Monday, July 26, 2010

“Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy,” by Eric Metaxas

Who better to face the greatest evil of the 20th Century than a humble man of faith?









About the Author:
Eric Metaxas grew up in Danbury, Connecticut, and graduated Yale University in 1984. He is the author of the New York Times bestseller “Amazing Grace: William Wilberforce and the Heroic Campaign to End Slavery.” His writing has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, and the Atlantic Monthly, and he has appeared as a cultural commentator on CNN and Fox News. He is the founder and host of Socrates in the City, the acclaimed Manhattan speaker’s series on “life, God, and other small topics.” Eric lives in New York City with his wife and daughter. His website is ericmetaxas.com.







Book Description:
From the New York Times best-selling author of Amazing Grace, a groundbreaking biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, one of the greatest heroes of the twentieth century, the man who stood up to Hitler. A definitive, deeply moving narrative, Bonhoeffer is a story of moral courage in the face of the monstrous evil that was Nazism. After discovering the fire of true faith in a Harlem church, Bonhoeffer returned to Germany and became one of the first to speak out against Hitler. As a double agent, he joined the plot to assassinate the Führer, and was hanged in Flossenberg concentration camp at age 39. Since his death, Bonhoeffer has grown to be one of the most fascinating, complex figures of the 20th century. Bonhoeffer presents a profoundly orthodox Christian theologian whose faith led him to boldly confront the greatest evil of the 20th century, and uncovers never-before-revealed facts, including the story of his passionate romance.


My Thoughts:
Never has there been a man like Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and never will there be again, and “Bonhoeffer: Pastor, Martyr, Prophet, Spy,” opens a window into the life of this great man. It isn’t a difficult read, but for me, even as a fast reader, it took me four or five days to complete. There is so much information on the man himself, the era and culture, and personal letters- all necessary to flesh out the character of Bonhoeffer. I’ve read my share of books on Bonhoeffer and while they were good, Metaxas’ is fantastic and a must-read for any Bonhoeffer enthusiast, Nazi Germany historian, Christian, and anyone else who requires reassurance that not every German in World War II was evil incarnate.

Wednesday, July 21, 2010

A Christian Writer’s Woes

I’m not like most Christian writers. From what I have observed they write strictly to glorify God and while I admire that, I don’t do as they do. I love God and intend to serve Him for all of my days on earth and in heaven, but when I put pen to paper (or finger tips to keyboard) my mind is full of dialog, characters, description and plots. I think of Him off and on, but when I am scribbling or typing away, my thoughts are more focused on how attractive I can make this particular scene.

While I intend to craft a novel in such a way that points to Jesus as the Answer for all mankind, when I write it is to satisfy myself. It is the workings of an imaginative mind, the musings of a lonely heart, and the outpourings of an uncommunicative soul. You know, I can’t even recall ever asking God if it was His will for me to be a novelist. I just always assumed that since I have that kind of gift that I was destined to write. I fanaticize about the day when I can walk into any bookstore and find my works on the shelves next to other literary greats.

I rarely pray before I create a new story, character or anything of the sort. Usually I just put it all down and at some later date I talk to the Almighty about it. Sometimes the ideas come so fast that I want to flesh them out before I forget them. Sometimes I feel that words alone can’t describe how I feel about still being unpublished and I ask the Holy Spirit to relate my pain to the Lord.

Writing is really the only thing I know how to do. And do well. I have a few other gifts but the passion for them isn’t there. Whether I ever see my works in print, I have to write. It is an obsession; it is like breathing to me.

Monday, July 19, 2010

What is the number one thing on your bucket list?

Get published (c'mon, you had to know that was like #1 on the list).

Monday, July 12, 2010

What are 3 books you've read that you've greatly enjoyed and recommend to others and why?

1. The Bible. It's God's #1 Best Seller.

2. "Redeeming Love," by Francine Rivers. Can't describe how much I love this book and why. Just read it and you'll understand.

3. "The Shack," by William P. Young. Its Christianity in a nutshell.

Now, I command you to go forth and read all these books. :~)

Sunday, July 4, 2010

140 Days of Prayer with Charles Stanley

The best way to rescue America is to get on your knees and pray for God's intervention. Even if you don't want to commit officially, at the very least keep this country in your prayers. God is America's only hope.

http://www.intouch.org/resources/140-days-of-prayer