Book Reviews

A Statesman, a Theologian, and a Preacher

New Ways to Research, Serve, Lead, and Counsel

Seeking Discipline and Considering the Captives

LeRoy Lawson reviews Flunking Sainthood and Zoo Story, exploring the unexpected power of spiritual disciplines, the possibility of forgiveness, and the complicated ethical questions surrounding animals living in…

Questions, Answers, Death, and Life

LeRoy Lawson reviews three compelling books: David Faust's Honest Questions, Honest Answers, Sanjay Gupta's Cheating Death, and Laura Hillenbrand's Unbroken, exploring difficult questions, medical breakthroughs, wartime survival, and…

Books I Enjoyed about Subjects I Don’t

LeRoy Lawson reviews three books about mathematics, evolution, and particle physics, finding lessons in perseverance, intellectual humility, and respectful inquiry through the work of Simon Singh, Edward J.…

Five “Must-Read” Books for Ministry

LeRoy Lawson reviews five recommended books for ministers, exploring spiritual disciplines, servant leadership, effective preaching, reaching unchurched people, and simplifying church programs to strengthen Christian leadership.

From the Trivial (but Interesting) to the Eternal (and Compelling)

LeRoy Lawson reviews three compelling books exploring the history of private life, the meaning of Christian spirituality, and the Jewish roots of Jesus' teaching, offering thoughtful reflections on…

From Three of My Favorite Female Authors

LeRoy Lawson reviews three thought-provoking books by Temple Grandin, Barbara Brown Taylor, and Kathleen Norris, exploring animal welfare, everyday spirituality, and the struggle against acedia and indifference.

Churches, Brains, and Change

LeRoy Lawson reviews four books exploring messy church ministry, social intelligence, addiction and neuroscience, and technological change, offering thoughtful reflections on human relationships, personal struggles, and the church's…

Shared Secrets for Ministers, Useful Advice for Elders

LeRoy Lawson reviews Richard Lischer's Open Secrets and practical leadership resources by Jim Estep, David Roadcup, and Gary Johnson, exploring pastoral formation, effective eldership, and the wisdom gained…

Failing, Fathering, and Falling Toward Maturity

LeRoy Lawson reviews three compelling books about pastoral failure, fatherhood, and spiritual maturity, exploring how The Damnation of Theron Ware, Gilead, and Falling Upward illuminate the journey toward…

Leadership Proverbs and Models of Change

LeRoy Lawson reviews three books exploring leadership wisdom, the challenges of organizational change, and simpler living, offering practical insights from Pat Williams, Chip and Dan Heath, and Eric…

Choosing to Love, Discovering the Enemy

LeRoy Lawson reviews I Shall Not Hate and Son of Hamas, exploring two remarkable personal journeys through the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the determination to pursue forgiveness, reconciliation, and…

Missionary Books, Missionary Enterprise, and Workings of the Mind

LeRoy Lawson reviews three books on the missionary purpose of the Gospels, contemporary world missions, and human decision-making, drawing practical lessons for Christian leaders, teachers, and readers.

Africa and Afghanistan, Ethics and Unity

LeRoy Lawson reviews four compelling books on African suffering, Afghanistan, pastoral ethics, and Christian unity, reflecting on the human experiences and moral responsibilities that challenge readers and church…