A relatively straightforward message for a very specific audience, enriched by its focus on Christian community.
Langford (Why the Bible Is So Hard to Understand, 2015) discusses what he believes is the central focus of Jesus’ ministry: the kingdom of God.
The author’s study lays out what he sees as the characteristics of “the kingdom”—which he defines as “a world shaped by the character of God, embodying the ways of God”—and how it’s “at cross purposes with the world—society and culture shaped by the inherent inclinations of our self-serving human condition.” In other words, the kingdom, being reflective of God’s own character, often stands in stark contrast to ways that come naturally to ordinary people. Jesus’ life and ministry on Earth, he asserts, offer a glimpse of the life that all Christians ought to seek. By looking closely at Jesus’ example and walking in repentance, he says, they can learn how to live out of step with the world, pattern their thinking and behaviors after God’s character, and ultimately experience a “God-shaped world” in which “people relate to one another out of grace and forgiveness; power is used to serve; and material wealth is used…for the good of others.” Langford effectively encourages his fellow believers to cast off what he sees as fear-based thinking. That said, the text is a little repetitive at times, and the differences between the “kingdom” and “God-shaped” things can be difficult to parse: “A God-shaped world—the kingdom—is inseparably tied to God-shaped lives….A God-shaped life…is a life patterned after the ways of the kingdom.” But overall, this will be a satisfying read for Christians who, like the author, see the importance of emulating early Christ-followers’ priorities, particularly regarding living a “transformed” life and living in close community with other Christians. Overall, this book offers inspiring goals for believers to pursue.
A relatively straightforward message for a very specific audience, enriched by its focus on Christian community.Pub Date: Sept. 29, 2017
ISBN: 978-1-973602-92-7
Page Count: 140
Publisher: Westbow Press
Review Posted Online: Feb. 15, 2018
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
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
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
An extravaganza in Bemelmans' inimitable vein, but written almost dead pan, with sly, amusing, sometimes biting undertones, breaking through. For Bemelmans was "the man who came to cocktails". And his hostess was Lady Mendl (Elsie de Wolfe), arbiter of American decorating taste over a generation. Lady Mendl was an incredible person,- self-made in proper American tradition on the one hand, for she had been haunted by the poverty of her childhood, and the years of struggle up from its ugliness,- until she became synonymous with the exotic, exquisite, worshipper at beauty's whrine. Bemelmans draws a portrait in extremes, through apt descriptions, through hilarious anecdote, through surprisingly sympathetic and understanding bits of appreciation. The scene shifts from Hollywood to the home she loved the best in Versailles. One meets in passing a vast roster of famous figures of the international and artistic set. And always one feels Bemelmans, slightly offstage, observing, recording, commenting, illustrated.
Pub Date: Feb. 23, 1955
ISBN: 0670717797
Page Count: -
Publisher: Viking
Review Posted Online: Oct. 25, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 1955
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