August 18, 2021
-
Book reviews
Born Again That Way, by Rachel Gilson
This is a great book. Rachel shares her own story of growing up in a secular environment, and discovering she was attracted to other women. Then when she went away to college, several factors brought her to suddenly realize who Jesus was, and her own status in God's sight. After she started following Jesus, she wrestled with her feelings of same-sex-attraction (SSA), and she shares about the things she has learned about godliness and temptation in this book. The book is well-written, very honest, and well-nuanced. She has lots of great advice, and great stories (from others as well as from herself). I think this would be a perfect book to read for a Christian who is struggling with feelings of SSA, and it is also encouraging and enlightening for all other Christians too. I'm not sure if a non-Christian would enjoy it, but there is nothing particularly offensive in it (other than holding tightly to the Bible)... it's well balanced. She distinguishes well between temptation and sin, and has helpful discussion about the terms which Christians use to define themselves (and the controversy over terms like 'gay Christian', etc). Chapter 7 is very encouraging for Christian singles to read... it has the standard reminder about holding on to Jesus but it presents it very well... the reminder that our identity is in Jesus and that what we have to look forward to with/from the Lord Jesus Christ is bigger and better and more satisfying (in the long run) than marriage or anything else.
God, Greed, and the Prosperity Gospel, by Costi Hinn
This is a great book, where Costi (nephew of Benni Hinn) tells his own story of growing up rich in the Hinn family, then gradually realizing the Biblical problems of his family's lifestyle, and coming to know Jesus Christ personally. It explains the true gospel clearly, and the problems of the "prosperity gospel" teaching. Easy to read, highly recommended.
Recent Comments