The Shack- A Few Critiques

I posted some critiques/reviews of the very popular book The Shack over on the Friday Nights in Ferndale blog. Take a peek and let me know what you think.

the shack william p. young

ESV Study Bible- Coming October 15, 2008

Crossway has launched a new website for the ESV Study Bible, coming October 15, 2008.

The ESV Study Bible was created to help people understand the Bible in a deeper way—to understand the timeless truth of God’s Word as a powerful, compelling, life-changing reality. To accomplish this, the ESV Study Bible combines the best and most recent evangelical Christian scholarship with the highly regarded ESV Bible text. The result is the most comprehensive study Bible ever published—with more than 2,750 pages of extensive, accessible Bible resources.

The ESV Study Bible was created by a team of 93 outstanding evangelical Bible scholars and teachers. They were chosen, first, because of their deep commitment to the truth, authority, and sufficiency of God’s Word; and, second, because of their expertise in teaching and understanding the Bible. The team of contributors comes from 9 countries, representing nearly 20 denominations and more than 50 seminaries, colleges, and universities.


Here are a couple of endorsements:

“I can’t imagine a greater gift to the body of Christ than the ESV Study Bible. It is a potent combination indeed: the reliability and readability of the ESV translation, supplemented by the best of modern and faithful scholarship, packaged in an accessible and attractive format. A Christian could make no wiser investment for himself, a pastor could recommend no better resource for his congregation.

C. J. Mahaney, President, Sovereign Grace Ministries

“The ESV is a dream come true for me. The rightful heir to a great line of historic translations, it provides the continuity and modern accuracy I longed for. Now the scope and theological faithfulness of the ESV Study Bible study notes is breathtaking. Oh how precious is the written Word of God.”

John Piper, Pastor for Preaching and Vision, Bethlehem Baptist Church

Check out these pages for more information:

• Features
• Formats
• Contributors
• Endorsements

esv study bible

On the Edge book give-away- last day!

Today is the last day to enter the On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness book give-away. I'll announce tomorrow who will be getting a free copy of this wonderful book.

Book Give-away- Andrew Peterson's On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

Alright folks...it's time to get excited. Because I have in my hot little hands an extra copy of Andrew Peterson's delightful book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness and I want to give it away! Actually, I want to sell it so I can buy another book, but the publisher told me to give it away, so I'm going to do that.

So here's what you've got to do:

First, take a moment to read my review of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. If you don't like my review, try reading some others. I'd suggest starting with Jonathan Roger's review at the Rabbit Room and my friend Chris Hubbs review (where he describes the book as part Narnia, part Monty Python, and part Princess Bride. An apt description!).

Second, come back to this post and leave a comment about the review. Please include your email within the comment or send me an email at natedowney [at] gmail [dot] com with your contact info. On Friday, March 21, I will put all the names in a hat, draw one out and that person will get a free copy of the book delivered to their doorstep.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness- Andrew Peterson

Official Andrew Peterson Website
Official Andrew Peterson Myspace
Order “On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness” HERE
Read An Excerpt HERE
Author Bio HERE

I must begin by admitting that I am a bit of a sucker for children's fantasy books. Like those delightful Pixar movies, there's just something wonderful about diving into a story that is ostensibly aimed at someone much younger than you. I would call it a guilty pleasure, except I feel absolutely no guilt for enjoying them. Andrew Peterson's new book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness is just such a story- a captivating journey into a world you've never heard of before, somewhere you wish with all your heart you could go to.

The book begins with an brief introduction to the world of Aerwiar and a "slightly less brief introduction to the Land of Skree." Skree is in bondage to the evil lord of the land of Dang, Gnag the Nameless, and ruled by his vile minions, the Fangs of Dang.The story opens in the township of Glipwood, on the western edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. We are introduced to the Igiby family: the boys Janner (12 years old), Tink (11 years old), their 8 year old crippled sister Leeli, their one-legged ex-pirate grandfather Podo and their noble and beautiful mother Nia. Despite the dark cloud of Dang over their land, the Igiby's have scratched out a reasonably pleasant existence. They have their farm, their cottage, their books and most of all, they have each other.

When Leeli is put in danger, Tink and Janner are forced to act and their actions lead them down a road that they could never have imagined themselves travelling. They are forced to deal with perils well beyond their years, primarily the unwelcome attention of one particular Fang. As their somewhat tranquil lives spiral out of control, the Igiby's are forced to lean on one another more than ever. The second half of the book is a brilliant thrill ride of adventure, full of danger, mischief, mystery, frightening creatures such as horned hounds and toothy cows, haunted mansions, and a fairly strange character named Peet the Sock Man. Along the way the kids find out more about themselves than they could have ever imagined and the book ends with a satisfying finish that still leaves you eagerly looking forward to the next book in the Wingfeather Saga (no word on when the 2nd book will be coming out yet).

Peterson's writing is a joy to read. I have long been a fan of Peterson's music and I saw many parallel's between his songwriting and his fiction. They both scratch the surface of deep things in ways that make you laugh, cry and ache for more of what is just out of sight.

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness has now placed itself on the shelf of books I can't wait to read to my kids, which is itself a recommendation of the highest sort.

As I mentioned before, the publisher sent me an extra copy of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. I will have more details regarding that contest tomorrow (3/17).

andrew peterson on the edge of the dark sea of darkness childrens fantasy literature

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness- My First Blog Contest

Ever meet someone who's really good at whatever they do, even if they've never tried it before?

Andrew Peterson is just such a man. He's long been one of my favorite songwriters and his craft just keeps getting better. His Christmas musical-stravaganza Behold The Lamb of God is a Downey family favorite. He created a hilarious and amazing bunch of kid's songs with Randall Goodgame. He has sung a duet with Alison Krauss. But Mr. Peterson is not to content to rest upon his musical laurels. No, not this man.

On March 18th, Andrew's book On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness will make it's debut.

Here's the publisher's blurb:

"In the once-quiet land of Skree, Janner Igiby, little brother Tink, and crippled sister Leeli stumble upon lost jewels of the mysterious King of the Shining Isle Anniera. But Gnag the Nameless seeks the treasure for purely evil ends, so our brave trio, accompanied by their trusty dog Nugget and ex-pirate grandfather, must escape his minion Fangs."

Thanks to an advance copy, I've started reading this delightful book. I'll be posting a review on March 17, one day before the book releases. But that's not all! The publisher sent me an extra copy to give away on my blog. That's right! The Canvas o' Constancy is going to have a contest and someone will come away with a spanking new book full of daring, dragons, the most hilarious footnotes I have ever read, and fearsome toothy cows.

So check back on March 17, read the review and find out how you might win a copy of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness.

Hint: You may want to start working on your jousting skills.

andrew peterson alison krauss book giveaways childrens literature

Mark Driscoll & Gerry Breshears- Vintage Jesus

Mark Driscoll has stepped back into the world of books with his new book Vintage Jesus: Timeless Answers to Timely Questions. Teaming up with Gerry Breshears, professor of theology and chairman of the Division of Biblical and Theological Studies at Western Seminary in Portland, OR, Driscoll aims to answer questions about who Jesus is and why we should still consider this man relevant and important.

Each chapter seeks to answer a specific question about Jesus.

• Chapter 1 Is Jesus the Only God?
• Chapter 2 How Human Was Jesus?
• Chapter 3 How Did People Know Jesus Was Coming?
• Chapter 4 Why Did Jesus Come to Earth?
• Chapter 5 Why Did Jesus' Mom Need to Be a Virgin?
• Chapter 6 What Did Jesus Accomplish on the Cross?
• Chapter 7 Did Jesus Rise from Death?
• Chapter 8 Where Is Jesus Today?
• Chapter 9 Why Should We Worship Jesus?
• Chapter 10 What Makes Jesus Superior to Other Saviors?
• Chapter 11 What Difference Has Jesus Made in History?
• Chapter 12 What Will Jesus Do upon His Return?

These questions are answered with insights from people such as Jesus himself, Dog the Bounty Hunter, Friedrich Nietzsche, Martin Luther King Jr., Hugh Hefner, Jack Bauer, Fidel Castro, Oprah, Kanye West, Gandhi, Homer Simpson, Mike Tyson, Gil Grissom, and Madonna, along with some demons and a porn star.

You can take a look at the Intro and Chapter 1 at the Crossway site.

Mark's books are always insightful and theologically sharp, so I'm looking forward to reading this one. I'll be getting a copy of it at the Text/Context conference next week.

Visit the Vintage Jesus site.

Watch/listen to the "Vintage Jesus" sermon series from Mars Hill Church.

You can read an early review by Tim Challies and also an excellent article that Tim wrote today called "How Do You Solve A Problem Like Mark Driscoll?"

vintage jesus mark driscoll gerry breshears

Tim Keller- The Reason For God

Tim Keller's book The Reason For God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism is now available and shipping from various online shoppes (this is my preferred one). My copy should be here within the next week and I'm really looking forward to reading it.

Here's a blurb from the "Reason for God" website:

Why does God allow suffering in the world?

How could a loving God send people to Hell?

Why isn’t Christianity more inclusive?

How can one religion be “right” and the others “wrong”?

Why have so many wars been fought in the name of God?

These are just a few of the questions and doubts even ardent believers wrestle with today. As the founding pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian Church in New York City, Timothy Keller has compiled a list of the most frequently voiced “doubts” skeptics bring to his church as well as the most important reasons for faith. And in The Reason for God, he addresses each doubt and explains each reason.

Keller uses literature, philosophy, real-life conversations, and reasoning to explain how faith in a Christian God is a soundly rational belief, held by thoughtful people of intellectual integrity with a deep compassion for those who truly want to know the truth.

The "Reason For God" website is also set up with various sermons and study materials, plus an intro video featuring a "Welcome" message from Keller.

Here are some reviews:

• Tim Challies
• Sally Lloyd-Jones (my 2nd favorite Lloyd-Jones)
• Spear of Phinehas

As always, Steve McCoy has a helpful compilation of Keller resources. Here is a page with the "Reason For God" sermons. I've listened to all these and they are very good.

Lastly, Newsweek profiled Tim Keller.

tim keller the reason for God

Bullets over Thursday

Taking my cue from Chris Hubbs, here are some bullet points for Thursday, January 31, the year of our Lord two thousand and eight:

• Alex Chediak scored a prepub copy of Tim Keller's The Reason for God and has some thoughts on it. This is only serves to get me more excited about this book. HT: McCoy
  
• Michael McKinley shares a statement that Mark Dever (of IX Marks Ministries, among other things) gave regarding the cooperation between Acts29 and IX Marks. This is an excellent and very encouraging read.
• Lost Season 4 starts tonight. I am a nerd and I can't wait to start watching this show again.
• Justin Taylor posted 10 YouTube links to author Dave Harvey's thoughts on his extremely helpful and beneficial book on marriage, When Sinners Say I Do. I heartily recommend you watch these clips and then read the book. An audiobook has also recently come out.
• Resurgence has a good interview with pastor/author/professor/linebacker Voddie Baucham.
• Mark Driscoll is preaching through "Religion Saves and Nine Other Misconceptions." Good stuff.
• You should join Goodreads. It's a blast. Visit my page and see what I'm reading.
  
• My wife is beautiful, amazing, and a continual joy to my heart.
  

An apologetic for apologetics- Ravi Zacharias

The RZIM (Ravi Zacharias Internation Ministries) website shares the introduction to Ravi's newest book "Beyond Opinion: Living the Faith We Defend." The article/introduction is called "An Apologetic for Apologetics."

In the article, Ravi says:

"I am convinced, in the words of C. S. Lewis—who in my estimation is probably the greatest Christian apologist in recent memory—that the question of being an apologist is not so much whether you use an apologetic in answering someone’s question, but whether the apologetic you already use is a good one."

On a related note, Tim Keller's new book The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism (also an abridged audiobook) is coming out in the next few weeks and looks to be another helpful apologetics-in-love resource.

ravi zacharias apologetics

Interview with Tim Keller

Mr. Keller's got a new book coming out called "The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism"  and Justin Taylor has nice little interview with Keller about it. Check it out.

Also, at the end of the interview there is a link to an excellent sermon (that Keller is writing a book around) called "The Prodigal Sons." Highly recommended. 

If you are interested in hearing any more Keller sermons, Steve McCoy is your man. Here is his Keller resource page.

tim keller

WTS Books- Top 10 books of 2007

Mark at Sacred Journey shares the top 10 books that WTS Books has sold this year.

You can also read a staff review of the top selling book "When Sinners Say I Do" at the WTS Books blog. 

I can personally say that I have been blessed by the work of WTS Books, both in the quality of the books they are offering at great prices and the generosity they have shown me by being a blog partner with them.

best of 2007

The Golden Compass- an author's perspective

Pete Peterson at The Rabbit Room shares some good thoughts on The Golden Compass and the entire His Dark Materials trilogy.

golden compass

Paste Magazine- Signs o' Life 2007

Paste Magazine has compiled their "best of 2007" lists.

• Music- somehow they didn't get Radiohead on there until #11 (they do have a good review of it though). They must not have gotten my ballot. Silly Paste! But it's a good list overall.
  
• Books
• Films
• Games

paste magazine radiohead in rainbows best of 2007

Sam Storms- Signs of the Spirit

Gary Shavey at Resurgence interviews Sam Storms about his book Signs of the Spirit: An Interpretation of Jonathan Edwards' "Religious Affections."

You can learn more about Sam Storms at his site, Enjoying God Ministries.

sam storms johnathan edwards

2007 book guide

Tim Challies offers his 2007 book guide, with everything from theology to New York Times bestsellers.

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Now playing: Over The Rhine - Coal Train
via FoxyTunes

best of 2007 books

Books in the mail!

Yesterday, I went to my parents house and saw a mysterious box from WTS Books. I knew that my mom had just gotten a shipment from them the week before and I wondered "Is that my Christmas present? Should I open it now and ask questions later?" Well, I thought it prudent to ask questions first, so I called my mom and she said "Oh no...those are just more ESV Children's Bibles for my Sunday School class."

Dang.

We continued talking and before I hung up, she sighed and said "Oh, just open it! Those are books for you. I wasn't going to give them to you until we got back (they are out of town this week) but just open them now!"

Just then, the heavens opened up and I heard angelic singing in my ears. It was a beautiful moment.

I eagerly opened the box and, lo and behold, my parents had blessed me with a copy of Beeke/Pederson's Meet the Puritans and Goldsworthy's Gospel-Centered Hermeneutics!

Thanks Mom and Dad!

The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World

I was privileged to attend the 2006 Desiring God National Conference entitled "The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World." It was a great weekend of learning from God's Word, singing with God's people, and meeting lots of new friends.

In recent years, Desiring God has partnered with Crossway to publish the talks from each of their national conferences in book form. Crossway has just released the new book entitled (surprisingly) "The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World."

Here are the chapter titles:

Introduction- Justin Taylor

Part 1. Culture and Truth

1. The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World- David Wells

2. Truth and the Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World- Voddie Baucham Jr.

Part 2. Joy and Love

3. Joy and the Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World- John Piper

4. Love and the Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World- D. A. Carson

Part 2. Gospel Theologizing and Contextualizing

5. The Gospel and the Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World- Tim Keller

6. The Church and the Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World- Mark Driscoll

Conversations with the Contributors

You can find the book here at WTS Books.

Desiring God has also released the entire book in pdf for free. You can find that here.

As always, you can find the audio for the entire conference at DG's site (there is also video). I highly recommend Baucham's and Keller's talks, but they are all wonderful.

john piper mark driscoll tim keller d. a. carson voddie baucham david wells justin taylor desiring god The Supremacy of Christ in a Postmodern World

John Bunyan- God's Tinker

I once heard someone (sadly, I can't remember who) say that every Christian should pick a "Christian giant" from the past and learn about that person, read everything that person had written, and essentially become a student of that faithful Christian.

I think that person for me is going to be John Bunyan.

John Bunyan was born in 1628, near Bedford, England. He's best known for writing Pilgrim's Progress, an allegory about the Christian life that he authored while in prison for preaching about Jesus. It has been suggested that Pilgrim's Progress is the world's greatest selling book aside from the Bible and it has been translated into over 200 languages!

But Mr. Bunyan was no one hit wonder; he was in fact a prolific author who wrote 58 books, ranging from allegory to exposition to poetry to polemic.

I first read Pilgrim's Progress as a kid, probably around 11 or 12. Bunyan's vivid images made a deep imprint that have stayed with me to this day. But it wasn't until I read Bunyan's autobiography, Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners, that I truly began to appreciate what a testimony of God's grace he was.

Since then, I have been saving my pennies and last week I bought Banner of Truth's 3 volume set of the Complete Works of John Bunyan. It arrived Tuesday and from my cursory perusal, it seems that picking Bunyan is a good idea. John Bunyan is a man I want to be like. His passion for Jesus and his enduring trust in God, even in the midst of tremendous trial and fearful circumstances, are both a radical challenge and a helpful example to me.

I encourage everyone to find a copy of anything that Bunyan has written and follow his gaze as he points to Jesus.

See the works of Bunyan at Project Gutenberg.

Get the works of Bunyan in txt, rtf or pdf.

Read, download, or listen to John Piper's biographical sketch of John Bunyan.

A great Bunyan resource.

Get a free audiobook of Pilgrim's Progress.

See WTS Books page of Bunyan's books.

john bunyan

WTS Books- Final day of the big sale

Last day to purchase some great books at great prices.

If anyone wants to buy me this or this, I would not weep.