This is my first digest since April, so it’s a bit long. My goal in posting my reading is not to impress you, but to hopefully encourage you to read more, and to point your bibliographic antennae in the direction of books you may find useful, informative, and edifying.

And, as always, I’d love to hear what you’re reading. Let me know in the comments.

SCRIPTURE …

Galatians (personal devotions).

Galatians 5:6 (family devotions). We have been meditating on a single passage that wonderfully boils down the two main components of the Christian life—faith in God (vertical) and love towards others (horizontal). “Faith working through love” has become our mantra in family worship, the theme of our recent conversations, our mutual aspiration. … Also, last night we started reading The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald.

RECENTLY READ, CURRENTLY READING …

The Epistle to the Galatians (NICNT) by Ronald Y. K. Fung (Eerdmans, 1998, 342 pgs). Fung’s commentary is the most readable technical work on Galatians, a feast for the mind, and spark for the soul’s meditation. It’s not too much to say that this book models how technical commentaries on Paul’s Epistles should be constructed.

Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad (Everyman’s Library, 1993, 110 pgs). Considered to be one of the most unrelenting fiction works. At a recent dinner with biblical counselor, David Powlison told me that here in this book Conrad stares directly into the pit of human heart. Reading this dark realism reminds me of the darkness of this sinful world, darkness the gospel has arrived to redeem sinners from, a darkness that remains the only alternative path apart from faith in Christ.

The Infinite Merit of Christ: The Glory of Christ’s Obedience in the Theology of Jonathan Edwards by Craig Biehl (Reformed Academic, 2009, 2009, 250 pgs). I’ve read so many average books about Edwards’ theology I often wonder why I don’t just read more of Edwards! Not with Biehl. In this monumental synthesis, Biehl weaves together 800 direct quotations into a breathtaking, overarching framework of Edwards’ theology. And at the center of that framework stands the person and work of Jesus Christ. Majestic in scope, clarity, and organization, Biehl has made the center of Edwards’ theological framework more explicable to my little brain. This is one of the most important works published this year and a defining volume in the cottage industry of books on Edwards’ theology.

Smart Choices: A Practical Guide to Making Better Decisions by John S. Hammond (Broadway, 2002, 256 pgs). Hammond’s book is worthwhile. In it he provides a clear system for digging to the bottom of important questions (a crucial, but often neglected, first step in making decisions) and then works toward assembling multiple creative solutions. I found his principles a bit rigid and sometimes overly structured, but the case study examples are packed with creativity and innovative thinking. These examples keep the book moving at a steady pace.

5 Minds for the Future by Howard Gardner (Harvard Business, 2008, 196 pgs). Gardner, an influential intellectual, argues that successful minds of the future will intermix the following five skills or “minds”—disciplined, synthesizing, creative, respectful, and ethical. I myself am a synthesizer. And from what Gardner says, this is an important skill in the information swamp we now live. A helpful book.

Heralds of God by James S. Stewart (Hodder & Stoughton, 1946, 222 pgs). Cross-centered books on preaching are not numerous, so I appreciate any volume, even an old one like Stewart. He does a fine job connecting the preacher’s priorities to the Cross. A little book now long out of print.

The Preacher: His Life and Work by J. H. Jowett (Harper & Bros, 1912, 239 pgs). Very similar outline and flow to Stewart. Jowett displays a great sense of the splendor and particulars of the preacher’s life and ministry. Also short, worth finding, and now long out of print.

The Life of Alexander Whyte by G. F. Barbour (Hodder & Stoughton, 1924, 675 pgs). Barbour has a gift for locating, extracting, and reproducing many devotional bits from the life and ministry of the famous Scottish preacher. I have enjoyed pouring over the yellow, musty, Deckle-edged pages of this classic biography. Also out of print, unfortunate for such a superb model of Christian biography.

A Geerhardus Vos Anthology edited by Danny E. Olinger (P&R, 2005, 375 pgs). Vos is not remembered as a man of the one-liner, spouting off zingers from the hip to satiate the thronging masses. But he was one of the Church’s greatest biblical theologians. And sadly his pointed wisdom can get lost in the thicket of his dense prose. Olinger rummaged Vos’ writings and excavated hundreds of terse theological quotes on topics ranging from communion with God, the kingdom, pride, etc. His quotes are arranged alphabetically by topic. No student of Reformed theology should be without this collection. Useful, informative, and often devotional.

A digest of my current reading diet.

SCRIPTURE …

Proverbs 4. Studying this chapter on my own, with my son, and together for family worship. Stressing the importance of watching over our hearts to ensure our affections are not drawn towards worldliness.

CURRENTLY READING …

Say It Ain’t So Joe!: The True Story of Shoeless Joe Jackson by Donald Gropman (30%, 2.80 stars). Because baseball is in the air and Joe Jackson is a celebrated hitter from my favorite era (1900-1920). Gropman reveals the many features of Jackson’s skills, his incredible power at the plate, and his ability to toss a baseball over 400 feet in the air (no fielder in the baseball could match his throwing distance)! Yet the author allows the flaws to come forward, too, and appears he will not make SJJ out to be a helpless victim of the 1919 Black Sox scandal. Although he did not intentionally lose World Series games (which is statistically obvious), Jackson was aware of the scandal and did nothing to stop it. Thus far this book is balanced and enjoyable. Read selections from the book here.

The Weight of Glory by C.S. Lewis (25%, 4.00 stars). In this excellent collection of essays I have been carefully studying “The Weight of Glory” and “Transposition.” Although I am not terribly familiar with Lewis, I have found him especially gifted in articulating the places where spiritual reality meets natural reality. Lewis opens my dim eyes to see the work of God in ways I previously missed… His thoughts on metaphor-as-reality are striking as well, although these thoughts are developed in other books.

A Mind Awake: An Anthology of C.S. Lewis by Clyde Kilby (20%, 4.50 stars). A collection of Lewis’s greatest quotes on all theological topics of consideration. “This book is so good,” John Piper said in 1970, “you won’t be able to finish it without putting it down.” As I’ve experienced myself. A precious little anthology of Lewis at his best.

The Christology of John Owen by Richard Daniels (15%, 4.00 stars). Daniels has written a masterful comprehensive Christology of Puritan theologian John Owen. To balance, I’ve been reading slowly from Owen on the difference between faith in Christ and our sight of Christ (1:374-389). A slow read, part of my morning devos.

The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer, Volume 3: A Christian View of Spirituality (15%, 3.80 stars). On his blog recently, Justin Taylor quoted from the book, No Little People, and my friend CB is reading True Spirituality. Schaeffer, I believe, was at his best behind the pulpit. Both books are comprised of sermons delivered at L’Abri and are included in volume 3 of Schaeffer’s works. My devo time has been richly reward by these sermons/books. A slow read, part of my morning devos.

A. Lincoln: A Biography by Ronald C. White, Jr. (30%, 3.00 stars). A spanking new, highly endorsed, biography of president Lincoln. A hearty 900-page volume that has received at least one negative review (Weekly Standard), but the more I read the less I agree with that criticism and the more I enjoy this definitive bio. Slow read, being a nightstand book.

Artful Sentences: Syntax as Style by Virginia Tufte (35%, 3.40 stars). Collection of over 1,000 sentences from the writings of the modern literary greats, organized topically, with syntactical exegesis to expound the stylistic construction of each sentence. I love the organization, the format, and the depth of explanation. Few books on style are as valuable. Artful Sentences is a rare book that excels at explaining abstract style within concrete examples straight from the pages of modern literature. You’ve seen this book on my list for a while and it’s not a book I’m trying to complete quickly.

RECENTLY COMPLETED …

The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo by Irving Stone (15%, 2.50 stars). The ornamented world of Renaissance Italy is recreated by Stone in this ‘historical novel,’ praised for its research and historical detail (the author studied all 495 known letters written by Michelangelo). The author zooms in from the period to focus on the artistic tensions and life of M., whose sculpting is genius and a small miracle. His aristocratic family was not keen on the idea of son pursuing art, his father apparently hated the idea of a son working with his hands, and was appalled that he would chip rocks with a chisel. Sculpting had passed its height in Italy and there were no gifted sculptor mentors. Yet M. followed his inner conviction that he was created to sculpt. A captivating story of divine artistic gifting. Will pick this up as a summer read.

Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds by Chris Brauns (50%, 3.50 stars). Good book on how Christians forgive others. Written with immediate application in mind. Explains the fascinating (and I think biblical) concept of forgiving others for their sin only when they ask for forgiveness and not before. Good book but leaving it aside for now.

Our Reasonable Faith by Herman Bavinck (30%, 5.00 stars). My favorite condensed systematic theology noted for its theological splendor and for moments of breakout doxology. This is my go-to volume for rich, slow-paced theological learning. I’ll pick this up later in the fall.

ON THE DOCKET …

Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling by Andy Crouch. Dipped into this book on a recent flight, long enough to know this is a book I want to read cover-to-cover.

Revising Prose (5th Edition) by Richard A. Lanham. Recently heard great things about this (overpriced) book on editing. My training in the fine art of self-editing will never be completed.

Smart Choices: A Practical Guide to Making Better Decisions by John S. Hammond. It took me a while to decide between paperback and hardcover but I flipped a coin and went paperback. Decision making is an area I can improve and this book comes highly recommended.

Bernard of Clairvaux: Selected Works Bernard of Clairvaux (Paulist Press edition). After reading Dr. Daniel Akin’s PhD dissertation on the soteriology of Bernard last year, I more greatly appreciated the medieval theologian’s evangelical understanding of the atonement and his penetrating spirituality. Dipping into Bernard for myself has been a personal goal for a while. This little collection will provide a suitable initiation.

J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography by Humphrey Carpenter. Comes recommended and looks very interesting.

SCRIPTURE …

Judges. I am currently reading through this OT book very slowly, traversing this period of the Warlords with a trusty handbook (Bruce Waltke’s chapter in An Old Testament Theology).

Psalms. My goal is to read and meditate on a single Psalm each week, reading Derek Kidner’s commentary, gleaning personal edification from each chapter, and writing my meditations into a short essay. Currently meditating on Psalm 5 (essays completed on Psalms 1—4).

CURRENTLY READING …

The Christology of John Owen by Richard Daniels (10%, 4.00 stars). Whenever I feel a bit smug in my theological knowledge I turn to Puritan John Owen to get rocked a bit. And I don’t mean rocked as in the fun experience of attending a live jam-band concert; I mean rocked as in the stinging bite of feeling stupid. Daniels has written a masterful comprehensive Christology of Owen’s writings. To balance, I’ve been reading slowly from Owen (1:374-389).

The Complete Works of Francis A. Schaeffer, Volume 3: A Christian View of Spirituality (10%, 3.80 stars). On his blog recently, Justin Taylor quoted from the book, No Little People, and my friend CB is reading True Spirituality. Schaeffer, I believe, was at his best behind the pulpit. Both books are comprised of sermons delivered at L’Abri and are included in volume 3 of Schaeffer’s works. My devo time has been richly reward by these sermons/books.

A. Lincoln: A Biography by Ronald C. White, Jr. (15%, 3.00 stars). A spanking new, highly endorsed, biography of president Lincoln. A hearty 900-page volume that I expect will be worth the time! Note to self: White will be in D.C., May 16-17.

The Agony and the Ecstasy: A Biographical Novel of Michelangelo by Irving Stone (10%, 2.50 stars). The ornamented world of Renaissance Italy is recreated by Stone in this ‘historical novel,’ praised for its research and historical detail (the author studied all 495 known letters written by Michelangelo). The author zooms in from the period to focus on the artistic tensions and life of M., whose sculpting is genius and a small miracle. His aristocratic family was not keen on the idea of son pursuing art, his father apparently hated the idea of a son working with his hands, and was appalled that he would chip rocks with a chisel. Sculpting had passed its height in Italy and there were no gifted sculptor mentors. Yet M. followed his inner conviction that he was created to sculpt. A captivating story of divine artistic gifting.

Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds by Chris Brauns (50%, ^3.50 stars). Good book on how Christians forgive others. Written with immediate application in mind. Explains the fascinating (and I think biblical) concept of forgiving others for their sin only when they ask for forgiveness and not before.

Our Reasonable Faith by Herman Bavinck (30%, 5.00 stars). My favorite condensed systematic theology noted for its theological splendor and for moments of breakout doxology. Bavinck is my homeboy and this is my go-to volume for rich, slow-paced theological learning. If you see me at Starbucks, I’ll probably have this volume with me.

Artful Sentences: Syntax as Style by Virginia Tufte (35%, 3.40 stars). Collection of over 1,000 sentences from the writings of the modern literary greats, organized topically, with syntactical exegesis to expound the stylistic construction of each sentence. I love the organization, the format, and the depth of explanation. Few books on style are as valuable. Artful Sentences is a rare book that excels at explaining abstract style within concrete examples straight from the pages of modern literature. You’ve seen this book on my list for a while and it’s not a book I’m trying to complete quickly.

RECENTLY COMPLETED …

The God Who Smokes: Scandalous Meditations on Faith by Timothy J. Stoner (100%, 3.20 stars). Stoner is a very snappy writer, plainly discussing the blunt side of Scripture with a raw honesty I appreciate. Stoner makes no apology about the complexity of God’s character; God is a blazing furnace that singes mountains and a tender and merciful father that welcomes prodigal sons home. Few books better present the hard things of God more honestly and openly while at the same time directing the reader to the cross and the unshaken love and kindness of the Lord towards His children.

Halls of Fame: Essays by John D’Agata (70%, 2.80 stars). D’Agata is the most imaginative essayists I have ever read, blending short form, loose poetry, and unique prose together until they dissolve into a single artful style. Not written from a Christian worldview.

Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin (100%, ^3.00 stars). Good book about online (and offline) leadership and how to use it to help others achieve their goals. Groups stand around together, tribes communicate and provoke one another. How do leaders harness the potential of these online tribes and lead them via Web 2.0—blogs, Facebook, Twitter. Will re-read soon in a study group to refocus one of my ministry initiatives.

Getting Things Done by David Allen (60%, 4.30 stars). The classic book on personal planning and time management. I have recently implemented a computer-based system to help organize projects and have seen the fruit (OmniFocus). Allen helps clarify for me the conceptual framework of how best to utilize this and other tools of organization.

Uprooting Anger: Biblical Help For a Common Problem by Robert D. Jones. (80%, ^3.90 stars). Anger may manifest itself as red-hot or ice-cold. Anger is the manifestation of sin rooted in selfish unmet desires, fears, idols, comforts, passions etc (James 4). Very helpful book.

ON THE DOCKET …

Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling by Andy Crouch. Dipped into this book on a recent flight, long enough to know this is a book I want to read cover-to-cover.

A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson. Because Andrew is reading it now and I refuse to be less informed than Andrew.

I appreciate all the nice comments on the YouTube video of my home library. I value your feedback.

And you are probably wondering if I have absentmindedly forgotten about the Reading Digests… Nope, I haven’t forgotten.

For each book I attempt to communicate the following information: % read, rating out of 5 stars, and a brief summary.

DEVOTIONS …

Judges. I am currently reading through this OT book very slowly, traversing this period of the Warlords with a trusty handbook (Bruce Waltke’s chapter in An Old Testament Theology).

Psalms. My goal is to read and meditate on a single Psalm each week, reading Derek Kidner’s commentary, gleaning personal edification from each chapter, and writing my meditations into a short essay. Currently meditating on Psalm 3 (essays completed and posted on Psalm 1 and 2).

CURRENTLY READING …

Halls of Fame: Essays by John D’Agata (50%, 4.00 stars). D’Agata is one of the most creative essayists of our generation, blending poetry and prose together until they dissolve into a single artful style. Not written from a Christian worldview.

Artful Sentences: Syntax as Style by Virginia Tufte (30%, 3.40 stars). Collection of over 1,000 sentences from the writings of the modern literary greats, organized topically, with syntactical exegesis to expound the stylistic construction of each sentence. I love the organization, the format, and the depth of explanation. Few books on style are as valuable. Artful Sentences is a rare book that excels at explaining abstract style within concrete examples straight from the pages of modern literature.

The God Who Smokes: Scandalous Meditations on Faith by Timothy J. Stoner (20%, 2.80 stars). Stoner is a very snappy writer, plainly discussing the blunt side of Scripture with a raw honesty I appreciate. Stoner makes no apology about the complexity of God’s character; God is a blazing furnace that singes mountains and a tender and merciful father that welcomes prodigal sons home. This book comprises part of a comparative study I’ve begun to evaluate the different ways God’s holiness is currently being communicated by the church to our culture.

Unpacking Forgiveness: Biblical Answers for Complex Questions and Deep Wounds by Chris Brauns (50%, ^3.50 stars). Good book on how Christians forgive others. Written with immediate application in mind. Explains the fascinating (and I think biblical) concept of forgiving others for their sin only when they ask for forgiveness and not before.

Uprooting Anger: Biblical Help For a Common Problem by Robert D. Jones. (50%, ^3.90 stars). Anger may manifest itself as red-hot or ice-cold. Anger is the manifestation of sin rooted in selfish unmet desires, fears, idols, comforts, passions etc (James 4). Very helpful book.

Getting Things Done by David Allen (60%, 4.30 stars). The classic book on personal planning and time management. I have recently implemented a computer-based system to help organize projects and have seen the fruit (OmniFocus). Allen helps clarify for me the conceptual framework of how best to utilize this and other tools of organization.

RECENTLY COMPLETED …

Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die by Chip Heath (100%, 4.50 stars). Marketing and communication book. “Sticky” has become a new word in my daily language and a persisting challenge to rethink what I say and how I say it. Writers, preachers, and really anyone else in communications, will benefit from this wonderfully sticky book.

White House Ghosts: Presidents and their Speechwriters by Robert Schlesinger (100%, 2.90 stars). Listening to a gifted president flex his oratorical muscle is an act so riveting that a whole nation will stop to listen. Yet behind most presidential speeches is a team of tireless writers who go unnamed and unnoticed. What they say about making sausage is true of making presidential speeches. Eye-opening.

The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller (100%, 4.00 stars). Excellent book making clear God’s abundant mercy, forgiveness, and the free grace offered to sinners in the gospel. Keller’s book takes the jackhammer to my concrete pedestal of self-righteousness.

Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose (65%, 4.50 stars). Riveting story of Easy Company during WWII. I read this over Christmas vacation and was so captured by the story that I put the book aside to watch the HBO series with my wife (finished part 7 last night).

Tribes: We Need You to Lead Us by Seth Godin (80%, ^2.80 stars). Leadership. Groups stand around together, tribes communicate and provoke one another. How do leaders harness the potential of these online tribes and lead them via Web 2.0—blogs, Facebook, Twitter. The book improved at about the 30% mark but was not overall impressive.

ON THE DOCKET …

A. Lincoln: A Biography by Ronald C. White, Jr. A spanking new, and highly endorsed, biography of president Lincoln. A hearty 900-page volume that I expect will be worth the time!

Culture Making: Recovering Our Creative Calling by Andy Crouch. Dipped into this book long enough to know this is a book I want to read cover-to-cover.

Death By Love: Letters from the Cross by Mark Driscoll. The cross of Christ, applied to personal sin and trials, and written in the form of letters from a pastor.