How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World

I know. I know. You three loyal readers of this blog were probably expecting an update regarding the WSC conference. Well, that is still likely to come. But it has been on my mind to blog up this book I read over the holiday break and I am just now getting around to doing that. I like to recommend good books when I read one, and I just read one.

The book is Stephen J. Nichols work called The Reformation: How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World. It came out in 2007. I remember seeing it then but didn’t really have the time to check it out. I also thought the title was overstated and cheesy. But when the wrapping paper came off a certain present I received this holiday season, I was presently surprised to find this book underneath all the wrapping. I dug into the book that very day and couldn’t put it down. I finished it in about a week and I am sure that without delays it would have been finished even earlier.

In my estimate Nichols is quite a gifted writer. He is able to take a huge topic like the Reformation and make it digestible for the average reader. Each chapter was very lively and engaging which made for a fast yet stimulating read.

Nichols starts off the book by aptly showing why the Reformation still matters and why history can be exciting. Perhaps some of you are like me and history was not exactly your best topic in school. Well, not to fear, you can read Nichols book. It is history that is written very well in my opinion. And I believe this is the case because Nichols humanizes history in a way that very few writers can. For instance, the chapter on Luther and the German Reformation begins with the line, “Martin Luther died within eyeshot of the font where he was baptized as an infant.” For one, I never knew this. And two, that is a great sentence that captures the reader’s attention from the get go and serves the purpose of humanizing history.

Another strength of the book, in addition to Nichols ability as a writer, is the plethora of appendices provided throughout the body of the book. Now, I understand that appendices are usually not considered exciting, but these appendices are. Why? Because they contain a lot of primary source data and fascinating anecdotes about certain aspects of the Reformation. For instance, this book has photos of some of the famous churches of the Reformation, facsimile’s of original documents of the Reformation, portraits of the important figures of the Reformation, etc. And at the end of the book there is one large appendix that contains the text of some great primary source material as well. So I give props to a book that is popular in its purpose, yet really desires the readers to acquaint themselves with some of the primary source material.

Probably the greatest strength of the book however is in its selection of topics. Yes, its about the Reformation. But that’s not what I mean. Nichols, as all historians, has to choose what to discuss about the Reformation. No historian can say everything. And I find Nichols choices to be solid. His chapters take us to the German Reformation with Luther, Zwingli and the Swiss reforms, the Anabaptists, Geneva and Calvin, Anglicans and the British Reformation, the Puritans, and the book ends with a chapter on the untold story of women and the Reformation (an oft unexplored side of things in my opinion). These different lenses through which to view the Reformation make for a very well rounded discussion of this huge topic. And a book that does this in 128pgs., is doing quite well for itself.

In conclusion, Nichols has done an excellent job giving a thumbnail (yet detailed) sketch of the people, places, and institutions surrounding the Reformation. For a popular, overview type book, he does a great job hitting different aspects of this time period. It is a book that by reading I learned a great deal. I did have church history courses at seminary, but all the profs told us students that we would have to supplement our history education (which majored on the theology of church history) with details about the cultural, political, and sociological factors of church history. This book helps do that. And I would recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the Reformation. It is a great introduction for folks just learning about the Reformation, but also serves as a great investigation for those already acquainted with the Reformation. You can find the book here.

I am excited now to jump into some other Nichols books in the future. Books like this, and this. Cheers.

Random pictures

Here are some random pictures from the past few days. We had zoo day, beach day (where we saw some whales off the coast), and park day. Its been a grand time. I'm telling you all, WSC does a conference every year. Consider coming to the conference and enjoying southern California once a year. It makes for a great time with family. And the conference is always stimulating and edifying.

Now tonight the main event begins. How are Christians to think about culture and the role of the church in the world? Such are the questions fueling this conference. Excited for it to get going.

WSC celebrates 30 years

Three cheers for the old school. Last night Rebecca and I went to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Westminster Seminary California at the very fine Escondido center for performing arts. It was a well put together program. The food and service was top notch, the fellowship was sweet, and the speakers were passionate.

As you can see the theme for the celebration was "valiant for truth." Westminster was established to be and remains to this day a stalwart for confessional Reformed theology. As the WSC community celebrated 30 years the obvious discussion of the night was how this fine institution will remain faithful to their mission for the next 30 years. A humorous quote by R.C. Sproul found its way on the anniversary addition magazine of the school. Sproul is quoted as saying, "WSC is my favorite seminary in the world. You have served faithfully for 30 years and I pray you will continue in your steadfast dedication to the gospel of Christ for at least 300 years more." Wow, no one was vision casting for the next 300 years. However, the next 30 made for good discussion.

The program included a talk by the President Robert Godfrey regarding 5 points that makes WSC distinctive from other seminaries in North America. You can see the main outline of his points here. Indeed many of the points are why I chose to go to WSC and why I would recommend anyone considering seminary to visit WSC and strongly consider attending. The faculty is able to compete with the top scholars in the respective fields of theological study. And yet, the purpose is not to gain the praise of men, but to equip the church. To train ministers to shepherd the flock of God faithfully. Indeed the entire faculty is composed of men who have demonstrated apt academic ability (all having phd's) while at the same time being ordained ministers in Reformed churches. This pastor-scholar commitment, among other things, is one of the big distinctions that drew me to the school.

The night closed with a most impassioned and superb talk by WSC alumnus Eric Hausler who is an ordained minister in the OPC. The talk was titled: WSC Education: Demanding & Distinctive. He made the case as to why the church needs ministers who have had a most demanding and distinct education. The kind one will find at WSC. Indeed Christ's church deserves no less. It was an excellent way to end the evening. Rev. Hausler spoke a very good word to the 200 or so in attendence.

It was sublime to have so many wonderful people in one room. As I looked around I thanked God for giving such good gifts to his church. All the scholars associated with the school past, present, and future. Quite a distinguished bunch. All the pastors laboring in the trenches. All the donors and staff. So many servants of the flock of God. Needless to say, it was a special night.

Well, tommorow begins day 1 of the WSC conference on Christ, Kingdom, and Culture. Expect updates here at the Publican Chest.

Warm, Warm, Warm

We got into San Diego, and alas, we were warm. We were beginning to think the notion of our sun was a myth because of the winter going on in Nebraska. I have not experienced a winter as bad as the one Omaha is having. Geesh. Blizzard, snow, freezing cold, winds. You cannot go outside.

But we left that behind and landed in San Diego harbor where it was 74 degrees. I quickly shredded off the layers and started running laps up and down the sidewalk. I have not been able to work out outside in months. It felt great. One of the first things we saw that told us we weren't in Omaha anymore was that fancy Ferrari in the picture above. Ha. That thing would not even start in Omaha.

We then headed to Coronado island. I got my feet in the ocean. It felt good. Not to cold. But again we left Omaha and it was 8 below. So 59 degree water feels like the sun was lapping my body.

Now as promised, the visual juxtaposition of Omaha and San Diego. In the San Diego video we are seen with our good friends, the Lunds. Good times.

Snow, Snow, Snow

Here is one for ya. This was the scene of part of our travels west to Denver. Around the Greenwood exit on I-80 they basically had snow plows leading the way through to clearer roads. This was the worst part of I-80. Everything else was fine. Omaha especially. I think the news didn't do a very thorough job reporting on the roads. The roads were much better than expected, save for this one trouble spot far west of Omaha. At any rate, we're getting ready to fly from Denver (which is around 46 degrees today) to San Diego. Its nice to be out of the cold. We are thankful to God for granting many traveling mercies to us.

Its cold outside my window mama

Here are some photos from today's snowstorm in Omaha, NE. This is our third blizzard of the year. Insane. I am lofted up in the attic working on a sermon I plan to deliver this Lord's Day in San Diego, CA. The good folks at our old California church, Harvest OPC, have kindly asked me to preach while we are out visiting. We just hope we can make it out. The forecast for San Diego is 75 and sunny. Here is a little video I made to document the snow. I hope to make another video when we land in San Diego harbor.

Good stuff to start off the new year

Wow, I spent some time on the computer today and was amazed at some of the good stuff out there to read and listen to. So in a very particular order here are some links to keep you busy if you have an itch to surf and be edified.

1) Check out this piece at Old Life stating the differences between the OPC and PCA as drawn up by the J&R committee in 1986. While at seminary, I took a whole day and read all the minutes of the PCA and OPC's general assemblies regarding the potential merger between the two "split P's" as we call em. It is a fascinating tale. Of all people Daryl Hart probably has the best angle on what went on. I have my opinions which have not fully matured. But maybe when they do, I will share.

2) Check out this op-ed by Bono. Stimulating and challenging as always.

3) Ok, so there is a particular order to this list. Namely, I saved the best for last. Last week the good folks over at the White Horse Inn interviewed the person many believe to be the best living American novelist of our day, Marilynne Robinson. Listen to this interview. I was privied to Robinson's affections for Calvinism in an article she wrote for Harper's a few years back. But this interview helped me put some pieces together. She is so well stated, and her remarks on beauty and Calvinism is a message needing more spokespersons.

Enjoy!

Colorado and 2010

Above are some highlights from our recent trip out to Colorado. Isaiah had his first swimming pool experience with his cousins Sam and Malachi. It was excellent. We also took a family hike and found a scenic overlook. Colorado was looking amazing this time of year. All in all we had a great time with family.

Wham! Suddenly then the New Year is upon us. Boy, the year has flown. Last year this time I was sick as a dog flying back to California. But then the ensuing year included my landing a pastoral internship back in Omaha, NE. Graduating from seminary. And most exciting and wonderful of all, the Lord was pleased to bless us with our firstborn child. A healthy boy named Isaiah. We do not deserve such kindness. Indeed, if the year needed to be summed up for us it would be "God's kindness to the undeserving." Why is God so kind and longsuffering? When we look at ourselves we moan. Yet when we reflect upon our God we are paralyzed by his goodness seen most vividly in the holy Gospel and confirmed to us by the holy sacraments. He sent his only son to die for a wicked backstabbing, lying, cheating people. A people he has chosen from all eternity to redeem and change into his bride. He has accomplished that redemption fully and completely in Christ. Now as pilgrims we await his second advent. Being sanctified as we look for his coming. Praise the Lord should be our mantra as the ball drops.

New Year's Resolutions: 1) Read the Bible all the way through, check out this sweet reading program.
I like the reading program because of its variety. It takes you to different spots in the Word yet there is a purpose and reason behind it.

2) Think more about how to bless family members.
3) Thus spend more quality time with family.
4) Memorize more scripture

...the list could go on. Needless to say, we're excited about what the Lord will do in this year simply because of who he is.

Best album of the year: Delta Spirit's "Ode to Sunshine." It came out in 2008. My point exactly.

Happy New Year! And Roll On!