Monthly Archives: September 2010

Beyond Opinion – Living the Faith We Defend

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Christians are told to “always be ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope
that is in you” (I Peter 3:15). I think too often we come to think that it requires seminary study to have the knowledge for that defense. Some apologist drill deep into the original languages, and get so scholarly that the knowledge does little to help defend our faith to those who have no knowledge of God.

Ravi Zacharias’ Beyond Opinion, Living the Faith We Defend is a pleasantly different. The emphasis is on living the faith rather than on the technicalities of the scholarly lessons. It’s possible to say that Beyond Opinion is about living apologetics. Zacharias sums it up with “I have little doubt that the single greatest obstacle to the impact of the gospel has not been its in ability to provide answers, but the failure on our part to live it out.”

Beyond Opinion is a compilation of articles by several writers, most of whom are part of Ravi Zacharias International Ministry (RZIM). Each author writes from experience rather than theory, giving guidance to live the faith rather than arguing it.

Divided into three sections, Zacharias has put together a defense of our faith that is more than mere head knowledge or argument. Part one, “Giving an Answer,” looks at the skeptics, and often the believers, difficult questions. Zacharias points out in the Introduction that we can answer someone’s questions if we haven’t grappled and answered our own questions.

Part two, “Internalizing the Questions and Answers,” is just that. Like final exams in school, we can find the answers for the moment then quickly forget. That does us no good either academically or spiritually. Once we’ve found our answer (not someone else’s answer) we must make it a part of us, a part of our spiritual transformation. Even Satan believes in God and His grace, he hasn’t allowed that knowledge to be transforming.

The final part, “Living Out the Answers,” is just one chapter by Zacharias which is the thesis of Beyond Opinion. Knowing the answers, internalizing the answers are of no value unless we are living the answers. The spiritual transformation must be evident in our lives if we are to convince others of our hope.

Throughout challenges from the world are presented, such as from Islam, youth, and our culture. Each of these chapters are a good introduction to knowing why our faith is the true faith and getting a look at why the various groups might reject our arguments. But in the end, after reading this book, you may find as I did that apologetics is more than arguments, it is relationships – relationship with God and those around us.

This is not a book to casually read and tickle our ears. It is to be read, studied, and re-read. It is not a the easy answers; instead it is the guide to finding our own answers. Beyond Opinion can also be a study for groups, including youth groups. I anticipate that my copy will become dog-eared with use.

Beyond Opinion
Living the Faith We Defend
Rave Zacharias
Thomas Nelson
ISBN: 978-0-8499-4653-0
Paperback: $15.99
Kindle: $9.99

Permission to Speak Freely

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“What is one thing you feel you can’t say in the church?” author Anne Jackson asked on her blog. Hundreds of people had something to say.

That simple question became the foundation for the book Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace.


Subtitled Essays and Art On Fear, Confession, and Grace, Permission is based on Ms. Jackson’s life and struggles with the church. Although I can’t relate to what she has overcome, I’ve not been there, I do relate to with struggles that are caused by the attitudes of some in the church.

This book is less about what was posted on her blog, and more about honesty. Not just honesty within the organization of the church, but honesty with ourselves. I came away feeling that much of the reason there are things I can’t say in church is that I have a hard time being honest about myself and with myself.

Ms. Jackson describes her childhood as a PK (preacher’s kid) and how it led her away from Christ rather than toward it. Her story is also the story of God never letting go of his children. While not the thesis, Ms. Jackson’s story is about how God does seek the one who is lost. No matter how far afield we may go, he will find us.

While not a mystery, Permission can be described as a page turner. It was one of those books that I had to limit my reading time or I would get nothing done until it was finished. Ms. Jackson’s writing is clear, powerful, and inviting. The story is so well-written that I nearly forgot that there is also emotion-invoking poetry sprinkled throughout also.

I was expecting to find more from FlowerDust readers. But the memoir that Ms. Jackson’s question invoked is compelling and reveals fears that I think most of us have but are so fearful we can’t express. I didn’t just want to shout “Amen,” but also “Me too, Sister.”

As she has done on her blog, Ms. Jackson tells of her diagnosis with bi-polar disorder. (FlowerDust.net)  Mental illness is one of those taboo topics in many churches and with many Christians. Her candor about the diagnosis of a serious mental illness will help not just sufferers, but those who love them as well.

In publisher Thomas Nelson’s fashion, the book is printed on quality paper with appropriate graphic design. It invites you hold it, linger through the pages. It is not described as a gift book, and not packaged as such. But the gift-book quality should encourage people to buy it for loved ones. But don’t just buy it for someone else. Get and read Permission to Speak Freely, then share it with others.

Permission to Speak Freely isn’t just a memoir or a critique of the modern church, as has become popular today. It is an invitation to take stock of what it is we fear and the sometimes long road to discovering and overcome those fears. Don’t be afraid to find out what other people are saying; you might be thinking it as well.

To read some excerpts and confessions, go to www.premissiontospeakfreely.com

Permission to Speak Freely: Essays and Art on Fear, Confession, and Grace
Anne Jackson
ISBN: 978-1-4041-8780-1
$14.95
Kindle Edition Available
Audio CD Available

The Butterfly Effect

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I was reluctant to accept for another Andy Andrews book for review because I’ve not found his previous work compelling. The title, The Butterfly Effect (How Your Life Matters), intrigued me.


The butterfly effect theory simply stated says a butterfly can flap its wings and the resulting motion of air will cause other movements in the air, which can ultimately start a hurricane on the other side of the world. Andrews uses this premise to show that each person on earth has the same type of on other people, now and generations later.

Andrews proves his point by tracing how the decision of one 19th century professor set the course of the United States for generations. And how one former slave influenced a 20th century vice-president. The linear progression of each of these individuals is interesting, I was looking for more story.

While not categorized as a gift book, the size, quality of cover and paper, along with the graphical layout is gift book quality. The 100 pages can be read in one sitting. The Butterfly Effect might be a worthy graduation gift.

When I finished reading the book, my first thought was that I had just read a magazine article stretched to make a book. Had I picked it up while browsing at a book store, I wouldn’t have bought it. I was expecting something with more substance. I was expecting complete stories.

Tell me more about that unknown professor. Who was he? How did he get in a decision-making position? What qualified him to be where he was at the pivotal moment in history? Make him real. Make him matter to me.

Andrews attempts to use the two examples of people who are in positions that lend themselves to be influential. I think most readers may be like me in thinking that I’m not a vice-president or professor, how can I make decisions that influence the world?

As with other Andrews’ books, I was less than impressed with the content. The idea is good, but it just didn’t fulfilled the promise.

The Butterfly Effect (How Your Life Matters)
Andy Andrews
ISBN: 978-1608100286
$14.95