Book Reviews

Charting a Course Through the Humanities

LeRoy Lawson revisits the classic reading list for Milligan College’s Humanities 101, reflecting on Homer, Vergil, Beowulf, Augustine, Greek tragedy, and enduring questions from ancient and medieval culture.

A Troubled Continent, a New Dream

LeRoy Lawson reviews two histories of post-independence Africa and David Platt’s Radical, connecting Africa’s suffering with the church’s call to sacrificial Great Commission living.

Changed Lives, Reformed Hearts

FROM MY BOOKSHELF: From My Vacation, for Your New Year

LeRoy Lawson reviews five books from a European trip, reflecting on optimism, character, physics, corporate leadership, and the English language with a preacher’s eye for wisdom.

From My Bookshelf: It Matters What You Believe

LeRoy Lawson reviews three books exploring quantum theory, Pearl Buck’s complicated legacy, and the bin Laden family, reflecting on truth, biography, belief, and the consequences of sincere conviction.

FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Lessons from Lives Past

LeRoy Lawson reviews biographies of Henry Stanley, Cleopatra, and three royal cousins whose stories reveal ambition, power, historical complexity, and the world into which Jesus came.

FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Two to Help Us Think About Prejudice

LeRoy Lawson reviews two books that explore sign language, global Christianity, and the power of prejudice to shape human assumptions before all the facts are in.

From My Bookshelf: Missionary Loses It All—Even His Faith

LeRoy Lawson reviews three books on mission, mortality, and Scripture, reflecting on Daniel Everett’s Amazon account, Kerry and Chris Shook’s life-focused challenge, and Leland Ryken’s literary approach to…

FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Who Will Help the Poor Help Themselves?

LeRoy Lawson reviews three books that probe poverty, justice, wealth, and Christian responsibility, asking how believers should respond to the poor with wisdom, compassion, and practical help.

FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Three Reads to Make You Squirm

LeRoy Lawson reviews three provocative books that challenge church traditions, American worship practices, and Christians’ responsibility to the world’s poor.

FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Will You Lead? Will You Serve?

LeRoy Lawson reviews books by Jeff Jarvis, Gary Hamel, and Seth Godin, drawing leadership lessons for churches, organizations, and the Restoration Movement.

FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Focusing on Grace

LeRoy Lawson reviews four Christian books on ministry friendship, grace, small group leadership, and long-haul leadership, offering a mixed but thoughtful guide for ministers and church leaders.

FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Politics, Commerce, and Religion: All About Us and Them

Can patriotism become a source of division? LeRoy Lawson reviews three provocative books examining America's changing global influence, its history of moral conflict, and the ways politicians use…

FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Group Projects and Real People

LeRoy Lawson reviews Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers and Anne Lamott’s Traveling Mercies, reflecting on success, storytelling, faith, brokenness, and the grace found among real people in the church.

FROM MY BOOKSHELF: Forgotten, Free, and Faithful

LeRoy Lawson reviews three books that stirred his curiosity, exploring the Great Depression, the modern expectation of “free,” and Harvey Cox’s provocative vision for the future of faith.