BOOK REVIEWS

Real Men: Ten Courageous Americans To Know and Admire

In an age when manhood is attacked on every quarter, it is refreshing to have a book which extols the virtues of courage.
     Especially gratifying to me was that the author’s first selection was Revolutionary War hero Francis Marion. Known as “The Swamp Fox,” he was the quintessential guerilla fighter. Bedeviling the British in South Carolina, he emerged from the swamps to attack, destroy and disappear. The film, “The Patriot” was loosely based upon his life and exploits.
     I have heard of Marion since I was a boy. He was such a family favorite, that my grandmother’s two brothers were named respectively Francis and Marion. The patriot certainly deserves to be resurrected in the memory of boys today.
     The book continues with men of both sports and military fame—Eddie Rickenbacker, Vince Lombardi, Lou Gehrig, Audie Murphy, David Crockett, Andrew Jackson, and capping the book off is a tribute to Robert Edward Lee.
     The author introduces us to Rocky Versace, a hero of the War in Vietnam. He died as a prisoner of war in 1965, but was not awarded the Medal of Honor until 2002.
     I didn’t agree with the inclusion of “Wild Bill” Hickok in the book. I think he shot too many men in the back to be considered courageous, but I wholeheartedly agree with the coverage of the other nine. Of course, it was expected that several were Southerners and two of the ten were Tennesseans!
     The book may be purchased at Logo Bookstore in Green Hills. 615 297-5388.

The Shack is a fictional account of a family’s loss of a young daughter to a serial killer and the father’s resulting bitterness and eventual return to a proper relationship with God. The story provides a series of opportunities for parents to identify emotionally with such a heart-rending loss, but as one who has lost a child, the author’s description of the emotional impact was weak at best.
     The purpose of The Shack is to emphasize the importance of relationship with both God and others. In its final pages, the priority of a personal relationship with Christ is clearly stated. However, from cover to cover the author uses symbolism which takes such liberty with biblical truth that the result is a series of allegories which are doctrinally unsound.
     History shows (and it must never be forgotten) that not only actions but also words and ideas have consequences. If the words and ideas used by an author do not direct the reader toward biblical truth, the consequences for the individual can have eternal import. Mr. Young very quickly departs from historical, biblical Christian truth in his portrayal of the protagonist’s encounter with the Trinity. God the Father is portrayed as a plantation mammy! Throughout the book, he alternately refers to God the Father as “papa” or “she.” Aside from the destruction of the majesty, omnipotence, and holiness of the true God of the universe, the author marginalizes the first significant doctrine of the Church and the first line of the Apostles Creed, “I believe in God, the Father almighty, Creator of heaven and earth.”
     With assaults on Christian doctrine coming from every quarter, the Church has had to most recently deflect attacks specifically on the Fatherhood of God. It was not too long ago that a major Bible publisher announced their intention to produce a Bible that was “gender neutral.” Presumably, their idea was to provide a publication more acceptable to a politically correct public. Only because of the significant outcry (from clergy and laity alike) against their heretical act did they delay the publication indefinitely. The Church in America is already suffering under the influence of those who would feminize both churches and Christianity. Pastors and church leaders are under pressure to provide a gospel which is a sort of “Christianity Lite,” giving everyone warm and fuzzy feelings, without having to be concerned with the discipline and obedience required in following Jesus. In my opinion, the fictional account related in The Shack adds to the problem.
     I also take issue with the author’s attack upon the doctrine of hierarchy. Mr. Young’s definition of hierarchy centers on the use and abuse of power. He writes, “Hierarchy imposes laws and rules and you end up missing the wonder of relationship…” Is he suggesting that people within the Church should be able to do whatever they please so long as they are enjoying their relationships? Are not elders and deacons, pastors and teachers specifically set over the Church for its order and discipline?
     Biblical hierarchy is not about power, it is about responsibility, service and sacrifice. Within every biblically defined area of authority, there is first established the requirement of responsibility. The family – with husband, wife, children and extending to grandparents – has an established biblical hierarchy. But that hierarchy is one of responsibility, not power. The husband is to love his wife “as Christ loved the Church and gave Himself for it.” As a father, he is to teach the precepts of the faith to his children. As husband and father, he is to work to provide for every area of need for his family or be classified as “worse than an infidel.” Corresponding responsibilities are given church and civil leaders. Civil leaders are even described as God’s servants. Biblical hierarchy is not about power, but the author of The Shack defines it as such in order to make a “spiritualized” attack upon it.
     I am glad a friend gave me a copy of The Shack. I enjoy reading and have a significant library. That library and my reading includes not only the Bible, but commentaries, theology, history, government and economics, as well as biographies and fiction. Shelf space is limited and as with the friendly grocer, I do not have space for inferior products. Unfortunately, The Shack fits squarely within the latter category. I enjoy recommending good books to others. I respect my friend for his good intentions, but I cannot recommend this book to anyone.

COLUMBIA—Saturday June 21
Columbia State Community College
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Or contact Teri Hill tjhill1@charter.net

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