How to Stay Christian in College by J. Budziszewski

Attending college is both a prideful and stressful point in a young adult’s life. J. Budziszewski’s How to Stay Christian in College teaches college bound students, current college students, and parents what to expect at college and how to succeed spiritually socially, and academically. The book focuses on worldviews, campus myths, and how to cope. Budziszewski opens with a concise overview of Christianity. He focuses on what a healthy relationship with God looks like. He goes on to explain how to deal with questions from non-Christian peers, classes that conflict with beliefs, social activities, dating, politics, and church attendance.

Having recently graduated from college, I can say that much of the information provided in this book is accurate. However, I personally did not experience religious opposition to the extent that Budziszewski outlines. I never had a professor that mocked my religion or failed to give me space to state my beliefs. Nevertheless, I imagine that Budziszewski’s findings are more precise at other campuses.

Budziszewski perfectly illustrates what students will experience as they travel to a new location that is alienated from their friends and family. He shows students how to form beneficial friendships and engage in appropriate dating. Many other compelling points are made throughout the book. The most powerful for me concerns the almightiness of God. Budziszewski passionately depicts how humans belong to God. Using a real estate metaphor, he explains, we only have temporary possession of our bodies and not title. Thus, every part of our life must be dedicated to God.

I would highly recommend How to Stay Christian in College to people of all ages. While the book is targeted towards a certain group, its messages concerning worship, friendship, and marriage can benefit anyone. Budziszewski’s book is an entertaining and fast read that can be easily completed among the busyness of college preparation. Using Budziszewski’s advice will allow students to have a much safer, enjoyable, and productive time at college.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

The Pursuit of Holiness by Jerry Bridges

Jerry Bridges’ The Pursuit of Holiness challenges readers to obey God’s command of holiness and obedience. We cannot simply pray and passively wait for our sinful habits to disappear. Self-discipline and responsibility is a major part of holiness. Bridges uses a metaphor of farming to illustrate this idea. He explains that a farmer cannot simply pray for prosperous crops. He must prepare the ground, plant seeds, and thoroughly care for them. Similarly, we must put sincere effort into overcoming our own sins.

Bridges makes many compelling points in his book. He shows how no sin is small enough that it can be overlooked or accepted. For example, a person with an obsession for playing and watching tennis may not want to categorize her activity as sinful. However, allowing a seemingly harmless activity to dominate one’s life is a huge sin according to Biblical teachings. More obvious, movies, music, and television shows that evoke impure thoughts are also sinful.

The Pursuit of Holiness provides a quick quiz to determine if a certain activity is productive or an example of disobedience. When unsure, one should ask the following questions about the activity: 1) Is it helpful—physically, spiritually, and mentally? 2) Does it bring me under its power? 3) Does it hurt others? 4) Does it glorify God?

One of the most powerful messages in the book for me, concerns overcoming jealousy and envious thoughts. Instead of desiring what someone else has, we should ask God to bless that person “even more and give you a spirit of contentment so that you will not continue to envy” (102). We should be motivated by holiness instead of envy and materialism.

Overall, the messages found in this book are vital for anyone struggling with sin. Whether it is overeating, sexual deviance, hatred, or any other sin, this book will show readers how to overcome it so we can lead holy lives and attain salvation. The message is straightforward and communicated in only 154 pages. Bridges does not waste time with unimportant details that may push readers away. I highly recommend this quick but powerful book to others.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."

Eating Patterns and Chronic Disease: Introducing 'The Living Healthy System' by Dr. David Estwick

Dr. David Estwick’s Eating Patterns and Chronic Disease claims that a diet high in refined carbohydrates is responsible for high cholesterol, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other serious conditions. High intakes of sugar can also sabotage diets. Contrary to popular belief, eating fat alone does not lead to obesity. Similarly, consuming cholesterol high foods does not cause elevated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels. Sugar must be present in order for cells to store fat in the body. Thus, consuming less sugar will decrease the amount of fat your body stores, and reduce weight.

Throughout the book, Dr. Estwick makes many claims that directly challenge advice given by reputable organizations such as the American Diabetes Association and U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Each claim is fully supported by the findings from numerous clinical studies. However, I found the number of case studies overwhelming. In fact, there are over 200 references in the 85 page book. I had expected Dr. Estwick’s book to be a more “how-to” guide for reducing carbohydrate intake. Instead, it focuses on why sugar is dangerous. That said, Dr. Estwick’s thesis and research is very convincing. It thoroughly illustrates the reason why sugar is a double-edged sword. I would recommend this book to anyone who consumes a diet high in carbohydrates.

You can pick up a copy at the online bookstore:

http://store.yahoo.com/cgi-bin/clink?dorrance+vWVLFn+index.html+

I received a complimentary copy of Eating Patterns and Chronic Disease as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team. Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Masquerade by Nancy Moser

Masquerade, by Nancy Moser, is an enjoyable combination of “The Prince and the Pauper, Titanic, The Age of Innocence, and Far and Away.” Set in the 1880s, this historical romance centers on nineteen-year-old Charlotte “Lottie” Gleason’s transition from a child of English wealth to a victim of poverty in America. Lottie’s parents arranged for her to marry a rich New Yorker. Lottie, along with her maid and close friend Dora, is meant to travel to America to meet her future husband. During the voyage, however, Lottie decides to switch identities with Dora. Lottie hopes to secure her independence and find true love. Instead, she is thrust into extreme poverty and crime. Her fairy tale plans are transformed into a tale of survival.

Moser does a great job juxtaposing what Lottie and Dora (impersonating Lottie) experience in America. Lottie is reduced from wearing elaborate silk dresses to picking up dirty blouses from the garbage. Dora, on the other hand, transitions from plain maid uniforms to tailored gowns. Moser goes on to compare the difference in bathrooms, dinners, people, sleeping quarters, and many of things. An enlightening view of poverty and wealth is vividly illustrated in Moser’s novel.

Masquerade is an entertaining and quick read. While a few sections of the plot are a bit predictable, the majority of the book is filled with suspense. Each of the main characters is dynamic and undergoes drastic changes. While I am not a fan of romance books, I truly enjoyed reading Masquerade. I strongly recommend this book to others interested in learning about what early immigrants to America experienced. Masquerade craftily merges a love story with an accurate history lesson.

I received this book free from Bethany House Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Transforming Church in Rural America by Shannon O’Dell

In his book, Transforming Church in Rural America, Shannon O’Dell explains how he converted a tiny rural Arkansas church into a multi-site campus with added virtual followers from all over the world. O’Dell turned down several great positions at large urban churches to work at a poor church in the boonies. While his good intentions were often met with resistance, O’Dell continued and formed Brand New Church.

This book is geared towards helping rural pastors overcome the struggles of ministering to small churches. He explains the five most important “V.A.L.U.E’s” needed for a successful church: vision, attitude, leadership, understanding, and enduring excellence. For O’Dell, vision is the most important. Without a vision, growth is not possible because congregates are not willing to wholeheartedly contribute without direction.

Transforming Church in Rural America is motivational for pastors or average people with a project of their own. O’Dell’s advice can easily be applied to other situations. For example, O’Dell advises readers to realize they can do the impossible. “We do what seems logical,” O’Dell writes, “things the Church can do in its own strength, things in our comfort zones” (64). However, visions should be larger. They should require much prayer to be possible.

In addition to his wise message, O’Dell interweaves telling anecdotes that reveal the personalities found in some rural churches. He explains the stress he underwent as board members refused to fill a sandbox for children. And, the massive hatred he experienced because he proposed that the church pews be replaced with more efficient seating. Trivial things such as these honestly brought O’Dell to tears.

Overall, O’Dell’s book is a great motivational read. I highly recommend this book to others whether they are pastors or not.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Thomas Nelson Publishers as part of their BookSneeze.com book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 : “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”