Books read in July 2009 (7)

1. A Faith to Live by by Donald Macleod

A great introduction to systematic theology from a very gifted teacher. Suitable for anyone wanting to know the basic doctrines of Christianity. Well written and easy to read, and for an author whose church only sings psalms, there are a lot of hymns quoted.

2. The Death of Dalziel: A Dalziel and Pascoe Novel by Reginald Hill

I have enjoyed there stories on TV so now that I switch to reading my first one my picture of the characters is more influenced by the TV than merely reading the book. However there is no contradiction. The book is much more erudite though and may send one for a dictionary.

This is a good read. English group killing local Muslims indeed. My only surprise there is that it has not happened. We are so very tolerant of an imperialistic religion whose aim is world domination, many of whose followers support violent jihad. Not that any of my Muslim friends have owned up to it or even to taqiyya, deception of the unbeliever to promote your faith,

But back to the book. After the pair are blown up, Pascoe joins the spooks who are very spooky indeed. The Fat Man hovers between life and death. I do wonder how accurate a portrayal we are given of a man's mind in that condition. I, unlike our hero, would not be arguing with the Almighty. I shall be treading more of the series.

3. A Killing Kindness: A Dalziel and Pascoe Novel by Reginald Hill

I always enjoy the duo from Yorkshire but the denouement of the plot, hinted at in the title, was unconvincing.

4. The Mutiny by Julian Rathbone

A most excellent, informative and gripping historical novel of the Indian Mutiny, or if you are as PC as the BBC, The First War of Indian Independence. To me, the author is very even handed telling how both sides committed atrocities. What interested me most was his analysis of the causes. These may not be his order of precedence but I take them as British racism and the belief that Christianity was being foisted on them not just cartridges with pork and beef grease. The British were racist as was the time but there racism is now largely a thing of the paste unlike caste. I do wonder how much there was a fear of Christianisation. Admittedly John Company had moved from its men going native at times to a lot of Evangelical influence, but this company had in the past banned all missionaries, men like Carey. One puzzle. Havelock has more memorials than any Victorian except the Queen. But here he is but a minor player it seems.

5. Pilgrim by James Jackson

In the early 13th century thousands of European Christian children set off on a crusade to regain Jerusalem, the relic of the cross and lands from the Muslims. Among them is a young noble, Otto, seeking his father who had not been heard of since an earlier crusade. But someone is out to kill Otto and his associates. An excellent and informative historical novel with all the violence, treachery and false religion of the age. Sincerity and devotion are not enough. I learned about archery and loved the quite Protestant ending.

6. Road Rage (A Chief Inspector Wexford Mystery) by Ruth Rendell

This is the first time I have read not seen Wexford and I enjoyed it. Environmentalists including Mrs Wexford are opposed to a new road. Extremist activists appear to have kidnapped Wexford's wife and others, some of whom are killed. Rendell is a good writer who keeps one's interest right up to the twist at the end.

7. Calvin: Institutes of the Christian Religion (2 volume set) by Jean Calvin (Author), John Thomas McNeill (Editor), Ford Lewis Battles (Translator)

This work of theological genius is a text which has influenced Western civilisation for nearly five centuries. It started as the work of a young French refugee, only in his twenties and resident in Geneva. It does not read like other systematic theologies for it is heartwarmingly devotional. It is felt faith explained and defended. The detractors of Calvin are usually lacking in personal contact with his works. Ignorant prejudice against this Marmite reformer will be reduced by acquaintance with this his magnum opus. This modern edition is far more readable than earlier translations. So far I have read volume one and am enjoying the second even more.