Vern Poythress is a deep, clear thinker. I really appreciate how approach to multiperspectivalism that is able to use differing perspectives to createVern Poythress is a deep, clear thinker. I really appreciate how approach to multiperspectivalism that is able to use differing perspectives to create a richer understanding of reality....more
This book will likely have a niche audience due to its sheer length (1232 pages) as well as it being a ode to John Frame's career worth of writings. HThis book will likely have a niche audience due to its sheer length (1232 pages) as well as it being a ode to John Frame's career worth of writings. However, if you are familiar with Frame's writings, you will find this book to be a rich resource. Each chapter features a different writer (and most are good writers) where many seek to apply his multiperspectivalism to their own field, a book about multiperspectivalism written in multiple perspectives (ha!). ...more
This book is philosophically and theologically very rich.
But it is often denser than necessary. This helped me understand why John Frame, a former stuThis book is philosophically and theologically very rich.
But it is often denser than necessary. This helped me understand why John Frame, a former student of Van Til’s said that he wished Van Til would have written in his native Dutch allowing for his writing to flow more naturally and then for it to be translated by a native speaker....more
This is a good book to dive into if you are interested in what Tolkien believed. The author does a good job of making use of Tolkien's fiction, letterThis is a good book to dive into if you are interested in what Tolkien believed. The author does a good job of making use of Tolkien's fiction, letters, and academic writings to parse out his beliefs without reading too deeply between the lines....more
This is a good, philosophically rich book that provides in-depth quotations and commentaries of Van Til's work. Neither Van Til nor Bahnsen are the moThis is a good, philosophically rich book that provides in-depth quotations and commentaries of Van Til's work. Neither Van Til nor Bahnsen are the most accessible writers, so it takes effort to read, but that effort is well worth it. It shows that many of the stereotypes about his apologetic method are not reflective of reality. Though I do think I agree with John Frame's critique in that his interpretation of others' apologetics methods is not the most charitable. ...more
The critical theory Watkin uses is not the same as you hear of today. Instead, he is using an older, simpler definition of critical theory; it is simpThe critical theory Watkin uses is not the same as you hear of today. Instead, he is using an older, simpler definition of critical theory; it is simply a theory used to critique something. With that in mind, the book’s title lays the thesis out clearly, it offers a biblical way to critique culture. What sets this book apart from many other books with similar goals is that the author is very well read in European literature and philosophy, allowing him to meaningfully engage and critique contemporary critical theories, which tend to have their roots in French philosophy. Additionally, because Watkin’s critical theory is based on a positive vision, it is able to be a tool used to identify solutions, build, and create. This contrasts sharply with more common uses of critical theory which are based upon a negative vision and are only able to deconstruct or see problems. There isn’t necessarily any individuality profound idea in this book, what makes it profound is how all the pieces fit together and create a usable framework. It is a long book, but a fairly easy read....more
This was a bit disappointing because it was so unevenly written. It is a collection of works by various academics, some most chapters were fine, a couThis was a bit disappointing because it was so unevenly written. It is a collection of works by various academics, some most chapters were fine, a couple were excellent, a couple were weaker, and one was just bad. ...more
Bavinck able covers a wide scope of topics in Volume 2 of his 4 volume Reformed Dogmatics series. He will really make you think about the implicationsBavinck able covers a wide scope of topics in Volume 2 of his 4 volume Reformed Dogmatics series. He will really make you think about the implications of various Christian and non-Christian philosophies....more
This book gives a helpful look at the shortcomings of many churches and parachurch ministries in regard to poverty alleviation efforts. It shows how tThis book gives a helpful look at the shortcomings of many churches and parachurch ministries in regard to poverty alleviation efforts. It shows how the church has allowed culture unduly influence how it views people. This has lead to numerous issues. In setting out their vision for what the church should do, the authors draw on the Bible, research, and provide real-life examples from a variety of global contexts. ...more
This book is excellent it has taught me a lot while leaving me with more questions. Meek has weaved the works of Michael Polanyi, John Frame, Martin BThis book is excellent it has taught me a lot while leaving me with more questions. Meek has weaved the works of Michael Polanyi, John Frame, Martin Buber, John Macmurray, James Loder, Mike Williams, David Schnarch, Colin Gunton, Philip Rolnick, Annie Dillard, Lesslie Newbigin, and Parker Palmer into one cohesive philosophy. Her philosophy is obviously rather complicated since it incorporates so many people's philosophies. At times, I found it to be difficult to grasp at times, but it is worthwhile to struggle with....more
Calvin is rightly regarded as a brilliant theologian. He has a very systematic mind (as you've surely heard). Something refreshing with this massive bCalvin is rightly regarded as a brilliant theologian. He has a very systematic mind (as you've surely heard). Something refreshing with this massive book is that it really fights against the caricatures of Calvin's haters and fanboys. Calvin's theology is about much much more than predestination, his love for the poor and the oppressed shines through in many places. Calvin digs deeply into the controversies of his day. I found it interesting to see the debates about modes of baptism or original sin. Though during these sections, my attention did wander. His writing can occasionally be grating due the way his confidence in his theology over others' manifested itself. Part of my dislike for this style is simply rooted in when The Institutes were written. However, his more creative putdowns, which are also brought on by his confidence are biting and hilarious. Some good ones: •for me it is enough to demonstrate that they are stupid and false •Methinks, however, that much has been gained if I have, in some measure, deprived these asses of their lion's skin. •It is a Gordian know, which it is better to cut than to lose so much labour in untying. •But I will make their fallacies palpable even to the blind, by a very plain similitude....more
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