The Hole in Our Gospel


Richard Stearns, The Hole in Our Gospel (Nashville, TN: Nelson, 2009). $22.99, 303 pages. Richard Stearns is the president of World Vision, a Christian humanitarian organization. Prior to that, he was the CEO first of Parker Brothers Games and then of Lenox, Inc., maker of fine china. The Hole in Our Gospel is, in part, the story of how God called him to leave the business world and embrace the work of helping the world’s neediest people. But in greater part, this book is about the hole in the gospel preached in many American churches. American evangelicals believe that God … Continue reading The Hole in Our Gospel

“Politics for the Greatest Good” by Clarke D. Forsythe


Clarke D. Forsythe, Politics for the Greatest Good: The Case for Prudence in the Public Square (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2009). $23.00, 319 pages. The 2008 presidential election of Barack Obama, taken together with the Democratic control of the Senate and House since 2006, was a frustrating event for the pro-life movement in America. Obama is the most pro-choice president ever elected, and the Democratic Party is the most powerful institution in the pro-choice movement. Pro-lifers expect to see pro-choice executive orders, pro-choice legislation, and pro-choice appointments to the federal bench. Clarke D. Forsythe wrote Politics for the Greatest … Continue reading “Politics for the Greatest Good” by Clarke D. Forsythe

General Council Resolutions Online @ AGThinkTank.com


The 53rd General Council of the Assemblies of God will meet August 3-7, 2009, in Orlando, Florida. In addition to a leadership conference and worship services, the General Council will consider a variety of resolutions in its business sessions. Over at AGThinkTank.com, I’m posting copies of the resolutions up for discussion every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday until the council begins. Take a look, and add your voice! Continue reading General Council Resolutions Online @ AGThinkTank.com

“Christian Mission in the Modern World” by John Stott


John Stott, Christian Mission in the Modern World (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Books, 2008). $8.00, 191 pages. In 1975, InterVarsity Press published Christian Mission in the Modern World by John Stott. It recently reissued the book as part of the IVP Classics series. Like almost everything Stott has written, the book repays careful reading. Stott, who is British, is the type of evangelical Christian that we do not often see in America. In America, evangelicals generally work outside the structures of the so-called mainline churches. Stott is a priest of the Church of England and a participant in ecumenical dialogues. … Continue reading “Christian Mission in the Modern World” by John Stott