The Elder Henry James Book

One of the most prolific and most thoughtful current apologists for the Christian faith has taken the lives of three great leaders of Christian thought and presented them in a very readable way. John Piper is an excellent writer and can pull together compelling words that will give us pause. This, the fourth in his series of brief biographies, is one of them. Piper's works are best read slowly and thoughtfully -- prayerfully -- in order to get the most out of them. This one is no exception.

Who would have thought that Athanasius of Egypt (298 - 373), John Owen of England (1616 - 1683), and J. Gresham Machen of the United States (1881 - 1937) could share a common theme for their lives. However, largely because they shared a common faith, this treatise on their struggle for their faith can also stir us a hundred, 350, or 1700 years later. That same faith is something for which every Christian -- today -- must still contend. Yet, as Piper continues to remind us, we must strive together in love.

For those who believe that Christianity is for mindless minions who blindly follow some ancient creed, read this book and think.