A concise, well-written evangelical study of forgiveness through a biblical lens.
A Christian book examines forgiveness using the ancient story of King Manasseh.
As “one of the most corrupt kings” who appear in biblical narratives, Manasseh is an ideal case study for this work’s exploration of the Christian theology of God’s forgiveness. If the man who “deceived Judah and led them to commit more evil acts than the Canaanite nations which the Lord had destroyed” can be redeemed, argues Baptiste, then no individuals are so far removed from God that they cannot also be forgiven. In just 20 pages of narrative and analysis, this book begins with an introduction to Judah’s history, from the Exodus story and God’s command to the Israelites to “have no other gods before me” to the division of the kingdoms of Israel and Judah following King Solomon’s death. Crowned the 14th king of Judah at the age of 12, Manasseh’s list of offenses included building altars for Baal and other deities, practicing witchcraft, and sacrificing his own children as burnt human offerings. Because many of Manasseh’s subjects followed his example—and not that of his celebrated father, the religiously devout King Hezekiah—God pledged to bring “calamity on Jerusalem.” This culminated in Manasseh’s capture at the hands of the Assyrians. With an emphasis on both God’s punishment and forgiveness, Baptiste concludes the book by persuasively connecting Manasseh’s eventual “rescue” and repentance to the Christian doctrine of salvation. With endnotes that fill just as many pages as the volume’s chapters, this is a well-researched study that relies not only on biblical accounts, but also on scholarship, commentary by evangelical theologians, and a sound analysis of original Hebrew texts. Written for a general audience, the work’s appraisal of Manasseh’s life will not be particularly revelatory to theologians familiar with Judaic lore, who may wish for a more nuanced, academic assessment of the story’s history and place within ancient Jewish literature. Similarly, the book’s distinctly Protestant approach, as indicated in its sources and emphasis on personal salvation (as opposed to the sacrament of reconciliation), may alienate Roman Catholic readers.
A concise, well-written evangelical study of forgiveness through a biblical lens.Pub Date: March 4, 2021
ISBN: 978-1-66-422187-1
Page Count: 58
Publisher: Westbow Press
Review Posted Online: Aug. 25, 2021
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
© Copyright 2026 Kirkus Media LLC. All Rights Reserved.
Follow
Popular in this Genre
We can’t wait for you to join Kirkus!
It’s free and takes less than 10 seconds!
Already have an account? Log in.
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
Welcome Back!
OR
Sign in with GoogleTrouble signing in? Retrieve credentials.
