. It's real. The selections are written by people who have worked in space exploration and development, who have trained astronauts, who have led missions, and who have technical, scientific, and personal experience with space exploration. This is not sci-fi.
Interspersed among the essays are short selections quoting Mars One applicants. The astronauts selected for a one-way trip to establish a human presence on Mars will be heroes. I appreciated hearing their thoughts about leaving Earth behind and establishing a human legacy on a new world.
One interesting part of Mars One's plan is taping a reality show of the selection and training of the astronauts, as well as of the mission itself. I was reminded of John Olson and Randy Ingermanson's novel Oxygen, which is the closest portrayal I have read to the mission Mars One envisions. Their mission was broadcast for general consumption, and partially funded by network ad revenue. Oxygen was first published in 2001, but anticipates many elements of Mars One's plan.
Mars One will make a believer out of you. It's not the most gripping reading (the essays are largely written by science Ph.D.s, after all), but reading about Mars One with the knowledge that these are real people making real plans to send a group of astronauts to Mars is beyond cool. I can hardly wait to see Mars One succeed in their mission.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
To give some background, and to look forward to the task at hand, Norbert Kraft, Mars One Chief Medical Officer, has edited Mars One: Humanity's Next Great Adventure. Space travel insiders, including some involved in Mars One, have written a collection of essays about the realities of a one-way mission to Mars.
Here's what impressed me about Mars One. This isn't a speculative book. It's real. The selections are written by people who have worked in space exploration and development, who have trained astronauts, who have led missions, and who have technical, scientific, and personal experience with space exploration. This is not sci-fi.
Interspersed among the essays are short selections quoting Mars One applicants. The astronauts selected for a one-way trip to establish a human presence on Mars will be heroes. I appreciated hearing their thoughts about leaving Earth behind and establishing a human legacy on a new world.
One interesting part of Mars One's plan is taping a reality show of the selection and training of the astronauts, as well as of the mission itself. I was reminded of John Olson and Randy Ingermanson's novel Oxygen, which is the closest portrayal I have read to the mission Mars One envisions. Their mission was broadcast for general consumption, and partially funded by network ad revenue. Oxygen was first published in 2001, but anticipates many elements of Mars One's plan.
Mars One will make a believer out of you. It's not the most gripping reading (the essays are largely written by science Ph.D.s, after all), but reading about Mars One with the knowledge that these are real people making real plans to send a group of astronauts to Mars is beyond cool. I can hardly wait to see Mars One succeed in their mission.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Do Lemons Have Feathers? by David Burns
David Burns opens a window into the life and mind of a person with autism in his new book Do Lemons Have Feathers? Burns has autism, as do some of his children. He also consults with parents and educators, helping with the education and training of people with autism. Do Lemons Have Feathers? is a very personal book, in which Burns writes openly about his own experiences. His insights address both people with autism as well as those who live with, work with, or teach people with autism.
Burns's major point is that autism is a gift. He's definitely realistic that autism comes with some difficulties, but he wants the reader to embrace the positive. "I was able to do certain things because of autism and not in spite of autism. I began to see autism as a gift to be used." School and work environments, by their nature, tend to demand behavioral conformity. This leads to people with autism getting into trouble or simply not fitting in. But people "should not be expected to leave their autism at the door. After all, we wouldn't expect someone who used a wheelchair to leave it at the school gates and walk in like everyone else. The miracle comes when we change our attitude."
Changing attitudes is Burns's mission. Sometimes people with autism are said to have a "learning disability." Burns writes that "society has a teaching disability; most of us can learn--we just have to be taught in a way we can understand." Well said, Mr. Burns! By changing attitudes and figuring out how to teach, society will be better placed to receive and enjoy the amazing contributions of people with autism, whose "intelligence, perseverance and single-mindedness have caused breakthroughs and progress down the ages."
Burns's positive message and helpful suggestions for people with autism, especially regarding social interactions, are welcome. He writes that he has "made the decision to accept the condition [of autism] as a gift and advantage." Do Lemons Have Feathers? will help the rest of us to the same conclusion.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publishers for the complimentary electronic review copy!
Burns's major point is that autism is a gift. He's definitely realistic that autism comes with some difficulties, but he wants the reader to embrace the positive. "I was able to do certain things because of autism and not in spite of autism. I began to see autism as a gift to be used." School and work environments, by their nature, tend to demand behavioral conformity. This leads to people with autism getting into trouble or simply not fitting in. But people "should not be expected to leave their autism at the door. After all, we wouldn't expect someone who used a wheelchair to leave it at the school gates and walk in like everyone else. The miracle comes when we change our attitude."
Changing attitudes is Burns's mission. Sometimes people with autism are said to have a "learning disability." Burns writes that "society has a teaching disability; most of us can learn--we just have to be taught in a way we can understand." Well said, Mr. Burns! By changing attitudes and figuring out how to teach, society will be better placed to receive and enjoy the amazing contributions of people with autism, whose "intelligence, perseverance and single-mindedness have caused breakthroughs and progress down the ages."
Burns's positive message and helpful suggestions for people with autism, especially regarding social interactions, are welcome. He writes that he has "made the decision to accept the condition [of autism] as a gift and advantage." Do Lemons Have Feathers? will help the rest of us to the same conclusion.
Thanks to Edelweiss and the publishers for the complimentary electronic review copy!
Monday, February 15, 2016
Back Blast, by Mark Greaney
Mark Greaney is well-known to readers of military and political suspense novels, as he has written or co-written several Jack Ryan books. On his own, his Gray Man series has also graced best-seller lists. Back Blast, the newest Gray Man novel, finds Court Gentry once again fleeing from his CIA cohorts, who have put a shoot-on-sight order on him. Of course, nothing is as simple as it might seem.
Gentry has returned to the belly of the beast, stalking CIA targets in the nation's capital, hoping to find answers to the question: Why is he a target? Of course, he is smarter and wilier than his hunters, and stays a step ahead of them. But behind him, a wake of destruction and death gets pinned on him. He learns that he has become a target because of an operation called BACK BLAST. For what it's worth, I got a kick out of this exchange between Gentry and his former team leader, Hanley, as Gentry was trying to remember what BACK BLAST was.
Fans of novels with lots of action, lots of details about weapons, and lots of narrow escapes by an out-gunned, out-manned hero will enjoy Back Blast. I'd like to think that the world of espionage and national security isn't as full of backstabbers, double-dealers, and self-centered ego maniacs as the world Greaney portrays. I'd also like to think that there are more heroic, selfless agents like Gentry. He's not perfect, but he's a hero worth cheering for. Whether the nation is better or worse off as a result of the actions of the actions of the CIA and black ops is a subject for another book. In any case, Back Blast is a fun, non-stop read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
Was this review helpful to you? Please give my review at Amazon.com a helpful vote!
2016 Reading Challenge: A novel longer than 400 pages
#vtReadingChallenge
Gentry has returned to the belly of the beast, stalking CIA targets in the nation's capital, hoping to find answers to the question: Why is he a target? Of course, he is smarter and wilier than his hunters, and stays a step ahead of them. But behind him, a wake of destruction and death gets pinned on him. He learns that he has become a target because of an operation called BACK BLAST. For what it's worth, I got a kick out of this exchange between Gentry and his former team leader, Hanley, as Gentry was trying to remember what BACK BLAST was.
"That first thing we did in Jalalabad?"Clearly, Gentry has been around the world a few times and pulled off some big-time operations, too many to remember. Readers who have not read the first four Gray Man books will definitely have their interest piqued and will want to go back and read them, but, not to worry, Back Blast stands alone; readers will not be lost, wondering what's going on.
"No, man. That was BACKBEAT."
"That's right. . . . The thing in Ankara?"
"BRAINSTORM."
"Sarajevo?"
Hanley looked at his former operator with bewilderment. "Jesus, that one was called AARDVARK SANDSTORM. Were you even paying attention during the briefings?"
Court shrugged. "Then what the hell was BACK BLAST?"
Fans of novels with lots of action, lots of details about weapons, and lots of narrow escapes by an out-gunned, out-manned hero will enjoy Back Blast. I'd like to think that the world of espionage and national security isn't as full of backstabbers, double-dealers, and self-centered ego maniacs as the world Greaney portrays. I'd also like to think that there are more heroic, selfless agents like Gentry. He's not perfect, but he's a hero worth cheering for. Whether the nation is better or worse off as a result of the actions of the actions of the CIA and black ops is a subject for another book. In any case, Back Blast is a fun, non-stop read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the complimentary electronic review copy!
Was this review helpful to you? Please give my review at Amazon.com a helpful vote!
2016 Reading Challenge: A novel longer than 400 pages
#vtReadingChallenge
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