An uplifting, approachable, and heartfelt work of apologetics.
An appeal to readers to seek a relationship with Jesus Christ.
In this solidly evangelical work, Hernandez (Take Your Sandals Off, 2015, etc.) weaves his own personal story into a broad-based, positive call for Christian belief. Although it’s rudimentary at its core, the work is filled with simple meaning, as the author approaches readers with honesty and humility, encouraging people who only know of Jesus to come to truly know him personally. He points out that most people have had exposure to Jesus’ story, whether through cultural references, family, or church attendance. However, these are only encounters with the Lord, the author says, and they must be superseded by a “reencounter” in which the believer fully commits. Although he doesn’t name specific denominations, Hernandez tells of being raised in a church where the study of Scripture was not valued and where calcified religion took the place of vibrant faith. He seems to aim this book, in many instances, toward readers who have experienced similar churchgoing backgrounds. For instance, he discusses a cousin who would not embrace religion because, in the author’s view, it would have forced him to also give up a life laced with sinful behaviors. The book addresses such topics as God’s love as a source of protection and provision; Jesus as the true source of forgiveness; getting to know Jesus on a personal level; and abiding peacefully in God’s love. But although Hernandez alludes to judgment for nonbelievers, he focuses more upon God’s grace and his welcoming spirit. As a result, he effectively presents his view of God as a loving entity who stands ready to forgive any past sin if a believer approaches him in true faith and humility. A running theme in his work is the idea of putting one’s trust in God and not in people, cultures, or even mere churches; the author has found that “People have made the good look bad and the bad look good.” Overall, it’s clear that Hernandez is willing to be vulnerable for the sake of his readers, and his personal style is a plus for a book of this kind. As a result, this work will be valuable to new believers or to those returning to a life of faith.
An uplifting, approachable, and heartfelt work of apologetics.Pub Date: June 30, 2016
ISBN: 978-1-5127-4668-6
Page Count: 192
Publisher: Westbow Press
Review Posted Online: Oct. 19, 2016
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
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