Write a 500-word book review for the below textbooks as concisely as possible. Book reviews should include the following: understanding/comprehension of the content, analysis that includes the strengths and weaknesses of the book, and relevance or application of the book to your ministry context or life. Include as much substance as possible, even while you remove every shred of excess. The goal for your writing should be lucid brevity.
Bontrager, Krista K. The Bigger Picture on Creation Study Guide. Glendora, CA: Reasons to Believe, 2008.
Sample solution
Dante Alighieri played a critical role in the literature world through his poem Divine Comedy that was written in the 14th century. The poem contains Inferno, Purgatorio, and Paradiso. The Inferno is a description of the nine circles of torment that are found on the earth. It depicts the realms of the people that have gone against the spiritual values and who, instead, have chosen bestial appetite, violence, or fraud and malice. The nine circles of hell are limbo, lust, gluttony, greed and wrath. Others are heresy, violence, fraud, and treachery. The purpose of this paper is to examine the Dante’s Inferno in the perspective of its portrayal of God’s image and the justification of hell.
In this epic poem, God is portrayed as a super being guilty of multiple weaknesses including being egotistic, unjust, and hypocritical. Dante, in this poem, depicts God as being more human than divine by challenging God’s omnipotence. Additionally, the manner in which Dante describes Hell is in full contradiction to the morals of God as written in the Bible. When god arranges Hell to flatter Himself, He commits egotism, a sin that is common among human beings (Cheney, 2016). The weakness is depicted in Limbo and on the Gate of Hell where, for instance, God sends those who do not worship Him to Hell. This implies that failure to worship Him is a sin.
God is also depicted as lacking justice in His actions thus removing the godly image. The injustice is portrayed by the manner in which the sodomites and opportunists are treated. The opportunists are subjected to banner chasing in their lives after death followed by being stung by insects and maggots. They are known to having done neither good nor bad during their lifetimes and, therefore, justice could have demanded that they be granted a neutral punishment having lived a neutral life. The sodomites are also punished unfairly by God when Brunetto Lattini is condemned to hell despite being a good leader (Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). While he commited sodomy, God chooses to ignore all the other good deeds that Brunetto did.
Finally, God is also portrayed as being hypocritical in His actions, a sin that further diminishes His godliness and makes Him more human. A case in point is when God condemns the sin of egotism and goes ahead to commit it repeatedly. Proverbs 29:23 states that “arrogance will bring your downfall, but if you are humble, you will be respected.” When Slattery condemns Dante’s human state as being weak, doubtful, and limited, he is proving God’s hypocrisy because He is also human (Verdicchio, 2015). The actions of God in Hell as portrayed by Dante are inconsistent with the Biblical literature. Both Dante and God are prone to making mistakes, something common among human beings thus making God more human.
To wrap it up, Dante portrays God is more human since He commits the same sins that humans commit: egotism, hypocrisy, and injustice. Hell is justified as being a destination for victims of the mistakes committed by God. The Hell is presented as being a totally different place as compared to what is written about it in the Bible. As a result, reading through the text gives an image of God who is prone to the very mistakes common to humans thus ripping Him off His lofty status of divine and, instead, making Him a mere human. Whether or not Dante did it intentionally is subject to debate but one thing is clear in the poem: the misconstrued notion of God is revealed to future generations.
References
Babor, T. F., McGovern, T., & Robaina, K. (2017). Dante’s inferno: Seven deadly sins in scientific publishing and how to avoid them. Addiction Science: A Guide for the Perplexed, 267.
Cheney, L. D. G. (2016). Illustrations for Dante’s Inferno: A Comparative Study of Sandro Botticelli, Giovanni Stradano, and Federico Zuccaro. Cultural and Religious Studies, 4(8), 487.
Verdicchio, M. (2015). Irony and Desire in Dante’s” Inferno” 27. Italica, 285-297.
Sample Answer
Sample Answer
Book Review: The Bigger Picture on Creation Study Guide by Krista K. Bontrager
Krista K. Bontrager’s The Bigger Picture on Creation Study Guide serves as an accessible and comprehensive resource for understanding the complexities of creation from a Christian worldview. Aimed at both laypersons and students, this guide offers insights into the dialogue surrounding science and faith, particularly in the context of creationism, evolution, and an overarching theological framework.
The content is structured around key themes related to creation, including the interpretation of Genesis, the compatibility of science and faith, and the implications of various views on the origins of life. Bontrager expertly navigates these topics, providing clear explanations and relevant biblical references that enhance comprehension. The study guide is particularly effective in breaking down complex scientific concepts into digestible segments, making it approachable for readers who may not have a scientific background.
Strengths
One of the primary strengths of this study guide is its balanced approach. Bontrager does not shy away from addressing contentious issues within the creation debate, such as the age of the Earth or the theory of evolution. Instead, she presents multiple perspectives, encouraging readers to engage critically with the material. This inclusivity fosters a spirit of inquiry and respect for differing viewpoints while firmly rooting discussions in scriptural truth.
Additionally, the study guide includes reflective questions and practical applications at the end of each chapter. These elements not only reinforce learning but also invite readers to apply their understanding to real-life situations—an important aspect for anyone involved in ministry or teaching.
Weaknesses
Despite its strengths, the book has some weaknesses. At times, Bontrager’s explanations can feel overly simplistic, which may frustrate readers seeking a deeper theological or scientific exploration. While clarity is essential, more nuanced discussions could enhance the reader’s understanding of intricate topics like theistic evolution or old-earth creationism. Furthermore, some may find that the guide lacks sufficient coverage of contemporary scientific advancements that relate to creation debates.
Relevance to Ministry Context
In my ministry context, The Bigger Picture on Creation Study Guide holds significant relevance. As a leader striving to address questions of faith and science among congregants, this resource equips me with a foundational understanding of creation theology while promoting respectful dialogue. The reflective questions provided can serve as discussion prompts in small group settings, facilitating conversations that bridge science and spirituality.
Moreover, understanding Bontrager’s perspective allows me to approach skeptics with grace and knowledge. In a culture increasingly skeptical of faith-based claims, having a well-rounded grasp of creation topics is essential for fostering meaningful relationships and sharing the Gospel effectively.
Conclusion
Overall, Krista K. Bontrager’s The Bigger Picture on Creation Study Guide is a valuable resource for those seeking to navigate the intersection of science and faith. Its balanced approach, engaging format, and practical applications make it suitable for both personal study and group discussions. While it has some limitations in depth, its contributions to understanding creation are significant, making it a worthwhile addition to any ministry toolkit.
