Pastor to Pastor

Erwin Lutzer gives a simple, yet convicting challenge to all pastors. As a pastor, he writes encouraging other pastors to make the right decisions regarding the church and keep ministry simple. He breaks the book down to twenty chapters, each chapter designated to a topic that is pertinent to 21^st Century ecclesiology. The strong points of the book revolve around its simple truths surrounded by practical insights. He definitely kept the KISS principle in mind while penning the book (Keep It Simple Stupid). The weakest point of the book is that it leaves the reader wonting. There definitely could have been further explanations and expositions on the various topics, especially those opinions that are just thrown out there and not given biblical proof for. But, as was mentioned earlier, this is a double-edged sword. The brevity keeps the reader interested, while creating a desire that more would have been discussed. Over all, it was a good read. Not a top-of-the list book, but still beneficial.

Notable Quotes:

If God calls us to preach, let us not stoop to become a king. (p. 14)

Let’s not let our successes propel us into a role that is beyond our strengths and abilities. (p. 18)

Christ taught that the primary quality of leadership was servanthood, not a dictatorial spirit. (p.22)

Seminary has trained us to think deeply but not to feel deeply. (p. 35)

Second, I fear that political reformation could subtly substitute for spiritual transformation. Of course, we all favor laws that reflect biblical morality. But even such a progress falls far short of the real answer to our national decay. Ultimately, it is only the gospel of Christ that can stem the tide of moral decadence. (p. 50)

Although the Pharisees said they were crucifying Christ for doctrinal reasons, that was not the real reason they condemned Christ. Pilate discerned their underlying motive: “For he knew that because of envy they had delivered Him up” (Matt. 27:18 NASB). Envy was the motive, theology was the smoke screen. (p. 56)

It’s not the people who claim to be Christians who will affect our country; it’s those who accept the cost and live the Christian life. (p. 70)

If each Christian family actively witnessed and discipled those who come to Christ (we expect much more from our missionaries), our impact among the unconverted would be phenomenal. (p. 91)

When we stop comparing ourselves with ourselves [preachers] and compare ourselves with Christ, we find that there isn’t much difference between us. (p. 111)

The Story of Christian Theology

Roger Olson provides a great read of church history through his narrative approach to writing. He displays a strong grasp on the events that determined the movements of Christianity throughout the centuries. Knowing the events are important, but understanding the "whys?" of the events provides a deeper insight into the events themselves. Olson does a great job grasping the "whys?" of church history. His stronger points revolve around his research and thorough analysis of each era of Christianity. This is impressive considering the book is but a few pages over six hundred.
The weakness of the book springs from Olson's postmodern mindset. Like any writer, he inserts his opinions of interpretation, but these opinions are highly postmodern. This becomes especially apparent in the last chapter. Unfortunately, Olson forgot to grasp the concept that theology arises from the Scripture through logical understanding, not from man's opinions of what theology should be. Man doesn't shape theology, man discovers it.
With all that said, this is an excellent book. Short, comprehensive and easy to read. Should be read by all believers to further understand their roots.