return to What YWAM Leaders Read (main page)
Lynn Green (YWAM's
international chairman),residing in England, reviews:
The Delusion of Disbelief
-by David Aikman
David Aikman is well known to many YWAMers. He has often taught in YWAM schools (in fact he just spent a day at the Authors Training School at our base) and always makes a deep impact. Aikman is an Oxford trained journalist and author who was the Time bureau chief in Eastern Europe, Beijing and Jerusalem and has become a renowned expert on China. With all of his other priorities and demands, I am delighted that he decided to reply to the “New Atheists” and he demonstrates that he is well qualified to do so.
For the past couple of years, atheism has had renewed exposure through the advocacy of four authors who have been dubbed the Four Horsemen. Richard Dawkins is the best selling of the four with his book, 'The God Delusion' a NY Times best-seller. Dawkins and his fellow New Atheists, Christopher Hitchens, Daniel Dennet and Sam Harris have attacked all faith, but Christian faith in particular.
David Aikman turns the light on many of their claims that might sound reasonable until they are examined. For instance, Dawkins continues to claim that people of faith have been responsible for nearly all the cruelty of the human race while atheists have rarely been implicated in inhumanity. That claim would leave most of us scratching our heads in disbelief that he could make such a claim! Aikman recounts the terrible reality of 20th century atheism with his scholarly ability and demolishes Dawkins’ claims completely. Aikman has clearly done his research for this book and does not hesitate to tackle the most confident assertions of the New Atheists and expose the prejudices that lie behind them.
Having seen Richard Dawkins in a debate with John Lennox, another Oxford don, I have been surprised to learn that some thinking Christians have been shaken by the attacks of the New Atheists. Upon reading The 'Delusion of Disbelief,' I have complete confidence that there is no substance nor integrity behind this onslaught, and it will leave honest believers stronger for having been required by it to defend what they believe. In that, David Aikman has helped us hugely.
Editors Note: For a list of titles addressing Christianity's contribution to the world, click here
The Shack-by William Young
I gather that this book has more than a million copies in print and has stayed number one on the NY Times bestsellers list for two months, and that there are more than just rumors that a film will soon be made by one of the major Hollywood studios. So what are we to make of this phenomenon?
Firstly, it presents a welcome change from the writings of the New Atheists. I am delighted to report that 'The Shack' has already had more than double the sales of the much-hyped Richard Dawkins book, 'The God Delusion.' It demonstrates yet again that the public have a keen interest in spiritual themes. To feed that interest with a fable that conveys a lot of Biblical content is a very good thing. This book is likely to go on to sell more than twice as many copies as it has to date because serious marketing has only just begun.
'The Shack' takes on some of the most difficult and perplexing issues of suffering and faith without ducking. I think we would all like the subject of suffering and the existence of a loving, powerful God to be simpler—but it’s not. As a result, some of the discourse between God and Mack (the central character) is pretty dense and demands some time to stop and think. Throughout all the painful events and discussions, the love of God shines through and the implications of human freedom are teased out.
Is it good theology? We will be reading disagreements about that for many years to come and some views will not be very charitable. I doubt that anyone will agree with all the explicit or implicit statements in this novel. But that is the nature of theology. Overall, I was comfortable with the main themes of this story. God is presented in very personal terms and is depicted as loving in all that He/They/She (you will see what I mean when you read it) does and is able to redeem even the most horrific suffering. The grace and love of God is the key, but the catalyst is our forgiveness. I am content with that.
How can a Biblical Christian be happy about a book that tells a story where Father God presents himself as an Afro-Caribbean woman called Papa? Well, it took some getting used to, but I could agree with the point the author was making. Later, God appears to Mack as a much more traditional father figure—maybe Young added that in just to make some long-standing Christians a little more comfortable. I won’t get into how Jesus and the Holy Spirit are depicted, but it’s worth reading just for that.
Though this book is and will be controversial, it takes a similar approach to that of C.S. Lewis in his Space Trilogy or even Narnia. Fables, or metaphors make a wonderful media for conveying truth in clothes that we are not used to. If we make the mistake of being too literal with the imagery, we will miss the woods for the trees. In this case, the woods are beautiful even if some of the trees are not perfect.
Strengthen Yourself in the Lord-by Bill Johnson
I rarely re-read a book I have just read, but I read Bill Johnson’s book last month and am reading it again now. It is that helpful!
Bill is the pastor of an Assembly of God church in Redding CA that has developed a reputation as a place where many people are healed every week. On the European side of the Atlantic, Bill has recently had extensive exposure at leadership conferences and many have said he seems to have similar gifts and anointing as those we saw in John Wimber more than two decades ago. To me, that is very good news!
In this book, Bill leads the reader into a rich meditation on the life of David and how he coped with adversity. He writes very practically and with great insight.
To me, one of the great challenges of our Christian life is the question of how we live by faith at all times, no matter what the circumstances. There are seasons of life in which the walk of faith is more demanding and this book is for those times. Through these testing times, I have discovered a few attitudes and activities that help me stay in the place of faith. This book identifies all that I have learned and much more! As a result, I am cultivating new habits that lead to stronger faith and that in turn makes me more of an over-comer. Now you know why I am reading it again.
This is one I will recommend to people everywhere!
The Myth of a
Christian Nation- by Gregory Boyd
One of Boyd's recent books Repenting of Religion has made a deep impact on many of us in YWAM. This new book is written in the same loving tone and in-depth thinking. One of the foremost things I appreciate about Boyd, is the fact that Jesus’ teaching remains front and centre to all he writes.
This book is written in the context of mounting patriotic fervour following the invasion of Iraq. As a pastor of a large Church Boyd came under pressure to marry American patriotism and biblical faith. In response he wrote a superb book in which he charts some of the consequences when Christians throughout history have aligned themselves unconditionally with a nation or people. He also examines the biblical teaching on governmental authority and how Christians relate to it.
Boyd's message is not popular in every quarter; his own congregation declined by about 20 percent as a direct result. I personally believe that he is bravely addressing a very important issue, one that we as people called to missions must think about clearly.
Editor: see also other Christianity & Society titles
An Ethic for
Christians and Other Aliens in a Strange Land- by William Stringfellow
Stringfellow was recognised by many as a prophetic voice “crying in the wilderness.” Though he wrote in the '60s and '70s he was ahead of his time in many respects. He left Harvard law school to move into a black neighbourhood in New York as a direct expression of his Christian commitment. He saw that Jesus had commanded his people to serve the poor and needy, so he obeyed. In so doing he discovered he was up against more than the decisions of individuals. He discovered the potent effect of principalities and powers as they work through institutions. Amongst English speaking Christians he became a pioneer for spiritual warfare. Walter Wink, Tom Marshall, Dean Sherman and others built on his theological insights.
Stringfellow maintains that as Christians one of our fundamental mistakes is to underestimate the depth and breadth of the effects of the fall. In particular he illustrates that the fallen angelic powers work through our institutions in such a virulent way that we almost inevitably underestimate what it means to engage with them. Not an easy read, but worth the effort.
Theopolitical
Imaginations- by William Cavanaugh
In this book, Cavanaugh, a Catholic theologian, explains the myth of the state as saviour. He points out that the modern idea of a state was only developed in the 16th and 17th centuries. Historians usually present the state as the means by which wars of religion were brought under some measure of control, but Cavanaugh maintains that the “wars of religion” were not primarily about religion at all (like Northern Ireland today) but about the emergence of the centralized power of the government/military constructs of today.
Just like the idols of Old Testament times, the State promises us peace and prosperity in exchange for our loyalty. Our loyalty must be expressed in patriotism, taxes and, when called upon, the lives of our young men (and now women) in war. But when we think about it, the State never delivers on its promises. In fact many of the issues we go to war about are the direct creations of the State—either imaginary or the real results of the State’s behaviour toward other States.
This is another worth-while read on the subject, and happily most of these books, though demanding, are quite short.
Overthrow: America's
Century of Regime Change from Hawaii to Iraq
- by Stephen Kinzer
Finally in this series of books I recommend one that is
written from a perspective for which I have little sympathy, but it is very
worthwhile because of the historical documentation in it. Kinzer is a senior
journalist with the New York Times and in this book he documents America’s
involvement in overthrowing various regimes in the course of the last
century. He then goes on to trace the consequences of those overthrows in
successive generations. I was disappointed at some of what he wrote. For
example, he takes the same cynical view as James Michener, when writing
about the history of missions in Hawaii. The actual story of missions is the
great story of the redemption of suffering people and their culture, and is
not diminished by the injustices of the descendants of missionary families
as they pursued the acquisition of wealth and the political control. I add
this book to my list of recommendations simply because it illustrates the
tendencies of fallen powers of government and the way they so often cloak
themselves in righteous appearances. It’s worth the read even if it does
cause a committed Christian reader to wince from time to time.
Good to Great
and the Social Sectors- by Jim Collins
Now to another subject altogether: I have learned a lot from business and management authors like Stephen Covey, Peter Drucker, Patrick Lencioni and Jim Collins. But I am also a little wary about them. The basis for leadership in the Body of Christ is completely different than in business or politics. However, many of the values of leadership as expressed by these authors are essentially God’s ways. As they identify good leadership practices, they often express insight that is of great value also to shepherds of God’s people. So why should we be wary?
The context for the management books is entirely different than the Kingdom of God. So their books can be a sort of “Trojan horse” by which consumerist attitudes may become more deeply rooted in the Church that is already tempted and diluted by our consumerist environment. Much can be written about that, but here is not the place.
With that caveat in place, I recommend a monograph (originally written as a planned chapter for a new edition of Good to Great but now available as a slim book) by Jim Collins. Good to Great and the Social Sectors contains some clear insights into the principles of leading volunteers. For example:
He explains the way that good leadership differs from the business sector to the voluntary or social sector. In the business sector, he says, great leadership is characterized by, “governance structure and hierarchy are relatively clear and straightforward, and there is concentrated and clear executive power. The leaders can often substitute the use of power for the practice of leadership.”
In the social sectors, he describes leadership very differently, “Government structures often have more components and inherent ambiguity, with more diffuse and less clear executive power. True leadership is more prevalent when defined as getting people to follow when they have the freedom not to.”
I thought that was a good description of leadership in YWAM.
Thinking for a
Change-by John Maxwell
I am quite convinced that the ability to organize thoughts and the information we possess is one of the keys to effective leadership. John Maxwell clearly excels at this ongoing task. He is also a great advocate of each person making quality thinking time for themselves. That is a subject I run across again and again these days. It's always difficult to set aside time for prayer, reflection and thinking , but John Maxwell's book is a great encouragement to do so. Again and again he inspires the reader to effective thinking and the development of ideas. That dimension of leadership is not often stressed as much as it needs to be. John Maxwell has done us a real favor.
The World is
Flat-by Thomas Friedman
This is the book everyone is talking about. I heard people mention it and read about it in interviews several times before I finally ordered a copy. I was not disappointed even though it's long and sometimes gets a little bit detailed. Nevertheless the overall themes of the book are far-sighted and will provide a grid through which we will see the world for many years to come. I find myself using the phase "The earth is flat" again and again to describe our current international environment, especially when it comes to communications and information technology. The book is not primarily about technology but about the way our world is changing. I think it is a "must read" for people who are trying to understand the way the world is changing and why.
Iraq: Searching
for Hope-by Andrew White
The war in Iraq is one of the most controversial subjects on the planet today. Most of us think about it or write about it with at best indirect information. However, my friend Canon Andrew White has been engaged in Iraq for many years and has the most extensive network of key contacts across all the communities there of anyone I know. As a committed Christian, highly skilled in reconciliation and peacemaking, Andrew's thoughts on Iraq are certainly worth consideration. Andrew has first hand information of the deep divisions within Iraq and the difficulty of getting Sunnis, Shia, Kurds, and all the mini factions within each of those groups to work together. He also knows the depth of tyranny exercised by Saddam Hussein and has reached some conclusions about the justification for war. Amongst the millions of works written about Iraq and its suffering in recent decades, this is one book more than worth reading.
Milestones:
Memoirs, 1927-1977-by Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger (Benedict XVI)
It was a fascinating book to read for insight into the spirituality, theology and personal background of this man who has become so broadly influential over the past couple of decades. As a Protestant I read with satisfaction the depth of his commitment to the scriptures and the way his outstanding intellectual ability has been applied to grappling with the ways of God. He also gave me insight into how he deals with the traditions and doctrines of the Church that are not directly traceable to Scripture. For example, he opens wide a mystical door into understanding his perspective on the Church's relatively recent doctrine of the bodily assumption of Mary into heaven. I came away with a deep respect for the spiritual character of this man and clearer understanding of what the disagreements are about within the body of Christ. I know what I don't agree with and why, but I also understand how decisions that may seem odd to me are made. I also have the confidence that they should not cause complete breakdown in communication.
Basil Hume: The
Monk Cardinal (June 2006)-by Anthony Howard
I enjoyed this biography of Cardinal Basil Hume written by Anthony Howard. It is entitled The Monk Cardinal. Here was another man of deep spirituality and personal discipline and therefore one who inspires me.
A friend of mine who knew him pretty well said, 'Whenever I met him, I always felt as if I had just interrupted his prayers and should speak very quietly.' This biography, however, also goes into more of the politics and machinations of the Catholic Church and its relationship to the British establishment, the public and the press.
Personally, I think it is quite difficult to blend together spirituality plus political wisdom and the ability to lead people well while still maintaining peace with an antagonistic political establishment or press corps. In that sense this biography is inspirational and I came away impressed with the humility of a man who, though he had other character flaws which were represented honestly, nevertheless had a humble judgment of himself in spite of ever increasing influence.
How to Be a Bad
Birdwatcher-by Simon Barnes
For several years now, I have found increasing enjoyment from watching birds. I began to feed them in my back garden (or yard for Americans) about 10 years ago and get particular satisfaction from a new species turning up. Just for fun a couple of evenings ago, my 10-year-old grandson and I decided to name all the different kinds of birds we could think of and we came up with more than 60! Try it. You might be surprised at how many different birds you can recognize.
I am not interested in getting a notebook and rushing around the country to see how many birds I can identify, but I am interested in being more observant in relation to one of God's great creative masterpieces. If you feel similarly, then this is the book for you. Simon Barnes is much more knowledgeable than I am, but he has the same approach. He finds relaxation and recreation in the process of noticing birds, their identifying traits, their songs, their patterns of flight etc.
Noticing birds is an activity (or perhaps an orientation to life) that can add value at many different times--as you walk to catch a train or bus, as you drive through the country, as you sit with your Bible on an early summers morning... I recommend bird watching and "How to be a Bad Birdwatcher" is a source of inspiration to all those who do not intend to ever take it too seriously.
Jubilee
Manifesto-ed. by Michael Schluter and John Ashcroft
Michael Schluter of the Jubilee Centre has spoken at a number of YWAM leadership gatherings in the last few years. He and his team at the Jubilee Centre and the Relationship Foundation have done an enormous amount of thinking about how the gospel message applies to such subjects as: criminal justice, relationships between nation states, economic policies, public policies in relationship to families and social structures, how should welfare work within society, what is the role and what are the limitations of government, what is the role of international law, should the heads of nation states be subject to some kind of international law? If so what should it look like? What's to prevent it becoming tyrannical? I recently attended the Winter School of the Jubilee Centre in Cambridge and was deeply encouraged by the quality and amount of work these men and women have done. It was also encouraging to see a few YWAMers and ex-YWAMers amongst those in attendance and those lecturing. The Jubilee Manifesto is a collection of chapters on various aspects of society which need to be addressed if we are going to talk with any depth about the transformation of nations. I do recommend it.
The Broker-by John Grisham
As usual Grisham produces a very readable book ideal for airplanes and vacations. Grisham has just enough characters to force you to concentrate so the books don't get boring, and the characters are developed well enough that you begin to empathize with them. Grisham's characters are normally distinguished by good being clearly good and evil being clearly evil. This time though the main character crosses from one side to the other. So that makes for an engaging twist.
Timeliness is one of the things that makes books popular and this book is on the market just as major lobbying scandals are unfolding in Washington DC. So this is an opportunity to put together a little insight into how lobbying works and how it goes wrong. For me it was enjoyable enough that I was actually disappointed when it came to an end, so I recommend The Broker.
return to What YWAM Leaders Read (main page)