Book Review: Renaissance and Reformation~ Christine Miller

This is a treasure trove of knowledge as the reader learns about the Renaissance era and background of some of the greatest and well-known theologians.
I love the way Miller takes the reader on what seems like a real journey. It feels as if you are right there traveling back through time with her as you discover what Marco Polo accomplished in China, who Francesco Petrarch was, learn why ancient kings had so much rivalry and how it stretched over the centuries, what the gunpowder plot was, and John Calvin's encounter with the Hugenots and a multitude of other famous men. I highly recommend it as one of the easiest but well written accounts of the reformation to read.

Indecency: Mild discussion of unfaithful spouses in the royal families
Violence: Brief
Language: None
Age Interest: 15-adult

Not a Tame Lion ~ Terry Glaspey

"As one of the most brilliant, creative minds of the twentieth century, C. S. Lewis crossed all literary, philosophical, and religious boundaries. His masterpieces have been studied by scholars, yet they are read and loved by children. This volume in the Leaders in Action series shows that his life was as compelling as his work, and why Lewis's influence continues to our day." (Back cover)

This was an astounding read for me. I could not put it down and it captured every part of my love for literature. This book offers something for every kind of reader.

If you are a reader like me who relishes a book that delves into the intricate and profound writings of one of the most beloved authors, this is your book. It's more than just the introduction to Lewis' life; it examines every detail of who Lewis was. Not a Tame Lion examines Lewis' philosophy, worldview, and political beliefs and how he went from a staunch atheist, to a strong, analytical Christian.

"In The Chronicles of Narnia we perhaps get our first glimpse of Lewis' personal faith. A.N. Wilson suggests that "Narnia is the inside of Lewis' mind, peopled with a rich enjoyment of old books and old stories and the beauties of nature." We also see his love for God, his desire for holiness, and the recognition of his own sinful nature. We are able to participate in his childlike wonder in God's mercy as Lewis makes the "old, old story" seem so fresh and new. Lewis addresses the child in the adult and the adult in the child." Book exert

Indecency: The only thing I questioned was the mention of Lewis in his teen years having an infatuation with his young friend's mother (he lived with their family). The nature of their relationship is not understood and later is painted as a deep mother and son relationship since Lewis didn't have a mother growing up. It's only mentioned twice and was a bit disappointing but I looked over it considering how wonderful the rest of the book was. There is also mention of Lewis's strong opinions against sexual promiscuity in talking about his relationship.

Violence: None

Language: None

Age Interest: 18-adult

God Doesn't Believe in Atheists ~ Ray Comfort

"Why do you believe a painting has a painter? Isn't it purely because of the existence of the painting? Do you insist on seeing da Vinci before you believe that the Mona Lisa was painted? One could reasonably argue that there may have been another painter, but never that there was no painter." Exert from GDB

Contrary to all popular opinions, the existence of God can be proven, and the theories of evolution and atheists shown to have no backbone in them. With his quick wit, humor and insightful intellect, Ray Comfort convinces the reader from start to finish that an atheist has no argument regarding evolution.

I first read this book when I was twelve and I could not put it down. Now I re-read it constantly and still never tire of this small, but powerful book on how Christians can gracefully, but confidentially dispute the untruthful theories that deny the existence of God and Creation.

Indecency: A chapter title has the word s#x in it and brief mention of inappropriate advice to a man.

Violence: None

Language: None

Age Interest: 15-adult

Guest Post: Primeval Saints

By Olivia Brodock at She Considers

To the average Sunday School raised Christian, most of the patriarchs are pictured in our minds as cartoon figures from a picture Bible. We forget that these men were not only real, but giants in their times. They were leaders.

"These heroes of the city of God- Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and others- come to flesh and blood in ways that undo our normal assumptions. In stark contrast to the selfish heroism of pagan literature, the heroism of Genesis triumphs by breaking all the standard rules. Jordan inverts so many of the traditional negative judgments against there patriarchs' alleged weaknesses and "sins" of deception, struggle and tyranny that they stand forth as heroes rather than scoundrels." from Primeval Saints back cover