Steve Chalke

A somewhat controversial book which I felt was an excellent read. It explains much of the story of Jesus from a contextual, historical viewpoint, emphasising that the Kingdom of God was - and is - about life rather than death. God is portrayed as a loving Father, and the life of Jesus as pointing us to God. The simple message has apparently been lost through the ages due to misconceptions by various writers, from Augustine in the fourth century, through to some in the Reformation years.

While many disagree with Chalke's central premise, I found it consistent with the Bible and indeed my own early understanding of the Christian faith. The book is thought-provoking and, in my view, very well-written. Highly recommended.… (meer)

‘Intelligent Church’ looks at ways in which the author believes the Christian church should be functioning in the 21st century. Rather than merely following tradition, or taking everything we hear from church leaders as absolute, Steve Chalke recommends that we think for ourselves, and ask questions about how the church can be more effective.

He focuses on different aspects of church as he sees it. He begins by explaining that church must be inclusive - not just people of all ages and nations, but all cultures, and (more controversially) lifestyles. The book continues with chapters on church as a place without strict boundaries; a place where it’s okay to ask questions and be ourselves; a church where people give of their time and material resources.

These chapters, and several others, all end with some practical suggestions and then some questions to be considered by church leaders.

The book is clearly written, each point made with Biblical and practical considerations. There are some anecdotes relating to the author’s own experiences although at times I found the style a little dry. One chapter per day was about as much as I could take in. Still, it made some excellent points, and painted an encouraging picture of how the church could be.

I would recommend this highly to church leaders and home group leaders everywhere.

Four and a half stars would be fairer.… (meer)

If you’ve been tuned into the rising tide of social awareness about the ongoing issue of modern human slavery and want to know more, Stop the Traffik is filled with facts, statistics, and personal stories that cast a portrait of the slavery situation around the world.

However, Stop the Traffik doesn’t seem as reader-friendly as other titles I’ve read on human trafficking (though it is a good, comprehensive overview.) The bold black and white design often includes large sections of white text planted on black backgrounds, and the layout is more reminiscent of a high-school textbook, with short snippets of information and facts rather than longer stretches of narrative. It’s a presentation style that I’m not entirely keen on, though I do appreciate the subject matter deeply.

Chalke methodically covers the main areas of trafficking: the problem of modern trafficking, the particular vulnerability of women, the signs of trafficking and how to be aware of it even domestically, factors that make individuals vulnerable to being trafficked, how consumer purchasing decisions can be used as a force for change (fair trade products etc.), and other actions that individuals can take in the fight against trafficking.

Human trafficking can seem like such an overwhelming issue when it is first understood. The sheer magnitude in numbers of victims, the world-wide geographic scope of the crime….but yes, individuals can make a difference by partnering with regional and international organizations that are banding together to apprehend traffickers. Many of the first-person portraits included in Stop the Traffik come from victims who have been freed from lives of economic and sexual slavery. It is possible to make a difference; it is necessary to make a difference.

Reviewed at quiverfullfamily.com… (meer)