BOOK REVIEW: Beyond The Shades of Gray by Dean Bailey

I rarely give glowing reviews to books, but this is one that I am going to start out by saying OH WOW!  

Mr.Bailey has done one of the most magnificent jobs on this subject that I have seen. Let me caution you, that if you are squeamish about books dealing with sexuality, heterosexual or otherwise then you probably won't like it because it will make you uncomfortable. You will take a good long look at what God actually says about sexuality, bias pro and con on the subject and will make you take an honest look at yourself!  It will show you how that stereotypes are a dangerous thing on both sides, how prejudice runs on both sides. We all get comfortable in our skins of various sorts, without taking a look beyond them. We adapt mindsets and behaviors often pressed upon us by society and people that we know, without honestly considering whether they are biblical or not. Sometimes, we don't even care if they are biblical, and blame God for "the way that we are." In this book, if you are a believer, you are going to find the very practical facing of the issues that Jesus presents in the Sermon on the Mount in Matt.5 and 6, that all sin runs deeper than what is on the surface. Sexual orientation doesn't matter where this is concerned and you will wind up asking yourself, "why am I doing - saying - acting like this?" 

This book does not just deal with biblical aspects. This is a very factual book, dealing with everything from politics to beliefs, to science, biology and more. If you are a spiritual leader - you NEED this book!  If you are a counselor, you NEED this book! If you are a Christian struggling with the issue of sexual orientation on any front, personal or otherwise - you NEED this book!

My rating -- twenty stars!  I have ready many books on this subject, and this is the first that I have seen that has dealt with it as openly, honestly and spiritually as it should. GET IT!  But, be prepared when you do - to confront parts of yourself that you may not wish to see. I hope that it is as helpful to you as I have found it to be for me.

Jim

BOOK REVIEW: The James Code

The James Code by O.J.Hawkins, came to me as a hardback book. I must say that this was good to see, in today's digital age. It was nice to have something to hold in my hand, and read at my leisure. I must admit that I didn't know what to expect in receiving the book. I have studied the book of James many times. I appreciate the content of the book, written as a devotional style book to be read weekly. While I am not afforded that luxury in being given a book to review within a certain framework of time. The book is full of good and sound advice, and has things written in a practical way for application. Yet, I guess I was disappointed in a couple of things. It is the typical "gift style" book meant to be presented to a graduate or to someone as a gift. There's nothing wrong with that, but the title "The James Code" belies the revealing of a mystery. Perhaps it is my own downfall in having studied James and looking for its mysteries, but I do not see how the book reveals anything of a "code." Practical insights - yes. Practical Wisdom - Yes. Practical thought - yes.  Is this a code? I guess so, in a way - but the title left me expecting something that I didn't see personally.

Please don't take my criticism here wrong. I am not saying that the book is a bad book. I found the material very good and one that I will keep in my library and likely refer to upon occasion. The subtitle is "52 Scripture Principles for Putting Your Faith Into Action."  I think this is more of what the book is about. While I may have my issues with the Title, the book is good and I think would make an excellent devotion book for anyone.