Write a 500-word book review for the below textbooks as concisely as possible.
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.
book : 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” offers a comprehensive exploration of creation from a Christian perspective. The book delves into the intricate details of the creation story, providing readers with a deeper understanding and comprehension of the complex relationship between science and faith.
Strengths
One of the key strengths of the book is its meticulous approach to merging scientific evidence with biblical teachings. Bontrager skillfully navigates through topics such as evolution, the age of the Earth, and intelligent design, offering readers a well-rounded view of creation that is both intellectually stimulating and spiritually enriching.
Additionally, the study guide format of the book enhances its educational value, providing readers with thought-provoking questions and exercises that encourage critical thinking and reflection. The interactive nature of the content makes it engaging and conducive to personal or group study sessions.
Weaknesses
While “The Bigger Picture on Creation Study Guide” excels in presenting a holistic view of creation, some readers may find the depth of scientific explanations overwhelming. The complex scientific concepts discussed in the book could potentially be challenging for those without a strong background in science.
Furthermore, the book’s heavy reliance on scientific evidence may limit its appeal to readers who prioritize a more straightforward theological approach to creation. The balance between scientific exploration and theological interpretation may not resonate equally with all audiences.
Relevance to Ministry Context or Life
In a ministry context, “The Bigger Picture on Creation Study Guide” holds significant relevance for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of creation within the framework of faith. The book equips readers with knowledge and insights that can inform their discussions on the intersection of science and religion, making it a valuable resource for addressing questions and challenges related to creation beliefs.
Personal application of the book’s content can lead to a strengthened faith foundation, a greater appreciation for the wonders of creation, and a more nuanced perspective on the complexities of the universe. By engaging with the material presented in the study guide, readers can cultivate a holistic worldview that integrates scientific discoveries with spiritual truths, ultimately enriching their lives and ministry endeavors.
In conclusion, Krista K. Bontrager’s “The Bigger Picture on Creation Study Guide” stands out as a thought-provoking and informative resource that bridges the gap between science and faith in the context of creation. Despite some potential challenges in accessibility, the book’s depth of content and relevance to ministry make it a valuable addition to any reader’s exploration of Christian perspectives on creation.
