TYNDALE: THE MAN WHO GAVE GOD AN ENGLISH VOICE

I received a copy of TYNDALE: THE MAN WHO GAVE GOD AN ENGLISH VOICE by David Teems from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. When I saw this offered on the website, BookSneeze, I was thrilled. I have always been interested in William Tyndale. I read a lot of novels and biographies on Henry VIII and his family, and William Tyndale is a prominent part of those stories. I had researched Tyndale on the Internet, but this book made the perfect resource. Each chapter flows smoothly like a novel. The easy-to-read writing style includes quotes and religious references. The historical details take you right back in time.

Tyndale played a central role to the Reformation, by translating the Word of God into English. For this, he was considered a “heretic” and his life was placed in jeopardy, yet he clung to his beliefs. Reading about his life and what brought him to his life’s works really opened my eyes to the man behind the “heretic.” This is a great book to use in a classroom as a supplement to religious or Tudor studies. It also makes a splendid gift for history fans. Although this copy has made it into my permanent collection, I will be picking up others to give to my uncle and mother.

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Merry Christmas!

WHY MEN HATE GOING TO CHURCH

I received a copy of WHY MEN HATE GOING TO CHURCH by David Murrow, from Thomas Nelson via BookSneeze. This copy is completely revised and updated; incorporating parts from is other books, HOW WOMEN HELP MEN FIND GOD and THE MAP. I have not read those, so I cannot compare, but this book found me engrossed. Although not a novel, it read smoothly. Each section flowed into the next, comprising three parts, notes, and an introduction. At some parts, I laughed aloud – not because they were ridiculous, but because David Murrow writes in a comical way. In other sections, I found myself nodding in agreement.

I will not go into too many details about the reasons David Murrow gives for men hating to go to church, I will mention the one that stood out to me the most: many positions within the church, such as watching children for day care, are predominately for women. Men feel out of place, so they do not participate and volunteer as much.

This book made me study my own family structure. My mom is more interested in church than my father is, and my paternal grandmother attends every Sunday she can make. However, my maternal uncle is very involved, just like my maternal grandfather was. I am passing this book on to others, hoping it will also open their eyes.