Sunday, August 28, 2005
A Matter of Interpretation by Justice Antonin Scalia
I've always thought that if I wasn't a minister I could have been a lawyer. Just like Tom Cruise in A Few Good Men...
"I want the truth!"
"You can't handle the truth!"
Except that I can handle the truth. On the one occasion that I've ever watched C-SPAN (really), I saw a discussion between Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia and one of the other liberal justices (I think it was Breyer.) It was absolutely fascinating! They talked back and forth about what they use in determining rulings for the Supreme Court--like European law, congressional committee reports, and so forth. Scalia pretty much laid the smack down (logically, that is; although he could have probably done it physically if given the opportunity) on Mr. Ice Cream. He instantly became my hero.
I picked up the book on Half.com and finally got around to reading it. While I know absolutely nothing about the law (except that 55 in a 25 is bad), it was pretty understandable. He details how he thinks laws should be interpreted and why our country is in trouble because of judicial legislation. It was very enlightening and kind of scary. You wouldn't believe how judges decide cases! (Hint: it usually doesn't have anything to do with what is written in the law.) The book also includes responses from SCJ wanna-be's who make the mistake of disagreeing with him. Scalia then responds to them and the blood-letting follows.
Overall, it was one of those books that make you feel smart because you read it. I also just like answering "A Matter of Interpretation" by Antonin Scalia when people ask, "What have you read lately." It gives the illusion of being well read when I'm really not.
Rating: Two Stars
Monday, August 22, 2005
Band of Brothers by Stephen Ambrose
"We're supposed to be surrounded: we're paratroopers." My favorite quote from one of my all time favorite books. Band of Brothers is the story of E Company in the 506 Parachute Infantry Regiment of the 101 Airborne Division during WWII. This company fought in every major battle in Europe: D-Day in Normandy, Market Garden, The Battle of the Bulge in Bastogne, Germany. They eventually overran Hitler's hideout: the Eagle's Nest.
What makes the story so compelling to read are the characters. The hated Captain Sobel, the beloved Captain Winters, the worthless lieutenant Dike, and all the rough and tough sergeants. They grew from teenagers to men during their 2 1/2 years together. You really identify with all of them.
The HBO mini-series was absolutely fantastic and you should watch it. However, the book was even better. In fact, you will understand the movie much better if you read the book first. Like everything I learn about this generation, this story just makes me stand in awe of them. I'm positive my generation couldn't have done the same things. Great stories of brotherhood, heartache, heroism, dedication, and leadership. An absolute must read for everyone. You definitely won't regret it.
Rating: 3 Stars
Sunday, August 07, 2005
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a Luther pastor in Germany before WWII who vocally opposed the Nazi government. He spent a few years in New York, but then returned to Germany shortly before the war to minister to his people during the upcoming difficult time. Eventually he was imprisoned for his outspoken criticism of Hitler and involvement in an assassination plot. While in a prison camp, he continued ministering to fellow prisoners. The day before the Allies liberated the camp, the Nazis executed Bonhoeffer by hanging.
All of this makes this book even more remarkable. Bonhoeffer examines the cost of being a disciple of Jesus. Anyone who wants to follow Jesus must be willing to sacrifice everything, including his/her own life. He says that "cheap grace" is grace that does not require repentence or a changed life. In many respects, this book seems the antithesis of The Ragamuffin Gospel. In reality, though, it is the next logical step in the life of a disciple. We need to constantly be reminded that following Jesus isn't a matter of simply saying you have faith: you have to have the life and actions to sustain it. Bonhoeffer not only believed and wrote it, he lived and died according to it.
Overall, this was a very challenging book to read. First it challenged because of the content. Bonhoeffer is very straightforward and at times comes across as harsh. I think that may because of the context of his writing and also because he was German. (By the way, it doesn't matter what you say in German, it always sounds like your using profanity.) Second, it was challenging because it was relentless. It was like drinking from a fire hose. It just kept coming without breaks.
If you are looking for something to challenge your spiritual life, this will certainly do the job.
Rating: Four Stars
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
The Ragamuffin Gospel by Brennan Manning
I had heard about this book for several years but never got around to reading it. In fact, I heard Manning speak at a conference about 10 years ago. He was a real small, unimpressive man and I thought he would be very boring. Boy, was I wrong. He was one of the most compelling, interesting and captivating speakers I've ever heard. He never raised his voice, motioned with his hands, or moved from behind the stand. It was his message that made such an impact.This book was the inspiration behind many of Rich Mullin's songs and even the title of one of his albums. It has influenced countless other writers and musicians.
Manning's basic premise is that God's grace and love are so overwhelming that it covers everything we can do to screw it up. We're all battered and beleaguered by this life, but God accepts us just like we are. Of course, he develops the themes more, but that is the short version (now you don't have to read the book!) Those who bristle at the thought of God's grace covering everything all the time without repentance turn grace into legalistic hoops to jump through and distort God's message of love.
The problem is with all this is that Manning's point is a great place to begin. Grace is the basis for our relationship, but it doesn't end there. Our relationship needs to progress through transformation, which is a point that Manning completely leaves out. For certain, we have a tendency to turn grace into legalism, but going to the extreme of never trying to live a better life for Jesus out of gratitude for our salvation is overcorrection.
Overall, this was a good book that was a great reminder to never take God's grace for granted. Just remember this is it only the beginning of the relationship.
Rating: Two Stars
