THINKING BIBLICALLY

For the women in positions of biblical influence in small groups or discipleship relationships, the following is an excerpt from an article titled "Thinking Biblically" by Linda Smookler. In it, she articulates 10 considerations when choosing a book for a topical women's study. (These points are probably useful to the guys as well!)

1. IS SCRIPTURE THE CORE: How much Scripture does each chapter contain? The best books are full of Scriptural quotations and are built around Scriptural principles. Then Scripture is used to explain and support Scripture in a clear pattern of building precept upon precept. One truth builds on another, and the Word of God makes its own case. Contrast that with books that give you a hypothesis and then pull one or two Scripture quotations out of context to support it.

2. HOW IS SCRIPTURE TREATED: Is it the final authority? Is it put on the same level as experience or emotional response? Are the Scriptures the only authority or is some person's "new revelation" treated as equally valuable with Scripture? Is experience evaluated by Scripture or Scripture subjected to varying interpretations and experiences?

3. Is the PREMISE AND FOCUS of each chapter the Word of God? Is each principle "provable" by Scripture or is the premise someone's theory, discovery, or opinion? a. Is the subject matter of each chapter appropriate for our use? b. Is it easily taught? c. Will our leaders be able to communicate the ideas in each chapter? d. Is there a workbook or can lesson plans be easily composed from the chapters? e. The focus of this book will equip our women to ..........

4. WHO IS THE AUTHOR: What do you already know about the author? a. What is their background or reputation? b. Is the author a "personality" or a theologian? c. What else have they written? (Are you recommending all of their other work by choosing one of their books?) d. As you read the book, what is revealed about the author's worldview, personality, decision-making skills, charter qualities, maturity, and giftedness? e. How does this author view women and women's role in the church? f. What is their agenda? Do they state their purpose? g. What is the level of writing... basic, easy read, in-depth? Does it require an understanding of difficult vocabulary? h. Who do you "hear" as you read - Do you just hear the author, or is the book written in such a way that the Scriptures speak primarily and the author clarifies, explains, and illustrates?

5. RECOMMENDATIONS: Who recommends this book? What do they say it about its usefulness?

6. PUBLISHER: Take notice of the publishers. Some are almost always good. Some are very careful about what they publish. Some will publish anything.

7. QUOTES: Whom does the author quote? Are they secularly or theologically known? What is the denomination of the person quoted? What are their primary theological beliefs? Do they quote the Giants of the Faith, the Puritans, the Classics, or familiar trusted names like Augustine, Calvin, Luther, Edwards, Packer, Sproul, Ferguson. Are ALL of their writings generally trustworthy? You want to know whom your author reads.

8. Is the writing MAN-CENTERED or GOD-CENTERED? Is it about how man can get what he wants from God, from the world, how he can be satisfied, happy, etc., or is it about finding ways for man to become more conformed to the image of God and give God the Glory? Is it about living comfortably or fathering fruit for the kingdom?

9. DOCTRINE: Does it compromise anywhere on the essentials of the faith, creation, fall of man, virgin birth, sinless life of Christ, atonement, physical resurrection, etc. Does it violate any of the "solas" Scripture alone, grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, for the glory of God alone?

10. SALVATION THROUGH GRACE: Does the book compromise on or support the NEED FOR REPENTANCE, RECONCILIATION, AND RELIANCE? Does it confront the sin nature, focus on our fundamental need for reconciliation and our responsibility to be a witness to a lost world? Does it make clear the reality of the necessity of total reliance on grace as a lifestyle and using various means of grace (worship, prayer, Word, fellowship, communion, meditating, memorizing, Biblical mentoring/counseling)?