January Book Briefs

It’s been a minute since I’ve shared about new books to check out. Part of the reason for my neglect is that I’ve been so locked in on finishing my dissertation that I couldn’t even think about doing anything more with this newsletter than sharing Spurgeon quotes on Saturdays. Those Spurgeon Saturdays kept the pulse of this newsletter alive. Now that my dissertation has been submitted—can I get an amen!?—here’s some books:

Confessing Christ: An Invitation to Baptist Dogmatics by Keith S. Whitfield (Editor), Steven A. McKinion (Editor), Christine E. Thornton (Editor)

“This book offers a unique and comprehensive exploration of Baptist theology. Grounded in the belief that theology is both exploratory and explanatory, the book introduces a historical, covenantal, ecclesial, and confessional approach to Baptist Dogmatics. Each essay delves into a specific area of dogmatic theology, covering essential topics such as God, Scripture, anthropology, Christology, salvation, ecclesiology, the sacraments, the Christian life, and eschatology. The volume editors emphasize the importance of renewing Baptist life and mission through a rediscovery of the rich theological heritage. By understanding and engaging with this tradition, Baptist Christians can express their faith more authentically in the contemporary context and future endeavors.”

Reading the Psalms as Scripture by James M. Hamilton Jr. and Matt Damico

“This book guides the reader to delight in the spiritual artistry of the psalms. Psalms is a carefully arranged book saturated in Scripture. The psalmists drew from imagery and themes from earlier Scripture, which are then developed by later Scripture and fulfilled in Christ. The book of psalms advances God's grand story of redemption, and it gives us words to pray by drawing us into this story. When we meditate on the promises and patterns in the psalms, we can read, pray, and sing them with faithfulness.”

Spiritual Disciplines of the Christian Life Study Guide by Donald S. Whitney

Dr. Whitney’s book on the personal spiritual disciplines is the gold standard. And he’s just released a study guide for the book that is sure to make it a wonderful option for groups and classes. “This updated companion study guide to Spiritual Disciplines for the Christian Life takes you through a carefully selected array of disciplines that will help you grow in godliness. Ideal for personal use or in Bible studies, church classes, and small groups.”

The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever: Transcendence, Psychedelics, and Jesus Christ by Ashley Lande

The author says: “For years, psychedelics were my religion. All I ever wanted was The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever, the panacea, the cure for what plagued me. From those first moments when I tasted the earthy pulp of a psilocybin mushroom, it was love. Psychedelics were my sacrament. They shot me into cathedral vaults. The promise of eternal life through chemicals glittered seductively, but hid a yawning abyss. The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever tells my story of psychedelic devastation and spiritual rescue. It chronicles my trajectory from acid enthusiast to soul-weary druggie to psychedelic refugee. I finally found The Thing That Would Make Everything Okay Forever―in the last place I thought to look.”

And, of course, I hope you will all check out The Risen King: 40 Devotions for Easter from Charles Spurgeon.