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50 of 52 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Pastoral Perspective on Controversial Issues, February 18, 2009
This review is from: Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong: A Biblical Response to Today's Most Controversial Issues (Paperback)
As a contributor to this book, I am admittedly biased. But I thought a few remarks might prove useful to anyone considering it.
First, this book addresses a wide range of contemporary issues in a practical fashion from a biblical (and pastoral) perspective. It is not just another ethics textbook (nor was it ever intended to be). Rather, it was written by our pastoral staff with the intent being to show how biblical principles apply to the issues that Christians face everyday. The book is born out of real-world ministry experience, as we attempted to apply biblical principles to real life.
Second, the book is intended to be a concise treatment of the topics addressed. Full books could be written on many of the topics we addressed. Our goal was not to do that, but rather to give a succinct and hands-on treatment of each of the issues. As a result, topics like abortion, euthanasia, birth control, homosexuality, global warming, illegal immigration and the like are addressed in a concise manner. In this way, the book is somewhat of a handbook on contemporary issues.
Finally, in response to J.J.'s rather negative review, it should be noted that the book does NOT equate saving faith with external obedience, but in fact clearly states that obedience follows faith as its fruit (see p. 9, for example). Also, the love of God is specifically addressed in the book (see pp. 206-207, for example). Based on J.J.'s comments, it becomes difficult to imagine that he even read the whole book.
In any case, our church staff's hope (in putting this book together) was that it would be a resource for pastors and lay-people alike, as they seek to exalt Christ by exhibiting "right thinking in a world gone wrong."
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27 of 30 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Invaluable guide to today's ethics as a Christian, March 4, 2009
This review is from: Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong: A Biblical Response to Today's Most Controversial Issues (Paperback)
Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong by John MacArthur is a thorough look at many of the dilemmas and issues facing Christians in today's world in a remarkable way. There is a great deal of discord within the church about issues like homosexuality, illegal immigration, politics, and so many other issues. MacArthur and some other authors back up their point of view with plenty of Scripture, and I was glad to see their compassionate view on illegal immigration. It's an issue that had bothered me, and I wasn't quite sure how to view it as a Christian, but MacArthur boiled it down to its essence giving me and other Christians a way to view this volatile issue through faith. I don't necessarily agree with his view on capital punishment, but for the first time I was able to see how Christians can support it and yet oppose abortion Biblically. MacArthur offers a real way for Christians to interact with the world without losing their soul. Popular culture including media, video games, and celebrity is also addressed by focusing on the 1 Corinthians 10:23 All things are lawful, but not all things are profitable. All things are lawful, but not all things edify. This book covers a wide range of subjects and gives Christians a guide to use to help their own response to the world.
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12 of 15 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent Resource for Controversial Issues, February 3, 2009
This review is from: Right Thinking in a World Gone Wrong: A Biblical Response to Today's Most Controversial Issues (Paperback)
John MacArthur's latest book tries to answer some of the most controversial and engaging questions that Christians are asking today. MacArthur isn't the only author of this book. It's more of a compilation of essays by MacArthur and his leadership team, which includes Rich Holland, Nathan Busenitz, and Jonathan Rourke. Some of the chapters aren't written specifically by one author; they are adapted from staff discussions.
The topics covered in this book are diverse, and it seems as if the Grace Community team left no stone unturned. Some of the issues discussed include homosexuality, internet dating, video games, celebrity, divorce, birth control, in vitro fertilization, capital punishment, environmentalism, suffering, and many more. Each chapter is written by a different author, who usually specializes in the topic covered. The writing is concise and organized, but never very lively. If you want doctrine, Biblical quotation, and clear-cut answers, this book is for you.
I was unhappy, however, with their treatment of certain issues, or rather their lack of treatment. Abortion is discussed, but cases of rape, mental and physical handicaps aren't mentioned at all. I'm assuming that because of their pro-life stance that they articulate clearly, they didn't feel the need to include those subjects. But I feel that in a book of this genre, every inch of the issue should be covered, and the author's omission of critical questions and information severely undermines the book's overall theme.
MacArthur and his team use the Bible as their authority, and though I don't agree with some of their interpretations, they are consistent. This is a thoughtful read that will help many Christians who are unsure of God's perspective on certain topics.
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