Christian Contours: How a Biblical Worldview Shapes the Mind and Heart
4.3
5
3
3
Douglas S. Huffman este editor al acestei culegeri de eseuri despre crestinism ce ii cuprinde pe lista colaboratorilor si pe Randy W. Nelson, Walter J. Schultz, Paul Kjoss Helseth, Daryl N. Aaron, Mark H. Muska, Ardel B. Caneday, James G. Raymo, Dale R. Hutchcraft si Philip E. Luec.
Cartea este impartita in doua â prima abordand/prezentand punctul de intelegere biblic asupra lumii iar in a doua parte fiind exprimate provocari pentru afisarea/promovarea acestuia in societate intr-un mod creativ si responsabil.
more on http://blog.punctul.com/2012/03/23/blog-tour-christian-contours/
March 31, 2012
A difficult book to review
This is a book review I find myself not wanting to write. It's not because I disliked the book or found it harmful or flat out "wrong." No, it's because I found the book to not be what I expected. It's also a college-level book, perhaps an advanced college-level sociology book and this is what made it difficult. I had a difficult time grasping concepts (counter to this was one reviewer's comments on Amazon.com that said this book was "easy to read"). I don't know why this was the case, other than I've never cared for sociology courses, teachers and textbooks. And this read more like a textbook to me.
Now that that's out of the way, I think there are some who would find this book helpful. Those in Christian leadership, especially for those in "missional" churches, mission organizations and, of course, college students will probably find Christina Contours helpful. Huffman does a fine job stating, at the outset, what this book is meant to do: to call all to a biblical worldview through Christianity. To say this is a large task might be to understate it just a bit.
From there, the book is divided into two parts. Part One seeks to give the reader an understanding of what "worldview" is and what a biblical worldview is all about. Part Two gets more practical and helps the reader to know how to develop a Christian worldview. There are also sections devoted to helping one with this worldview to take on personal responsibility and carry it out. Huffman also provides some very good appendices for clarification.
I wish I had more to say about this book; I just don't. I am obviously, either not the intended target audience or I am the intended audience, but just didn't "get it." Many others will, no doubt.
I can neither recommend this book or not recommend it. You'll simply have to determine that on your own. You can download a pdf of the Table of Contents here
March 22, 2012
A Great Resource to Align to a Biblical Worldview
Do you see the world through sun glasses or corrective lenses? A random idea I came across in a footnote from Christian Contours, but a key question in how the authors describes how a biblical worldview that shapes the mind and the heart.
Sunglasses can change reality. I see what I want to see. Corrective lenses correct my eyesight flaws to see what is. The question is from which view do you see the world?
Under the guidance of editor Douglas S. Huffman, Christian Contours seeks to answer the question how do you live as a Christian in a world of competing worldviews? Part 1 of the book lays out worldview thinking and the Biblical worldview, Part 2 speaks of worldview thinking and personal responsibility.
I knew I would enjoy this book when the opening page did not go to philosophy or some deep theological term to kick off the discussion, but to the great commandment of Jesus to love with âÂÂall the heart, all the soul, all the mind and all the strength.â The heart is not the seat of emotions as it is for most Americans, but the place biblically where decisions are made.
The greatest strength of the book are the footnotes, appendices and extensive bibliography. Christian Contours is a great resource to dig deeper into a Christian worldview. Written by theology professors it looks like a primer for a college course or for one wanting to dig deeper into what a worldview with a Biblical viewpoint is and what it can mean for daily living.
The footnotes not only highlight references, but also give additional information or explanation of the source cited. The sunglasses vs. corrective lenses comparison is from a footnote I highlighted while reading.
Appendix A compares 7 different world views on 5 different topics: theology (who is God), anthropology (what does it mean to be human), ethics (what is right and wrong), soteriology (what is the remedy to the human condition) and epistemology (what is truth).
Appendix B provides an extensive list of Christian Professional Organizations, not just in the area of apologetics but from art to health care issues to political science to publishing. I had expected the apologetics and ethics emphasis, but was pleasantly surprised by the great listing of resources for further growth and development. This increase the value of this book from a one time read to a well-used resource.
The same is true for the bibliography with over 50 pages of resources listed. A brief synopsis of each book is given as well as biographical information. Similar to the appendices they are in various categories.
The chapters, each written by a different professor, are well-written as well. WhatâÂÂs nice is they build off each other and reference each otherâÂÂs work.Christian Contours is mot merely a collection of essays on a Christian worldview, but an intentional work that lays out a logical and practical understanding of what it means to live with a Christian worldview.
Yet with all the footnotes, details and research, there is a humble approach to the topic. The Bible has the correct worldview, our interpretation of that worldview can get us off track. As Douglas Hoffman affirms, âÂÂNone of us fully grasps the biblical worldview. It exists in Christ alone. This gives humble believers hope that , as we all draw closer to Christ and come to share more fully in his worldview, we will find ourselves enjoying the unity he intends for us.âÂÂ
I give Christian Contours 5 out of 5 stars. Not only is it a good primer on a biblical worldview, it is a good resource for those who want to go deeper. When you understand GodâÂÂs view of the world, you begin to see the world from his vantage point and to lead the life He calls and empowers us to lead. Christian Contours is an invitation to begin that journey of life with God.
Thank you to Kregel Publications and their academic and professional department for a free copy to review. I was not required to give a positive review.
March 19, 2012
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