Knowing God by J. I. Packer Summary and Reviews
|
List Price: Our Price: $10.22 You Save: $7.78 (43%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $1.07 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of Knowing God
Book Review: Glorious chapter on adoption!
Summary: 4 Stars
I know and agree that this book is a classic. So I should give it five stars, but I didn't. I think that many of my Christian friends would not have the patience to read it. It is reasonably readable, but has a rather strong intellectual bent. It also has a British style which doesn't flow so well for American readers, I think. The book has no anecdotes, either personal ones that would give us more insight into Packer as a person, or anecdotes about others, which would appeal to a lot of people and could help to convey the ideas. It does have a lot of Biblical quotes. It quotes a lot of hymns, mostly ones that I was not familiar with.
I thought the treatment of sovereign grace, election and regeneration could have been more direct and clear. These concepts are there, but they are presented in a subtle way at times, and someone who isn't already grounded in them (or who disagrees with the Reformed view) will likely not pick up on their full significance. You might argue that these doctrines are not central to "knowing God", but Packer inevitably bumps into them. There is a chapter on grace, but the actual presentation of grace is lacking in clarity and directness, devoting one sentence to regeneration (Page 135). It is not clear enough in showing that regeneration is the instrument of God's grace that brings people to saving faith.
If the reader has spent a little time studying the Bible and theology, some of the topics will be very familiar and there won't be anything new, and the presentation will be rather average. However, the chapter on propitiation is way better than average, and the chapter on adoption is glorious! When written in 1973, Packer noted that adoption is a neglected topic throughout the church. I believe it still is, just as much now as it was then. I see that 18 notable Christians have endorsed this book, but as far as I know, none of them have done much to advance the understanding of adoption. I believe that Packer correctly and clearly presents this doctrine.
There is no bibliography. Sometimes quotes or ideas are documented in the text, sometimes not. It would be a little difficult to track down the source documents.
The problems that Packer describes inside and outside the church are much the same today as they were in 1973. So the book is still very current. In the general culture, pluralism is perhaps a little stronger today. Rejection of object truth is stronger today. Within the church, there are stronger concentrations of both the good and the bad. Using the internet, you can find pastors who preach the whole truth of God's Word, and you can find pastors (and congregations) who avoid important parts of the Word and who do not encourage good Bible study or a high view of Scripture.
Book Review: God Centered
Summary: 5 Stars
This book's greatest gift is a singular focus on God. It skillfully strips away much of the culture and dogma that encumbers the spirit and offers practical advice for modern Christians on how to get back to the simple truth of our faith.Book Review: God at the Center
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of those rare books that pulls no punches and gets to the heart of what it means to build a life with God solidly at the center. It is by no means a 'how-to' guide focusing on the legalities and religion of doing. Rather it presents the God who made the universe in a way that, if read with reflection and thought, will open our little minds to the true and all encompassing presence of an awesome God, and will leave our hearts with a strong desire to worship Him. Personally, I read one section of the book with worship music playing in the background and found myself drawn into worship. It's not a book you can read in one sitting, but it is definitely a book that you would want to come back to over and over again as you grow in your own walk with God. Summing it up - 'The broadening of the finite mind to the majesty of an infinite God' - this is probably as close as it gets this side of heaven.Book Review: Good Read
Summary: 5 Stars
I believe this book "Knowing God" by J.I. Picker will help expand your mind about God. It will help people see God as a compassionate, loving Creator. Packer includes lots of scripture which I believe is important in a book of this nature.
I see from
Book Review: Great Book!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is one of the most beautifully, simply written systematic theology books ever. It is easy to understand and to follow, without leaving behind a bit of the Truth that the Word has for us. Packer again does a great job at getting into the heart of the word, and taking us to who God really is. He shows us in this book what it is really like to Be Knowing God.