Truthfully, I expected a theological discussion on same-sex attraction when I opened this book. I was disappointed several pages into the first chapter. Then, I realized what Ron Citlau was doing. He was not writing a theological book. He was writing a pastoral one. Deep in the recesses of the book, one can find plenty of theology. But, at the forefront, one finds hope, understanding, and an appeal for Christian life change.
If you are wanting a theological treatise on same-sex attraction, look someplace else. But, if you want to know how to Biblically help someone through same-sex issues, or if you are struggling with your own sexual sin (same-sex or otherwise), pick up this book. Citlau speaks to the hearts of his readers, urging them to act like the Bible is true, to apply the Gospel to their lives, to seize their identity in Christ, and to glorify God by growing in His clearly defined gender gifts. I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
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Andy Crouch writes another home-run; this time, arm-in-arm with Barna Research. In The Tech-Wise Family, Crouch explains his family’s journey to not be controlled by technology. With Barna’s statistics coloring most pages, Crouch’s principles are shown to be important and relevant for our time.
Unfortunately, many Christians have not thought about a theology of technology. Technology affects every area of our life now, but this effect is not neutral to us. Crouch transparently shares his family’s struggles to have a house which glorified God and built character in spite of technology. In the face of what could be viewed as legalistic standards, Crouch brings in grace, choosing to emphasize principles rather than rules. He acknowledges that everyone will have their own rules, while trying to keep the principles, and that everyone will break their own rules. While reading this book, I wonder how teens would respond to Crouch’s system. I appreciate that his teenage daughter wrote the forward. She shared honestly her struggles with the rules, but also what she appreciated about them. Though this forward is not technically part of the book, I would propose it is the best part of the book. I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review. Sissy Goff, David Thomas ,and Melissa Trevathan masterfully lay out 12 milestones for children to reach in way that parents can easily understand. The chapters are split into easy sections: introducing the milestone, explaining stumbling blocks and building blocks for boys, explaining stumbling blocks and building blocks for girls, and finally providing some practical tips to intentionally teach the milestone within the home.
Picking up the book for the first time, I was worried that it might be a slow psychological book. But, I was pleasantly surprised. The authors are engaging, scattering the deep material with anecdotes and humorous stories. They bring in plenty of Scripture to provide a theological backing for their convictions. I would definitely recommend this book to young and old parents alike. I received this book in exchange for an honest review. |
Peter SamplePastor of Calvary Bible Church, Neligh, NE. Missionary with RHMA. Husband to Maggie. Father to Grace, David, and Daniel. Saved by Jesus Christ Archives
April 2023
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