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BOOK REVIEWSADULT NONFICTION*How to read Genesis / Tremper Longman.LCCN 2005001666. Downers Grove, Ill. :InterVarsity Press, 2005.PAP, 0877849439, list price: $13.00.222/.1107. Bible. O.T. Genesis--Criticism,interpretation, etc. 192 p. ; 21 cm.Adult. Rating : *5.This title is not a commentary on the book ofGenesis. It is, rather “an exploration of theproper interpretive approach to [Genesis]…” (p.17). And it is an important text because accurateunderstanding of Genesis is foundational tounderstanding the remainder of the Bible, thehistory of Israel, and man’s redemption. How toRead Genesis is also a comparative study,examining Genesis as a work of history and asthe foundation stone of the Word of God.Dr. Longman’s book is a scholarly work and willappeal more to the serious student of the Biblerather than to one exploring the Bible for thefirst time. The author successfully challengesinterpretation and traditional thinking. He prodsthe reader from one principle or premise to thenext in logical movements, ultimately guidingthe reader to a fresh realization. The book isstructured in such a way as to motivateinvestigation and encourage critical thinking.At the end of each section there is a list ForFurther Reading and at the end of the book thereis an Appendix consisting of a bibliography ofcommentaries, extensive Notes, as well asNames and Scripture indices.This title is highly recommended for theologicalcollections in seminaries and academia, as wellas church and synagogue libraries.Pamella A. RussellFool's gold? : discerning truth in an age oferror / John MacArthur, general editor ;Nathan Busenitz, Scott Lang, PhilJohnson, associate editors. LCCN2004030155. Wheaton, Ill. : CrosswayBooks, 2005.PAP, 158134726X, list price: $12.99.230/.04624. Evangelicalism; Discernment (Christiantheology); Christian life--Biblical teaching. 224 p. ;22 cm.Adult (Grades 11-12). Rating : 3.Written to help readers determine which ideaspopular in today’s permissive society are trulybiblical and which are false teaching, Fool’sGold is a thought-provoking volume that’sbound to be controversial.It not only covers false teachings (for instance,that all religions lead to God) but also somecurrently-popular Christian ones: that God’sword must be made palatable to nonbelievers;that sermons should be short, catchy, andfocused on emotional rather than biblical issues.Books such as The Purpose-Driven Life and theRevolve Bible are discussed and criticized, as arealtar calls, contemporary Christian music, andthe political activism of the religious right.For the most part Fool’s Gold is clearly written,although it occasionally slips into talk about“ecumenical compromise” and “pragmaticsanctification.” It also goes into such deepdiscussions of doctrine or the workings of theearly church that a casual reader might skipahead. It presents a balanced look at the issuesit covers, but the fact that editor John MacArthurand every contributor come from the samechurch may raise questions about objectivity.Also, the book’s focus on modern books andissues may date its message.Fool’s Gold would appeal to a general audience,but it’s best for pastors and other church workerswanting to understand how modern trends canaffect the church.Rosemarie DiCristoThe feminist mistake : the radical impactof feminism on church and culture / MaryA. Kassian. Rev. ed. LCCN 2005000504.Wheaton, Ill. : Crossway Books, 2005.PAP, 1581345704, list price: $17.99.230/.082. Feminism--Religious aspects; Feministtheology; Kassian, Mary A.--Feminist gospel. 336 p. ;22 cm.Adult. Rating : 3.The Feminist Mistake is an updated version ofMary Kassian’s 1992 book, The FeministGospel. The title is a play on Betty Friedan’sFeminist Mystique (in fact, the cover has“mystique” crossed out and replaced by“mistake”); the book is a scathing indictment offeminism in general, as well as feministtendencies in the modern church (includingseemingly-innocent trends towards genderinclusivelanguage and the purging of“patriarchal” hymns and liturgies).Kassian thoroughly covers the development ofsecular and religious feminism, focusing on thewritings of Friedan, Simone de Beauvoir, MaryDale, Rosemary Radford Ruether, and VirginiaMollenkott. All material is meticulously backedup with endnotes. However, despite Kassian’sclaim that she’s written The Feminist Mistakefor general audiences as well as for students incourses on women’s issues, the book is best forthose students or for church leaders. Kassianimplies she’ll cover the effects the “tsunami” offeminism had on modern culture but that portionof the book takes only the final twenty of its 336pages. Kassian is most concerned withfeminism’s effect on (and its grossmisinterpretation of) church teaching. (Thelanguage used also makes the book best forcollege-educated audiences).Kassian strongly addresses the dangers offeminist thought, but by recounting those viewsin such detail (especially their claims that churchand society have oppressed women), she mayinadvertently cause young women raised intoday’s culture to think the feminists were right.In a footnote Kassian “agrees” the church“abuses and oppresses” women, but refersreaders to another of her books for details.Similarly, while stating the Bible doesn’t insist“men fix the cars, women do the baking,” shedoesn’t give a clear idea of what it allowswomen to do. Can evangelical women flyplanes, or does Christianity only offermotherhood? Kassian doesn’t say.Rosemarie DiCristo*God in the flesh : what speechless lawyers,kneeling soldiers, and shocked crowdsteach us about Jesus / Don Everts. LCCN2005005130. Downers Grove, Ill. :InterVarsity Press, 2005.HBB, 0830832874, list price: $16.00.232.9. Bible. N.T. Gospels--Criticism, interpretation,etc.; Incarnation. 175 p. ; 23 cm.Adult. Rating : *5.Don Everts takes a unique approach in trying toreveal the nature of Jesus. Instead of focusingon the words that He spoke, Everts focuses onthe reactions of those Jesus encountered. Thesetidbits are hidden in what Everts calls the “stagedirections” in the “boring verses”. He exploresthe passages where people are falling down,kneeling, and trembling in awe in Jesus’presence, and he invites the reader to becomemore focused on this man who evokes suchresponses. Everts also provides an excellentQuestions and Applications section at the endthat is truly thought-provoking.God in the Flesh is divided into five books.Each examines a different aspect of Jesus—Hislife, presence, authority, compassion, and Hiscall. Everts shows the impact an encounter withJesus did, and still does, have on everydaypeople. He makes his points with clarity and anC H R I S T I A N L I B R A R Y J O U R N A L 3 0 J U N E 2 0 0 5