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Review: Safe Church

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Cover image of "Safe Church" by Dr. Andrew J. Bauman

Safe Church, Dr. Andrew J. Bauman. Baker Books (ISBN: 9781540903976) 2025.

Summary: Identifies the forms of abuse and sexism toward women in the church and practices of churches where women are safe.

Imagine with me a congregation where half or more of the members were treated as second class citizens. And imagine that for many, the poor treatment even exposed them to forms of physical and emotional abuse. It doesn’t sound like an inviting place. Yet sadly, this is no imaginary place. This is the reality for women in many congregations. Andrew J. Bauman knows. He grew up in such a congregation and even led in congregations where this was the case.

And then he began listening. He listened to scripture, observing the transformative ways both Jesus and Paul related to women. He listened to research that documented the trauma women were experiencing. And he listened to numerous women, both in his counseling practice and in a series of in-depth interviews. It transformed him from a man complicit in sexism and abuse of women to an advocate for their equality and safety in the church.

He begins by defining sexism and abuse. Sexism is prejudice or discrimination based on sex. He identifies several different forms of sexism: hostile, benevolent, ambivalent, institutional, interpersonal, and internalized. The latter is especially grievous because it involves women embracing toxic messages about themselves. Then there is abuse, the improper treatment of women. This includes emotional, sexual, financial, physical, and spiritual abuse. The latter form is especially grievous in churches because God, scripture, and spiritual authority is used to control, exploit, and physically or emotionally harm women.

But why make such a big deal of this? Because it IS a big deal. In the survey of over 2800 women Bauman conducted, 82 percent stated sexism played a role in their church. Twenty percent reported being victims of sexual misconduct with another 14.6 percent responding “it’s complicated.” Over 60 percent agreed that their opportunities for ministry had been limited solely on the basis of their gender.

In subsequent chapters, Bauman considers the historic experience of women, the model of Jesus, and the biblical passages used to limit or even exploit women. Then he considers problematic theology. Firstly, there is complementarian theology and its teaching on headship, authority, and submission. He also addresses modesty and purity teaching. While Bauman’s book is not the reference work on these questions, he provides brief, well-stated answers from a biblical egalitarian perspective.

Then he moves on to the experience of trauma and abuse. He draws on his in-depth interviews with women and shows the failures of churches, who often retraumatize victims rather than create a safe space for healing. He advocates for the importance of women and people of color in leadership to ensure that women’s voices and people of color are heard.

One of the most powerful chapters in the book addresses men. He argues that men, not women, need to do the work. They need to honor, not devour women. Men need to stop denying their failures. Also, they need to quit being bystanders and speak up against sexism. most of all, they must listen to women and take their stories seriously. He also takes on the harmful and pervasive impact of pornography. Men need to say these things to men and I appreciated Bauman’s forthrightness.

Finally, Bauman concludes with a vision of church as a place for the healing of all and spells out the practices of safe churches: abuse prevention training, criminal background check, training in policies and reporting procedures, open dialogue sessions, and leadership diversity.

Some may ask if this is one more instance of “mansplaining.” Instead, Bauman spent a lot of time shutting up and listening to women. He then uses his voice, especially with other men, to join in what women have been ably saying.

Sexism and abuse are one of the reasons women are leaving the church. They also are reasons why God is withholding his blessing. You cannot harm part of the body without harming the whole. Thwarting the gifts of half the church hamstrings the whole. It is time and past time for church leaders to listen to men like Bauman.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers Program.

Review: The Cost of Ambition

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Cover image of "The Cost of Ambition" by Miroslav Volf

The Cost of Ambition, Miroslav Volf. Brazos Press (ISBN: 9781587434815) 2025.

Summary: Ambition diminishes us while a life of excellence with proper humility ennobles us and enriches our relationships.

It probably starts early. We start comparing ourselves to others. How athletic, or how smart, or how attractive, or thin. Then as we get older we measure superiority by our net worth, how many people are “under” us, by the powerful we have access to. We’re often taught that ambition is a good thing. Theologian Miroslav Volf argues that such striving demeans both us and the good after which we competitively strive. It is meaningless–how important will our follower counts be on our deathbeds? Not only that, our ambitions usually focus on only one aspect of our humanness, and that of others. Our efforts to be superior to others ignore both their uniqueness and our own.

Yet we must ask if there is something to these strivings. Volf proposes that instead of superiority, we strive for excellence. Instead of being perceived as superior by others, we can simply strive to be superior, whether it is noticed or not. Excellence answers to our deepest passions as well as the world’s need.

Volf develops his exploration of ambition through the writing of Kierkegaard, Milton, and the Apostle Paul. Kierkegaard celebrate human difference and the glory of our mere humanity. Then he explores Milton’s Satan, his striving of superiority over God, his resentment of the Son, and how he offered the same temptation to Eve. In contrast to Satan, God’s glory consists not in his superiority over his creatures but his seeking of their good.

Then Volf devotes two chapters to the Apostle Paul. Firstly, he notes Paul’s injunction to “outdo one another in showing honor” that reflects the new mind we have in Christ. Secondly, he considers Paul’s question: “What do you have that you did not receive?” He observes how Christ lowered himself to raise us all to glory. For what can we strive that we do not already possess in Christ?

Finally, Volf considers both the central figure of God’s story, and the beginnings of that story. He considers Jesus who did not come to “lord it over” others but to serve. Then he turns back to Israel, and her progenitor, Abraham. Neither was called because of their superiority, but simply because God intended to do good to them and through them. Lastly, Volf summarizes his argument with twenty-four theses that crystallize his critique of ambition and the ennobling character of humble excellence.

It seems that this is a book we might read during through the different seasons of life. In youth, it serves as a warning to alert one of the siren call of ambition. At mid-life, when despite our best efforts, we realize we may have been climbing the wrong ladder, it points the way to Christ’s downward path. Later in life, it reminds us of the intrinsic joy of generativity, of using all one has to bless others. And in the last years, we are reminded that it was all of grace.

Sadly, this is not the journey of some, who conclude their lives in disillusionment and bitterness. There are those who never stop grasping for superiority, with growing resentment for the younger ones who are overtaking one. That is the cost of ambition. Volf helps us ask whether the cost is worth it. And he shows us a better way.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: The God of Monkey Science

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Cover image of "The God of Monkey Science" by Janet Ray Kellogg.

The God of Monkey Science, Janet Kellogg Ray. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (ISBN: 9780802883193) 2023.

Summary: An evangelical Christian science educator explores anti-science beliefs and being true to both faith and science.

“There she goes again… Janet and her monkey god science” (p. 3)

Janet Kellogg Ray is a science educator. The quote is an edited response from a person who disagreed with her concerning an article about public health and explains the title of this book. This is, sadly, the way evangelicals have dismissed science-based argument, even from other evangelicals. It is an example of the growing anti-science bias of many who identify as evangelical.

It also represents the leading edge of an anti-science playbook, which Kellogg identifies:

  1. The scientific evidence is sketchy, misrepresented, or simply wrong.
  2. Science threatens faith and morality.
  3. Acceptance of science comes at a cost to personal freedoms or personal beliefs.

Kellogg Ray writes as an insider, a member of an evangelical church in which many members would disagree with her views. She’s loves Jesus. And she is also a scientist who would affirm what many in her congregation would deny. God made life in the world through evolutionary processes. God works for good to save lives through vaccine research and public health measures. And God has given insight to climate scientists of how we may care for a rapidly warming world. She also explores why many evangelicals don’t believe and often actively resist these ideas.

It goes back to evolution and a fight that began with the Scopes trial and continues through a number of well-funded organizations that use the playbook identified above, first used by William Jennings Bryan. She shows how the same arguments have been used in the resistance to public health measures and vaccines during the COVID pandemic and in resistance to scientists seeking to warn the public about human induced climate change.

Along the way she explores how the anti-science groups capitalize on “research” that is flawed in methodology and not reproducible, yet presented as credible by figures in lab coats like America’s Frontline Doctors. Not only that, many are dismissive of the work, done consciously to God’s glory, by researchers like Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, the lead NIH researcher behind development of the COVID vaccine, Dr. Francis Collins, who headed the NIH and sequenced the human genome, or Dr. Katherine Hayhoe, an environmental scientist and spouse of an evangelical pastor. Instead of celebrating how these and many other Christians have brought faith and science together, they attack them.

Kellogg Ray shows how opponents not only attack science but arouse fears that constitutional and religious freedoms will be taken away. (The irony is that many leverage social media and freely give away vast amounts of personal information while using technology that is the fruit of sophisticated scientific research!)

So, how then ought people of faith live in the modern scientific world? First of all, she calls for mutually respectful listening and conversation instead of a climate of suspicion and fear. She proposes that we speak to facts with faith. Instead of denying evolution, why not admit what science tells us but explore how Christ offers our lives meaning? How does Christianity call us beyond a “me-first” survivalism? She challenges us to step back and see the damage of science denialism in those leaving evangelical churches and others dismissive of Christianity altogether. Above all, she reminds us that if all truth is God’s truth, we need never fear the findings of science.

This was a hard book to read. It brought to mind the many fine Christians I know working in scientific research who bear wounds from the “friendly fire” of fellow believers. I’m reminded of how troubling I’ve found Christian misrepresentation, and sometimes, outright lies. It is not that others never lie, but this is never warranted by followers of the one who is Truth. I’ve watched students walk away from faith, not because of the science, but because of how their churches have dismissed their questions. It reminded me of online conversations with Christians during COVID where a reading of Constitutional rights took pre-eminence over the love of neighbor.

I have questions about how fruitful Kellogg Ray’s recommendations will be. But her concluding chapter reminds us that our call is to faith and faithfulness. But that may very well mean being the minority even in our own Christian communities. It could also mean finding common ground with non-believing but spiritually seeking people. In reading the gospels, I’m encouraged that this is where we find Jesus.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via Speakeasy for review.

Review: Year of Wonder

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Cover image of "Year of Wonder" by Clemency Burton-Hill

Year of Wonder, Clemency Burton-Hill. Harper (ISBN: 9780062856203) 2018.

Summary: A guide to classical music introducing readers to one selection each day with a short introduction to the composer and work.

Maybe you’ve heard a few classical music pieces like Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons or Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker and thought to yourself, “I’d like to explore more classical music but have no idea where to begin.” Year of Wonder is written for you, although it offers wonders for listeners of many years as well. The book is a day by day guide focusing on one piece and one composer each day. Most of the music selections run 3-10 minutes. The introductions are a page or so.

Clemency Burton-Hill, the author of the book, is best known for her writing and programs on the BBC. She has been host of Radio 3’s Breakfast program, a host for the BBC Proms and also Creative Director, Music and Arts, at WQXR-FM in New York, perhaps the leading classical music station in the United States. She is also a musician, having performed all over the world, including playing under Daniel Barenboim. In 2020, she survived a near life-ending brain hemorrhage while in New York City.

What makes this such a marvelous book is really several things. Firstly, she writes chatty yet informative and well-researched introductions to each piece. Writing about Johann Sebastian Bach on January 1, she gives us a description of him I’ve never come across before:

“Bach was the daddy: without him there would be no jazz, funk, or hip-hop; no techno, no house, no grime. He basically wrote the blueprint for everything that was to come. His stuff is wise and witty and capacious enough to contain more than just multitudes: it contains all of everything.”

Makes you want to listen to Bach, doesn’t it?

Secondly, her love of the music comes through. She comes back to Bach on February 14 writing that his Concerto for two violins in D Minor, BWV 1043 is her “desert island disc” and that her love for it knows no bounds. Equally, she can express fury when a woman composer like Fanny Mendelsohn fails to get the recognition she deserves for her music. Burton-Hill defies the stereotype of the snobby-stuffy classical music host.

Thirdly, she doesn’t just stick with the familiar heavy hitters. She introduces us to over 240 composers. Over 40 are women. A number are people of color. They span nearly 1000 years from Hildegard of Bingen in the twelfth century to Alissa Firsova, a millennial born in 1986. She includes gay and transgender composers, and those, including Beethoven, with disabilities.

I also appreciated her candor as she introduced religious music (which is a lot of classical music!) in both acknowledging her own agnosticism yet deeply respecting the efforts of composers to express the transcendent. (I personally hope her experience will be something like that of C.S. Lewis, recounted in Surprised by Joy, who was moved by Wagnerian opera (!), among other things, to seek the transcendent.)

Never heard of Clemency Burton-Hill? Meet her in this book trailer as she introduces the book:

The daily selections are available on playlists on most music streaming platforms. Unfortunately, in my Kindle version, this information was at the end of the book. (I found the playlists both on Apple Music and Spotify by searching “Year of Wonder.” On both platforms each month is its own playlist. I also discovered that there are playlists for Another Year of Wonder, a sequel to this work, published in 2021.

Reading this was a journey of delight. There were pieces I’ve sung, pieces I’ve loved, and those that were new discoveries. Because I was reviewing the book, I took much less than a year to go through it and I didn’t listen to everything on the playlists. Perhaps in January I’ll return to spend a year of wonder with this book.

Review: New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis

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Cover image of "New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis" by John Walton

New Explorations in the Lost World of Genesis (The Lost World Series) John H. Walton with J. Harvey Walton. IVP Academic (ISBN: 9781514004913) 2025

Summary: Reviews his work, adds new insights and clarifications, and answers frequently asked questions.

Fifteen years ago, John H. Walton made a significant contribution to discussions of the early chapters of Genesis and the origins debate. In The Lost World of Genesis One and succeeding works he contended that God accommodates Israel’s language and culture and that the Bible was written for ancient Israel. To understand its meaning for us, we must understand its meaning for them. While he was hardly the first to make such an assertion, he offered a clarity for thoughtful readers through books organized around clear theses that he carefully elaborated.

As a result of the notice he received, he had many opportunities to engage questions, both from those who would challenge his views and from those seeking elaboration of them. In addition, he continued to study ancient near east culture, refining his understanding of the thought and cultural world of ancient Israel. In recent years, that research has been aided by his son, J. Harvey Walton, a contributor to this work.

In this work, the Waltons revisit the previous “Lost World” books in light of both recent scholarship and public engagement. This is reflected in the organization of each of the chapters. Firstly, they summarize previous material. Secondly, they elaborate new explorations since the earlier works, offering new insights and clarifications. Finally, the Waltons answer frequently asked questions.

The book opens with a lengthy discussion of methodology, focusing around his idea of “cultural rivers.” He answers questions about why ancient near east culture is so important and the assumption that Israelites thought in similar ways to their neighbors. He explores questions about cosmology and the historicity of the early chapters of Genesis.

Succeeding chapters follow the same organization, discussing:

  • Genesis 1: What kind of creation account (functional ontology)
  • Genesis 1: The seventh day and its significance (temple and rest)
  • Genesis 2: The garden and the trees (sacred space and priestly roles)
  • Genesis 2: Adam and Eve (archetypes, dust and rib)
  • Genesis 3: The serpent and fall
  • Genesis 3: The pronouncement and aftermath
  • Genesis and Science

Perhaps the most significant change in Walton’s thinking is his shift from the idea of functional ontology to creation as God bringing order. He traces this idea through ancient near east literature and how this ordering is effective in the six days of creation. He contrasts this to material accounts with the difference between building a house and making a home.

This idea of order frames his thinking in successive chapters. The seventh day rest reflects the completion of ordering, God’s sovereignty over chaos. Instead of seeing the garden as a sacred space where God dwells in a human realm, he shifts to seeing the garden as a divine realm ordered by God in which humans dwell as wardens, allowing Walton to see Adam and Eve as archetypes of us all. The Fall then is about seeking wisdom apart from God for their ordering task in the world. It is not a story of how sin came into the world but how humans seek order apart from God. The curse, thus, is the consequence or removing themselves from God’s ordered realm.

I’ve summarized a much lengthier discussion over a number of chapters. But most noteworthy through it all is the shift to the idea of order, which reflects the scholarship of J. Harvey Walton. Particularly, one sees this reflected in the excurses he contributes, which elaborate these ideas. My question as I wrestled with this is whether this represented a refinement or a scholarly rabbit trail. Some of the shifts from orthodox theology in terms of understanding of the Fall are the most noteworthy. While I have doubts about the direction the Waltons are moving, I also appreciate the scholarly engagement, the willingness to change one’s mind in the light of evidence, and the irenic spirit of this book.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: 1 Corinthians

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Cover image of "1 Corinthians" by Michael J. Gorman

1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral & Missional Commentary, Michael J. Gorman. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. (ISBN: 9780802882660) 2025.

Summary: A theological, pastoral, and missional commentary designed for all wanting a careful exposition of the text.

The apostle Paul wrote more to the Corinthian church than any other. And that doesn’t include the correspondence we don’t have! Paul spent significant time with them on more than one visit. The problems arose in his absence. Rival factions contended, some loyal to him, others preferring other teachers. They had issues with immorality and questions about sexuality and marriage amid licentious Corinth. Their gatherings reflected their rivalries, from inequities at the Lord’s table to rivalries as to who was more spiritual. Finally, some denied the resurrection, which Paul considered the linchpin of belief. In 1 Corinthians, Paul addresses all these matters.

Michael J. Gorman, in 1 Corinthians: A Theological, Pastoral & Missional Commentary, articulates the structure of Paul’s letter, exposits the text, explaining its background, and identifying key themes and issues and their contemporary relevance. He argues that 1 Corinthians is, first of all, a theological text, centering on the cross and the Spirit. Paul’s aim is that the Corinthians become a cruciform charismatic community. Secondly, the letter is pastoral, seeking their ongoing transformation into Christlikeness. Thirdly, the text is missional. Throughout, we see Paul’s concern for unbelievers, whether those they meet in social relations, those in mixed marriages, or those visiting the assembled community. Paul sets before them his missional model of becoming all things to all men to save some.

Gorman emphasizes particularly the working out of cruciformity in Paul’s ministry and instruction. He describes this as an x-y-z pattern: “Although (x) not (y) but (z).” For example, in 1 Corinthians 9, Gorman observes this pattern:

  • Although [x] as an apostle he has the right to financial support from those to whom he ministers,
  • he has chosen not [y] to exercise that right
  • but has rather [z] worked with his hands to support himself and not burden others–an act of love. (p.66)

A second theme Gorman notes is Paul’s “bi-focal vision.” Paul not only looks back to the cross and resurrection and what is already true but also forward to the coming of the Lord and living in light of his appearing.

Finally, Gorman observes Paul structuring the letter around the four marks of the church in the creed: one, holy, catholic, and apostolic. He outlines the letter as follows:

  1. One: Chapters 1-4 — Unity Through the Wisdom and Power of the Cross
  2. Holy: Chapters 5-7 — Addressing Moral Chaos: Holy Living Between the Cross and Parousia
  3. Catholic: Chapters 8-14 — Addressing Liturgical Chaos: The Cross, Worship, and Salvation for All
  4. Apostolic: Chapters 15-16 — The Apostolic Witness to the Resurrection of Christ and Believers, and Conclusion (including the ecumenical offering and Paul’s missional plans)

Each sub-section of the commentary consists of exposition of the text by sections. While not “verse-by-verse” I found Gorman thorough in his treatment, though not exhaustive. He offers frequent summaries. Then at the end of each sub-section, he offers Spiritual, Pastoral, Missional, and Theological Reflections. These consider the the contemporary relevance of the text. Then he offers Questions for Those Who Read, Preach, and Teach of a more applicatory nature. He then concludes with a bibliography For Further Reading with a mix of highly accessible to technical texts, which he notes. Typical of commentaries, he offers introductory material on Paul, including his itinerary, and background for the Corinthian correspondence.

I found the commentary highly accessible, reading it along with the biblical text since Gorman does not provide full texts in the commentary. I most appreciated his emphasis on the cruciform life and how this addressed the rivalries in Corinth and also in how it is the bedrock for the exercise of spiritual gifts in the church, summarized in 1 Corinthians 13. This is a great commentary to read for devotional purposes as well as a resource for teaching and preaching. The reading lists and bibliography serve as an introduction to scholarly study. I am glad to add this to my “go to” commentaries on this letter!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: The Last Manager

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Cover image of "The Last Manager" by John W. Miller

The Last Manager, John W. Miller. Avid Reader Press (ISBN: 9781668030929) 2025.

Summary: A biography of manager Earl Weaver, his baseball career, his strategic innovations, and his feisty character.

I try to review a baseball book or two every summer. But I don’t recall that I’ve ever reviewed a biography of a manager. Earl Weaver is a fitting subject, having managed four pennant-winning teams between 1968 and 1982, each time winning over 100 games. One of those won the World Series. He brought strategic innovations to managing that changed the game. Of course, he is remembered for his feisty run-ins with umpires, tirades that mixed vulgarities and Shakespeare and lots of dirt kicking. John W. Miller’s new biography, The Last Manager, paints a full-color picture of a most colorful figure in baseball history.

But Earl Weaver never set out to be a manager. Growing up in St. Louis, which had two baseball teams (the Browns and the Orioles), he was a star high school player and made it to the minor leagues, despite his small size. He even made it to spring training on the Cardinals in 1951, only to be sent back to the minors because the manager, Eddie Stankey was still playing, and his position was second base. That was the zenith of his playing career. Miller traces his decline over the next years as a player.

But Earl always was an analyst of the game. Watching games with his uncle, who engaged in sports betting, he developed the instincts of an analyst, figuring out statistics, like on base percentage, that mattered. He analyzed managers decisions, the good and bad. At Knoxville, in the mid-1950’s, he got his chance when the team manager did abysmally and everyone recognized Weaver might be better, including the owners. About then, Paul Richards was building the Orioles farm system, and recognized in Weaver the kind of baseball man he was looking for.

Miller traces his rise from 1957 to 1968 in the Orioles farm system, working his way up the ladder and helping develop the Oriole Way, eventually managing their Rochester team. Then mid-season in 1968, the call came to replace poorly performing Hank Bauer. The team played 48-34 after Weaver took over. He insisted on the Oriole Way, which detailed excellence, both on and off the field. Weaver didn’t allow his pitchers to waste pitches but put a priority on throwing strikes. He didn’t waste outs either. He was opposed generally to the hit and run and bunting. And he was the one to introduce the radar gun and figure out the optimum difference between the speed of fastballs and off-speed pitches (about 20 mph).

Weaver not only fought with umpires but also with players. His fights with Jim Palmer were legendary, but Palmer kept turning in 20-game seasons. It was never personal and part of Weaver’s genius was to push players to their best, sometimes by uniting the team against him. In the midst of his time with the Orioles, he figured out the transition to free agency. He recognized in Cal Ripken, Jr. the potential for the big shortstop.

He coached through 1982, and then a brief return in 1985-86. It didn’t seem his heart was in it when he came back. Sports broadcasting didn’t fit. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1996, only the thirteenth manager admitted..

Miller shows how the analytics Weaver developed have expanded in today’s much more highly computerized world. While managers are much more player-oriented as a rule, Weaver’s qualities of “leadership, passion, and motivation” are still key. Weaver’s approach to spring training and practice also continues to influence the game.

We also catch glimpses of Weaver off the field. He loved to garden and had a rivalry with his groundskeeper over who grew the best tomatoes. In retirement, he was a pioneer in developing sports videogaming.

I loved this biography for both bringing out Weaver’s character and its glimpse of “inside baseball.” Miller helps us appreciate how Weaver’s on-the-field antics revealed his fierce passion for his players. And for the baseball buff, it recalls those great Oriole baseball teams of the seventies, not built with big money but a good farm system and attention to the fundamentals. This has all the elements of a great baseball book!

Review: Paul Planted, Apollos Watered, but God

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Cover image of "Paul Planted, Apollos Watered, but God" edited by Christopher Sadowitz & Jim Harries

Paul Planted, Apollos Watered, but God, Christopher Sadowitz and Jim Harries, editors, foreword by Kenneth Nehrbass. Resource Publications (ISBN: 9781666764277) 2023.

Summary: A theology and praxis of mission centered on vulnerability, weakness, humility, and dependence.

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul addressed the rival factions in the church boasting their alignment to a particular teacher. Paul responded by insisting, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing growth” (1 Cor. 3:6, NASB1995). Unlike personality-centered ministries then or now, Paul insists that God birthed the church and that there was no room for human boasting. The contributors to this book are part of a movement for Vulnerability and Weakness in Ministry and Mission (VWMM). Therefore, Paul’s practice serves as a model of the approach for this movement. Rather than a ministry emphasizing Western methods, competency, and a wealth of resources, practitioners come as learners, embracing language and cultural learning, and living at the standard of those around them.

After an introduction that explains these ideas and the exciting possibility that this kind of ministry is open to all believers, the contributors frame out a theology for VWMM. Christopher Sadowitz leads off in proposing that good theology has God’s glory as its object and hence emphasizes God’s ministry, mission, and glory. It emphasizes not only orthodoxy and orthopraxy but also orthopathos, or right feeling, important in grieving, suffering, and loving.

Sadowitz then explores Old and New Testament foundations for VWMM. He focuses on God’s grief and vulnerability in Israel’s disobedience in judges, Saul’s failure as king, and how Jeremiah followed God in vulnerability and suffering in his prophetic ministry to stubbornly sinful Israel. We’re reminded of the loving father who humbles himself in running to embrace his prodigal son. This portrays the Father’s heart behind the sacrificial mission of Jesus. Additional chapters discuss the fear of the Lord in Wisdom literature, weakness in the ministry of Paul, and boasting in the Lord.

Part Two explores crossing cultures and entering into vulnerable weakness. Christopher Sadowitz begins with a basic introduction to culture showing how cultural values differ in different cultures. He contrasts the United States and Japan as an example. These shape our reading of scripture and our approach to ministry and mission. He proposes that the way forward is through cruciform ministry.

Additional chapters in this section explore Daniel as a model of vulnerability and the vulnerability of Jesus. But why is vulnerability so hard for those from the West? Jim Harries concludes the section exploring thje “cult of normalcy” that establishes Western norms for mission efforts. This militates against indigenous language and cultural forms. This is particularly so when Western support is dangled over mission efforts. Forgoing that support is one of the implications of VWMM.

The final part offers practical applications and case studies in VWMM. Daniel Reed Albert offers a personal narrative of learning humility as key to VWMM. He stresses taking the time to listen and learn before any attempt to teach and notes the biblical examples of humility. He then discusses both humility before God and others. Under the latter, he discusses submission to church leadership, confessing to others, and learning from others. Ultimately, this means humility within self. The next three chapters consider applications in India, with North Korean refugees, and in a restricted country.

The book is written from the perspective of Westerners engaged in mission, with the exception of contributors from India and Myanmar. Westerners may struggle particularly with ministry in weakness and vulnerability. But I wonder if this is a universal issue in crossing cultures. Furthermore, in the post-Christian West, the principles developed here seem applicable at home as well as abroad. Humility, vulnerability, and weakness seem in short supply even while Western churches have been decimated with scandals and loss of youth. The message of this book is not just for “missions” but for all who engage in ministry. It is a message for all of us.

____________________

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: The Anti-Greed Gospel

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Cover image of "The Anti-Greed Gospel" by Malcolm Foley

The Anti-Greed Gospel, Malcolm Foley. Brazos Press (ISBN: 9781587436307) 2025.

Summary: Argues that greed is the root of racism and calls the church to economic solidarity, anti-violence, and truth-telling.

We often think that hate and ignorance are at the root of racism. And certainly we can come up with examples of hate and ignorance. But Malcolm Foley argues in The Anti-Greed Gospel that the love of money is the root of the evil of racism. He shows how racism both arose and persisted after the abolition of slavery for economic reasons. The effort to subject one people by another was first and foremost about economic advantage.

Foley introduces his argument through showing that economic reasons (coveting) led to breaking other commands of God including bearing false witness, theft, and murder. He shows how unfettered capitalism and racism are intertwined in the economic growth of our nation through slavery. Then in post-reconstruction America, he traces the rise of lynching as a tool of economic subjugation. He argues that the tendrils of greed that eventuate in lynching undermined the witness of Christians like Francis Grimke and Atticus Haygood. The former eventually embraced violent resistance; the latter a kind of cynical paternalism. By contrast, he offers the example of Ida B. Wells, whose truth-telling exposed the roots of racialized greed and whose resistance sought justice through legal means.

The example of Wells provides the transition to the second part of Foley’s argument. He explores what the church can do. First, he argues for economic solidarity between Christians across racial lines such that we strive toward the Acts ideal of “no needy among us.” Then he contends for love rather than violence as we seek remedies for greed. For example, love resists practices like property appraisals that keep people in poverty. Love also opposes wars, which often rely upon minorities disproportionately to fight the battles while draining resources from domestic programs. Thirdly, he argues for prophetic truth-telling amid the culture of racial lies. Finally, he stresses the importance of creativity as we cast vision for a kingdom that is not of this world.

First for one criticism. Indisputably, in the American context, greed found expression through a form of racist capitalism. But I would argue that greed is an evil that finds expression in every economic system. In every economic system we can see classes or racial groups who are exploited for the economic gain of others. What this demonstrates is that Foley’s thesis that racism is rooted in greed has cross-cultural validity. I wonder if the association of “racialized capitalism” throughout the book weakens the focus on the root cause of greed.

That said, Foley’s thesis helps explain the persistence of racism. It also clarifies both the danger to the church of the “tendrils” of greed upon its life and the way it addresses racism. It is more than just relationships across racial lines. Whether society follows or not, finding ways to express economic solidarity, practice loving resistance, and engage in prophetic truth telling are more substantive alternatives than saying “let’s be friends.” It also seems to me that the challenge of creativity is to transcend our polarities and political binaries while not losing contact with earthly realities. We need to cast alternative visions people understand and find compelling.

Malcolm Foley is a young leader who is a scholar-pastor, and well-positioned to implement the recommendations he makes in this book. I look forward to hearing more from him!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher for review.

Review: The Magic of Knowing What You Want

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Cover image of "The Magic of Knowing What You Want" by Tracey Gee

The Magic of Knowing What You Want, Tracey Gee. Revell (ISBN: 9780800746223) 2025.

Summary: A guide to identifying, clarifying, and embodying your desires, turning them into action.

“What do you want?” It is a question Jesus asks of people several times in the gospels. I also remember a Babylon Five episode in which one of the characters walks about the station asking people “What do you want?” It is a powerful question. It exposes the desires, the longings of the heart we are often hesitant to ask.

Tracey Gee discovered the power of this question when she hit rock bottom. Tracey had worked in an organization for twenty years, performing with excellence in a series of roles. She decided to apply for a VP role she felt both fit and would stretch her competencies. Several friends also applying for the position spoke of moving forward in the interview process. However, she had heard nothing, until the email came informing her that she wouldn’t be moving forward in that process.

Trying to figure out how to move forward, she committed to a forty day experiment. She committed to doing one thing she wanted to do each day. For example, she took her dog for runs on the beach or cooking a favorite family dish. Over time, that led her to clarify more significant wants including the career direction she took. And through the leadership coaching she does, it gave us this book.

She begins with identifying our desires. But the answer to the question of what we want often means finding our way through a fog. So, she offers help on reaching clarity. She discusses the relationship of purpose and desire and how we get those in alignment. Then she discusses the four types of questions that get in the way of pursuing our desires. These include competency questions, pragmatic questions, capitalistic questions and permission questions. Instead of getting bogged down in these, she invites us to ask aliveness, imagination, curiosity, and agency questions.

Then, over four chapters, Gee walks us through a four stage process along the Authentic Alignment Pathway. The first stage is calibration, identifying what makes you come alive. Stage two is expansion, sparking an imagination for possibilities to help you discover what is out there. Then stage three involves experimentation, taking tangible and doable steps to turn curiosity into clarity. Finally, stage four is integration, involving agency to bring your desires to life. Each chapter includes worksheets to help turn ideas into plans.

The last part of the book begins with goal-setting. But before you grit your teeth, this is desire-based goal setting that combines high desire and high discipline. Instead of “oughts,” goals become learning tools in the implementation of desires. Then to cap it all off, Gee talks about the to-be-hoped for experience of what you want wanting you back. She cautions that the timelines are not linear and that rejections are a form of protection.

Part of the delight in reading this book (as well as full-disclosure) is that I was a colleague of Tracey’s in the organization where she experienced the VP disappointment. We were on a project team involving growth coaching and the gifts she is using so capably now, exhibited in this book, were evident then. Another part of my delight is that she asks what may be one of the most important question we need to ask ourselves: what do you really want?

But she doesn’t leave us in the fog of desire. If you are willing to work through the process in the book, often with trusted friends, the book can be life-changing. If you are facing one of those “turning points” in your career and life journey, or sense it is approaching, get this book! Tracey’s journey from disappointment through joyful discovery and into aligning her purposes and desires can be yours.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book for review from the publisher through LibraryThing’s Early Reviewers Program.