Book Review: A Field Guide to Becoming Whole

In A Field Guide to Becoming Whole, Brian Fikkert and Kelly Kapic illustrate how to enact the ideas presented in the two previous books When Helping Hurts and Becoming Whole. Specifically, the authors focus on five causes of poverty and how Christians in the Western world can change how its ministries approach poverty alleviation. The premise is that poverty alleviation is the process by which individuals are moving towards becoming priest-kings that are in a right relationship with God, self, others, and creation. The authors describe the two chief mindsets that plague Western Christianity as being Western Naturalism and Evangelical Gnosticism. The former refers to those who suppress the belief in the supernatural and spiritual aspects while the latter are people who view the body and soul as being separate from each other. For those that adhere to Western Naturalism, the solution to helping is to provide material goods, resources, and skills. On the other hand, those in the Evangelical Gnosticism camp focuses completely on saving the soul to the neglect of the real, tangible needs of the poor. Of course, the majority of Western Christians would be on the spectrum between these two opposites, but the key point is that both views are faulty. The authors then systematically describe the complex issues associated with each cause of poverty and provide keen observations along with practical suggestions and actionable steps for implementation. Throughout the book, the authors provide case studies in both western and non-western settings to illustrate innovative approaches that are flexible and applicable to a wide variety of contexts. In addition, there are many descriptive diagrams and charts that helpfully guide readers in digesting the material presented.

I heartily recommend this book to all believers and especially Western Christians as the principles that are discussed are both thought-provoking and challenging. Despite not having read the former two books, I find the authors were able to condense core concepts in an easily understandable manner without oversimplifying complexities of the theory involved. Indeed, it is tempting for many Western Christians to offer materialistic responses to poverty alleviation as it seems to be the most direct, tangible method to help those in dire need. Nevertheless, Fikkert and Kapic reminds us that the journey of helping others is not one-way but ought to allow both the helper and the one being helped in becoming more whole spiritually, emotionally, and physically. When we engage in helping others, we are not dispensing goods or services as kind-hearted philanthropists but as those who, by the transforming power of God, aim to bring others and ourselves to greater wholeness of our mind, affections, will and body.

In compliance with Federal Trade Commission guidelines, I received a review copy from Moody Press in exchange for a book review.

 

Book Review: Created to Draw Near

In Created to Draw Near, Edward Welch reflects on how we are created to be holy priests who live in the presence of God and others. Welch embarks on a journey throughout Scripture starting from Adam and Eve being placed in the Garden of Eden to the second coming of Christ when all the elect are joined together to worship before the throne of God. The first part of the book establishes the foundation of how the concept of a holy priesthood runs deep in the biblical narratives of the Old Testament. Firstly, the author focuses on elements of the creation account such as the Garden of Eden as a prototype of the future tabernacle and temple along with mankind being made in God’s image to reflect Him in ruling and caring for His creation. Moreover, God Himself makes clothes for the first couple and later gives specific commands to Moses in making lavish garments for the Levite priests who serve before Him. Also, God’s test for Adam and Eve to obey His commands is a prime example of God’s requirements for His priests to not only obey His commands but to teach God’s people to do likewise. Unfortunately, the first couple’s failure to fulfill God’s mandate results in the loss of intimacy between God and the human race. In the next section, Welch proceeds to discuss various instances in the Old Testament in which God continues to help His people recover their role as His royal priests. Two examples that stand out include Jacob’s vision of the heavenly ladder and the remarkable friendship between Moses and God. In addition, the tabernacle and temple, such as its designs and furnishings, both serve as focal points by which God’s glory and mercy is displayed in visible form to Israel and those around them. Moreover, the different offerings, holy feasts, and priestly roles illustrate how God yearns to dwell among His people. In Part 2, Welch focuses on how the incarnation of Jesus closes the proximity between God and us to a much greater degree. The author delves into the many ways in which the elements examined in Part 1 serve as temporary measures that are no longer relevant now that Christ has come. For example, Christ presents Himself as the living water and temple, the sinless Passover lamb, and the perfect high priest. Part 3 extends the discussion to the role of the Holy Spirit as the One who empowers believers to carry out their priestly roles in obeying God’s Word and reflecting His glory to everyone around them.

I gladly recommend this book to believers looking to gain a greater appreciation of the priesthood of all believers. Welch’s book offers intriguing insights and observations that help readers see how God’s will for His people to be priests unfolds from Genesis to Revelation. Many Christians understand that this teaching appears in the New Testament but often fail to realize its practical implications to the Christian life. Welch argues that God’s plan was always to have His people reflect His glory from the Garden of Eden to the ends of the earth. In God’s mercy and despite our failure to follow His commands, He sends His Son to be our High Priest and displays for us how to be faithful priests through His life, death, and resurrection. Our calling as Christians is to first become holy priests who love and obey Him through the work of His Son and the power of His Spirit. Next, we are to be His royal representatives to draw others to Him through our words and deeds so that they too will become priests that shine His glory to all nations and peoples.

In compliance with Federal Trade Commission regulations, I was provided a review copy of this book from Crossway.