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Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Muslims, Christians, and Jesus

Gaining Understanding and Building Relationships

By Carl Medearis b

Most Christians are fearful and distrustful of Muslims and author Carl Medearis asserts that Muslims are likewise fearful and distrustful of Christians. 

In both cases, these attitudes are largely misplaced, resulting from misinformation, false stereotypes, and the highly publicized work of a radical minority—from both camps.

In the book Muslims, Christians, and Jesus, Medearis effectively breaks down these divisive preconditions through education and explanation, interlaced with poignant personal stories, which are a result from his many years spent in the Middle East.

In the course of doing so, this book provides an excellent primer on the origins of Islam, core beliefs, and Muslim parallels to Christianity.  Most enlightening, however, is the elucidation of the perspective of the majority of Muslims.

Medearis explains how followers of Jesus can reach out to Muslins and form relationships. 

He shares guidelines on what to do and what to avoid, explains the common ground between the two monotheistic faiths, and provides helpful insight into the Qur’an.

This book is a must read for any follower of Jesus who desires to understand and connect with his or her Muslim neighbors.

[Muslims, Christians, and Jesus: Gaining Understanding and Building Relationships, by Carl Medearis. Published by Bethany House Publishers, 2008; ISBN: 978-0764205675; 192 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Movie Review: Conversations with God

Reviewed by Peter DeHaan

Both thought-provoking and inspiring, the movie Conversations with God, is based on the book by the same name, authored by Neale Donald Walsch.

This true story is a compelling account of Neale, living among the homeless after being laid off and surviving a car accident. 

As Neale struggles for survival and strives to regain his life, simple kindnesses become greatly appreciated gifts.

When his first glimmer of hope is quickly squelched, Neale calls out in frustration to God—and God answers! Eventually Neale accepts this as a revelation from God, which ultimately turns into a best-selling book.

Neale’s life—and lifestyle—is decidedly changed as a result and we are treated to the generous and sensitive ways he seeks to give back.  As he wrote, “If you want to create abundance for yourself, create it for someone else.”

When asked to summarize God’s most important message to us, Neale condenses it into five words: “You got me all wrong.”

[Read more reviews by Peter DeHaan of other faith-friendly videos and movies.]Save

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: Lifesigns

Intimacy, Fecundity, and Ecstasy in Christian Perspective

By Henri Nouwen (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

Much of Lifesigns was written while author Henri Nouwen was staying at l’Arche, a loving and compassion-filled home for the handicapped.

It is, therefore, not surprising that he connects that environment to this discourse.

Nouwen asserts that we show signs of life when we properly understand and pursue intimacy, fecundity (fruitfulness), and ecstasy (joy)—both towards God and towards others.

These results, however, are hampered by fear.

Intimacy is limited by keeping people at a distance or holding them too close; the realization of fecundity is impeded by sterility (non-action) or anxious productivity; and ecstasy is obstructed by clinging to dull routine or persisting in a paralyzing rootlessness.

It is love that moves us away from these six fears and towards the three lifesigns.

It is from that vantage that we can move forward, applying the lessons of the life signs to our world in practical and tangible ways.

[Lifesigns: Intimacy, Fecundity, and Ecstasy in Christian Perspective, by Henri Nouwen. Published by Image, 1989; ISBN: 978-0385236287; 128 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

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Reviews of Books & Movies

Book Review: The Threefold Art of Experiencing God

The Liberating Power of Trinitarian Faith

By Christian A. Schwarz (reviewed by Peter DeHaan)

The Threefold Art of Experiencing God is a short book (32 pages) that is packed with profundity.

Author Christian Schwarz asserts that although most Christians believe in the Trinity (that God exists in three persons, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in practice there is a tendency to focus on only one part, be it the Father, the Son, or the Holy Spirit.

The other two persons of the trinity are downplayed or even ignored.

This over-emphasis is generally a result of the church we attend, how we were trained, or our particular theological bent. Some people may address two parts of the trinity, but again dismiss the third.

Only occasionally do people equally consider all three.

Providing balanced attention and maintaining a holistic perspective of all three persons of the trinity is the result that we should pursue.

As such, this book is poised to make a significant improvement in how one views God and connects with him.

[The Threefold Art of Experiencing God: The Liberating Power of Trinitarian Faith, by Christian A. Schwarz. Published by ChurchSmart Resources, 1999; ISBN: 978-1889638140; 31 pages.]

Read more book reviews by Peter DeHaan.

Peter DeHaan writes about biblical Christianity to confront status quo religion and live a life that matters. He seeks a fresh approach to following Jesus through the lens of Scripture, without the baggage of made-up traditions and meaningless practices.

Read more in his books, blog, and weekly email updates.

Bogged Down Reading the Bible?

10 Essential Bible Reading Tips, from Peter DeHaan

Get the Bible Reading Tip Sheet: “10 Tips to Turn Bible Reading from Drudgery to Delight.”

​Enter your info and receive the free Bible Reading Tip Sheet and be added to Peter’s email list.