Life's Biggest Questions

Life's Biggest Questions by Erik Thoennes
Crossway, 2011
174 pages
Non-fiction; Christian
5/5 stars

Source: Received a free copy through Amazon's Vine program.

I realized I kind of made a mistake in requesting this book once I started reading it. Not because it wasn't good, well-written, interesting, engaging. But because I wanted to be reading it with a book club and taking part in a discussion. I also wanted to add the many suggested books to my already massive to-be read list.

This is a tiny book but a really excellent one that packs a punch. There are sixteen chapters answering the questions posed on the cover that are answered in clear language; Thoennes also includes end of chapter discussion questions and extensive additional reference suggestions. I found this book filled with good stuff.

My favorite chapter was probably the one about the Trinity, an idea which I've struggled with since I prepared for my baptism. It's so hard for me to wrap my mind around but the description and questions posed within have already helped me. As I continue to mull and pray about the Trinity, I feel that I will gain more understanding about the Trinity and thus about God.

Overall: A good, deep, biblical read; recommended especially for people just starting to study the Christian faith.

King Solomon

King Solomon by Philip Graham Ryken
Crossway, 2011
200 pages
Non-fiction; Inspirational
4/5 stars

Source: Received a free e-galley via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book is a close reading of the story of Solomon, an incredibly blessed king of Israel who squandered his blessing through his pursuit of money, sex, and power.  Ryken compares this to modern pursuits as well as how Jesus followed part of Solomon's example without falling into the same traps.  This surprised me as I thought it was just about Solomon but every chapter connected his story to the story of Jesus, encouraging the reader to examine her faith in the light of how Solomon was tempted and failed.

I sort of knew Solomon's story but there were many details that were pointed out to me again as Ryken carefully goes over instances of Solomon's life. Yes, he was very wise and in many ways a good king.  But just like all of us humans, he was able to be swayed by money, sex, and power, which ultimately corrupted his kingdom.  Instead he ought to have devoted all of his time and energies to God.

I really liked Ryken's insistence on how becoming Christian is not one step of saying that you are a Christian but is instead a day by day, moment by moment decision to accept Jesus and do His will.  I think that's something that we all struggle with (I know I do!) and is thus a very universal statement.

Although I liked this book, I did not love it and that is why it receives a 4 rather than a 5.