Two More Books (or, a post with lots of slashes, parentheses and links)

1. Two Part Invention by Madeleine L'Engle.

Somewhere around sixth grade I stumbled upon a copy of A Wrinkle in Time. From that point on, I probably re-read the book twice a summer until I became far too cool for children's books. Thus began my fandom of Madeleine. I like how she thinks...out of the box and often, seemingly, on a different planet from the rest of us. I don't necessarily agree with all her ideas (or certainly her theology) but I admire people who don't see faith as a reason to abandon all imagination. Plus, I think she's a good writer. And that's kind of an important quality.

So when friend Beth passed along this book, I was all too pleased to begin another journey with Madeleine. This is the story of her marriage to Hugh Franklin. They had a long and loving marriage, and I always enjoy hearing those peoples' stories.

2. The Prodigal God by Timothy Keller.

When you spend the first 29 years of your life or so thinking and believing one way, and then that shifts, even just a little, there are discoveries to be made. I grew up Baptist, then went to a Baptist Bible college...possibly the most Baptisty Baptist college of them all. Then we were thrust into pastoral ministry at Baptist churches. And for the record, I love a Baptist...I just don't happen to be one anymore. That changed in about 2002, when we pulled stakes in MN and headed west. Joined, and eventually went on staff at a non-denominational church. Lots of discovery.

The change in theology/philosophy/methodology was far from over yet. Because six or so years later, we found ourselves in different circles again...circles that aren't necessarily easy to label or define, but if I were pressed, some labels I would give it would be reformed/missional/gospel-oriented-ish. Sort of. Except I wouldn't say we're hard line/poster people for these groups. Like, were IN Acts 29, but we're kind of fringe members since we don't serve beer at community group and Jeff doesn't have facial hair.

And of course, when you make a change like that, it changes who your authors/speakers/theologians are. For example, at college, we spent hours pouring over systematic theology books by Charles Ryrie. (He even came to the school once, and dozens of kids lined up to get his autograph in their Ryrie Study Bibles. Even at the time, that felt wrong.) Now, we read systematic theology by Wayne Grudem. Our favorite speakers to listen to then (on the RADIO...since ipods weren't around yet) were guys like David Jeremiah and Chuck Swindoll. Again...nothing wrong with those guys...God is using them. But now, well, we listen to guys like Mark Driscoll and Matt Chandler and John Piper (okay I know I know, he's technically a Baptist...but most Baptists I know won't claim him)...Tim Keller. (If you scroll back up you'll note that he is the author of the book I am writing about. I'm here to help.)

In fact, as one of our conditions for joining Acts 29 we were required to listen to a series of sermons by Tim Keller, who we had previously never heard of. After listening, we could see why it was required. We sort of think it should be required for everyone. Anyway, thus began another fandom for me. I listen to Tim Keller a lot while on my treadmill, and he always makes me think.

So when a co-worker saw my facebook status about a sermon of his I'd recently listened to, she offered one of his books. Books?! I hadn't even considered the idea that he was an author as well as a pastor. I was seriously intrigued. So when the little book (literally, it's a quick read) showed up in my box at school yesterday, I had finished in within an hour of being home.

If you think you understand the parable of the "Prodigal Son" (or even what the word prodigal means, which I did not. I thought I did, but turns out I did not) or even the heart of the gospel itself, I bet this book will challenge you. It certainly did me.

It's about two ways of running from God. Two ways of rejecting His love and provision. And one of them is pretty startling (here's a hint, it's not the way of the wild and hormone driven younger brother). So, read this book. Particularly if you are a religious/moral person.