The Stranger–A Review

Tags

agnosticism, Albert Camus, Atheism, book review, books, literature, morality, quotes, reading, religion, The Stranger

I believe the last time I read The Stranger by Albert Camus was approximately 33 years ago. It was a joy to do so again. As a writer Camus is simply interesting to read.  If you per chance have never read this work or it has been decades since you have I would strongly recommend doing so again. I think you will find it fascinating.

As you are probably aware it was a philosophical stroke of genius at the time of it’s publishing. What I did not know was even though the book and it’s author are both celebrated for their elucidation of both existentialism and nihilism, Camus eschewed them both. And yet it was Sartre who gave the book it’s greatest publicity by an essay he published.

The story is quite compelling in it’s mundane reporting of extraordinary events and the emotionless response of the narrator. We pick this up in the very first line of the book:

“Maman died today. Or yesterday maybe, I don’t know. I got a telegram from the home: ‘Mother deceased. Funeral tomorrow. Faithfully yours.’ That doesn’t mean anything. Maybe it was yesterday.”

Or when Meursault’s (the protagonist) lover, Marie, asks him if he would like to marry her: “I said it didn’t make any difference to me and that we could if she wanted to.”

The reader finds the very same tone being maintained whether the subject is death, abuse, love, sex, murder, or execution. It is as if the protagonist is viewing a play about himself from a distant, objective position and has little interest in what transpires. Interestingly enough the one subject in which we see Meursault get exorcised is religion. While the atheism of the protagonist is somewhat understated throughout the novel he has nothing but disdain for the chaplain, and, as it were, explodes on him.

One might think that is what would be expected from Camus, but he did not divorce himself from the religious to the extent that one might think. Leland Ryken points out that, “in an interview on the occasion of his receiving the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957, Camus said, ‘I have only veneration and respect for the person of Christ and for his life. I do not believe in his resurrection.’” It seems this is indicative of a spiritual seeking that went on for much of his brief life.

The Stranger is a very brief book (a mere 128 pages of text) and easily read but full of material to reflect on and even possibly discuss. Remind yourself of this very important philosophical classic.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year

Tags

book sales, books, literature, reading, used books

I am sorry, but this post has nothing to do with Christmas. Not only that, but I don’t really consider it the most wonderful time of the year–but it certainly is somewhere at the top of the list.

We have an organization in our fair city that mainly caters to the needs of the senior community. Probably the thing they are best known for though is their year long collection of book donations which on the first Thursday-Saturday in May are put on  display in the huge education building of our fairgrounds for the annual used book sale. This sale will consist of approximately 100,000 books of all sorts. This time I only spent about 2 1/2 hours at the sale and came out with about $27 worth of books.

Two things that I find happening at this specific sale. First, I don’t buy everything I might possibly use in this life or any future one . I usually collect a fairly healthy pile and then end up whittling it down when I actually decide what I am going to buy–although I didn’t put as many back this year as I normally do. Second, the realization that I am a rank amateur when it comes to these kind of sales (even though I have been attending them for a very long time). People are walking past me at the entrance (and I mean a lot of people) rolling very large carts which are either full of books or soon will be. These folks take their book shopping really seriously.

So here is what I actually walked out with. Let me know if you think I got a good buy:

4 hardback volumes in excellent condition of Sherlock Holmes from The Peebles Classic Library set: The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, The Hound of the Baskervilles, A Study in Scarlet/The Sign of the Four

An old, green, cloth covered (in quite good condition) volume of Coleridge’s Poems

The Constitution and What It Means Today, Edward S. Corwin. What drew me to this volume is that it was written in 1924 and thus should provide some interesting contrast as to how that same document was understood then and how it is understood today.

John Maxwell’s The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership. I need to confess the reason that I bought this is because I have loaned mine out and I have no idea where it is. Remember the post the other day about loaning books?

Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln, Doris Kearns Goodwin

My last two won’t mean much to you if you don’t live in the biblical/theological world:

The Story of the Cross, Leon Morris

Linguistic Key to the Greek New Testament, Fritz Rienecker & Cleon Rogers–This was in a rather strange vinyl binding and I must admit that I don’t need it. I have one in perfectly good condition. However, this is such a great language study tool and in such great shape that I had to get it. I will probably give it away–$2–imagine that. I think I must have been like the dog lover who sees a stray animal along the side of the road and must pick up the puppy to make sure it gets a good home.

$27.00–How did I do?

There are two more days of the sale. I will try my best not to go back again.

A Passion for Books

Tags

A Passion for Books, book review, books, bookstore, library, quotes, reading, Terry W. Glaspey

Since I have been writing about books lately I thought I would highlight and/or recommend a favorite book of mine–A Passion for Books by Terry W. Glaspey. This is not necessarily meant for a simple sit down read, as much as it is meant as a “gift book,” even though it is one I really enjoy going back to again and again. The back cover gives an accurate description of the “spirit” of this volume:

“Books are our lifelong companions. Whether it’s the feel of the leather binding or the musty smell of a used bookstore, books stir our senses and enrich our lives. From memories of a favorite childhood story to thought-provoking writings that changed our perspective, books have the power to transport us to new worlds, fill us with imaginative ideas, and connect us to the wealth of human experience.”

A Passion for Books is broken up into 8 brief chapters, “A Love Affair with Books,” “A Place to Read,” “Our Childhood Companions,” “No Place Like a Bookstore,” “The Lure of Libraries,” “Happiness is a Bound Book,” “Friends for Life,” and “Books as Spiritual Companions.” Each section is generously peppered with anecdotes and quotations and wonderful illustrations. If you have favorite quotes regarding books and reading they are sure to be included. The one I shared yesterday regarding the loaning of books came from these pages.

Since it was published in 1998 the subject of an ebook would be far from the author’s mind. It would be of great interest to know how that would affect, for good or ill, some of what is communicated here. So if you are a book hound this is a small book that you will find quite enjoyable. Let me leave you with some of my favorite statements from the abundance of what is offered:

“If the crowns of all the kingdoms of Europe were laid down at my feet in exchange for my books and my love of reading, I would spurn them all.” (Francois Fenelon)

“A home without books is like a room without windows. . . A little library, growing every year, is an honorable part of a man’s history. It is a man’s duty to have books. A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessities of life.” (Henry Ward Beecher)

“My best friend is a person who will give me a book I have not read.” (Abraham Lincoln)

“Only three things are necessary to make life happy: the blessing of God, books, and a friend.” (Lacordaire)

“Where is human nature so weak as in the bookstore?” (Henry Ward Beecher)

Goodreads

Tags

book clubs, books, friends, goodreads, reading, social media

I will be posting another book review a little later on today so this is just a short note. Actually more of a request. If you are on goodreads and you would like to “friend” me there that would be great. I am using the same “pastorjeffcma” in that setting.

If you are not familiar with goodreads and are a bit of a “book hound” you might want to check it out. It is mainly a huge social media/online community committed exclusively to all things books, reading, readers, and writing.

I will look forward to possibly “seeing” you there.

Saving Leonardo

Tags

art, Art appreciation, Art history, book review, books, christianity, Francis Schaeffer, Nancy Pearcey, philosophy, pop culture, quotes, reading, Rookmaaker, Saving Leonardo, Truth, truth claims

I will begin with two bold statements:

#1–If Nancy Pearcey writes it, read it!

#2–Her previous book, Total Truth, should be mandatory reading for anybody that claims to be a thinking Christian.

Now that I have that out of the way, on to the business at hand. Those of us that spend a lot time with the written word realize there are all types of information we take in. There are books that one can read in a few hours and digest most of what they have to. Then there are books that are read for pure entertainment value. Every now and then one comes across a volume that is demanding of the reader on many levels, and yet the rewards of diligence make the effort expended well worth it. Such is the nature of Saving Leonardo: A Call to Resist the Secular Assault on Mind, Morals & Meaning, by Nancy Pearcey.

The one who decides to spend time with this work will be stretched–there is simply no getting around that. This is a fascinating treatment of philosophy, art & pop culture that regularly moves between historical survey and apologetic application–and a massive amount of education throughout. It is both well-documented and generously illustrated. The reader will quickly appreciate Pearcey’s willingness to take art seriously, and yet be honest to call poor art (and artists) for what it is.

As with Total Truth, Saving Leonardo focuses on recognizing worldview as a necessary and vital interpretive/apologetic tool. Obvious also in the text is Pearcey’s self-admitted debt owed to Francis Schaeffer, whose fingerprints are all over this as are those of H.R. Rookmaaker. And if I may, allow me to encourage the reading of his small booklet Art Needs No Justification (1978, IVP).

One of the reasons Saving Leonardo is so demanding for most of us is that it takes the reader through mainly uncharted territory. It causes us to reflect on ideas that we hitherto have not and on a level we are ill prepared to do so. Rather than this being a cause for ignoring this work it should compel us toward it. This information could hardly be more timely.

For a church that most often would rather remain safely protected behind it’s ivory towers Saving Leonardo is both a desperately needed textbook in art-based worldview study for the church and a challenge to the church to engage the culture as opposed to simply “cursing the darkness.”

At the end of her chapter entitled, “Sex, Lies, and Secularism” the author is giving the prescription for winning the minds of the youth in this culture, however, it is a message that is imperative for us to hear as we consider reaching the culture at large:

“Young people do not just need rules, they need reasons. It’s time for the church to regroup, rethink, and recast it’s strategy for social and political engagement. Christians must learn to engage the secular worldviews that drive the public debate. They must learn to articulate a worldview rationale for biblical morality. And most importantly, they must back up their message with authentic living before a watching world.”

As you would expect I cannot recommend Saving Leonardo highly enough. On a scale of 1-5 stars I would have to give it at least 7. I encourage you in the strongest possible terms to spend time with this very important book. The dividends will be great.

Should Christians Read the “Classics?”

Tags

Albert Camus, books, C.S. Lewis, christianity, chronological snobbery, classics, Gospel Coalition, intellectual laziness, intellectual pride, literature, reading, The Stranger

Over on the Gospel Coalition website (http://thegospelcoalition.org) an online reading club is being organized to read through a number of classics beginning with The Stranger by Albert Camus. Now unless you visit an amazingly unique Christian bookstore you will most likely not find a copy of this one on the shelf. In response to this article a discussion ensued and this one comment especially caught my attention:

I believe that there is a certain spirit of intellectual pride that permeates through the modern American churches. Mainly, that unless a Christian has read(reads) the so-called ‘great’ literature of the world, or even, dare I say, the great theological works of the past, one is not a complete Christian, or cannot be an intelligent person.

I consider myself an intelligent and reasonable person. But I am also very discriminating in what I spend time reading. I do not feel the need to read a certain book, just so that I can claim that I have read it.

I could not help but think of Twain’s definition of a classic–”a book that everybody talks about, but nobody reads.” There is so much encapsulated in the above comment that I am not sure where to start. First, I sometimes wish I could find some “intellectual pride” in the church–because most of what I see, with some few promising exceptions, is intellectual laziness. I am afraid that reading the classics is one temptation that many of the believers that I come into contact with find quite easy to resist.

Secondly is this issue of being “well-read.” I will agree that the idea of reading a “great” book so that you can say you read this great book is a pretty sub-par motivation. However, there is also the juxtapositioned question–why would an “intelligent person” not want to read the great books? Whether those are of literary or theological merit–seemingly ignoring what it was that have made these books stand the test of time. I believe this commenter could use a healthy dose of Lewis’ “chronological snobbery.”

This individual goes on to describe himself as “intelligent,” “reasonable,” and “discriminating in what I spend time reading.” If true, those are all good things. But I am prone to wonder what, in this persons mind,  the qualifications are for those descriptors. I am left to reflect on whether this person is also a critical thinker. I then wonder who he is reading. Because if he is reading from a Christian standpoint he is most likely reading either the fluff that overpopulates most of our Christian bookstores or the modern church thinkers (Piper, Zacharias, etc.) who are heavily influenced by and quote often from the authors he is more prone to dismiss. This translates into the truth that he is letting others do the intellectual work for him.

So should a Christian spend time reading the literary and theological classics? Yes! It is important to be “well read.” And not so you can go around telling everyone how well-read you are. In fact if you have to proclaim it then you probably aren’t. It is because to be “well read” usually translates into being “well-thought.” Another reason is because the writers of the great books were obviously great writers. Thus their use of language and flow of argument helps us to think and write well also. We also need to be astute in recognizing philosophies and worldviews with which we are being confronted on a regular basis and reading primary source material is the best way to understand them.These are simply a few reasons for consuming quality fare.

While it is important to ingest a steady diet of good literature, it is also vital that we plan what we will read. Maybe reading along with the Gospel Coalition project, or checking out the reading list at the back of How to Read a Book, or one of many other lists or recommendations that are available. However you do it, my encouragement is not so much to be well-read, but to read well.

Bibliosnobbery

Tags

bestsellers, bibliosnobbery, book buying, book snob, book suggestions, books, fiction, goodreads, literature, non fiction, pastoral library, personal library, reading

A number of years ago, when I lived in a different part of the country, I had a friend who played bass guitar and loved bluegrass. So we would often make a trek to Borders, which for us was about a 45 minute drive, where we would temporarily part ways–I would head to the books, and he to the music. But while he loved bluegrass music he would never stoop to listen to, let alone purchase, what he simply referred to as “commercial” music–only the little known and independent bands would merit a listen from him. I would often tell him, and it was in great fun, what a musical snob he was.

I write today in the spirit of confession and humble self-disclosure that I fear I have become a bibliosnob. First, allow me to explain what I do not mean. I am not decrying the need for being a critical consumer. This is best illustrated, in my own experience, by what happens to a young pastor right out of seminary. Every time an older pastor retires and offers books from his well-stocked library he/she will take everything he/she might be willing to give. They will ravage every used bookstore they can find and go on a buying spree as often as they possibly can. I would imagine this same type of behavior is true outside of the world of the clergy. What results is bookshelves lined with volumes that will never be read or referred to and that will most likely either take up needed space or will eventually be sold or given away. Hopefully as this undisciplined reader gets more literary experience under his/her belt the buying habits begin to get more refined and they begin to understand the types of books that are most useful and worthy for money to be budgeted in that direction. That is not snobbery–that is simply spacial and fiscal wisdom.

However, here is where the snobbery comes into play. At least 3 times I have commenced and suspended an account on goodreads. The reason is because I get there and I realize hardly anyone is reading what I am reading. I could not stomach most of what is being read–neither morally nor quality wise. I look at bestseller lists and they are either fluff or mental junk food. As much as I think I would like to sit down and read a brainless novel on occasion just for relaxation purposes I cannot bring myself to do it. If I do possess the wherewithal to start it I will rarely finish it. Every once in a while I will get a fiction recommendation from someone whose judgment I really trust and it is possible that I might read 1 or 2 a year at tops. Because as I start to read this lighter fare I immediately think about all the good books that are waiting to be consumed.Now I might add (and this only further confirms my snobbery) that I do put the literary classics in a category other than mundane modern fiction.

So just as I was about to settle into my spirit of self-aggrandizement I came across an article that made me contemplate my almost-settled literary bias. The article was appropriately entitled, “6 Reasons You Should ‘Waste’ Your Time Reading Fiction.” (http://marccortez.com/2011/05/16/6-reasons-you-should-waste-your-time-reading-fiction/) Here are the reasons:

1. Fiction Reveals Truth

2. Fiction Strengthens the Imagination

3. Fiction Manifests Beauty

4. Fiction Expands Horizons

5. Fiction Makes Better Writers

6. Fiction is Fun

Well, after being thoroughly chastised, I may at least think about a momentary foray down “the other aisle.” Although I wonder if it is too late to teach an old reading dog new reading tricks. Just in case I might be willing to give it another try do you have any good suggestions?

Happy reading to all my fellow snobs

I miss my bookstore

Tags

book loft, books, bookstores, Columbus Ohio, Frederick Maryland, German Village, reading, used bookstores, Wonder Books

I am working from the assumption that people that write are also people that read, so that by association bloggers are book lovers–while I that is true I could certainly be wrong in my conclusion. If you are of the Thomas Jefferson school of thought, “I cannot live without books,” then you are probably also a connoisseur of used bookstores. I fear I do not live in the best of locations to live out my bibliophilia. It is not that I live in a vast wasteland. There is the requisite chain stores (Barnes & Noble, Lifeway, etc.) along with a couple of decent locations of used book havens. But these are nothing in comparison to a couple of my favorites.

Back when I lived in central Pennsylvania I was about an hour and a half drive from Frederick, MD, home of the best used bookstore I have had the opportunity to frequent on a regular basis–”Wonder Books and Video.” What a tremendous place to shop, or simply look.

This bookstore is created for the serious browser. The shelves are overflowing with books along with stacks all over the floor. No nice chairs and couches adorning the corners so you obviously just plop down on the floor wherever you happen to be and enjoy your potential purposes. You will most likely find what you’re looking for–but that is not the real reason to go to Wonder Books–it is actually for that serendipitous find that made the 90 minute drive absolutely worth it.

My other recommendation is one that I have only been able to visit twice and it is located in the German Village of Columbus, OH. I will let you know that for a full-rounded experience you will want to get there in time for lunch and head over to Schmidt’s Sausage Haus and Restaurant for a wonderful German meal.

From Schmidt’s head on over to the “Book Loft.” This is quite the unique place. It is an old home with 32 rooms each filled with books and each room separated by genre. What more could a book lover want than to wander from room to room in a never ending trail of knowledge, entertainment, trivia, and enjoyment.

As I have listened to fellow book lovers describe some of the places they have discovered I find myself longing to visit. So what are some of the great bookstores you have found? Where are your favorite browsing spots?

The Left-Handed Plumber’s Study Bible

Tags

Christian Bookstore, christianity, God, KJV, NASB, NIV, NLT, reading, specialty Bibles, Study Bibles, The Bible, translations, versions

I read the Bible. I study the Bible. I meditate on and memorize the Bible. I preach and teach the Bible. I love the Bible. I not only graduated from a Bible college (yes it was a 4 year degree from an institution that is accredited from numerous religious and secular accrediting bodies–no it did not meet in my neighbors basement) and seminary but have been in active “professional” ministry for 23 years. In fact I actually have been attending church very regularly from 9 months before I was born. I have said all of that because when I start to sound a little critical I want you to know that it comes from within the family.

When it comes to Bibles I have probably given away more than I own and I think in my study there are more than twenty not counting the ones at home and then with the rather high-powered Bible study software I have that number begins to soar. But here is what struck me the other day. I was leafing through a relatively small paper catalog from a familiar Christian bookseller when I noticed of the 64 pages 16 were taken up with nothing but Bibles. I thought that was bad until I read recently that the 2010 Zondervan Bible catalog was 223 pages long! Seriously?!

Ladies and Gentlemen–there are a mere handful of common translations of the Scripture–King James Version (KJV), The New King James Version (NKJV), New International Version (NIV), New American Standard Bible (NASB), English Standard Version (ESV), New Revised Standard Version (NRSV), New Living Translation (NLT), and The Message (MSG). There are a few other niche ones available but these are the main staples. I realize for the uninitiated the fact that there are eight different translations of the Scripture is a bit unnecessary, but I will address this question in a future blog (maybe even tomorrow). This however is not really my concern–at least not today.

I would like to invite you to go into your local Christian bookstore and take a look around at the shelves of Bibles and see the titles–you will see things like The Battlefield Bible, The Marine’s Bible, The Airmen’s Bible, The Soldier’s Bible, The Coast Guardsmen Bible, The Doctor’s Bible, The Fireman’s Bible, The Patriot’s Bible, The Golfer’s Bible, The Nurse’s Bible, The Policeman’s Bible, The African Heritage Bible, The Spirit-Filled Bible (I have always wondered what that makes all the other Bibles), The Life Recovery Bible, The Life Application Bible, The Leadership Bible, The Promise Keepers Bible, The Sportsmen Bible, The Teachers Bible, The Graduates Bible, and on and on and on. I have been tempted so many times to walk in and ask if they have a Left-Handed Plumbers Study Bible.

In an article entitled “How Many Versions of the Bible Do We Really Need?” author Daniel Burke said, “The assortment of translations and ‘niche Bibles’ (think, ‘The Holy Bible: Stock Car Racing Edition’) sow confusion and division among Christians, invite ridicule from relativists, and risk reducing God’s word into just another personal-shopping preference.”

Just a little information for the non-Bible consumer reading this. These are not different translations of the Scripture–they are still the same text of the NIV, KJV, NASB, etc. But interspersed throughout the Bible there will be themed stories, prayers, quotes, etc. dealing with that specific subject.

IMHO the problem is this–when we start purchasing the Word of God according to my needs, my interests, my vocations, etc. then I can either consciously or subconsciously begin to think the Scripture is all about what is important to me. In a sense I no longer am defined by the Scripture, I am defining the Scripture. Which simply leads to even more narcissism in the American church than is already there.

I am not railing against study Bibles in general. There are good ones which give good introductory and exegetical helps which can certainly help in our understanding of the biblical context–The NIV Study Bible and the ESV Study Bible are among the best. But make sure when we purchase a Bible, my time spent in the Scripture is about God–not about me.

Reading in 2012

Tags

2012, apologetics, books, evolution, Metaxas, morality, Pearcey, politics, reading, religion, Sailhamer, The Bible

As those that follow this blog know I am rather passionate when it comes to books and reading. I don’t really want to talk about what I have read in this past year. And if you are interested in some of my recommendations I have published reading lists on subjects such as C.S. Lewis, Devotional works, Civil War, the Pastor’s library, apologetics, etc.–so if you are interested you can check out any of those. Today I would to reflect on some of the reading I would like to do in the coming year.

Let’s begin with the most important reading I will do and that is the Bible. While I have read it through a lot of times, this year I am using a system that I have not used before–the McCheyne system and I will do that via the YouVersion Bible app on my iPad–I have not done that before either. So I am looking forward to how that goes.

Here is some of the other reading I am planning on at this point.

Saving Leonardo: A Call to Resist the Secular Assault on Mind, Morals, and Meaning by Nancy Pearcey. This is a book that I have already started and which I will continue to work through. If you have not read any of Ms. Pearcey’s work do yourself a favor and pick this one up. I would also very highly recommend another of her books, Total Truth: Liberating Christianity from It’s Cultural Captivity. If I had the power I would make Total Truth mandatory reading for every Christian–at least all the thinking ones–yes I do realize that might narrow the field

On Guard: Defending Your Faith With Reason and Precision by William Lane Craig. This excellent work on Christian apologetics by one of the foremost Christian philosophers is well worth the energy you will put into it. I am working through this one very slowly as I am leading a book club studying this important work.

Is God A Moral Monster? Making Sense of the Old Testament God by Paul Copan. If you listen to an articulate atheist for very long the question of the apparent genocide and infanticide seemingly commanded and/or condoned by God will be brought to the fore of the discussion. It is these issues that Dr. Copan will address.

Should Christians Embrace Evolution? Biblical and Scientific Responses by Norman Nevin. This was chosen as one of the two books of the year by “World Magazine” (a resource I would highly recommend) which is what got my attention–of course the subject matter is one I am very interested in.

While I am quite certain I will do a bit of “political” reading this year (as I always do), two of the ones I am interested in right now are Suicide of a Superpower: Will America Survive to 2025? by Patrick J. Buchanan and We Still Hold These Truths: Rediscovering our Principles, Reclaiming our Future by Matthew Spalding.

Socrates in the City: Conversations on “Life, God, and Other Small Topics” edited by Eric Metaxas. If that name sounds familiar to you it may be because he authored the recently published and very celebrated biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer.

The Meaning of the Pentateuch: Revelation, Composition, and Interpretation by John H. Sailhamer.

While this list is a starting place, I am quite sure it will be amended as the year goes on. If you have read any of these I would be interested in your opinion, or if you have some titles you think I might want to consider I would like to hear about those also.

Do you have some reading plans for this year?