Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy
by Eric Metaxes | 4 of 5 stars
This book was packed. Absolutely packed. There was a tremendous amount of research and information into the life and times of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, perhaps one of the more intriguing and brilliant theologians of the 20th century. This biographical sketch of Bonhoeffer’s life, travels, theology, and plot against Hitler started slowly but Metaxes gave little snippets of foreshadowing that keeps you engaged throughout the beginning. I was riveted throughout, in fact, it was such an interesting journey that I have decided to read a biographical sketch of some sort every month.
If there is a knock on this book it would be two-fold. First, there was simply more information and more rabbit-trails with than necessary. At points it felt like there wasn’t an editor involved in keeping the author on point. Even though the characters involved were interesting, there addition to the story didn’t feel critical and simply felt like more information and names to keep straight. The second knock would be part of the title, specifically the inclusion of the designation “Spy”. I don’t feel as if the story/information presented completely fleshed this part of Bonhoeffer’s life out completely.
Overall this is a really compelling biographical sketch of Bonhoeffer and left me wanting to read more of Bonhoeffer’s work and revisit the movie Valkyrie once again (the plot Bonhoeffer was involved in.)
On the Incarnation
by St. Athanasius | 4 of 5 stars
A fascinating book written c.300 AD. It takes a close look at the Incarnation of Jesus and its implications for our lives. It was recently labeled #1 by Renovare on the list of 25 Books Every Christian Must Read. I think perhaps what was most interesting about this book is how much of what we consider cliche’s today are found within. (For example the cliche that the only way Jesus could die with his arms outstretched was upon the cross). After reading and reflecting on this work, it felt like a very foundational text for the Christian Faith and the implications of the Incarnation within our own lives. Definitely deserves a read.
Theology Remixed: Christiantiy as Story, Game, Language, Culture
by Adam C. English | 2.5 of 5 stars
If there’s a book to skip, this one would probably be it. However, there are a few segments within that are really good. Perhaps the struggle more than anything with this book is the structure that’s laid out. Each part of the book explains Christianity as a story, then as a game, then as a language, then as a culture. The story section of the book is very good. In fact, I’d recommend reading that section for sure. The rest, however, you could do without. I wish the author would have narrowed in on that analogy for the scope of the book and used the others supplementally instead of as a major focus. It would’ve made for a stronger understanding fo Christianity (in my opinion.)
