Practicing the Way
Having read “Practicing the Way: Be with Jesus. Become Like Him. Do as He Did” by John Mark Comer (WaterBrook, 2024, hardcover, ISBN 978-0-593-44615-9), I found the book to be both theologically coherent and pastorally …
The Saints’ Everlasting Rest
Today, I fully completed The Saints’ Everlasting Rest by Richard Baxter, edited by Tim Cooper. This is a 2022 abridgment of The Saint’s Everlasting Rest and a restoration of devotion more than an act of …
Gentle Words Spoken
To speak more gently—truly and enduringly—requires not simply a change in language but a transformation of attitude, presence, and intent. Gentleness in speech is neither weakness nor avoidance of truth; it is truth clothed in …
First Reading: Apocrypha (NRSV)
On July 12, 2024, I completed the first reading of the full Deuterocanon (Apocrypha) from cover to cover. This was the entire collection of books, which includes some that appear within the Catholic and Orthodox …
On Orthodox Theology
Today, I finished reading A Basic Guide to Eastern Orthodox Theology by Dr. Eve Tibbs. Published by Baker Academic in 2021 (ISBN: 9781540960719), this book provides a structured and patristically rooted presentation of the theological …
On the Priesthood
The first book in the Popular Patristics series is entitled “Six Books on the Priesthood.” Today, I finished this book to gain a deeper understanding of Chrysostom’s views on pastoral and priestly ministry and to …
The Practice of Presence
Today, I completed a book about an affective mystic who loved God in every moment, with all his heart, and encouraged others to do the same, wherever they were and whatever they were doing. That …
A Map of Coherence
This table is a comprehensive doctrinal comparison chart that systematically evaluates a wide range of Christian theological themes according to their creedal affirmation, doctrinal tier, alignment with Scripture, key supporting verses, and a concise explanatory …
Reflections on Renewal
This post provides a 30-day journey of renewal by repentance with scripture, prayer, reflection, and application for each day. If you would like, check off each item daily as you progress in humility and grace …
Deep Anglicanism
I finished all of Deep Anglicanism by Gerald McDermott today, at just under 400 pages. Every word. The book offers a thorough and thoughtful overview of the Anglican tradition. It highlights both the common ground …
The Seven Capital Sins
Last week I completed reading The Seven Capital Sins, first published in 1959 by the Benedictine Convent of Perpetual Adoration. Today, it is available from TAN Books, published in 2017 (ISBN978-0-89555-679-0). This post consists of …
Reformation Anglican Worship
While reading through the book Reformation Anglican Worship, the notes I wrote out and captured were synthesized and recorded here for their primary or major points. The book presents highly informative points of interest concerning …
On Infant Baptism
Today, I completed reading John Stott and J. Alec Motyer’s Doctrine of Infant Baptism, published by Latimer Trust. First, this book provides a thorough theological reflection on the sacrament of baptism within the Anglican tradition …
An Ascetic Order
Christian Proficiency by Martin Thornton is a published work on disciplined spirituality and serves as a practical and theological guide for integrating faith into daily life. Thornton emphasizes the concept of “proficiency” as the mature …
Knowing God
Today I completed the classic book Knowing God by J.I. Packer. It is 360 pages in length and in three parts about knowing the Lord, beholding God, and the recognition that God is for us …
The Rule of Saint Benedict
Saint Benedict of Nursia (c. 480–547 AD) is one of the most significant figures in the history of Western monasticism and Christian spirituality. Born in the region of Nursia (modern Norcia, Italy), he came from …
The Triads by Saint Palamas
The Triads by Saint Gregory Palamas stands as a prominent figure in the history of Christian spirituality. Composed in the mid-14th century, this work responds to a profound theological dispute that encapsulated the tension between …
Deeper by Ortlund
I just completed Dane Ortlund’s book Deeper, and with it, I now have a clearer and settled assurance of what it means to grow in Christ from a thoroughly biblical perspective. The scriptural authority about …
About James
☩ U.S. military veteran and electrical engineer with an MBA from Pepperdine University and an M.A. in Theological Studies. My background includes wilderness exploration with over 140 mountain ascents and travel throughout Europe and the Americas. My life is in Christ, under the authority of Holy Scripture, with ongoing pursuits in engineering, literature, the sciences, and theology.
