Brestel
begins his discussion with Romans 11:22. Paul wrote of the kindness
and severity
of God, seemingly opposite character traits. He notes that modern
Christianity has diminished God's harsher attributes. We may want a
kinder and gentler God but He does not conform to who we think He
should be.
Brestel
reminds us that it is very important, a matter of life and death, to
get right what God is like. God has revealed Himself as both severe
in His holiness and gentle in His compassion. We are not free to
create Him in our own image. He addresses issues like whether God is
unfair and how God shows His anger over injustice.
Brestel
includes a survey of other gods in other religions. He uses the
experiences of Moses to show how God reveals His character. He also
writes of how we are to relate to God. Plently of questions are
included for discussion.
Brestel's
writing style is not academic and is aimed at laypeople. He writes
much about his own life and experiences. I found out he is an
introvert, has been married to his wife for over 52 years, where he
got his theological education, where he pastored, that he flew to
Mumbai, and more. The personal aspect of the book felt more like I
was having coffee with the author rather than reading a book by him.
This book may appeal to older readers because of it.
I
appreciate Brestel encouraging readers to accept God as He is
revealed in Scripture. The book is not academic in style and may
appeal to laypeople.
You
can read an excerpt here.
My
rating: 4/5 stars.
Syd
Brestel (BA, Moody Bible Institute; MA, Western Seminary) is a
retired pastor who served a number of congregations for nearly fifty
years. He has taught Bible classes at Kilns College in Bend, Oregon.
He has ministered in several countries and is passionate about
creating opportunities for lay people to receive biblical and
theological training.
Moody
Publishers, 176 pages.
I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
No comments:
Post a Comment