Debut author Smith offers Christians a lively discussion of the core beliefs of their faith.
Smith, a physician, pits the laws of science against Scripture, and demonstrates a profound mastery of both. He writes that the birth of his disabled daughter, Laura, was the impetus and inspiration for this project, as it forced him and his wife to weigh and measure some of their Christian beliefs. The heavy influence of C.S. Lewis, author of the famous 1952 theological work Mere Christianity, strengthens and provides a framework for this thoroughly researched work. Smith’s book seeks to reassure Christians that modern science can’t provide all the answers to big questions in life, such as how the Earth was formed or why humans were created. The author takes the position that man can’t know everything, because he’s limited to time and space, whereas God exists outside of such boundaries. The author focuses narrowly on discussions about such issues as predestination versus free choice and the creation of woman out of man. The dichotomy of good and evil also plays a significant role in the work, as it explores both moral law (a “Good Force”) and the reality of evil (a “Bad Force”). Although the book is intended for an audience which already believes in the truth of Scripture, it still lays out each point of view convincingly, with attention to detail and careful contemplation. The chapters flow easily and build upon one another’s concepts. That said, the prose, though solid, is somewhat awkward at times (“There are four cardinal virtues, so-called because they are pivotal. There are three ideological virtues that I will discuss later”), and the flowcharts comparing Lewis’ and the author’s thoughts aren’t always easy to understand.
An often engaging book that uses straightforward moments of faith to address much-debated Christian discussion points.
Pub Date: May 7, 2014
ISBN: 978-0985823924
Page Count: 90
Publisher: CreateSpace
Review Posted Online: July 15, 2014
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis...
Privately published by Strunk of Cornell in 1918 and revised by his student E. B. White in 1959, that "little book" is back again with more White updatings.
Stricter than, say, Bergen Evans or W3 ("disinterested" means impartial — period), Strunk is in the last analysis (whoops — "A bankrupt expression") a unique guide (which means "without like or equal").Pub Date: May 15, 1972
ISBN: 0205632645
Page Count: 105
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 28, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1972
This is not the Nutcracker sweet, as passed on by Tchaikovsky and Marius Petipa. No, this is the original Hoffmann tale of 1816, in which the froth of Christmas revelry occasionally parts to let the dark underside of childhood fantasies and fears peek through. The boundaries between dream and reality fade, just as Godfather Drosselmeier, the Nutcracker's creator, is seen as alternately sinister and jolly. And Italian artist Roberto Innocenti gives an errily realistic air to Marie's dreams, in richly detailed illustrations touched by a mysterious light. A beautiful version of this classic tale, which will captivate adults and children alike. (Nutcracker; $35.00; Oct. 28, 1996; 136 pp.; 0-15-100227-4)
Pub Date: Oct. 28, 1996
ISBN: 0-15-100227-4
Page Count: 136
Publisher: Harcourt
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Aug. 15, 1996
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