Review for " The Selfless Gene" by Charles Foster

The Selfless Gene: Living With God and Darwin is an apt description for what Charles Foster sets out to accomplish with this book. He takes a middle-of-the-road approach, admitting his anger with both extreme camps of the debate: the extreme Darwinists and the Creationists. Foster proceeds to dismantle both positions, along the way offering a scientific and theological discussion that leaves room for both evolution and religion to breathe.

As a Christian, I have always wrestled with how to reconcile the apparent contradictions between what the Bible says and what science continues to discover. This book was a fascinating look at how one does not need to discard belief in God and the Bible, or respect for science! While I am not sure I agree with all his conclusions, especially the theological implications, he has stretched my thinking and given me a great deal to ponder. If you have already made up your mind where you fall in the evolution debate, this book will make you angry. I highly recommend it for any open-minded person who wants to learn more.

The book is not an easy read as it contains a great deal of scientific language and references. However, it is accessible. Some of the scientific chapters seemed long, but on the whole it kept my interest and by the end I found I could not put it down.

Four out of five stars.

Review for "This Is Your Brain In Love" by Dr. Earl Henslin

"This Is Your Brain In Love" by Dr. Earl Henslin does an excellent job of blending science with relationship counseling. Far from dry and sterile, this book is very readable yet packed with informative content. Dr. Henslin discusses the science behind our love relationships as humans. In a fascinating display of the latest scientific research on the brain, Henslin reveals how understanding brain imbalance can aid a couple in improving their marriage relationship. He identifies 5 types of inbalances and the personality/behavioral patterns that result. Included are assessments the reader can take, and suggestions for how to deal with each imbalance in specific. The book is written from the perspective of Christian faith.

I loved this book! It took me only 2 days to get through it because I was fascinated and it was enjoyable to read. Henslin describes the imbalances clearly and the assessments are right on the money. It was easy to tell where I and my husband each fall! Beyond just describing the imbalances, Dr. Henslin also gives great practical advice on how to deal with each condition, whether in yourself or in your mate. The advice includes behavior, medication and supplements, and diet. I appreciate how it has already helped me understand my marriage relationship better, and given me some tools to help improve it. The final chapter gives some wonderful advice about how to enjoy lasting love - scripture and psychology in perfect harmony! 5 out of 5 stars.

Review for "The Gospel According to LOST"

"The Gospel According to LOST" by Chris Seay was a fun read. He takes the mysteries and characters of this beloved TV series and explores them from a position of faith, philosophy, and just plain love for the story. If you are looking for explanations of what and why, this book is not it. No spoilers, no theories... just a celebration of the mystery and ponderings of what we do know. A chapter is dedicated to each of the main characters in the series, exploring why we love (or hate) these characters, how they reflect our own lives, and the journey of growth they have taken through the series.

As a fan waiting for the final season to begin, this book re-ignited my imagination and has whetted my appetite even more. I would have like to see more discussion of philosophy and physics (he mentions and celebrates the themes, but does not delve into them deeply. Perhaps it is not his area of expertise!). The chapter on how Jesus sees lost people is perhaps the best one in the book. It was a quick, fun read, leaving me a little disappointed that I did not learn much more than I already knew... but still it was fun to listen to a fellow fan's thoughtful musings. Much like what we do with our friends following each episode! 4 out of 5 stars.

Review for "The Liturgical Year" by Joan Chittister

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The Liturgical Year by Joan Chittister (Thomas Nelson, 2009) is a fresh look at the traditional church calendar and the role it can have in helping people grow in faith and spiritual maturity. Sister Joan is a Benedictine nun, but her writing on this topic is accessible to anyone of Christian faith. This is not a stuffy, "how-to" book! The traditional seasons, feasts, and fasts are presented with a thoughtful explanation of the motivation behind the celebrations. Sister Joan captures the beauty of these religious observances and gently reveals how they can lead a Christ-follower to greater depth in our walk with Jesus.

My background is not Catholic (I come from an evangelical, holiness church) but I enjoyed this book! I knew a little about the liturgical year before reading, but now have a deep appreciation for the richness of this heritage. There is great mystery and wonder in participating with The Church that is centuries old! The traditions, often looked upon as "ritualistic" and "empty" by those outside of the Catholic faith, actually have deep meaning and, if entered thoughtfully, can inspire growth in our devotion to Jesus. Reading this book was just in time for Advent, and has sparked my interest in following the liturgical scripture readings as part of my own celebration of Christmas this year. While I found the opening few chapters to be redundant, once she began the discussion of the seasons I found it a rewarding read. This is a book I will keep and reference throughout the year!

I am a book reviewer for Thomas Nelson Book Review Bloggers.