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Saturday, July 21, 2012

The End by Dr. Mark Hitchcock


This 500-page volume is an overview of Bible prophecy for the twenty-first century reader.  Hitchcock discloses his own views at the beginning of the book, so the reader knows what to expect.  After explaining why prophecy is so important (27% of the Bible is prophecy), he then covers opposing views as well as his own.  Hitchcock makes the case for his futuristic, pre-millennial, pre-tribulation rapture interpretation, citing Scripture and rebutting other views with a combination of humility and scholarship. 

Dr. Hitchcock wants the reader to understand why he holds his views, so the book includes an introduction to sound hermeneutics.  He explains principles of biblical interpretation while applying them to three key passages in prophecy: Daniel, the Olivet Discourse, and the Revelation.  He reveals patterns and sequences in these passages that give a chronology of the end times.

Short, meaty chapters address signs of the times, the Rapture, the Tribulation, the Millennium, the Judgments and Heaven/Hell.  This book does not disappoint.  As the cover says, it is "A Complete Overview of Bible Prophecy and the End of Days."  The appendices include recommendations for further reading and plenty of notes.

I recommend this as a great resource for serious laity and for beginning college students in Christian Studies programs.  Hitchcock's writing is clear and complete.  He covers deep subjects without overwhelming the reader with "seminary speak."  My one small gripe was his use of the New Living Translation, which is a bit too casual in tone for my taste, but that did not detract from my enjoyment of this enlightening book.

I received a free copy of The End  from Tyndale House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.

Monday, July 16, 2012

Creative Geniuses Hated School and Textbooks

This short article says it all for those of us who remember school as a prison.  If that was your experience, you were in good company: Einstein, George Bernard Shaw and Richard Feynman felt the same way.  George Bernard Shaw's description of textbooks alone is worth reading this article:

"With the world's bookshelves loaded with fascinating and inspired books, the very manna sent down from Heaven to feed your souls, you are forced to read a hideous imposture called a school book, written by a man who cannot write..."

Yes, those who love learning, yet hate school, others felt your pain.

Friday, July 6, 2012

How Can We Attract Gifted Teachers?

I have written an article exploring why gifted students do not go into education and suggesting how the profession might change to attract the gifted.

Children Need Gifted Teachers

Monday, July 2, 2012

Book Review for Independence Day Reading: Fearless by Eric Blehm

Fearless is more than just another book about the Navy SEALs.  It is the story of one man's journey from deep despair to peace with God, from failure to elite warrior.  Adam Brown's story is the timeless story of the prodigal son.  This is a book for fans of military literature as well as families seeking hope for their own prodigals.  Detailed accounts of SEAL training can be found in a number of books, but Fearless is the story of a SEAL, a husband, a father, and a friend.

Eric Blehm masterfully weaves Adam's personal story with the story of his life as a SEAL.  Blehm was careful to get details from the lips of Adam's childhood friends in Arkansas, his family, and those with whom he trained and fought.  The timing of the book was providential; many who told their stories to the author were killed on August 6, 2011, when their helicopter was hit by a rocket-propelled grenade.

From football standout to drug addict, from recovery through boot camp and BUD/S, you will find yourself rejoicing in Adam's growing faith and marveling at the love displayed by his wife and parents.  This honest account includes his stumbles as well as his triumphs, since Adam wanted his story known in its entirety as a testimony to the power and sufficiency of the grace of God.

I received a free copy of this book from WaterBrook-Multnomah Publishers for review.  Read the first chapter for yourself right now.