July 2010 Advert

Breathe Deep by Guy Penrod

Integrity Media Africa
Review by Titch Wild

Mostly known for his work as the lead singer of the Gaither Vocal Band, Guy Penrod has recently released his debut album "Breathe Deep". The song selection is lacking in variety with the majority of the tunes being mid-tempo numbers, and what few up-tempo songs there are, the album tends to drag a bit. Penrod says that he was looking to bring a more positive song subject to country music with songs that talk about hope, love, and faith, instead of, drinking and cheating on your spouse. "Pray about everything," is a good old fashioned up-tempo country song that features lively guitar and drum parts. The song talks about not holding on to daily worries and problems, that you need to let them go to the Lord in prayer. "Are You the One," talks about the need to talk honestly with your children, even about subjects like sex that can be embarrassing. The song brings home the point that if you don't who will? Wouldn't you rather your children learn about important life issues from yourself instead of some stranger? All in all, if country is your basket, fill it with Guy Penrod - "Breathe Deep".

Ragamuffin Soul by Carlos Whittaker

Integrity Media
Review by Titch Wild

Singer, songwriter, and worship leader Carlos Whittaker began his career in music at an early age in the choir of the Los Angeles Southern Baptist church where his father preached. Now a worship leader at Buckhead Church in Atlanta, Carlos Whittaker has just released his debut album, "Ragamuffin Soul". From soul, hip-hop, funk, and worship, this album seems to have it all going.

Produced by Jason Ingram, "Ragamuffin Soul" features uplifting songs that could easily become well sung songs in today's church. Tracks that stand out include "Rain It Down," a plea for God's presence, and "Jesus Saves," featuring a soaring chorus, ringing guitars, and a simple, yet powerful message. "Jesus Saves," starts with a delayed guitar and a thumping bass drum, as well as scratching turntables, in true hip hop fashion, together with hype vocals which bring a unique addition to contemporary worship music. The intro groove continues through the verse, gaining intensity as it reaches the chorus...... "Jesus Saves/My Jesus saves," sings Whittaker. The bridge focuses on the ways in which Jesus has saved us, and our response to that salvation. Whittaker sings, "I was dying, You came for me, now I'm living for my Savior/Hope is rising up within me/You're Savior and Lord." A worthwhile album to have in your collection.

Made me Glad by Miriam Webster

Integrity Media
Review by Titch Wild

I had no intention of writing this review. I wasn’t asked to write it. However I believe God had His hand in it, you know how He can be. I was interested to hear what Miriam Webster was up to on this new album – “Made me Glad”. Miriam Webster is an Australian gospel singer-songwriter. Her career began at the age of 15, when she won the interstate music awards. She has been serving with the Hillsong Church in Sydney, Australia since 1996. Miriam says of the title track, “Made Me Glad was written in an old moldy house in Sydney. It was the lowest rent I could find and I purposed to live there for close to a year. One day, I was speaking out a few psalms to God and said 'You have made me glad'. At those words praise rose up within me and I was overwhelmed as He gave me fresh revelation that day that it doesn't matter where I am, Jesus is the one who makes me glad and all my joy is found in Him”. This is one awesome album and I strongly suggest you go out and buy it.

The Generous Mr. Lovewell by Mercy Me

Integrity Media
Review by Titch Wild

Bart Millard and the boys of Mercy Me are back The Generous Mr. Lovewell. Strange name, great album. The concept of the album name and cover picture is about a balloon carrying character who encourages people to "love well", using everything from random acts of kindness to intentional, determined commitment. This is Mercy Me's 6th studio album and encourages listeners and Mercy Me fans alike to celebrate the power of Love to change the world. Bart Millard and the band have surely established themselves as the premier artists of 2010. "All of Creation" appears on just about every Christian Radio station around the world and rightly so, an awesome plug track. However my personal favorite has got to be the title track. The Generous Mr. Lovewell is jam packed with great songs and powerful lyrical value. It's the number 1 selling album at Family Christian Stores and others in the USA and has already hit #1 on the iTunes Christian albums charts. This is the finest work from Mercy Me in a long time, enjoy.

Lull-A-Bye Baby Worship by Various Artists

Integrity Media
Review by Waldo Malan

This album contains some old-time worship favourites arranged as gentle, rocking (as in rocking chair, not guitar rock) vibraphone lullabies. It is designed to put your little ones to sleep, but be warned, if you stay in their room too long, that is where you’ll spend the night too! An ingenious way to introduce children to some of gospel’s most well-known tunes.

Woman After God's Own Heart by Lynda Randle

Release Information Spirit Music
Review by Waldo Malan

This moving recording by Lynda Randle resonates with the unique spiritual needs of women, with songs that strengthen and encourage women in their journeys as sisters, wives, mothers, friends and daughters of the King. Both self-penned songs and well-known favorites comprise this powerful musical resource that encourages women to embrace life as God intended it.

More Passion by Juanita Bynum

Release Information Maranatha Record Company

This CD is a follow-up to A Piece of My Passion, which in under sixty days after the release went to the top 10 positions on the billboard charts and remained there for more than 52 weeks. To this day, the Gospel/Christian community hails A Piece of My Passion as one of the best worship projects of the decade! Award-winning producer Myron Williams, architect of the sound that thousands experienced with A Piece of My Passion, has produced and captured Juanita Bynum's More Passion. More Passion releases the intensity, the right now-praise, pure worship and priceless production that we’ve come to expect from Juanita Bynum.

Hearing God’s Voice (Henry and Richard Blackaby)

Review by Natasha Videler
Broadman & Holman Publishers

Does God give specific guidance to individuals today? Does He speak beyond what He has already said in Scripture? The authors record Old and New Testament examples and masterly guide us on a revelatory journey of discovery. Topics include the Holy Spirit, the Bible, prayer, circumstances, discerning lies and false prophets. Each chapter concludes with a summary as well as questions for further reflection (if you really desire to practically apply and benefit from this book). Rich in content, many scriptures, very practical and filled with many picturesque examples that facilitate hungry reading.

What Darwin Got Wrong (Jerry Fodor & Massimo Piatelli-Palmarini)

Book Promotions / Horizon Books
Review by Waldo Malan

What do a professor of philosophy and cognitive science, and a bio-physicist/molecular biologist have in common? Well, for one thing, the fact that Darwin’s evolutionary theories have some major flaws. I found the fact that this study was conducted from a philosophical-scientific, as opposed to a Christian, point of view very interesting, especially since both authors are committed atheists! It seems to me a little like the ‘rocks crying out’ in a society where major role-players have for too long been silent.

The book is not about evolution vs. creationism, but in the conclusions that are reached critical flaws of evolution are apparent. Starting with an examination of the Theory of Natural Selection, the authors progress in detail through biological arguments that have arisen in light of contemporary research, through to a more philosophical conceptualization of nature. It is impossible to read this book in one sitting – there is simply too much detail. Personally I had to refer to dictionaries quite often, and I Googled quite a bit to stay with the writers! My obvious ignorance aside, this book is well worth the read, especially for those who are interested in refuting the evolutionary theories that have become mainstream science, despite the lack of apparent evidence required to verify these same theories. This work may well end up on recommended reading lists of leading universities and colleges.

LITTLE OXFORD ENGLISH DICTIONARY & THESAURUS

Review by Patsy Kruger
Oxford University Press South Africa (www.oxford.co.za)

This combined dictionary and thesaurus is small, compact and has a hardback for durability.
I was able to find the words fast and access information easily with the thesaurus entries side by side. The Little Oxford English Dictionary with a Thesaurus is a convenient book that will help with studies or to solve everyday language problems and puzzles. It has extra encyclopaedic material 40,000 words, phrases, and definitions with 65,000 synonyms. What I found to be a bonus is the informative 20 pages fact finder in the central section of the dictionary.

New Optimum Nutrition For The Mind (Patrick Holford)

(Piatkus) Jonathan Ball Publishers

Product Description

Patrick Holford's first major book, The Optimum Nutrition Bible, dealt with the effect of good nutrition for the body. Optimum Nutrition for the Mind concentrates on what good nutrition will do for the mind and offers the breakthrough we are looking for. We are all stressed and often feel tense or low. There is a massive escalation in the incidence of depression, anxiety, attention deficit, Alzheimer's, schizophrenia and other conditions. Optimum Nutrition for the Mind is the first definitive, readable and practical guide to solving mental health problems through nutrition - what you eat affects your mind. Step by step, and backed by the latest research and persuasive case histories, top nutrition expert Patrick Holford shows you how to use diet, supplements and specially devised eating plans to: - Increase your IQ and improve your concentration - Boost your memory and sharpen your mind, whatever your age - Improve your mood, banish mood swings and beat depression - Solve stress and anxiety and get a great night's sleep.

Reviews

An excellent book showing how food affects our mood. It also explains how feelings of depression can be lifted by changing your diet and how much food affects our behaviour without our realising it. The text is also helpful to people who want to look at this subject with more depth than some of the glib books that are available in bookshops. (Charles Anderson)

This was a very good read. I got the information I was looking for. I'll recommend it as a definite read. (Joy Miller)

Very interesting but not easy to follow. If you dip in and out it can be confusing. Bought this book to help lift depression and the advice is good…if you can stick to it. (Anita McSkimming)

My Simple Faith (Sean Bastable)

Review by Waldo Malan
Reach Publishers

The book is subtitled “and why some tortoises drive Ferraris,” which I must admit piqued my curiosity. So I carefully opened the book early one morning in the office and then had to battle the rest of the day to get back to work! Yes, this is one of those “un-put-downable” books that come around once in a blue moon. I have decided to add this one to my selected list of re-reads and gifts. Why? Sean Bastable captures the essence of God through the telling of real, everyday experiences. His unique way of telling his story made me rethink, re-evaluate and re-discuss many things I’ve come to take for granted. God on His knees before me? Just that picture got me bawling (not quite the ‘manly’ thing to do, but by this stage in the day I couldn’t care less). Also, while at times I felt voyeuristic in experiencing life (again) through the eyes of another, Sean has the rare gift of drawing the reader into his world, making them experience every feeling, nuance, atmosphere, reasoning and conclusion. I for one also need speed down the road in a purring, growling Ferrari with Luigi in the seta next to me. Oh yes, I did finish reading the book in one sitting, and yes, you must get your own copy. Miss this one at your own loss. And just by the way, if you don’t know it already, God loves you.

To purchase your copy of My Simple Faith… and why some tortoises drive Ferraris for R119, including postage in South Africa, visit www.mysimplefaithbook.com, or email your details directly to contact @mysimplefaithbook.com When you place an order online 10% of the selling price will be donated to one of five charities listed on the website. In March, the first donation of R1,000 was made to Stella Pre-primary, a school for under-privileged children from the informal settlements in the Cato Manor area (Durban). My Simple Faith is also available at Adams bookshop (031 201 5123)

Everyone Communicates, Few Connect (John C Maxwell)

Review by William Nicholas
Struik Christian Media

This book, like all the preceding Maxwell offerings is full of incredible wisdom, and the account of years of experience. What would make this book even better is if the successful application of all it contains came banded as a simple capsule to be taken after reading the book. Maxwell does (as he always does) make things a little easier by focussing on a single aspect – this time it is effective communication and how to really connect with people. His books are always an easy read, despite the knowledge overload and information transfer. It is a book to be enjoyed by Maxwell followers and non-followers alike. One simply cannot but be amazed at his prolific output; Everyone Communicates, Few Connect is a worthy addition to any library.

Unmerited Favour (Joseph Prince)

Review by Alta Smith
Christian Art Publishers

This book is not written to make you feel good about life or yourself. Joseph Prince comes and shares God’s word and promises with you in a way that will let you ask yourself the question “God’s grace and favour is so amazing, why do I still want to keep going back to condemnation?
He let’s you discover in God’s word that you have already access to His grace (favour) and that Jesus has accomplished everything on the cross for us. He shows you that grace was there from the beginning until Moses went up on the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments and then condemnation starts - until Jesus died on the cross for us. Then God’ grace (favour) was given to us free because of His love for us.

This book was a live changing experience for me. I have never read a book that explains God’s grace (favour) so clear. Joseph Prince keeps taking you back to God’s word. This book is a blessing from the first page to the last. It will bless you, your business and you relationships. It will make you see that God has a plan and a purpose for your life and that His grace (favour) is free. Joseph Prince is also the author of Destined To Reign and is the senior pastor of New Creation Church in Singapore with over 16,000 members. He is always reminding us that we are greatly blessed, highly favoured and deeply loved by God.

Angelology (Danielle Trussoni)

Review by Dawid van Lille
Penguin Group SA

Geeta Sharma Jensen of the Journal Sentinel writes that Danielle Trussoni's “gorgeous writing, fantastical imagination and familiarity with biblical and mythological texts are on splendid display in "Angelology," her first novel.” This novel is really an adventure story filled with battles between good and evil, a treasure hunt and some very relevant social commentary about class differences. That having been said, I found the story incredibly filled with details that detracted for me somewhat from the ‘real action’. So if you are looking for a fast-paced thriller, this is not the one for you. A thriller (albeit fantastical) it is, but somehow with it’s strong mythological overtones borders on science fiction. But, Danielle Trussoni has a gift for evoking amazing atmospheres and describing in tremendous detail the places and spaces that surround her characters. It is well written but may find more fans among those who treasure information over pace.

Abigail (Jill Eileen Smith)

Review by Patsy Kruger
Christian Art Publishers

Abigail one of the most admirable woman in the bible, a rich and evocative second installment to the The Wives of King David trilogy written by Jill Eileen Smith, filled with unexpected dramatic twists, turns and tender moments. The story in biblical times with both depth and drama brings David and Abigail in a believable and convincing vivid life story with such clarity and emotion that you feel as if you are sharing their experiences written with passion and multidimensional characters. With skill honed by years of historical research the author crafts the story in a way that takes us deep into the heart of King David and into the heart of a woman determined to follow God’s will, no matter the cost to her or to the man she loves.

July 2010 Editorial

How many times haven’t we heard, or even used the saying ourselves, “Home Is Where The Heart Is?” I know that I’ve used that saying myself in the past. So I was idly minding my own business the other when I started to think about this in a little more details. I know that the idiomatic expression is there to explain to us that no matter what our surroundings are like we can make a “go of it,” and really, turn any situation around into a positive and favourable experience. But I would like us to look at this expression a little more, well, literally.

In order for us to understand this expression literally we need to define what we mean by ‘heart.’ Etymologically speaking (a big word describing how a big word got so big in the first place), ‘heart’ could mean essence, core, centre or any other word describing the essential ‘you’. In the Old Testament the word ‘heart’ is translated from the Hebrew nephesh, meaning ‘the sum total of that which makes a human a living being,’ that would include our thoughts, motives, actions, and physiologically speaking, our breathing. So ‘heart’ really encompasses everything you and I are. IN this context, the expression that our home is where our heart is would really describe a person who is completely at peace with themselves and their surrounding. Does this sound like a utopian statement? And, is this state of mind really achievable?

I have noticed (in my own life and in that of my friends, acquaintances and strangers) how, in the absence of a balanced heart, we try to substitute it with stuff outside of this inner-self definition. In this scenario, our home becomes a house, a bond, a living-up-to-the-Jones’, an interior decorating style, and the latest, state-of-the-art gadgets. I am reminded of an advertisement that played on TV a while back, advertising (I think) a credit card provider. In this advert the narrator places a value on things in and around the house that we are able to buy for our children. The value increased for each of the items listed. At the end the camera shows a little girl of about three years old, laughing and playing in a simple cardboard box. The punch line of the advert came over this picture: the value was simply priceless. And so it should be in our own lives; it would be the basic things, stuff apparently without value that would actually enrich our lives. And in enriching our lives it would somehow contribute to the balancing of our heart-state!
I consider essential things to be family, friends, love, contentment and taking infinite pleasure in each breath. None of these things can be purchased at our local supermarket; in fact, there is not enough money or gold in the entire world that can pay the price for any of these. They are, simply, priceless.
Our authors focus this month on issues relating to this: home making. As you will find, the views expressed in this issue go beyond the mere physical spaces we occupy, but doesn’t ignore it; we go from time to eternal; we go from the end by looking at the beginning; we get to the finish line by remembering the sound of the starting gun. Please join us on our adventure and discoveries.

July 2010 Cover

Maybe Tomorrow (Craig Lawrence)

VOW (Audra Lynn)

Distributor: Brettian Productions

Audra Lynn expresses the joy of Calvary in her second album, entitled Vow. She declares Christ’s devotion and determination to conquer sin and death, all for love. Audra says "The goal behind my music is simple... I want to touch the heart of God". She also feels a freedom to express herself without formula "I follow no rules when writing my music except that they praise and glorify my Maker." When writing songs, she says, the creative process varies but the result is always a love song to Jesus. On this album Audra sings her creed to embrace Jesus’ path by taking up her cross to follow Him through soulful vocals. Her message on VOW is fused with expressive music that mixes gospel, folk and rock to create an experimental sound.

Laura Hackett (Laura Hackett)

Distributor: Brettian Productions

Laura Hackett learned to hear the voice of the Lord at a young age by sitting at her piano, singing the Word and listening for the Spirit. Glimpse Laura Hackett’s personal journey with the Lord as she expresses her heart through organic music in her self-titled debut album. Filled with simple, pure worship, this album is a sweet melody of love from Laura’s soul to the Lord. Her radiant voice is coupled with honest lyrics about fellowshipping with Christ. A swirl of folk and acoustic music weaves through this collection, supported by rich guitars and mellow piano. Laura Hackett is a vulnerable, autobiographical work brimming with her desire to be known by the Creator and to trust Him at all times. Let Laura Hackett draw you into deeper friendship with the Lord through abiding music.

iShine All Starz Vol.1

Review: Sharon Malan

Artists: Johnnie & Brookie, Mission Six, The Rubyz, Luke Benward, Jasmine, Kelsey Muse, Logan Charles

Distribution: Integrity Media Africa

This album in essence represents some of the best Christian tween artists for 2009 (from the USA), and includes tracks that will be enjoyed by most in the family. While the beats might be a little on the wild side for those in the shade of eighty, there is nothing that will stop teenagers from listening to the tracks over and over again. Parents, be warned – there may be volume issues in the home! It is incredible to hear and witness the phenomenal talent in the music industry; some of these tweens have done more in 16 years than many other people have done in 60. Many of the artists are regular guests (and presenters) on TBN’s iShine KNECT, and then also teamed up for the iSine Live! Tour last year. Very worthwhile as a library/iPod addition, but equally suitable for a birthday or other gift! iShine, Christian music specifically tweaked just for tweens.

Let Me See Your Eyes (Cory Asbury)

Distributor: Brettian Productions

Cory Asbury’s debut solo album, Let Me See Your Eyes, is a collection of indie-pop songs reflecting Cory’s passion to see Jesus clearly and to feel His presence. Cory sings with an ease that invites you to sing along and enjoy the nearness of the Holy Spirit. There are a variety of styles on Let Me See Your Eyes, from soul to rap to electro beats. The music is fuelled by an unquenchable desire to behold God and be changed into His likeness while creating an atmosphere for pursuing God in all of His splendour. Cory’s goal through his music is that hearts would fall more in love with Jesus, and that a deep longing to know and love Him more would be awakened. Cory says his hope is that when people listen to his songs, they'd find themselves in the presence of the Lord, that they would know the delight of God over them, and that they would find true enjoyment in spending time with Him.

Unshakable (Deluge)

Review by Titch Wild

Distributed by Integrity Media Africa

It seems every 2 years Jonathan Stockstill and the guy’s of Deluge bring out a really great album. Debuting in 2006 with Let the Church Rise and following with Deluge – Live from The Bethany Prayer Centre in 2008, the year 2010 sees the bands new release Unshakeable being released. I must admit I thought the album got off to a bit of a loud start however track 4, “ Power” got me thinking, wow this is good, real good! During a recent radio interview on Link FM Jonathan spoke of how Unshakeable bore its name from the death of a Stockstill family member at a very young age and the unshakeable faith that followed. “Overjoyed” is the radio plug track but let me tell you this album is packed full of good music. The worship songs in my opinion stand out head and shoulders above anything else which is what I really love and appreciate about Deluge, these guy’s love to worship.

Eternity Invades (Vicky Beeching)

Review: Titch Wild

Distributor: Integrity Media Africa

Vicky began writing songs from the age of 11, and leading worship since her early teens. After earning her Theology degree at Oxford University, she trained under the likes of Brian Doerksen and Brenton Brown. Vicky’s dad was the verger (a lay person who takes care of the interior of a church and acts as an attendant during services) for Hoath Church in Canterbury, Kent in the UK. Vicky Beeching is no new comer to the Christian music scene. Offering number 5 sees the release of her brand new album Eternity Invades. All of the tunes are accessible and can be implemented into worship with ease. The stand out track has got to be “Glory to God forever written by Steven Fee which kicks off with a marching snare drum roll and choral introduction. At first I thought it was a bit too choral but it quickly develops into an awesome song ending off with an acoustic guitar and voices in free worship, great! I highly recommend this album, especially if you are into worship music.

Organic Family Hymnal (Rend Collective Experiment)

Distribution: Integrity Media Africa

If you’re after something fresh, unique and totally new – look no further. Rend Collective Experiment are a group of 20-somethings from Northern Ireland who took their hearts, hopes, ambitions, questions and frustrations to God and sought after him like true worshippers – in spirit and in truth. Their biggest quest – life, God, community, kingdom living and how on earth all it all works together. Like a family – they worked and played through these issues together, and are poised to be some of the hottest sounds in Christian music. They’ve got vocalists with a rock ‘n roll edge and some with Celtic soul. They do pop hits, intimate worship melodies and funky, indie tunes too but not without trumpets and flutes. This is big band meets cool with a big heart after God. According to the team their music is for all and not just the religious! “A huge part of our ethos is about generating money that can help those who are less fortunate than us. Not making them charity cases but standing with the poor and oppressed in solidarity as one family. Oh and there are about 15 of us all together so don't let the photos fool you - they are just the ones who where around the day we found a camera!” The album cover asks the question, “What is Organic Worship?” and then answers, “An honest and natural connection with God, something which is authentic and not artificial. We hope then that this album meets the organic standard. Our ‘hymns’ come from our own journey and experiences with Jesus and are made with our own hands in our own homes, nit in a polished studio. We call ourselves family and a collective, not just a band. So welcome to the family!” So with that invite, get out and get your copy.

Faithful (Richard Lange)

Review by Waldo Malan

Whenever I pick up CD by an independent artist, I must admit I do so with a certain amount of apprehension. However, from the first track of Richard Lange’s Faithful I was hooked and intrigued. Richard is a part-time lead worshipper at Church of the Holy Spirit in Cape Town and has been playing the piano since he was young. This is his second CD, the first being Finally Free, a home recording done in 2005. This album is co-produced by Matt Allison, recorded at the studio of André de Villiers and featuring other session musicians from the Cape Town area.

I loved the vocal purity of Richard’s vocals; it has a quality that demands the listener pay attention, and this is a good thing since the content of the songs are deep. While I am writing I want to say that such-and-such a song is my favourite, but really, I find each song unique in its attraction. Folkish at times, the songs are brilliant in their simplicity of arrangement and production. Not a single song is overdone – great stuff!

The tracks include “Open My Eyes,” a song speaking about our need to hear God’s voice; “Whore” touched me deeply and calls for us to turn our back on sin; “Bride” encourages us to remember that Christ is returning soon, while “Worth Dying For” challenges us to live in the fullness of our calling; “Crush” invites us to see the fingerprints of God around us, and similarly, “Faithful,” the title track, encourages us to live in God.

You will not have seen this CD in your local store, so contact Richard and get yourself a copy!

The Jewish Study Bible (Adele Berlin et.al)

Oxford University Press South Africa (www.oxford.co.za)

PUBLISHER'S RELEASE

The Jewish Study Bible is a one-volume resource tailored especially for the needs of students of the Hebrew Bible. Nearly forty scholars worldwide contributed to the translation and interpretation of the Jewish Study Bible, representing the best of Jewish biblical scholarship available today. A committee of highly respected biblical scholars and rabbis from the Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform Judaism movements produced this modern translation. No knowledge of Hebrew is required for one to make use of this unique volume. The JSB uses The Jewish Publication Society TANAKH Translation, whose name is an acronym formed from the Hebrew initials of the three sections into which the Hebrew Bible is traditionally divided (Torah, Instruction; Nevi'im, Prophets; and Kethubim, Writings).

Reviews

"The Jewish Study Bible encompasses a monumental assembly of critical learning and acumen, representing the achievement of an entire generation of Jewish scholars. The commentaries are not only erudite but purposeful and theologically alert. A heroic undertaking, brilliantly conceived and executed with panache." Jacob Neusner

"Serious students of Judaism will want to have a copy of this outstanding and surprisingly affordable study Bible, which stands in the tradition of Oxford's great study Bibles." Publishers Weekly, Religion Bookline

"Another superb holiday gift, especially appropriate for non-Orthodox Jews, is The Jewish Study Bible from Oxford University Press, which finally stands alongside the many verse-by-verse commentaries for Christians. This work also is recommended for serious-minded Christian readers." Associated Press

Do Fish Feel Pain? (Victoria Braithwaite)

Waldo Malan

Oxford University Press South Africa (www.oxford.co.za)

At first I thought the title was a metaphor for something else, or some philosophical slant, but no, Victoria Braithwaite deals literally with the subject of whether fish feel pain. So with my interest piqued I picked up the book and sat down to start paging through. Michael Agger, writer and fisherman comments, “Whenever one of these studies about fish pain appears, animal lovers start glaring at me and my fellow fishermen. If fish can experience pain, then angling must be a cruel sport, right up there with deer hunting, bear baiting, and eating hot dogs. Why can't we just leave fish alone and do something else?” The anti-fishing crowd is seemingly supported in this book by biologist Victoria Braithwaite; she explores the question of fish pain and fish suffering, explaining what science can now tell us about fish behaviour, examining the related ethical questions about how we should treat these animals. However, her well balanced approach stems from active involvement in the fishing industry as well as angling, and in this book she argues for the protection of all fish and to afford them the same protective privileges afforded birds and other animals. Even for a non-fisherman this will prove to be an interesting read.

Listen (Rene Gutteridge)

Review by Patricia Kruger

Tyndale (Christian Art Distributors)

Once I opened this novel I found it difficult to put down as Rene Gutteridge's talent for suspense keeps the pages turning from its captivating prologue to its powerful ending. It tells a story of a model town called Marlo where you would like to raise your family until someone posted private conversations onto a website for everyone to read. Everybody's lives are touched by words. Words are powerful and sometimes hurtful. Words can also encourage and lift you up. The author has written an engaging and memorable fascinating and tightly crafted story.

90 Minutes in Heaven (Don Piper)

SPECIAL EDITION FOR TEENAGERS

Review by Joshua Werner Dörfelt

Christian Art Publishers

90 Minutes in Heaven is a true story about a preacher, Don Piper. He tells how he was involved in a head-on collision with an eighteen-wheeler semi-truck. He died on impact and then went to heaven for an unforgettable ninety minutes, only to be brought back to life with serious injuries. His road to recovery was very slow and very painful. He could never walk properly again, but God showed him that he had to tell others about his experience that had changed his life and use it to touch countless other lives. If you don’t believe in heaven, or if your belief has grown dim, I would encourage you to read this book. I really enjoyed reading it and I got even more excited about God’s promise for them that love him.

Lifestyle Changes To Beat Addiction (Ray Eberlein)

Review by Sharon Malan

KnowRes Publishing (011 880 8540)

This is a book that together with a Facilitator Guide, Workbook, Visual Aids and Handouts (these are downloadable from the net) forms a teaching-learning package that will help the recovering dependant and co-dependants in the process of healing. It aims to identify and understand the extent of the substance abuse problem, and to influence the dependant to undergo treatment and a lifestyle change to bring about a long-term sobriety.

It is obvious that this work represents the passion of the author, and what he set out to accomplish is indeed done. A great resource for dependants, parents, teachers and counsellors, I can well see this as an essential tool in the hands of those who labour to help bring freedom to those who are under the influence of addictions. The book is laid out with tables, easy-to-follow diagrams and bullet lists, all there to bring across the aid in its essential form.

The Reason for God (Timothy Keller)

Review by Waldo Malan

This book has been listed on the New York Times Top10 bestseller list, and addresses the issue of having belief in an age of scepticism. The age-old questions that is always asked by people the world over, such as “Why does God allow suffering in the world?” and “Why isn’t Christianity more inclusive?” are dealt with in a straightforward way. Keller writes, “Respectful dialogue between entrenched traditional conservative and secular liberal people is a great good, and I hope this book will promote it.” And indeed he does! Never condescending, but always honest Keller looks at Christian beliefs, but in light of other points of view, and comes to the conclusion that the Truth will prevail. So whether you are a sceptic, or just friends with some who are, this is a great read to help you discern truth from fiction.

The Magnificent Obsession (Anne Graham Lotz)

Review by Natasha Videler
Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton / Distributed by Jonathan Ball

This is simply a must-read for anyone desiring to grow in intimacy with the One True God. With transparent examples and a clear delivery of the Word, one is passionately extruded into hungering after Him. She takes you on a journey where Abraham, the father of our faith and the friend of God, walks off the pages until you discover that you are His magnificent obsession! Her pursuit in her own words: Knowing God and making Him known. Receiving His blessing to be a blessing. Fulfilling all the potential He has for my life. Living a life of step-by-step obedient faith. Embracing the God-filled life… a life of eternal significance. If you are brave and/or desperate enough to join this journey, you’re in for a ride of a lifetime!

June 2010 Cover

June 2010 Editorial

The United Nations (I am not sure who specifically to blame or congratulate) has decided that 2010 should be known as The Year Of The Forest. It seems apt especially in light of the growing awareness and alarm concerning global warming and the steady destruction of earth’s natural resources. I am a firm supporter and believer that we are to protect and nurture our environment, not only because I consider it a Godly mandate, but also because we only have one earth! To my knowledge all our space explorations have yet to find us an alternative to this beautiful blue planet! So, what I do with my surroundings and environment really becomes my legacy to my children, and a part of my inheritance to my grandchildren.

The cycle of time has always fascinated me; time is “invented” and put in place by God when he created earth and decided that seasons should govern this globe. The place God decides to start implementing this temporary tick-tock is in a garden; this garden becomes the personification of a Divine design in earthly perfection… until humankind redesigns, redraws and alters the original blueprint. Part of my fascination lie with the fact that God created everything for us (humans) to enjoy, yet we are not created, but fashioned! Fashioned speaks to me of a “personal touch” – you may or may not agree with me on this, but consider for a moment the truth that each person’s DNA is unique!

Now in this time-space continuum God keeps on drawing analogies between what He created (let me call it Nature) and what He fashioned! So when God speaks I find myself compared to trees, streams, grass, flowers, gazelles, rocks and many other things. I find it significant that all humans are eternally spirit, yet the shell (body) dies, and at the same time that God promises to destroy our current habitation and create for us a New Earth.

With all the analogies and comparisons, what are we doing to preserve our environment, both the environment bound to time and the environment bound to that which is outside of our 3D perceived world? Are we neglecting the one for the sake of the other? Should we even bother if fatalistically we can say, “Earth has to come to an end anyway?”

This month we explore these and other critical issues… if all humanity were a forest, what would we do to preserve that place, and how would we tend it so that all trees were able to enthusiastically clap their hands? As I said, just another schplurb about some really significant things.

Waldo

PS: “schplurb” – when I was a student we used this word as a derivative of the Yiddish expression “schpiel”, meaning the whole thing, or play; schplurb therefore denotes conscious ramblings that may or may not make sense, depending on the company, situation, location and time of day! Much later, the X-generation stole the term and rephrased it “blurp”, only to be made popular by the Y-generation as “blog”. I am sure that if I could speak with my grandparents today, they would say that my generation (baby boomers) stole the word from them and that it used to be…

June 2010 TV Advert