Book Review: Rain Forest Adventures

Rain Forest Adventures is comprised of short, two to three page stories that are interesting and informative, depicting the habitat and behaviors of many rain forest creatures. These stories can be read in approximately five to ten minutes or less, and, like other books in this series, each chapter concludes with a short spiritual lesson. Children will likely benefit from further discussion following these lessons as it is somewhat difficult to convey the context and meaning of a Scripture in a few, short sentences.

There were a number of times when Banner's theology seemed ambiguous. For example, he wrote:

"There is nothing at all a caterpillar can do about its future state. It either becomes a butterfly or a moth, according to its kind. It cannot choose between light and darkness. We can. We can be good or bad. We can obey God or disobey Him. We can be saved or lost. And it is for us to choose...Deuteronomy 30:19, 20" (pg 51).

Later, we read:

"It is clear to me that there are two natures common to all men. If we are honest with ourselves we can recognize their presence in our own hearts. We can see them at work in our children. In young and old alike is the conflict between good and bad. Few will dare say that they are all good, yet none will denounce themselves as wholly bad...There is a way, not only to get away from sin but also to keep away. Paul gives us the answer: 'I thank God, through Jesus Christ our Lord.' " at which point Banner quotes James 4:7, 8 (pg. 54).

There were also unclear statements such as "nature" provided emus with long necks (pg. 8) and "As they [termites] contact Mother Earth, they shed their flimsy wings…" (pg. 89).

Ultimately, Banner writes to encourage children to lay up treasures in heaven, to follow Christ who is "the Way", and to fight the good fight of faith. Readers will find themselves challenged to count the cost of following Christ and to persevere during hardship. Along the way, children will also learn many surprising facts about rain forest life. With detailed descriptions of hunting expeditions and forest dangers, Rain Forest Adventures will likely capture the attention of many children (around ages 7-12), especially those particularly interested in wildlife, hunting, and/or the rain forest habitat.

(Note: Several stories are probably not best suited for the sensitive at heart. There is a description of an anaconda attacking a disobedient boy in the river (complete with sketch), as well as, numerous references to killer piranha fish  that only attack where there is bleeding, not to mention wild boars and boa constrictors.)

*My sincere thanks to Cross Focused Reviews and Christian Focus Publications for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

Book Review: Antarctic Adventures

From the Publisher:

 

"The Antarctic is a world of snow and ice. It is a cold and inhospitable place to live but many animals including the impressive Emperor penguin live and breed there. Fur seals and albatrosses are also native to this icy land. However, it is one of the smallest creatures of all - the Krill - that is of vital importance to life there. Find out about the natural habitat, the history of the explorers and the people who are today doing their utmost to protect this sensitive environment. Throughout it all you will see the beauty of creation as well as learning what God can teach you about himself through his world and his word."

 According to my ten-year-old daughter, Antarctic Adventures is interesting and informative. I agree. Ms. Hill's writing is sure to appeal to a wide variety of youngsters, aged 7-12, as she weaves stories of explorers, scientists, and their expeditions with information about the habitat and creatures of the Antarctic. Some may not necessarily agree with all of the author's assertions (ex. man-made global warming), however, her exhortations (ex. be a good steward of God's creation) are no less relevant.

Each chapter of Antarctic Adventures concludes with a spiritual lesson. The lessons would be my only hesitation with this book as they seemed to be somewhat weak (especially when compared to other Christian Focus titles). For example, in the third story, Ms. Hill shares about a scientist who failed to reach his goals but who still contributed valuable research through his failed expedition. She, then, reminds us of Joseph and the trials in his life. She writes:

"...he never complained. He did the work he was asked to do and he did it the best way he could. When things went wrong for him he didn't ask 'why', rather he thought 'what shall I do now?' People learnt to trust him and in the end he became the Pharaoh's trusted right hand man, a position of great honour in Egypt. You may sometimes think that something is 'not fair', that you have done your best, but no one appreciates it. All that matters is that God knows you can be trusted to do the very best you can" (pg. 22).

While it is Biblical that one "do the very best" he/she can (1 Cor. 10:31), this is certainly not "all that matters". Furthermore, it seems to miss the more valuable lesson that God, in His sovereignty, sent Joseph before his brothers to preserve a remnant for Himself (Gen. 45). "All that matters" is that we trust this sovereign God who sent His Son to die on the cross in the place of sinful man that a remnant might come to Him. It matters little if "God knows you can be trusted..."; He is faithful, even when His people are not. There are many other similar examples throughout this book. Ultimately, Antarctic Adventures did not present a clear Gospel message as do other Christian Focus titles. Although this would be expected from a more scientific work, it was disappointing nonetheless given the more than fifteen "spiritual lessons" throughout the book. :(

All-in-all, Antarctic Adventures is a fascinating read. It includes exciting information about scientists racing to the South Pole; helpful scientific explanations (ex. the difference between the fixed South Pole and the Magnetic South Pole and its role with respect to southern lights); unexpected traveling companions; useful inventions; a map, quiz, and more. Antarctic Adventures gives its reader a taste of the subject matter and encourages him/her to do additional research. Young people who are interested in this topic should find it a useful introductory resource. However, one might want to discuss the spiritual applications further.

*Many thanks to Cross Focused Reviews and Christian Focus Publications for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion!

Book Review: A Neglected Grace

"...we cannot speak about the Christian faith impacting our world, our country, or our community if it is not first impacting our homes…" (Jason Helopoulos, A Neglected Grace, Chapter 9).

Everyone lives for something. This something shapes our daily activities.

In A Neglected Grace, Jason Helopoulos offers a thoughtful reflection worthy of consideration:

"A few Christians living under the same roof does not make a place a Christian home any more than two or three bankers living in a house makes it a bank. A Christian home will seek to be centered upon Christ, and if it is centered upon Christ, then it will be filled with worship."

Worship is the end for which we have been created. So, why do we fail to live worship filled lives? In Chapter 1 of A Neglected Grace, Jason Helopoulos answers this question simply and Biblically: sin has resulted in a shift of our object of worship. He writes: "The great sin of the Garden of Eden is fundamentally an exchange in the object of worship" and  explains that Adam and Eve went from worshiping God to worshiping self. Unfortunately, we do the same thing daily.

However, Christians were saved and recreated "to the praise of His glory" (Eph. 1:12). As a result, the Christian family will engage in family worship which, as Helopoulos explains:

"...is nothing more than our response in the home to God's magnificent and infinite grace. And it is by that grace that we gather together with our family members to delight in His excellent goodness and eternal glory. Family worship is not something we have to do. Our right standing before God is not impacted whether we lead our families in worship or not. Christ has already accomplished all for our salvation. Rather, family worship, like other spiritual disciplines, becomes something we want to do."

A Neglected Grace has been written by Jason Helopoulos "to encourage you and your family to introduce family worship in your home or to persevere in it" and to do so in a way that shows the benefits of family worship without weighing the reader down by guilt. In order to accomplish this, Helopoulos includes a number of quotes from Christians of previous generations such as: Richard Baxter, Jonathan Edwards, John Knox, Charles Spurgeon, and Matthew Henry. He wisely notes:

"In the history of the church and the history of God's people in Scripture, there have always been three clearly defined spheres of worship: secret worship, corporate worship, and family worship."

 Helopoulos gives evidence for and briefly expounds upon each sphere and then, continues to explain how each of the spheres are "related, informed, and encouraged by one another".

In Chapter 2, Helopoulos seeks to lay a Biblical foundation for family worship, highlighting the fact that family worship is not merely a duty but a joyful responsibility.  He asks the reader:

"Do you see yourselves as key figures in the redemptive story?...If we understand the importance of what has been handed down to us then we cannot keep it to ourselves. We must share it."

He reminds us that God's works are to be proclaimed from generation to generation "So that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, but keep his commandments." He challenges the husbands to lead their wives and children in the pursuit of God citing First Timothy 5:8 and contending that the "provision" therein is not simply physical since wives and children are not merely physical bodies but have eternal souls for which must husbands must also diligently care. Helopoulos also appeals to mothers throughout the book to pick up this joyful responsibility should the husband be unwilling or unable to do so. "If the father is absent, either physically or spiritually, then this joyful responsibility falls upon the mother."

Chapter 3 of A Neglected Grace outlines a number of other practical reasons to pursue family worship while Chapter 4 details various elements for consideration. Helopoulos writes: "A family that prays together, reads the Bible together, and sings together is a family which is placing itself in the way of God's grace." Interestingly, he calculated:

"If you introduce one new hymn to your family a month...over the course of ten years they will have learned one-hundred-and-twenty hymns." Furthermore, "If your family memorized one verse every two weeks for fifteen years, your children (and you!) will have memorized 390 verses!"

Helopoulos cites many additional blessings of memorization and notes helpful suggestions for making it fun.

In Chapter 5, Helopoulos considers "Our Manner of Worship". Perhaps most challenging for the average family is to strive for regular, consistent times of family worship.  He writes: "...there is nothing that will dilute the benefits and effects of family worship more than family worship that is sporadically practiced."

Helopoulos expounds upon "What Family Worship is Not" in Chapter 6. Among the topics considered, we are reminded that family worship is not a time to rebuke family members but a time to "fix a family's eyes upon Christ above all else and not upon the sins of one another." He also reminds us that family worship is not a guarantee that children will come to a saving faith in Christ (thought it might be a tool).

Helps for the journey are listed in Chapter 7 and common challenges are considered in Chapter 8, including the fact that conviction does not always lead to action. Chapter 9 shares encouraging testimonies "of God's work in the lives of others". Appendices include: "Sample Family Worship Structures"; "Simple Beginnings with Scripture and Prayer" (basic questions to ask of various ages); "Recommended Resources", "Sample Responsive Readings"; and "Catechisms and Creeds".

I trust that many folks will find A Neglected Grace an edifying and God-glorifying read. Jason Helopoulos does families a great service by bringing this much needed, fresh exhortation to pursue God together as families. May many families be encouraged to introduce their families to or persevere in family worship through this helpful resource!!

*Many thanks to Cross Focused Reviews and Christian Focus Publications for providing me with a complimentary electronic copy of this resource in exchange for my honest opinion!