090 - Finding Our Way Again

Brian McLaren is a controversial figure in most churches.  I've heard him called everything from visionary to heretic.  But after reading this book I do have more respect for him.  I might not agree with everything that he has to say, or his theology, but at the same time I realize he is a fellow traveler on the road of life, trying to make sense of Jesus, God, the Bible, and the role we humans play.  I highly recommend reading through this book before judging McLaren.

I'm supposed to let you know that I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson in exchange for a fair and honest review.

089 - The Ragamuffin Gospel

Few books have influenced and impacted authors, musicians, and creative-type people that The Ragamuffin Gospel.  Manning has been quoted by nearly everyone at one point or another.  This book is simply tremendous.  Manning digs into topics in such an open and honest way the reader feels like their having a conversation rather than reading a book.  The books itself is a Christian Classic.  The words offer encouragement and conviction, yet always prompting the reader to go on for "just a few more pages."  No review would ever do this book justice, and if you don't own this book I recommend going out and buying it immediately.  If you do own this book I would recommend giving away a copy to someone you know who needs it.

I'm supposed to let you know I received this book for free from Multnomah in exchange for an honest review.

088 - Curiosities of the Civil War

I'm a big fan of history.  I enjoy historic accounts and learning from the past.  I hate historical fiction.  It has nothing to do with history and probably confuses people more than helps them understand it.  This book was excellent though because it was as sensational as a fiction book, but as true as real history.  Garrison did an excellent job of retelling plenty of short stories about the Civil War.  Many were quite interesting.

I also loved the readability of this book.  I could pick it up, read a story and put it back down.  Then later I could come back, start a totally different story and read through it in one sitting.  It was an excellent quality considering I like most people am fairly busy.  I would recommend this book for anyone who loves history or loves historic fiction.  The history buff will love the interesting short stories, the fiction reader will love the stories.

I'm also supposed to let you know that I received this book for free from Thomas Nelson Publishers in exchange for a fair and honest review.

087 - The Global-Warming Deception

Many people over the years have accused Environmentalists of fear mongering.  Many assume that they make up facts and figures about global warming in an effort to gain political power.  However, after reading this book I’ve learned that the Religious Right also does their fair share of fear mongering.  Grant Jeffrey wrote this book in an effort to point out how those who teach Global Warming are essentially trying to destroy America.  Yes, it is as ridiculous as it sounds.  His book comes across as ignorant and sensational.  I am disappointed that Waterbrook would even consider publishing such rubbish.  I thought about selling my copy on Amazon to be done with it, but I decided it was bad enough that I didn’t want anyone to purchase it.  Rather I will keep it around to remind me of how ignorance has run rampant in the church, and encourage me to continue to educate Christians.

I’m supposed to let you know that Waterbrook gave me a copy of this book in exchange for a honest review.

086 - Pujols

Albert Pujols is an amazing athlete.  This book details Albert's life from birth in the Dominican Republic to World Series and All Star games.  Throughout the entire thing, the authors make Pujols' faith clear and an obvious part in his life.  They show God shaping and preparing Pujols for the man he will become.  We see him grow up physically, talent-wise, and spiritually.  This book is a must read for any baseball fan.  I would recommend it to any Cardinal fan for sure.

I'm also supposed to let you know I received this book from Thomas Nelson in exchange for a fair and honest review.

085 - The Next Christians

Do you care about the future of Christianity?  Do you wonder how the next generation is going to experience Christ and the Church?  Do you see the slow shift in today's churches?  Then this book is for you.  Gabe Lyons does an excellent job of walking his readers through his study to the conclusion that the American church is dying.  He goes on to explain why this is a good thing.  I would highly recommend checking out Gabe's book.  Even if you disagree with him, you'll learn quite a bit about the current state of the church.

I also should let you know I received this book from Waterbrook/Multnomah in exchange for a fair and honest review.