Book Reviews

September, 2007

by: Tim Carns

There are many books in the world which cover nearly every issue imaginable—especially when it comes to dealing with anger or how to handle trials. Because of this it can become a difficult and time-consuming challenge to find books in these areas that are both helpful as well as biblical. Below you will find a review of two good books that will prove to be most profitable in these areas both for you personally as well as for helping someone else.

Uprooting Anger: Biblical Help for a Common Problem

Written by Robert D. Jones

Review by Adrian Martinez

There is no person alive who would not benefit from reading this book. As the subtitle infers, anger is a common problem. Dr. Robert Jones has written this book to help people dealing with the sin of anger, as well as to help those living alongside an angry person. The author relies on the Bible to clearly define anger, describing the three different types of anger found in the Bible: God’s anger, righteous human anger, and—the emphasis of the book—sinful anger. Central to the book is Jones’ discussion of why anger is unbiblical. For this, he uses the analogy of a courtroom, as unrighteous anger makes you the judge, the prosecutor, the juror, and finally, the executioner. Each of these roles belong to God, and thus the great sin of anger is trying to displace God from being the God in your life.

The author carefully walks through a definition of anger and devotes a chapter each to the two ways anger manifests itself: revealed or “explosive” anger, and the subtle, but more common form of concealed, “simmering” anger. Throughout the book, he uses biblical examples as well as stories from his own life and counseling ministry to describe couples’ and individuals’ approach to dealing with and repenting from anger problems. Most importantly, he goes beyond the outward behavior to deal with the root of anger and discusses the means by which the Christian may be healed from this sin. To this end, Jones also includes an appendix listing several helpful assignments for overcoming anger.

Few books deal with anger in such a biblically-centered and easy to understand manner. Dr. Jones clearly explains the roots of anger and provides practical steps to ‘up root’ anger and plant the love of Christ. His writing style is easily understood and full of stories, making this an enjoyable read.

The Sovereignty of God

Written by A. W. Pink

Review by Phil and Debi Ross

Are you confused, or have trouble comprehending the sovereignty of God? A. W. Pink, in his book, The Sovereignty of God, concisely defines and explains the doctrine of God’s sovereignty. Through the injustices, perplexities, and deep trials, this doctrine keeps us focused on Christ and our eternal reward. Our confidence lies not in understanding but in obedience to the One who orchestrates our life for our benefit and to His glory. Resting in His complete control is an anchor for the soul to remain steadfast, unmovable with peace and joy. Through a small part of understanding the sovereignty of God we can give hope and answers (though not necessarily ones that people like to hear) to those who are hurting and troubled.

We don’t think, as God would have us think. Our language reveals our heart and our thinking. Phrases such as “deserving mercy” are actually a contradiction since mercy is a consequence of sin (p 24). Another contradiction is when we murmur and complain about our circumstances or people in our lives. So, when bad things happen in our lives or those close to us, our thinking betrays our thoughts, which are upside down. The Scriptures call us to wisdom and understanding. The sovereignty of God is one area where man thinks in the world’s perspective and not the divine perspective. A. W. Pink calls us back to correct divine thinking in response to life’s daily events.