Conservative Book Talk

In this second installment of the Hanegraaff and Brouwer’s series, it is more of the same. If you liked Last Disciple, you will like this title as well. Well, anyway, I liked this one better as it spent less time on the action and a little more time on the theological arguments. Some people might not like that as much and think that this one is a tad bit inferior, but don’t let me mislead you, much of the appeal of Last Disciple is found in this worth sequel.

Vitas is fleeing Rome with John. Sophia is fleeing Rome with Ben-Aryeh. Sophia thinks that Vitas is dead while Vitas thinks that Sophia is in grave peril from Nero. Meanwhile, Vitas’ brother Damian the great slave hunter is commissioned to find John and to find Vitas and return them to Helius (right hand of Nero). Throw in a interesting mix of Jewish religious politics, and Roman intrigue to mix it up.

Through this journey, Vitas begins to learn more about Christianity from John. Their dialogue is insightful and unforced. It seems to flow. There aren’t instant conversions but a practical look at how people come to Christ in a tug-of-war manner.

Sophia dwells in catatonic grief over the loss of Vitas. Ironically, the unsaved Ben-Aryeh tries to encourage her spirits. Only the ministering of one who had been saved from great sin and survived great sorrow through the grace of Christ can shake her to the core.

A plot with dozens of unexpected twists and turns, this is a page turner.

I know that this isn’t a long review, but there isn’t much to say about a sequel; especially when I just wrote about the original. I am interested in knowing: who has read this series? Did you like it?

I’ve been struggling with what to say about this book since I wrote about it once before. I think that I figured out what I want to say though.

If you aren’t familiar with the series , this book was written as a counterpoint to LaHaye and Jenkin’s Left Behind. Brouwer and Hanegraaff argue a preterist eschatology. According to The Last Disciple, the book of Revelation was written prior to the fall of Jerusalem in AD 70 and the tribulation took place in the first century.

The well-written and well-developed plot revolves around Vitas, a Roman noble who has the ear of Nero and the trust of the Senate. He can only maintain this delicate balance because he is completely trustworthy. Oh yeah, and he is falling in love with a Jewish Christian. The three sides pull against him and create intriguing conflicts.

There are quite a few characters developed throughout the book. And, like many good novels, this book has many threads that intertwine to form a enticing tapestry. From Maglorius the Iceni gladiator to Chayim the rowdy son of an important Jewish priest, these characters are continuously contrasting with each other and creating engrossing conflicts.

There are two reasons that people might object to this book. First, many will (and have) complained about the level and description of violence found in this series. With all due respect, I appreciated the violence, but not because I enjoyed the violence. Au contraire, the violence was repulsive, but it helped me appreciate the martyrdom of the early Christians. In some ways, this book was similar to reading Foxe’s Book of Martyrs. It brought to life the persecution that other Believers suffer for the cause of Christ. It made me question my own resolve to obey the Lord.

Second, some will object to the theology taught in the book. It is my belief that everyone should read dissenting opinions, particularly when those who dissent are Christian brethren. No one Believer will get it all right. Since that is so, one should never categorically deny any dissenting position unless that position contradicts the clear and explicit teaching of Scripture. One’s eschatology does not affect one’s salvation. One’s belief in the deity of Christ does. Therefore, I give no quarter on the deity of Christ, but I will not fight over my eschatology. One is critical to salvation, the other is of a much lesser importance.

You should read this book. I found it enlightening from a theological standpoint and from a spiritual perspective. This is worth your time.

Silent Witness – The Untold Story of Terri Schiavo’s Death by Mark Fuhrman (former detective with the LAPD) is a timely book about both Terri Schiavo and a current ethical issue. It is well-written and despite the medical and legal information, it is remarkably easy to read. The story of this young woman’s life and death is compelling.

The book discusses the legal and ethical issues surrounding Terri Schiavo’s much publicized life and more publicized death. Despite his claim that he is “not a religious man,” the author raises some very pertinent questions about the ethics of the “right to die” issue. This is a hot topic on talk radio these days, making this book very timely.

Attempts are made to answer questions such as the condition of the Schiavo’s marriage, what actually happened that day Terri collapsed on the floor, and Michael’s actions immediately following and the days after the collapse. The author answers many questions surrounding the life and death of Terri Schiavo, but also raises questions that bear answering about this case. This book was written before the official autopsy was released, which makes it suspect in the minds of some. The book, though well-documented, does engage in some speculation with the author explaining what he thinks may have happened at certain points in the narrative.

The author makes use of medical records, depositions, police records, and interviews with those associated with Mrs. Schiavo (family, friends, and care givers) to present a compelling case. Some readers may not appreciate that the presentation of the evidence does not come to a strong conclusion but rather a “speculative hypotheses.” But one can not walk away from this book without seeing the very human side of Terri Schiavo and the very sad circumstances surrounding her death.

Silent Witness is a timely book about both Terri Schiavo and a current ethical issue. This book brings to the forefront the whole issue surrounding it and should cause anyone who reads it to consider the One Who holds the key to life and death.