Reader Views

New Birth or Rebirth? :Jesus Talks with Krishna

American sensibilities require tolerance, especially in the realm of religion. The problem becomes troublesome when religions are squashed flat and made to indiscriminately fit together. All religions are not the same, and to treat them as if they are is to show serious disrespect to all parties involved. That’s what makes Ravi Zacharias’s short book, "New Birth or Rebirth?: Jesus Talks with Krishna," so powerfully helpful. This 86-page hardback sets up a fictitious meeting between Jesus Christ and Krishna, with dialogue, agreement, disagreements and clarifications. The author, born in India, shows a clear knowledge of both religions and their founders, and crafts a tasteful scenario that will be informative and helpful for people who hold to either religion or those just wanting to listen in.

Zacharias’ working presupposition is that both religions hold the notion of exclusive truth claims. This presupposition helps to keep the dialogue clear and precise. Though Zacharias shows that there are places of agreement, he capitalizes on the important and substantial areas of divergence. This may offend some souls; nevertheless most readers will enjoy seeing the contrasts and will become better informed about the sizeable differences.

The conversation is helped along by a third person, Subramaniam, who poses penetrating questions to both Christ and Krishna. This keeps the discussion moving along in a lively fashion, while avoiding the fine-point distractions which could have bogged down the conversation. Also, Subramaniam, who is moving from Hinduism to Christianity, will ask the kind of questions that only a troubled insider knows to ask.

In "New Birth or Rebirth? :Jesus Talks with Krishna" Zacharias teases out several important strands of contrast. One of the more important is the difference between the Christian belief in resurrection and the Hindu conviction of rebirth or reincarnation. Speaking from within a Christian milieu, it has become increasingly obvious to me that many Christians get these two mixed up. Reading this book will lend a hand to clearing out the misconceptions, and facilitate Christian readers in better understanding their own faith.

There are at least three benefits I see which a reader can gain from "New Birth or Rebirth?: Jesus Talks with Krishna." First, they will come to appreciate the distinctive aspects of both Christianity and Hinduism; second, they will have an excellent example of how to converse with others on such sensitive issues in an intelligent and peaceable manner; and finally, this book can be a means of helping seekers to find their way.

New Birth or Rebirth?: Jesus Talks with Krishna (Great Conversations)
Ravi Zacharias
Multnomah Books (2008)
ISBN 9781590527252
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Philliber for Reader Views (8/08)

Bible Atlas & Companion

While reading the heavily historical sections of the Bible can be tedious, especially when trying to visualize where things happened and what that might mean, the reader feels the need for a resource that will make things easier to comprehend and picture. Christopher Hudson, and his team of contributors (David Barrett and Todd Bolen), has pulled together a load of material in the delightfully compact “Bible Atlas & Companion.” This affordable paperback book is handy, easy on the eyes, and made to comprehend at a glance. Just about anyone can profit by this atlas, whether a Bible teacher, a child, or someone merely reading through the Bible and wanting to know where something happened.

One of the immediate features that make the “Bible Atlas & Companion” reader-friendly is that it is organized according to the order of the episodes and books of the Christian Scriptures. Therefore, for example, if you’re moving through the Pentateuch, then the first several chapters have maps and short articles dealing with each major incident in the order that they are recorded. The same structure is consistently followed throughout the atlas from cover to cover.

Another quality of the “Bible Atlas & Companion” is how each chapter is only two pages long. Normally the first page is a short article with a photo of some item that has to do with the subject. The second page is a pleasant map with the important places marked out. The maps are so designed that the eye can quickly scan the page and find the desired item. Also, the colors on the map are neither garish nor confusing.

Hudson and his team have peppered this atlas with great charts as well. These charts may be anything from a simple list of the Kings of Israel, with the Biblical references and dates, to a quick compilation of the events of Jesus’ last days, death, and resurrection accounts. There are also “Additional Information” pages at the back of the atlas which cover the Jewish calendar, bodies of water in Israel, key cities, enemies, and weights and measurements in the Bible.

How simple, enjoyable and useful could this book really be? Let me describe a few personal accounts that might help. The day I received the “Bible Atlas & Companion,” my wife immediately took it from me and sat down and began pouring over its pages. On a number of occasions I have also walked in on my young sons, only to find them sitting on the couch and quietly going through its pages. Also, as my sons, wife and I have been reading through the historical sections of the Bible in our family time, we have quickly grabbed our copy of the “Bible Atlas & Companion” and found it to be a joyful clarification of what we’re reading. I would have to say that all of these events clearly indicate that I and my family highly recommend the “Bible Atlas & Companion.”

Bible Atlas & Companion
Christopher D. Hudson, General Editor
Barbour Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781597897792
Reviewed by Dr. Michael Philliber for Reader Views (7/08)

You Mean That Isn’t in the Bible?: 10 Popular Beliefs That Simply Aren’t True

Mr. Rich’s book has really shocked me in that all the popular beliefs I was told while growing up are not really in the Bible! He gives us 10 popular beliefs that we all have been told at one time or another and still believe today.

Think about some of these beliefs that you grew up with: When We Die We Become Angels; God Helps Those Who Help Themselves; or, We Are God’s Co-Pilots.  None of these are supported by any scriptures in the Bible – society gives credit to man for all his successes or failures, none is given to God for his participation. There is a reason for everything that happens in our lives and God is the one who makes those decisions – not us.

As I read this book, I kept shaking my head. These were all beliefs that I learned and had taught my children without thinking if they were correct or not. Mr. Rich’s ability to make clear statements, providing scriptures to back his statements up, makes you really think about who is in control of your life. “You Mean That Isn’t in the Bible?” is a book that everyone should read to reassess their relationship with God.

You Mean That Isn’t in the Bible?
David A. Rich
Harvest House (2008)
ISBN 9780736921381
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (7/08)

The Vow: How a Forgotten Ancient Practice Can Transform Your Life

“The Vow” by Ed Gungor is a powerful book that makes each reader look at promises they have made and changed depending on their circumstances and how they feel. Each of us at one time or another has promised that we would live the good life and remember to love and obey God’s words. How many times have we broken those promises?

When we think of vows today, we think of marriage vows - “to love, honor and obey.” That is what making vows to God meant in ancient times and the definition has not changed today. Mr. Gungor spends time talking about the history of vow making, how he came to realize its importance to him and how many of us believe they are outdated and not worth it. In a society that is fast-paced, high in crime and violence, does it really do any good to say that one will follow the right path, be kind to others and live a good life?

The author does a wonderful job of explaining how vows started, what their purpose is and why we should make them. Each chapter builds on the other and he gives very good examples of making vows that are easy-to-read and understand. Vows don’t have to be heavily detailed or large in quantity - a vow is something that says “I want to be better in my life; I want to be more accepting and believe that there is good.”

“The Vow” is a very thought-provoking read. The end result after reading this book is that when we make a vow to God, we need to honor it.

The Vow
Ed Gungor
Thomas Nelson (2008)
ISBN 9780849919114
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (6/08)

Seder Stories: Passover Thoughts on Food, Family, and Freedom

“Seder Stories” by Nancy Rips is a square-shaped book.  It is a great book to read and it also makes a great Passover hostess gift if you are going to a Seder.  It is filled with 101 wonderful delightful short stories about Passover, preparing for Passover, and Passover Seders on 187 pages from actors, actresses, comedians, Rabbi’s, famous Jewish people and everyday people that celebrate Passover in a variety of ways.

The stories in “Seder Stories” represent a lot of different cultures and Passover Seders celebrated around the world.  These stories were written by young, middle-aged and senior citizens. The stories include memoirs of how people celebrated Passover stories, who they celebrated Passover with, the history of the Jewish people, and a few suggestions on how to celebrate for a Passover Seder.   Some of the stories are funny, while there are stories that are very thoughtful and touching.  There are stories from Seders in the army, Seders in jail, Seders on cruises, and Seders in homes. 

The famous quote “They tried to kill us.  We won. Let’s eat.” – Anonymous, begins the book and sets the mood of the fantastic short Passover stories.  The last three pages of the book include a glossary of the Jewish terms that someone not familiar with Jewish vocabulary will find very helpful. The glossary defines common Jewish words such as bubbe:  Grandmother, afikomen:  hidden piece of matzah, and matzah balls:  balls made out matzah meal and eggs and served in chicken soup to words that might be unfamiliar words such as mazon:  charity to help people who are hungry, Pirkeh Avot: collection of Rabbinical sayings and proverbs, tovu vavohu:  disorder, chaos. The stories ranged from being, funny, touching, and sincere.

 “Seder Stories” is written for adults of all ages and interests.  As someone who has celebrated Passover for many years, I thought this book was easy to read and very enjoyable.  I could relate with many of the stories, even if they were written from someone in a difficult country or culture.  The stories represented that Passover, although celebrated around the world and is celebrated by different cultures and levels of observant Jewish people, is actually all celebrated the same—teaching the Passover story, sharing the table with Jewish people and non-Jewish people and that most people have a relative that they think special about during Passover.   Of course, everyone has a special Passover story that they would like to share and reading the stories from “Seder Stories” truly represents that.   Future publications could include asking readers from this story to send in their Passover stories.  As a reader, of “Seder Stories” I would send in my story and definitely purchase the second book.   Thank you Nancy Rips for collecting all these Passover stories.

Seder Stories
Nancy Rips
Cumberland House Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9781581826432
Reviewed by Norma Freimark for Reader Views (5/08)

What Does the Bible Say About...?: Easy-to-Understand Answers to the Tough Questions

Ron Rhodes has honestly answered many of the questions I have about scriptures in the Bible. His easy-to-read, and understand, answers are supported by related scriptures and research from his own experiences.

The ease at which one is able to go right to an area to find specific answers regarding questions was very helpful. Not only did Mr. Rhodes support his answers but he also gives us the ability to explain his responses in our own words. I found that after reading his answers, I often had more questions.

This is not a book that one can read through quickly--it should be read over and over as new questions or thoughts come up. I can see how useful this would be in a Bible-study group. I also believe it is a good resource or those who are just beginning to study the Bible or have come newly into their religion.

In a day and time where many churches are spending more time on politics and raising money, I felt that Mr. Rhodes guides us all back to the real meaning of God and his word. Even if a person didn’t go to church regularly, they could take this information in “What Does the Bible Say About…?,” and get the spiritual guidance they need or want.

Ron Rhodes
Harvest House Publishers (2007)
ISBN 9780736919036
Reviewed by Carol Hoyer for Reader Views (5/08)

Lord Above

In “Lord Above” author Charles Keech asks the question, “If the Lord were to speak to you would you listen?” The book is a compilation of Scripture, including the apocrypha, topical observations, and thought-provoking questions that help the reader contemplate the laws of God, the only God, the God of Moses and the God of David.

These practical and anointed words become a guide for the reader seeking God with an ear to listening for His instructions, His admonitions, and His promises. Keech leads the reader into worship through the well-chosen Psalms, exaltations, and paeans of praise.

The question, “What doth the Lord thy God require of thee?” is countered with an assemblage of verses calling attention to each of the commandments given to Moses. The message is strong and clearly admonishes the reader to take heed to the danger of pride. In a logical sequence Keech calls attention to scriptures that warn of judgment to come and the destruction the wicked will experience as the result of sin.

This warning introduces the message of God’s mercy. I was filled with a sense of gratitude as I was reminded of God’s provision, salvation, healing, and peace. I found the selections on prayer not only a call to prayer but a pattern for prayer. These well-chosen verses are great for contemplation, reflection, and meditation as you prepare your heart for a time of listening for and to God.

Prophetic in his message Keech chose the story of Noah to challenge the reader to humility. He then introduced spiritual parallels using the eye, the nose, the mouth, the brain, the ear, and touch to demonstrate God’s amazing creation, to establish the existence of God and to suggest ways the senses can be used as expressions of worship. He goes on to show how God used creation, history, the weather, temperature, water, and land restoration to declare the His existence and how man cannot survive without nature.

The final selections call the reader to recognize the freedom of choice and offers an invitation to all, to the gentile, to respond to the question asked in the introduction, “If the Lord were to speak to you would you listen?”

“Lord Above” provides a powerful selection of solid scripture verses, with minimal commentary. These selections direct attention to the message God has for man. Although I would have liked some transitional remarks between topics, the strength of the book is in the verses selected and the progression in which they are presented for consideration. These selections can have a life-changing impact on the reader.

The book can be adapted for use as a Bible study guide for individual or group use. It is ideal for personal or family devotions. “Lord Above” provides for those who want to know more of the foundational teachings of the Old Testament -- an excellent resource guide.

Lord Above
Charles Keech
Infinity Publishing (2008)
ISBN 9780741445827
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (05/08)

Understanding Reality Religion: A Mind-Opening Look at God, the Bible, the Church, and Faith

This well-written book examines the many aspects of creation and religion and really takes you through the author’s lifetime journey with religion. He addresses many of the questions that he had since he was very young in this book. How did it all begin? What was there before and what will happen when it ends? How can a good God allow so much evil in the world? And what he finds at the end of the day is Reality Religion.

There are many definitions of Reality Religion. The one that is used by Ward in this book is: Reality in this book means taking account of the whole situation. We do not speak of God in doctrinal terms. “We take the known facts, the record of the Almighty’s goodness and also his terror from the battlefields, genocides and all the wrath of God of Nature, the tsunamis, tornadoes, and floods. We maintain it is necessary to examine the negative, offensive side of God along with his goodness and mercies in order to better understand his nature and the course of his people.”

Ward does a good job examining the many faces of God throughout his book. I especially liked the chapter on “The Many Bibles We Follow: Creating Your Own Scripture.” The author encourages us to write our own bibles and find God in the everyday things. He finds God in inspirational readings, the opera and my favorite are his excerpts from his woodland journal where he meditates and observes nature with his dog, July 4. “For the creatures of the forest, insects and all, every day is a Fourth of July freedom day. My dog, with a stars and stripes bandana next to his collar, sits panting, also contemplating this thought. He has restraints, collars and leashes. But the creatures are totally free. Free to go about where they will: free to twist and turn, to spin in midair, to see new territory, to reverse their courses. They neither own nor cede property. They can seek new shelter, new dreams and new hopes. They can pray to whomever they want-- to the wood god, the wind god, the leaf god.” (page 80)

Throughout “Understanding Reality Religion” the author brings in many valid points that encourage the reader to think about God and come up their own definition of God and religion. This is a very thought-provoking book to read for those of you who are asking questions about God and evaluating religion.

Understanding Reality Religion: A Mind-Opening Look at God, the Bible, the Church, and Faith
Hiley H. Ward
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595453986
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views

Understanding Reality Religion: A Mind-Opening Look at God, the Bible, the Church, and Faith

This well-written book examines the many aspects of creation and religion and really takes you through the author’s lifetime journey with religion. He addresses many of the questions that he had since he was very young in this book. How did it all begin? What was there before and what will happen when it ends? How can a good God allow so much evil in the world? And what he finds at the end of the day is Reality Religion.

There are many definitions of Reality Religion. The one that is used by Ward in this book is: Reality in this book means taking account of the whole situation. We do not speak of God in doctrinal terms. “We take the known facts, the record of the Almighty’s goodness and also his terror from the battlefields, genocides and all the wrath of God of Nature, the tsunamis, tornadoes, and floods. We maintain it is necessary to examine the negative, offensive side of God along with his goodness and mercies in order to better understand his nature and the course of his people.”

Ward does a good job examining the many faces of God throughout his book. I especially liked the chapter on “The Many Bibles We Follow: Creating Your Own Scripture.” The author encourages us to write our own bibles and find God in the everyday things. He finds God in inspirational readings, the opera and my favorite are his excerpts from his woodland journal where he meditates and observes nature with his dog, July 4. “For the creatures of the forest, insects and all, every day is a Fourth of July freedom day. My dog, with a stars and stripes bandana next to his collar, sits panting, also contemplating this thought. He has restraints, collars and leashes. But the creatures are totally free. Free to go about where they will: free to twist and turn, to spin in midair, to see new territory, to reverse their courses. They neither own nor cede property. They can seek new shelter, new dreams and new hopes. They can pray to whomever they want-- to the wood god, the wind god, the leaf god.” (page 80)

Throughout “Understanding Reality Religion” the author brings in many valid points that encourage the reader to think about God and come up their own definition of God and religion. This is a very thought-provoking book to read for those of you who are asking questions about God and evaluating religion.

Understanding Reality Religion: A Mind-Opening Look at God, the Bible, the Church, and Faith
Hiley H. Ward
iUniverse (2007)
ISBN 9780595453986
Reviewed by Cherie Fisher for Reader Views (2/08)

A Quest for More: Living for Something Bigger Than You

“A Quest for More” strives to show our lives as ‘little kingdoms’ in relation to God’s kingdom in hopes that we realize we need more than just a busy jumble of daily activities to be satisfied. Instead, Tripp focuses on transcendence – to rise above ourselves for something much greater. “This desire for transcendence is in all of us because God placed it there. He constructed us to live for more than ourselves.” He urges us to use this God-given drive for something other than gaining material possessions or personal success.

Paul David Tripp imparts some very weighty points for consideration and contemplation throughout his book. Further, he makes it easy to see how his information can be applied in a myriad of situations in everyday life. “A Quest for More” is extremely thorough and organized in examining a transcendent lifestyle while backed with plenty of biblical scriptures. Like his other books, Tripp writes with the gentle tone of fatherly authority. “A Quest for More” is encouraging and uplifting while holding firm to its heavenly principles of service to God.

“A Quest for More” is more than just an inspiring read; it’s a catalyst for action and inner scrutiny. I especially liked his points he makes in regard to today’s ‘Jesus is my BFF’ mentality: “In our comfortable, meet-my-needs, God’s-my-best-buddy form of Christianity, [fear of the Lord] is a very timely call.” I see “A Quest for More” as a jarring reality check for anyone who feels their method of worship has hit a plateau or gotten too easy.

Looking for more out of life? Paul David Tripp offers more in his appropriately titled new book, “A Quest for More,” but it’s not what our society views as the typical path to a bigger, better life. Scriptural foundations still have modern day applications and Paul David Tripp makes it easy to learn the how’s and why’s of living for something much bigger than yourself.

A Quest for More: Living for Something Bigger Than You
Paul David Tripp
New Growth Press (2007)
ISBN 9780978556747
Reviewed by Vicki Landes for Reader Views (1/08)