RebeccasReads

Rehearsing for Heaven

“Rehearsing for Heaven” is written by Mark Reed, a freelance writer who holds a Master’s degree in New Testament.  He has authored a variety of works including fiction, curriculum, and radio and video scripts.  In this current book, he attempts to take on some of the myths that we believe about heaven and tries to present us with a more accurate image of what heaven will be.  

We all have views in our minds as to what heaven will be like.  In numerous books, particularly children’s works, you will see illustrations of white, fluffy clouds and angels.  Reed looks at this concept and says that it is no wonder that people of this day and age are more excited to live the lifestyle that we are living, one full of newness and entertainment.  With our way of thinking, the white fluffy clouds are simply boring, and not motivating.

Reed then goes on to say, “I hope this book will contribute toward changing the illusive concept of heaven, as well as toppling some of the myths we’ve created.  I don’t intend to define heaven or proclaim some new theology of heaven.  I hope to broaden your image of heavenly life, to suggest real and desirable images that inspire a realistic hope.”  (p.6)

Consistent with the title, “Rehearsing for Heaven,” the layout of the work is modeled after a script.  The Parts and Chapters are referred to as “Acts” and “Scenes.”  Reed’s well-annotated book is peppered with quotes (or “Cues”) from a variety of individuals including C.S. Lewis, Mark Twain, and John F. Kennedy.

Reed’s work is extremely thought-provoking and would it be a wonderful reading group selection.   I believe ”Rehearsing for Heaven” would provoke immense amounts of discussion.  He presents a lot of information and speculation in a very interesting and entertaining readable format.  I recommend this book to anyone wanting to explore more about this topic.

Rehearsing for Heaven
Mark B. Reed
Create Space (2010)
ISBN 9781450597777
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (4/11)

Destined to Live, Despite Me

Yolanda Shanks is a suicide attempt survivor.  Since those days of despair when she was a teenager, she has found healing in establishing an intimate relationship with God.  She is currently a Bible study teacher.  Having been in this situation allows her to offer sound and practical advice for those who may still be struggling.

Shanks’ writes in the Introduction to the book, “…since God has healed and restructured my life, I now sit writing to you because I am convinced that all life has been ordained by the will of God, and it is His desire that we live and not die separated from Him, and live in the abundance of joy, which is only found in salvation through Jesus Christ!  I can testify that the answers to these questions are exactly what you need to build or rebuild your spiritual foundation.”  (p.10)

Shanks presents many biblical truths throughout “Destined to Live, Despite Me” in a very straight-forward and easy to understand manner.  I would say that even if you aren’t a suicide attempt survivor and if you are interested in a study on Bible basics that this would be a good book to read.  She explains many Scriptures using modern day language which makes the writings simple to comprehend.

I think that “Destined to Live, Despite Me” would be of great comfort to a suicide attempt survivor.  It should be just the book that one should turn to in an attempt to rebuild and get one’s life back in order.  The clarity of Shanks’ writing lays the framework for one to easily begin to establish a fulfilling relationship with God.  Shanks states that “I am certain that this book will assist absolutely anyone and everyone who simply needs spiritual direction for purposeful and meaningful living” (p.9) and I couldn’t agree more.    

Destined to Live, Despite Me
Yolanda Shanks
Believers Press Services (2010)
ISBN 9780578054681
Reviewed by Kam Aures for RebeccasReads (4/11)

Jesus: God, Man or Party Label?

I was recently asked if I would be interested in reviewing the book “Jesus: God, Man or Party Label?” With a title like that how could I refuse?

In “Jesus: God, Man or Party Label? The Dead Sea Scrolls’ Messiah Code” author Chris Albert Wells puts together a sound argument of how our interpretation of the Gospels, which many of us have been taught to regard as the complete and unadulterated truth, actually ignores a battle of “intra-community conflicts and strategies.” Throughout “Jesus: God, Man or Party Label?” Wells continuously provides us with his own personal thoughts and understandings; he shares with us the various texts that have influenced his beliefs and he encourages his readers to:
1) Take a closer look at the Essene Dead Sea Scroll Messiahs, and
2) Take a fresh look at Northern Syria where the first gospels were written in an Essene community before being labeled “Christian.”
It is Wells’ hope that that through his book “Jesus: God, Man or Party Label?” his readers will discover what he feels is the true background that produced the Gospels and what he feels these Gospels actually meant to the people who wrote them.

“Jesus: God, Man or Party Label?” is definitely a thought provoking read. As a student of religious history myself, I’m appreciative of the substantial amount of writings, both past and present, that Wells has provided in an attempt to validate his viewpoint. By doing so, Wells has given his readers an easy to follow path, from start to finish, that will help him or her understand his deductions.

In summary I found “Jesus: Man, God or Party Label?” to be an intriguing book. While Wells’ views and beliefs are definitely not the Christian “norm” his writings should make anyone who reads this book reevaluate the accepted “blind faith” approach to religion. This seems to be the author’s intent and I would say that he has succeeded brilliantly. A five-star read but definitely not a book that one will finish in a single sitting. And while Wells writes in a very clear and concise manner because of the nature of the subject the reader may find he or she needs to read more slowly in an effort to fully grasp the complexities throughout.

Jesus: God, Man or Party Label?
Chris Albert Wells
Eloquent Books (2010)
ISBN 9781608609468
Reviewed by Charline Ratcliff for RebeccasReads (4/11)

Our Promised Land

Although a work of fiction, much of Michael T. Darkow’s novel, “Our Promised Land” mirrors real life events.  The main story revolves around the conflict over the Holy Land.  In the beginning of the book, Darkow presents us with a timeline reference as his story is rooted in events that took place in the past.

There are two main characters in the book:  Ellie and Yasif, one Israeli and one Palestinian.  When we first meet Ellie, him and his mother are being uprooted from their homes and sent off to be “resettled.”  Once they arrive, the group they are with is ushered into the showers, except for Ellie who is ordered to put everyone’s clothes into a wagon.  One of the most vivid scenes in the book for me was when Ellie was separated from his mother, she in the showers and he bringing the clothes out.  His return to the area was blocked by a soldier, the door was shut, and the showers turned on.  “For an eternity, they stood there, just outside the door.  Then they began, muffled at first then reaching a crescendo- the screams of terror that would stay with Ellie for the rest of his days upon this earth.  Ellie collapsed to his knees and wept, his hands held out to the colonel in supplication.  The colonel smirked at him with satisfaction, then motioned to the soldiers.  They hoisted Ellie to his feet by both arms, but Ellie was unable to walk on his paralyzed legs, so they dragged him along.” (p. 19 -20)  Eventually Ellie is liberated from the concentration camp and begins a fight in support of the Jewish people.

Yasif, is a Palestinian, who left his homeland after he was given an opportunity to study in America.  His family was not completely on board with the decision as his mother in particular harbored resentment towards the Jewish people who made this opportunity possible.  Although in America, he is also drawn into the struggle.

The characters in the book are very memorable and the issues and struggles that they face on their respective sides of the conflict really make the reader think.  Even though the book is fictional, there is a reality behind it and that is what makes the book quite haunting and one that will stick in your head long after the last page is turned.  Although the book is a short one at only 162 pages, it is definitely a powerful work.  I think that “Our Promised Land” would be a wonderful selection for a book club as there are many different topics of discussion that this book would open up.

Our Promised Land
Michael T. Darkow
Synergy Books (2010)
ISBN 9780984076017
Reviewed by Kam Aures for Rebeccasreads.com (03/10)