The Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens (original 1843 illustrations) Every Christmas season the same carols are sung and the usually stories are told, especially those surrounding the nativity story. Yet, as many people hearken back to a time before, some stories retain their never ending power. Such a story as The Christmas Carol, by the brilliant English writer Charles Dickens, is just one of those enduring stories. Paraclete Press has done a wonderful job in reprinting this story with the original 1843 illustrations that came with the original printing. Why does this story stretch through the decades while remaining such an important work? For one, Dickens paints the portrait of Ebeneezer Scrooge as a dour soul who is hell-bent on profit and weary of any kindness as man easily identifiable (in a most universal way). Early in the story, Scrooge brings to the foreground characteristics of a such a man. Dickens writes, "Oh! ...
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Confessions of a Secular Jesus Follower by Tom Krattenmaker The title alone piques the interest of most people interested in Jesus with the knowledge that we live in a secular society that has seemingly moved past a religion or religious rootedness. How does one both live squarely in the world, without the trappings of orthodox belief, and follow Jesus? Reporter and Columnist for USA Today Tom Krattenmaker, in his new book, Confessions of a Secular Jesus Follower captures that sentiment as he seeks to follow the way of Jesus without holding to the teachings of one church or denomination. Many will know Tom from his other books, including The Evangelicals You Don’t Know, where he captured the spirit of evangelicals in a progressive world, highlighting the people working in Portland and the west coast. In his chapter on Bad Company, Tom levels our gaze at those who Jesus ministered to and told stories about who were marginalized by their culture. ...