selling author Alex McFarland
tackles 10 contentious subjects
for Christians today. These are:
government, American excep-
tionalism, social justice, abortion,
homosexuality, pornography,
war, environmentalism, religious
pluralism and the problem of
evil. He parses these issues
chapter by chapter, and explains
why they should matter to
Christians and what Christians
should do about them, for each
issue breeds a host of difficult
questions. McFarland advocates
getting to the biblical heart
of these matters and engag-
ing the Scriptures, thinking clearly and speaking truthfully.
approach these tendentious topics in discussion with others.
Primarily, he suggests employing understanding and com-
passion. He reminds Christians to pray, understand opposing
viewpoints, read up on biblical interpretations and contexts,
think logically and treat others with gentleness and respect.
tians to respond to today's urgent questions by addressing
differences and finding the peace that comes from unity. He
writes, "to stand up for Christian truth these days takes cour-
age! But urgently needed is a generation of Christians who
model conviction, maturity, discernment and involvement."
tury by La Shawn B. Wells focus-
of spiritual belief in child-rearing.
For the author, an unshakeable
faith in God and a strong family
foundation are essential to rais-
plished and well-adjusted. Wells
also emphasizes the importance
are grounded in faith, and all
can find them helpful. Drawing
on his professional background,
his own experiences of fam-
ily and faith and direct feed-
back from his daughters, Wells
understand who you are by knowing your family history
and traditions; be family-oriented; be selective about your
friends; change what you need to by removing bad habits;
ways be yourself, but also see yourself as others see you.
exercises to be completed and a page of tips for teaching this
principle to your child(ren). Additionally, at the back of the
book is a section entitled "Tools for Success," which provides
different assignments and resources for parents and children
to use in integrating these principles into their daily lives.
Samuel Logan Brengle (Revised and Ex-
panded Edition) by R. David Rightmire is
an authoritative biography and theological
with Brengle's teachings in addition to those who
want to delve further into his holiness theology.
God's love. Turning down offers to pastor at promi-
nent Methodist churches, he instead volunteered his
services at The Salvation Army. There, he preached
the gospel in colloquial language, which greatly
endeared him to ordinary people. Brengle probed
the depth of holiness in several books and guided
an influential Salvation Army ministry around the world. Ris-
ing through the ranks, he became the first American-born
officer to attain the position of Commissioner. Brengle drew
an estimated 100,000 people to the mercy seat with his
powerful sermons. For him, the practical key to holiness was
Him, seek Him daily, waiting at
His gates. Read the Bible regu-
larly. Never neglect private prayer.
Keep testifying to the grace be-
stowed upon you. Help others."
examines Brengle's views on the
nature and experience of holiness
within the larger context of his life
and global ministry. The revised
and expanded edition of Sancti-
fied Sanity includes two additional
gle's understanding of the relation-
ship of evangelism and the holy life,
expression in his eschatology. It also includes photographs and
the only comprehensive bibliography of Brengle's works.