Review: "Economics in One Lesson"

            I had to take an Intro to Economics course when I was in college.  I remember the professor drawing a graph showing the rate of people who wanted to buy butter versus those who want to buy guns…and then I passes the course somehow…I don’t remember what else happened in that class.

I heard Ben Shapiro recommend Henry Hazlitt’s Economics in One Lesson:  The Shortest & Surest Way to Understand Basic Economics, and I thought – “one lesson, how bad could it be?” 

The lesson is:  “The art of economics consists in looking not merely at the immediate but at the longer effects of any act or policy, it consists in tracing the consequences of that policy not merely for one group but for all groups” (17, italics his).

The rest of the book is a compilation of various situations applying the lesson.

For example: chapter two concerns someone breaking a window.  To understand the economics of a broken window, one needs to consider the cost to the person who now has to purchase a new window, but the cost to all of the various people the person with the broken window would have spent that money on that he is now forced to use to repair the window.

The makes sense. 

So, if you are looking for a book on economics, I join in recommending this book.  There is even a chapter in this book looking at tariffs and how they do not benefit the country placing them, Mr. President.

Oh, well.  This book widened my thinking about how economics works.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Finding Quiet"

            J. P. Moreland is one of the most influential philosophers in the world today.  When I saw that he had written a book on coping with anxiety (and depression), I had to pick up, Finding Quiet:  My Story of Overcoming Anxiety and the Practices that Brought Peace (as I struggle with anxiety and depression).

            As you might expect, the book chronicles his sudden and unexpected anxiety (and depression).  Moreland explains how well his life was going making the appearance of anxiety so much more of an issue for him.  There was no “ah-hah” moment of “this is what caused this.”

            In the first chapter, Moreland looks – from his perspective as a Christian and philosopher – at the human self and how it is made up of soul, spirit, and body – concluding that the “human body in an ensouled biological structure” (35).

            From this, he talks about self-talk and self-compassion.  The parts of our self can become disjointed – especially by stress – and this is what (often) leads to anxiety and depression.  It is through self-talk and self-compassion that you can realign the self in a real and holistic manner.

            In the third chapter, he explains the habits he has adopted to help him control his anxiety/depression – first looking at the neuroplasticity of the brain – that repeatedly doing something over a few months will cut or realign “grooves” in the brain such that the habits become second nature.

            Moreland then explains “the four-step solution,” “the HeartMath solution,” contemplative prayer, daily expressions of gratitude, medications, and “EMDR.” I will leave the details of these habits/practices for the reader to read.  Suffice it to say, I have tried a few of these habits and found them helpful – and I am thankful that the author shows that it is no sinful to take medications to help with psychological/mental health problems.  Too many Christians believe that medication is sinful, and one ought to be able to read Scripture, pray, and have them disappear.  In some cases that may happen, but in others, medication is a good option.

            In chapter six, Moreland looks at biblical and miraculous healing, as well as the lamentations of the Bible when it seems God is not listening, much less responding, to one’s prayers.

            Each chapter ends with “bullet points” – the main points of the chapter – and all the bullet points are found at the end of the book for quick review.

            The appendices contain a list of encouraging Scriptures one might memorize and repeat along with the habits, two prayers one can pray written by the author’s mentor, Dallas Willard, and a lengthy, annotated bibliography for further reader, concluding with chapter endnotes.

            I am thankful for Moreland’s candor and honesty in written about his struggle – as I said, mental illness still remains something only talked about in hushed voices in many churches, and I have started to incorporate the habits he explains in my own life – that I would be healthier and more able to serve my God and Savior.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Don't Hurt People and Don't Take Their Stuff"

            Don’t Hurt People and Don’t Take Their Stuff:  A Libertarian Manifesto, by Matt Kibbe, is an excellent introduction to Libertarian philosophy and politics.

            The back cover of Kibbe’s book gives his “six rules of liberty” which he expands on in his book.

1.      Don’t hurt people.  Free people just want to be left alone, not hassled or harmed by someone else’s agenda or designs on their life and property.

2.      Don’t take people’s stuff.  America’s founders fought to ensure property rights and our individual right to the fruits of our labors.

3.      Take responsibility.  Liberty means responsibility.  Don’t sit around waiting for someone else to solve your problems.

4.      Work for it.  For every action there is and equal reaction.  Work hard and you’ll be rewarded.

5.      Mind your own business.  Free people live and let live.

6.      Fight the power.  Take a stand against corrupt authority.

Kibbe flushes out these “rules” showing that that United STATES of America ought

have a very small federal government – the state government should also be small but larger than the federal.  Here, I would put for that, biblically, government exists for two reasons – to protect her citizens and to punish evil.  Of course, there can be massive difference in what that all includes based on the person and philosophy that is being employed.

            The limited government system that he describes sounds in line with our founding documents and with biblical understandings.  However, the desire for power and more power is enticing, so I doubt the massive Republican and Democratic machines will ever subside to levels that show true care for all people.

            There is also something of a naiveite about the goodness of human nature which makes Libertarianism even less likely to supplant “the two parties.”  Humans, in my understanding, are basically evil – basically self-centered.

            That being said, I would continue to argue for a “secular” state which does not interfere with the practice of my religion.  Thus, I can accept that the state allows for the marriage of practicing homosexuals, for example, while, by virtue of my religion (not to mention, philosophical integrity), I cannot approve of practicing homosexual unions. Still, I take no action to support or thwart them.

            And so, I highly recommend this book to help one understand Libertarianism.  And, I recommend the philosophy of Libertarianism as good.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: Seven Principles of Good Government.

            In 2012 and 2016, Gary Johnson ran for the President of the United States.  His book, Seven Principles of Good Government, explains his form of Libertarianism.

            His seven principles are (6-7):

1.      Become reality-driven.

2.      Tell the truth.

3.      Do what is right and fair.

4.      Develop a plan to reach that goal, and then act.

5.      Make sure that everyone who ought to know knows what you’re doing.

6.      Acknowledge mistakes immediately.

7.      Find a job you love enough to do what it takes.

In the chapters that follow, Johnson explains how these principles have guided him as a

Two-term governor of New Mexico and how they would lead him as President of the United States.

            The book is optimistic with regards to a smaller government that abides by these principles.  Johnson gives an overview of his life and how he has learned and led by them.  Pictures appear amidst the chapters.

            Johnson makes his case for a Libertarian government, and I have come to believe it is a good way to govern.  However, there is a great deal of repetition from chapter to chapter – as if these were talks that he bound in book form.  It is a useful primer and introduces the reader to Johnson in particular, but to learn more of what Libertarianism entails, one needs to pick up addition material.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "The Nursing Home Murder"

            The Home Secretary of Parliament was having pains in his side that made him nauseous, but he needed to work, and didn’t think it was any big thing.  His sister-in-law urged him to try her homeopathic remedy, but his good friend and surgeon, suggested it might be a burst appendix.  After the Home Secretary passed out, he had not recourse but to accept the surgery.  Shortly after, he died.

            Ngaio Marsh takes us to the hospital in The Nursing Home Murder, and we wonder, was it the sister-in-law with the quack prescription?  Was it the good surgeon?  Was it one of the nurses who had their issues with the Home Secretary?  I guessed wrong.

            I enjoy working the little grey cells.  You might, too.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "When Darkness Seems My Closest Friend"

            Mark Meynell’s When Darkness Seems My Closet Friend:  Reflections on life and ministry with depression is a very good resource for ministers who suffer with depression.

            Meynell tell his story of depression in ministry as a help for other ministers to learn to cope with and, even, arise through periods of depression and not be conquered by it.  A major scriptural passage – from which the title of the book comes – is Psalm 88, written by the sons of Korah.

            In the first chapter, Meynell explains the mask the minister often find himself needing to wear he ministers to his congregation (1ff).  When someone is hurting or rejoicing, the pastor may need to mask his own depression to help the parishioner.  Some parishioners would be turned away from coming to a pastor who is too open with his mental illness.

            Chapter two focuses in depression bubbling up and how music – such as Psalm 88 can be a salve.

            Meyer then talks about the cave ministers can find themselves in – setting themselves away from all others who can hurt to help.  He talks about one of his favorite poets and hymnwriters, William Cowper, and his depression, and the need to find someone who can understand.

            He continues, “The great weight of our sin makes us groan, and yet God’s high standards and our people’s expectations make us reluctant to acknowledge that weight” (51).

            From this follows the problem of shame.  “In contrast to guilt, which provokes a fear of the discovery of what I have done, shame generates a fear of the discovery of who I am” (75).  Deliverance comes in finding God’s “extravagant love” in the cross over and over (90).

In the sixth chapter, he writes about thoughts of suicide and how the must be dealt with by addressing the health of the whole person – body, soul, mind, and spirit (104).

Next, he has an “interlude” featuring a poem by Andrew Peterson (113).

In the next chapter, he urges, “I live by faith, not sight” (140).

 In the eighth chapter, he argues for the importance of having at least one other person that can be there when the pastor is descending into darkness, even if that person can do not more that be there.

In the final chapter, he shows how his depression and understanding it has made him a better pastor and how it can be a gift if handled rightly.

In the first appendix (186), he looks at different types of treatment that may be useful for the pastor going through depression.

In the second (193), he listed an extensive set of print and digital resources.

Finally, he includes some of his poetry regarding his struggles.

This is followed by chapter endnotes.

Meynell’s book is well worth the read for its honesty and for making it clear that if one is experiencing depression – or any type of mental illness, one ought not go it alone – seek help.

Meynell writes from his experience of sin and shame leading to depression, and here, in a sense, I find the book’s one weakness:  it does not address depression caused by biochemical disease or accident.  Of course, that is not what caused his depression, so one would to expect it.  I only mention it to say that though his book is very good and certainly helpful, it does not cover everything, and the reader should be aware of that as one suffers and seek to help those who are suffering.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "The Throne of Caesar"

            Steven Saylor explains in the afterward to his novel, The Throne of Caesar, that he wrote his prequels to the “Sub Rosa” series, featuring Gordian’s the Finder, that he was unsure of how to make the murder of Julius Caesar into a mystery since everyone knows who killed Julius Caesar, if not also why.

            The answer came in paralleling Caesar’s history with that of Cinna’s – perhaps the greatest Roman poet to live.  I won’t say any more so as not to spoil the mystery, but it is based on history, shocking, and up to the standards of Saylor’s books.

            Saylor writes real Roman history and adds his famed dectective to figure out what the things – murders in particular – happened in Roman history.  So, if you like solid historical Roman history and/or mysteries, Saylor is highly recommended.  One aspect of his novels that I have found highly rewarding is that he includes an afterward to each book in which he names the books he has found of most value in writing his novel.  So, if there is any aspect of the history covered that you find of interest and want to follow up on, Saylor gives you a place to start.

            I love his novels and look forward to the next one.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Santa Clawed"

            Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown make a great team as they write their series of mysteries starring Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen and her cat, Mrs. Murphy.  Their books are relaxing, challenging and fun.

            In Santa Clawed, it is Christmastime – when all should be peace with the world.  So, Harry and her family go to pick out a Christmas tree, only to find a monk from the local monastery under the tree they want with his throat slit in a nasty smile.  But he’s not the last monk to die.  Who could have anything against a monastery?

            The Brown’s take us into danger as they put the pieces together.

            Very enjoyable.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "Hiss of Death"

            Rita Mae Brown and Sneaky Pie Brown make a great team as they write their series of mysteries starring Mary Minor “Harry” Haristeen and her cat, Mrs. Murphy.  Their books are relaxing, challenging and fun.

            In Hiss of Death, Harry and her animal menagerie are off to solve a mystery again:  when Harry needs medical attention, she finds a dead nurse without a mark on her indicating what might have happened.  And she is not the only one who will die on the hospital staff.

            The Brown’s take us into danger as they put the pieces together.

            Very enjoyable.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "The Right Side of History"

            I enjoy listening to Ben Shapiro – even when I don’t wholly buy what he is saying.

When he announced his latest book:  The Right Side of History:  How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great, I knew I had to read it.

Shapiro argues that the foundation of the existence of the United States is Judeo-Christian ethics and Greek reason – American happiness is founded on Judeo-Christian ethics and Greek reason. And, in order to be happy, we need four things: “individual moral purpose, individual capacity to pursue that purpose, communal moral purpose, and communal capacity to pursue that purpose” (9).

In the ensuing chapters, Shapiro makes the case that the United States is based in and could only come from Judeo-Christian ethic and Greek philosophy.  From Moses on Sinai to the present day, Shapiro draws a compelling parallel to his thesis.  And the shows that failures to achieve the goal of happiness – such as the Holocaust – are due to straying from these foundations and the individual and communal purpose and capacity.  He diagnoses the current state of America as “a return to paganism” (183ff).

The book ends with a call to rebuild.  The way to do this is to understand that “your life has purpose,” “you can do it” – achieve your purpose, recognize that “your civilization is unique,” (215) and that “we are all brothers and sisters” (216).

Shapiro writes, “It is our job to carry on the tradition.  It is our job to push the task forward.

“If we do, then we will be truly deserving of God’s blessing, and fit to proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.  We will choose life, so that we and our children may life” (218).

Shapiro presents a compelling case for learning and retaining our founding principles.  It is a sobering book, yet a hopeful one.

I do have some questions about some of his comments about the Reformation (I am a Calvinist), nevertheless, I recommend this book to any concerned about the United States.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]

Review: "The Art of Turning"

            Kevin DeYoung’s little book, The Art of Turning:  From Sin to Christ for a Joyfully Clear Conscience, is not little in content.

            DeYoung begins with the history of Luther not being willing to violate his conscience to Paul defense – and boast – of his clear conscience in II Corinthians.

            At this point, DeYoung defines the conscience: “the conscience is the moral faculty within human beings that assesses what is good and what is bad” (16-17).

            Unfortunately, the conscience can “misfire” (19).  This happens when it has been corrupted in a one or more of several ways.  It can be evil – unregenerate (19).  It can be “seared” by our ignoring it (21).  It can be “defiled” – such that we rejoice in evil (23). And we can have a “weak” conscience – one that accuses us when we have not done something wrong (24).

            Finally, a conscience can be made clean if we “turn from sin” (32) and “turn to Christ” (34).

            This is a great primer for those struggling with their conscience and those who ought to be struggling with their science.

            [This review appears on my blog, Amazon.com, and Goodreads.com.]