PT Media Picks: Books

Africa’s role in Christianity

How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind: Rediscovering the African Seedbed of Western Christianity

by Thomas C. Oden (InterVarsity Press, 2007; 208 pages; $19, paper)

Thomas Oden’s startling thesis is that Africa played an indispensable role in the formation of Christian culture. He argues that “decisive intellectual achievements of Christianity were explored and understood first in Africa before they were recognized in Europe, and a millennium before they found their way to North America.” Oden substantiates his claim by recalling that intellectual and spiritual giants such as Tertullian, Cyprian, Origen, Cyril, Athanasius and Augustine were all Africans. He goes on to show seven ways in which Africa shaped the Christian mind: anticipating the European university, maturing of biblical exegesis, shaping the core of Christian dogma, making early ecumenical decisions, beginning monastic discipline, moving NeoPlatonic philosophy from Africa to Europe, and refining influential rhetorical and dialectical skills.

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See all the Media Picks book reviewsHaving said this, Oden recognizes that he cannot push his thesis too far; such an emphasis would lead to a narrow Afrocentrism. Other factors were involved in shaping the Christian mind in these formative years. Also, he admits that his work is a preliminary study with much more evidence needed to present a solid case.

While Oden’s aim to make the more than 400 million African Christians aware of what he calls “this patristic gift lying at their feet” is admirable, his vision is hampered by his animosity toward a large part of the Christian church today. In many of his other writings he is a fierce critic of the mainline churches. Toward the end of this book he castigates the World Council of Churches and the contemporary ecumenical movement for its “bureaucratic merger mentality” and “bizarre forms of absolute moral relativism.” His lack of understanding and appreciation for the contribution of the mainline churches to Christian unity and mission in Africa and elsewhere mars what otherwise could be a promising exploration of a timely topic.

—Richard A. Hasler, a retired Presbyterian minister living in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio

Good news about Jesus

The Scandalous Gospel of Jesus: What’s So Good About the Good News?

by Peter Gomes (HarperOne, 2007; 264 pages; $24.95, hardcover)

The author of the popular treatment of the Bible, The Good Book, is out with another interesting title. He reminds us that good news is that which up-ends the status quo, which was what Jesus was constantly about. Gomes, the renowned pastor of Harvard’s Memorial Church, wants Christians of all stripes to get away from asking “What would Jesus do?” and rather ask “What would Jesus have me do?” Gomes says many Christians are stuck in an old “gloom and doom” vision of the Bible, instead of embracing the scandalous message that it is possible and necessary to love both God and your neighbor.

Gomes offers a corrective to the hard line views of both the left and right. He explains Jesus’ teachings and puts them in a 21st-century context, advising Christians on controversial issues such as world conflict, divorce, poverty, homosexuality and the age-old question of who gets into heaven. Gomes tells delightful anecdotes and is generous to all, making this a satisfying read for anyone who wants to better understand the scandalous message of Jesus.

—Teresa Blythe

A children’s tale of farm and faith

I Am My Grandpa’s Enkelin

by Walter Wangerin Jr. (Paraclete Press, 32 pages; $18.95, hardcover)

This book by award-winning children’s author Walter Wangerin tells the story of a young girl whose grandfather “told tales of chickens and snails and foxes who crept through the night.” She is his enkelin, the German word for granddaughter, and she loves him dearly.

The little girl visits her grandpa on his Midwestern farm during many different seasons. He involves her in all aspects of farm life — planting, harvesting, butchering and preparing the hogs, enjoying the homegrown meals. She loses herself in the cornstalks, only to have her grandfather lovingly reassure her that she can find her way out as she listens to his voice. They pray together at night.

Then, one season when she is off at college, her grandfather stretches out next to a tree and dies. The girl is heartbroken but her memories of all he taught her about life, love and pain come back to her as attends the funeral. The book ends as she reflects on how much faith he imparted to her.

Wangerin is author of The Book of God and Probity Jones and Fear Not Angel. The book is illustrated by Don Tatke, winner of the Aesop Accolades Award for his colorful designs.

This book is wonderful to read to young children or to give to those with a pretty good grasp of language to read for themselves. It includes a number of German words, since the grandfather was of German heritage. As a children’s book that emphasizes an earthy Christian spirituality, this title is among the best.

—Teresa Blythe