Top Five Books Read 2012

My goal is to read 40 books a year in addition to journals, articles, and commentaries. For 2012, here were my top 5. If there's a hyperlink it will take you to my earlier posts on the book.

 

Decision Points, by George W. Bush


 

Bad Religion, by Ross Douthat

 

The Meaning of Marriage, by Tim and Kathy Keller

 

Jayber Crow, by Wendell Berry

 

Krakatoa: The Day the World Exploded: August 27, 1883 by Simon Winchester

 

Here are the rest of the books read in 2012:

Notes From The Tilt-A-Whirl: Wide-Eyed Wonder in God's Spoken World by Nathan D. Wilson

 

The Abstinence Teacher by Tom Perrotta (audiobook)

 

A Place for Healing by Joni Earekson Tada (audiobook)

 

The Hammer of God, by Bo Giertz

 

Words From the Fire by Albert Mohler

 

Tempted and Tried, by Russell Moore

 

I Am Second: Real Stories, Changing Lives, by Dave Sterrett

 

The Prophecy of Isaiah: An Introduction and Commentary by J. Alec Motyer

 

Jerusalem: The Biography, by Simon Sebag Montefiore

 

Coffee Shop Conversations, by Dale and Jonalyn Fincher

 

Love Does, Bob Goff

 

Platform: Get Noticed in a Noisy World, Michael Hyatt

 

The Lord of the Rings, JRR Tolkien (6th time through)

 

The Pastor by Eugene Peterson

 

Pirate Latitudes by Michael Crichton

 

Moonwalking with Einstein: The Art and Science of Remembering Everything, Joshua Foer

 

Train Dreams by Denis Johnson

 

Losing Moses on the Freeway: The 10 Commandments in America by Chris Hedges. I got through most of it before deciding I could find more useful material to read.

 

The Gospel According to Isaiah 53, editors Darrell Bock and Mitch Glaser

 

The NIV Application Commentary: Isaiah, by John Oswalt

 

The three-book "Roland March Mystery" series by J. Mark Bertrand: Back on Murder, Pattern of Wounds, and Nothing to Hide

 

Christians Are Hate-Filled Hypocrites...and Other Lies You've Been Told: A Sociologist Shatters Myths From the Secular and Christian Media, by Bradley R.E. Wright

 

Amazing Grace: God's Pursuit, Our Response, by Timothy George

 

The Prague Cemetery, by Umberto Eco

 

Great by Choice by Jim Collins

 

The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien (2nd time through)

 

The Joy of Calvinism by Greg Forster

 

Center Church by Timothy Keller. I didn't write a review for this one, but recommend it for every church leader.

 

A Brief History of Thought by Luc Ferry

 

The Fever by Sonia Shah

 

They Call Him Giant Slayer: A Brief Political Biography of Marco Rubio by JA McClure

 

Through Painted Deserts: Light, God, and Beauty on the Open Road, by Donald Miller (audiobook)

 

God Is in the Manger: Reflections on Advent and Christmas, by Dietrich Bonhoeffer (audiobook)

 

Previous years:

Books Read 2009

Books Read 2010

Books Read 2011

 

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Review of Sonia Shah's "The Fever"

Sonia Shah's The Fever is the kind of book I like to read: A look at how something so minuscule can change the course of history. The book is a look at the complex process the malaria parasite follows to survive--and the long battle humans have fought to survive malaria.

My one complaint is her often snarky comments about Christianity, such as this one about the enlightened contemporary approach to benevolence as opposed to the British colonial and evangelizing motivations she says were behind medical caregiving in the past (p. 139): "Clinical trials have proven that antimalarial drugs, bed nets, and insecticides – unlike, say, the Ten Commandments – effectively alleviate malaria." Ironically, this quote was found in a chapter with the religious title, "The Karma of Malaria." Or she wrote (p. 173-74), "In 1661, malaria outbreaks so roiled London that Parliament House declared a day of fasting to 'pray for more seasonable weather.' By the 19th century, Britain had more effective ways to counter malaria than divine entreaty."

This seems an unnecessary slap at Christians who are the very people who populate efforts to provide relief from malaria--and who move into malaria-infested areas when response is needed to many other disasters and ailments.


Despite this unnecessary intrusion, I found the book a well-written exploration into an as-yet insolvable problem that humanity has found debilitating and even life-threatening.




 

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Links to Your World, Tuesday, Christmas Day

Nice rendition of "I Heard the Bells"--

 

Strange facts about 10 favorite Christmas carols.

 

Apple's getting a new home in Austin, with an eventual 7100 employees at the site.

 

"What kind of world do you want to have? One where intense, negative feelings we don’t like are labeled as disorders, or a world where people grieve?” That was what one critic said about the new DSM labeling bereavement as clinical depression. The DSM, or Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, represents American psychiatry’s official tool for deciding between mental disorders and normality. Critics say the newest DSM represents "a tendency in modern psychiatry to medicalize the normal range of human experience." The ones to benefit, according to the article, are in the pharmaceutical industry. Story at Wired.






"There is overwhelming epidemiological evidence that the vast majority of people with psychiatric disorders do not commit violent acts. Only about 4 percent of violence in the United States can be attributed to people with mental illness." NYT, Richard Friedman, M.D.




Fonderie 47 takes AK47s off the market in Africa, melts them down, and gives the materials to artists to make jewelry. Cool project, cool photos. Sermon illustration here.

 

God hates Westboro Baptist Church.

 

Comforting: "In the autumn of 1885, people in Austin, Texas, began to feel sick. One after another, they developed a chill and then a soaring fever. They vomited and broke out in rashes. Their most distinctive symptom was agonizing pain behind their eyes and in the bones of their arms and legs. And when the fever subsided, lack of appetite and deep exhaustion left them unable to work for weeks or months. Austin had been founded only 46 years before, and it was still small, with just 22,000 people. By the time the epidemic was over, 16,000 of them had fallen ill." Now, according to this Slate article, it's coming back.

 

Saeed Abedini, American Christian, Imprisoned In Iran For Preaching Christianity, Thrown In Notorious Prison (HuffPo)

 

China's Central Committee wants the nation's universities to crack down on Christianity.

 

WSJ: "A Pew Forum study last year found that Christians are persecuted—by independent groups or governments—in 131 of the 193 countries in the world."

 

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"This development places the believer on a frontier again, at the beginning of a new adventure"

Paul Elie in the NYT:

For the first time in our history it is possible to speak of Christianity matter-of-factly as one religion among many; for the first time it is possible to leave it out of the conversation altogether. This development places the believer on a frontier again, at the beginning of a new adventure; it means that the Christian who was born here is a stranger in a strange land no less than the Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, Soviet Jews and Spanish-speaking Catholics who have arrived from elsewhere.

From his NYT piece about the dearth of any real engagement with Christian belief in contemporary American fiction.

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Winning Ways: The End?

It ends on December 21. Not the world, likely. But the current talk about the end of the world will end.

A shame, in a way, since there's wisdom in considering the end.

I'm sure you know about the current Mayan meme. Apparently the ancient Mayans had a prophecy that December 21, 2012 would be the end-date of a 5,125-year-long cycle. This has evolved into a cultural sensation, and while most treat it with the humor it deserves, others have panicked. A wave of hoarding has hit China, where the John Cusack film "2012" has been popular. Russia’s government put their minister of emergency situations before the media to reassure people he had “methods of monitoring what is occurring on the planet Earth,” and that the rumors were not true.

Don't laugh, America: NASA scientist David Morrison has also been spending his time explaining to Americans exactly why the doomsday panic is unfounded. "Two years ago, I met with a group of middle-school science teachers,” Morrison says, “and I asked them how many of them were seeing kids who were worried about 2012. Nearly every hand shot up.” He gets "a tremendous number of e-mails about it,” he says, adding that “a large fraction are from people saying they’re scared and don’t know what to do.”

As I said, it's sort of a shame that on December 22 the talk that the world will end will end. Jesus and his apostles strongly advised we think about such things. In the Bible, there are more than 500 references to the end of the world at the return of Christ.

Mind, such careful reflection shouldn't result in the kind of anxiety and panic that the Mayan hoopla has generated. Instead, thinking of the end of all things should result in--

encouraging others to keep going (Hebrews 10:25),

arranging priorities in light of eternity (Colossians 3:2-4),

holy living (2 Peter 3:11-14),

faithful witness (1 Peter 3:15),

and longing prayer (Matthew 6:10).

When you wake up on December 21, why not turn to each of those texts and evaluate your life? It would be a good way to take a day that has grown large in our world's imagination and use it for your own spiritual growth.

Tom

Hillcrest Christmas schedule: On Sunday, December 23, we worship at 10 a.m. with no small-group meetings at 11 a.m. On Monday, December 24, join me for our Christmas Eve Candlelight Service at 6 p.m.

______________

Each Wednesday I post my article from “Winning Ways,” an enewsletter distributed via email. Sign up at www.hillcrestaustin.info/subscriptions.

Mental Illness and the Jericho Road

Shannon Royce:

Mental health concerns are hidden disabilities that don't show any physical marker on the outside. There is no wheelchair, no assistance dog that might indicate that this is an individual who might require assistance or accommodation. Hidden disabilities cover the autism spectrum as well as encompassing those with mental health concerns such as bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia and those with neurological concerns such as epilepsy or Tourette's. Each of these disabilities is deeply life-affecting for the individual and the family who loves him or her....

Clearly there are distinctions between those on the autism spectrum, those with mental health concerns and those with neurological disorders. But the thing they have in common is they each are hidden from obvious view. They tend to be misunderstood. We don't know how to respond to them. They make us uncomfortable.

We tend to avoid that which makes us uncomfortable. We are busy. Our calendars are full. Full of good things. Important priorities.

I am reminded of the man who fell into trouble as he went to Jericho. The church leaders who saw him did not throw a rock at him. They did not curse him. They took no deliberate action to harm him.

They just walked past on the other side of the road.

Jesus commended the man who stopped, took notice and got involved. He said the good Samaritan was our example of how to respond. We need to stop, take notice, and get involved. This is not about programs, though programs may be fine. This is about personal engagement.

We are called as the body of Christ to engage the fallen and broken world with the grace and power of the Gospel of Christ. That includes those with mental health concerns.

Shannon Royce is president of ChosenFamilies.org, a nonprofit organization for families living with what the organization helpfully calls "hidden disabilities."

 

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Review of "A Brief History of Thought"

Luc Ferry's A Brief History of Thought takes us through five major eras of philosophical thinking. It is, true to the title, a brief ride (I completed the book in a couple of days). He begins with Greek thought (particularly the Stoics), then to Christianity, followed by humanism (in Kant), a lengthy wrestle with Nietzsche's postmodernity, ending with his own appeal to what he calls "post-Nietzschian humanism."

Though the French philosopher says he is no Christian, he presents all the philosophical movements as an effort to address "salvation." Each era of thought is shown to argue for three things: a particular "theory" (a way of seeing the heart of reality), ethics (a way of behaving that comes from the theory), and salvation (particularly seen as a solution to the fear of death).


His critique of Stoicism's solution (which advised us to refrain from "attachment") is relevant in the Western world listening to Buddhism's same call. And his dissatisfaction with where deconstruction has left us should resonate in the reader, too. It's notable that the concept of self-sacrifice is what forms the basis of his call back to transcendent values:

Counter to the the inevitable logic of a thoroughgoing materialism, we continue to believe (whether or not we profess to be materialists) that certain values could, in a given situation, lead us to risk our lives....Sacrifice, which returns us to the notion of a value regarded as sacred (both from Latin, 'sacer'), paradoxically retains, even for the committed materialist, an aspect which can almost be described as religious. It implies, in effect, that we admit, however covertly, the existence of transcendent values, superior to our material and biological existence (p. 244).

This way of thinking should be encouraged by believers. At the least it is a "common grace" defense of transcendent values, without which societies cannot be healthy. Even more, though, this way of thinking can serve as a "common ground" for Christian witness. A philosopical argument from the act of sacrifice and an acknowledgment of the need for salvation from the ultimate problem of death? The Christian story stands very, very close by.

 

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"When religious questions were not the most fashionable"

From the international bestseller and my current reading project, Luc Ferry's A Brief History of Thought: A Philosopical Guide to Living--

When I was a student – in 1968, when religious questions were not the most fashionable...it was possible pass our exams and even become a philosophy professor by knowing next to nothing about Judaism, Islam or Christianity. Of course, we had to attend lectures on ancient thought– Greek thought, above all – after which we could cut straight to Descartes. Without any transition, we leapt 15 centuries, broadly speaking from the end of the second century (the late Stoics) to the beginning of the 17th century. As a result, for years I knew more or less nothing about the intellectual history of Christianity, beyond the cultural commonplaces. This strikes me as absurd.

Exactly.

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Winning Ways: Wise Creasters Still Seek Him

Some call them "Creasters," and with sarcasm.


I first ran across the term a couple of years ago, and it was in reference to persons who only seem to show up for church services at the seasons of Christmas and Easter. Throughout my ministry years I've heard the criticisms of such shallow interest in God.

But here's one pastor hoping to start a friendship with a few Creasters this Advent season.

Now, is it sufficient to worship with God's Family only once or twice a year? Of course not. Christ expects us to connect with a congregation and invest ourselves in the fellowship and ministry offered there. A local church isn't like a restaurant that you occasionally patronize when you're in the mood for its cuisine.

So, why do I have room in my heart for Creasters -- and why should you? Tony Woodlief hit the nail on the head in an article for World magazine. He wondered if the attendance of some Creasters might indicate an undefined longing for an encounter with God:

Creasters...come though it doesn't fit their routine. They come, in spite of the discomfort in not belonging. They come because something draws them -- a faint sense of holiness evoked by the season, or because we are more inviting, or for the music, or maybe because the baby Christ [at Christmas] and the murdered Christ [at Easter] are images they can relate to best in their fear and need. They come, with their doubts and their poor attendance records, and somewhere, most importantly, the hope that it isn't all just a myth, that the baby was and is Immanuel, God with us.

In other words, we welcome Creasters because we believe we should start with people wherever they are spiritually and then encourage them to move up to where they need to be.

To that end, this holiday season I hope you'll invite your Creaster friends to Hillcrest. Invite them to this Sunday's musical program at 10, where the meaning of Christmas will be explained and celebrated. Or invite them to our annual Christmas Eve service at 6 pm.

Wise men seek him still!

Note: Thanks for your help with Angel Tree! All ornaments have been taken. If you're participating, please bring your wrapped gift to the tree this Sunday, December 16, or no later than Wednesday, December 19. Find out more at www.HillcrestAustin.org/AngelTree.

 

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Links to Your World, Tuesday December 11

Remember the story of the officer that bought a homeless man a pair of boots? The man is barefoot again.

 

"Go to enough weddings and you realize that photographing one is like photographing the coin toss before a football game: Nothing’s actually happened yet." Intriguing article from a wedding photographer.

 

"When a person feels lonely or is being excluded by others, his or her skin literally becomes colder....Humans everywhere connect the notions of warmth with welcoming, and cold with social exclusion. Linguistic links between these conceptual pairings can be found in Dutch, Turkish, Persian, Chinese, Finnish and a host of other languages." Story in WSJ.


 

"Vince Lombardi says, in my life there are three things: God, family and the Green Bay Packers, in that order. For me, it's God, family, and Yahoo, in that order." Yahoo CEO Marissa Mayer.

 

"Is scientism defensible? Is it really true that natural science provides a satisfying and reasonably complete account of everything we see, experience, and seek to understand — of every phenomenon in the universe?" This article explains how "the reach of scientism exceeds its grasp."

 

Are Mormons just another Christian denomination? Um, no.

 

The hidden origins of Islam. Fascinating.

 

"The sun will get too hot and oceans will rise. The earth will go away and everything we built will go away too. Everything will be gone. In the meantime, it’s a sad, amazing little place you inhabit, and the world hasn’t ended yet. We’re here, you’re here, and tomorrow might be good, tomorrow can be good, tomorrow has to be good, because otherwise, what are you doing here?" Cheery atheist reassurances. Is it enough for you to go on?

 

Turn your favorite deceased pet into diamond jewelry.

 

 

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Winning Ways: Opportunities This Christmas

The Christmas season is a perfect time to build your faith while introducing your faith to others. Here are a few Hillcrest events to help in that work:


There's Something About Joseph: This Sunday's message will be especially for men. The characteristics of the man God chose to raise his Son are worth copying in the life of every man. Join us December 9 @ 10.

Light the Trees: Imagine outdoor performances from our talented musicians, congregational carols, hot cocoa, and then flipping the switch to light the trees all around our campus. You don't have to imagine it: Come see it for yourself! December 9, 6 p.m.

And On Earth, Peace: That's the name of this year's choir presentation, scheduled for Sunday, December 16 @ 10. Watch a video introduction at www.HillcrestAustin.org/ChristmasMusical.

O Come Let Us Adore Him: Make our annual Christmas Eve service part of your family tradition. It's 45 minutes, and ready to accommodate the wiggliest child! Music, a brief devotional from me, the Lord's Supper, and "Silent Night" to candlelight. Beautiful. Monday, December 24, 6 p.m.

International Missions: The Lottie Moon Christmas Offering is a huge part of the funding for our International Mission Board, which provides for 5,000 missionaries around the world. Our church's goal: $20,000. I challenge you to make your missions offering at least match the largest gift you're giving to anyone else this Christmas.

Online Giving is Now Available: Now you can make contributions or pay for Hillcrest events on your mobile device. Want to pay for your child's camp registration the moment it's announced in a worship service? There's now an app for that. At the offering time, did you forget to bring a check for your "Beautiful Thing" pledge? Just take out your smartphone and get it done. Find more information and easy-to-follow steps at www.HillcrestAustin.org/OnlineGiving.

Be in prayer for the ministry of your church in this busy season! Oh, and one more announcement you need to know about:

Herb Ingram is Retiring: We were going to announce it at the start of the new year, but the word is out that Herb Ingram is retiring in February. He and Sharron will be staying at Hillcrest as members, though, so we can still groan at his corny puns! We'll tell you more about his plans in January.

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