Interdisciplinary Book and Film Reviews

  Forgiveness, Reconciliation,  and Restoration:     Multidisciplinary Studies   from a Pentecostal Perspective   Edited by       Martin W. Mittelstadt &     Geoffrey W. Sutton   Reviewed by      Various Reviewers   *************** “Richly diverse, yet held together by a focus on the Pentecostal heritage, this volume offers a refreshing look at a timely topic for a world prone to anger and revenge. Through historical, theological, educational, literary, and social scientific lenses, one easily sees and appreciates the Pentecostal imprint on such valued Christian virtues as forgiveness, reconciliation, and justice. Congratulations to each contributor, and especially to editors Mittelstadt and Sutton, for a job well done.”          — Peter Hill, Biola University   ***************   “This volume is rich with godly and pastoral wisdom from an international panel of Pentecostal scholars who explore the Scriptures and offer practical advice on what it

When God Talks Back:  Understanding the American Evangelical    Relationship with God By      T.M. Luhrmann Reviewed by       Geoffrey W. Sutton We are His portion and He is our prize, Drawn to redemption by the grace in His eyes. If grace is an ocean, we’re all sinking; So Heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss, And my heart turns violently inside of my chest. I don’t have time to maintain these regrets When I think about the way that He loves us: John Mark McMillan (2005) I quoted a portion of the McMillan song because it is one of those subgenres of Christian music dubbed "Jesus is my boyfriend." If you observe Pentecostal youth singing with eyes closed and arms raised and swaying you get a real sense of a love relationship between a young woman and a personified God. The idea of a relationship with God is not new, but the focus on a present intensely personal speaking relationship with God as a widespread Christian mo