3 Book Reviews

It’s time for another set of book reviews for your interest. Following are the last three books I’ve read, in the order I finished reading them.

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Michael H. Hart

Citadel Press, 1992 [reprinted in 1996]

This is a book I’ve read three of four times before, but not in quite some time. I used this book for my biography for April.

The book, originally published in the late 1970s is Hart’s ranking of “the most influential persons in history.” It you like countdowns, this is a great book to read.

Hart is a scientist, and that comes across not only in the number of scientists on the list, but also where they are ranked (one is #2 of all time). Hart also does not seem to care much for Christianity (you can figure out why when you read the book).

The biographies of each entry are interesting, and I think Hart does a good job of giving the “gist” of each life. Also, each chapter gives a reasoning for why that person is ranked where he or she is.

I would recommend the book if you can find a used copy at a cheap price. It’s slightly out-of-date, but interesting. Just be ready to argue with the fact that Jesus is not first on the list.

[If you don’t want to buy the book, but want to see the full list, click here. Leave some comments about your thoughts on the list.]

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John MacArthur

Thomas Nelson, 2000

As with other books I’ve recently read by MacArthur, Why Government Can’t Save You is a basic “primer” on a certain topic. MacArthur simply is trying to teach the reader the connection a Christian should have with the government.

On the positive side, MacArthur continually points out that Christians should be good citizens and should remain within the laws of the land, so long as they do not conflict with God’s laws. He encourages Christians to be honest in paying taxes and to follow laws as they are. Also, there is an entire chapter (chapter 3) dealing with “The Biblical Purpose of Government.” While there is little in the chapter that most haven’t heard or read before, it is well-written and a good reminder.

On the negative side, I think MacArthur goes too far in avoidance of turning over the government. While we should not be hostile or cruel, we live in a nation that provides many ways to legally and morally change the government. Reading this book makes it seem as though we should just accept whatever happens. Yes, we should vote, but it seems that we are just to let whatever is going to happen, happen. I disagree. I think we can email, call, start Facebook groups (see “Send Them Home in 2010, 2012, 2014” on Facebook) and do other things that are done with the idea of changing things for the good without being illegal or immoral.

If you are interested in the topic of Christianity and the government, this is a good book to add to your library.

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Dale Grissom

J.C. Choate Publications, 2009

This brand new book is written by one who is a hero of our family. For many years, Dale Grissom worked for the Dexter (Missouri) church of Christ. He and my dad worked side-by-side for over a decade. Brother Grissom is one of the greatest personal workers anyone would ever want to meet, and he greatly desires to see souls saved by Christ.

In Earthen Vessels is a collection of several dozen articles written by Grissom. Nearly all the articles deal with personal work, evangelism, and related issues. There are some other topics covered, but the reader will continually be brought back to the thought of reaching others for the Lord.

As one who has known “brother Dale” for many years, he has lived the message found in these articles. The reader will be motivated by the depth of Biblical knowledge, but also the heart for the lost that comes across in article after article. You will find great material for sermon outlining, bulletin articles, and devotional thoughts.

[NOTE: I was unable to find an online picture of this brand-new book, but you can find J.C. Choate Publications online to find out more.]