September-October 1997
BOOKSELF
Cancer Lives at Our House
by Beatrice Hofman Hoek
with Melanie Jongsma
Baker Books, 1997
When a diagnosis of cancer is first made, the victim and his or her loved ones are seized with panic and dread. But while the cancer patient is supported emotionally and spiritually by cards, gifts, visits and hugs, the family members are often overlooked.
For all those connected with the patient, cancer is a traumatic personal experience. In this sensitive, encouraging book, Bea Hoek lends empathy and insight to those facing a family's worst nightmare.
The "invisible victims" of cancer will learn how to handle and relieve the stress of having a loved one with cancer, how to confront fear, how to express their feelings constructively and how to minister sensitively to other family members.
Most important, Hoek reminds readers that God can take a devastating, life-threatening experience and work it out for something positive and good.
Gideon's Torch
by Charles Colson
and Ellen Vaughn
Word, 1995
Emily Gineen has just made it to the top. She is the new attorney general of the United States. But before her nameplate goes on the door, a controversial doctor is murdered, a TV network is hijacked, a terrorist bomb takes out a research facility, the National Guard patrols America's major cities, and citizens who oppose the administration's policies form underground activist networks.
As the government begins to crumble, the president, his top adviser and the attorney general find themselves spinning out of control in the wake of choices that will change the course of the nation.
In addition to being a fast-moving drama, Gideon's Torch confronts readers with some of the urgent ethical and moral questions of the day.
Chuck Colson, a highly regarded speaker and columnist, is founder and chairman of Prison Fellowship Ministries. He brings to this novel the unique perspective of a Washington insider who has served in government at the highest levels.
Writer Ellen Vaughn, a former Prison Fellowship executive, has collaborated with Colson on seven previous books.
The King James Only Controversy
by James R. White
Bethany House, 1995
This readable, well-researched book answers those who claim the King James Version is the only "true" Word of God. Author James White traces the development of Bible translations, investigates the differences between new versions and the Authorized Version (KJV) of 1611, and examines allegations that modern translators have conspired to corrupt Scripture.
In skeptical times, the last thing we need are groundless suspicions that the Bible is faulty or misleading. Christians must be clear why they trust the accuracy of the Bible as God's Word. White's book makes a valuable contribution to a topic often riddled with emotion and ignorance.
Discoveries From the Time of Jesus
by Alan Millard
Lion Publishing, 1990
Manuscripts, architectural remains, coins, artifacts-all have a fascinating story to tell. They are some of the discoveries that help us reconstruct life in first-century Palestine-the time of Jesus.
In this sequel to his widely acclaimed Treasures From Bible Times (Lion, 1985), Professor Alan Millard (University of Liverpool) opens for the lay reader the archaeology of the Gospels and paints a rich picture of Jesus' time. Profusely illustrated with maps, charts and full-color photographs, Discoveries From the Time of Jesus brings the discoveries of scholarship to the armchair traveler, throwing fresh light on the Bible.
-Keith Stump