As someone who really enjoyed reading Uncle Tom's Cabin, I appreciated reading about the real-life man who was the inspiration for Uncle Tom. Josiah HAs someone who really enjoyed reading Uncle Tom's Cabin, I appreciated reading about the real-life man who was the inspiration for Uncle Tom. Josiah Henson endured horrific treatment as a slave; his life as a freed man also contained its own share of difficulties. Though not without faults, Josiah demonstrated faith, character, courage, and endurance both in his slavery and in his freedom.
The narrative in the second half of the book loses its way at times in a sea of names and details. Nevertheless, I found the book to be very well-written overall. At the end of the book, the biographer also makes some comments and suggestions grounded in a particular ideology. Whether his statements have merit is something I choose not to discuss in this review, since the book and my review are ultimately focused on Josiah Henson, but I do at least think readers should be aware....more
A refreshing addition to the world of hymnology, since this book focuses on the words to some of our best hymns rather than the history behind them (tA refreshing addition to the world of hymnology, since this book focuses on the words to some of our best hymns rather than the history behind them (though history does factor into the analysis at times). Although most of these hymns were quite familiar to me, I found myself considering them in new ways by approaching them as written poetry. With each hymn, I enjoyed analyzing the words myself first and then adding Dr. Ryken's commentary to my own observations. It is amazing how much beauty and truth can be packed into a handful of stanzas! When good form meets good content, something wonderful happens.
Hymns are one of God's greatest gifts to the church. What a shame that so many churches no longer sing them, and that some Christians claim they can't worship God well with a hymn. I am very thankful that hymns have always been a significant part of my life and that this book added another layer to my appreciation for them. ...more
"If we were perfect—if there were no remaining corruption in our hearts—there would be no fight. There would be no obstacles to overcome. We won’t fig"If we were perfect—if there were no remaining corruption in our hearts—there would be no fight. There would be no obstacles to overcome. We won’t fight for joy in heaven. But we are not there yet."
Joy, affections, desire, delight—all are essential parts of biblical Christianity. We are called to love God more than all else, to desire Him more than all else. We are called to joy. But on this side of heaven, joy must be fought for every day. A multitude of idols and sins constantly seek to lure us away from our one true Treasure. Thankfully, God has given us the gospel, His Word, prayer, the church, good books, and even our five senses to help us in this fight for joy. But what He gives, we must be willing to take up and use. God works, and we work.
I was as blessed reading this book for a second time as I was the first. It is certainly one I will refer to again as I fight for joy. Thankful for Dr. Piper’s commitment to helping Christians see and savor God.
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