The Forever War by Dexter Filkins (Vintage Books, 2008): A Book Brief
by David Nelson
Returning from a trip overseas recently, I had one of those long layovers that was accompanied by the disappointment that I’d read every book I’d carried with me. That led me to the Borders bookstore in the Detroit airport where I picked up Dexter Filkins’ The Forever War.
The book has collected plenty of awards, so no one needs my review of the … [Read More]
David Nelson
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| Email: | dnelson1@sebts.edu |
Recent Posts
Book Brief: The Forever War
Feb 12th, 2010 by David Nelson
I Was Never “Mentored”: A Report from the Field, Part 3
Feb 8th, 2010 by David Nelson
This is the third installment of blogs I penned while spending time with overseas workers during the month of January. Not all of these blogs are specifically about “missions,” but are topics raised during my time spent with these workers.
Mentorship is all the rage. Everyone wants to be “mentored” and not a few people want to be a “mentor.” And mentorship has easily found its way into forms of discipleship among evangelicals. Fundamental to … [Read More]
An Open Letter to Closed Communionists: A Report from the Field, Part 2
Feb 5th, 2010 by David Nelson
This is the second part of a series I drafted while visiting overseas workers in the month of January. In my first post I offered a challenge to the SBC regarding our support of the IMB. This post gets at an entirely different issue upon which I reflected in the international context.
A colleague and I were recently overseas and on the Lord’s day we gathered with a group of believers who meet in a … [Read More]
When Words Aren’t Enough: A Report from the Field, Part 1
Feb 2nd, 2010 by David Nelson
For much of the month of January, a colleague and I have been in an international setting serving with overseas workers. We have worked together daily in an educational context, and I have been reminded continually of the significance of the Great Commission. To say I am impressed by the workers of our mission board is an understatement, but I don’t want to embarrass my friends by being overly effusive about their labors. None of … [Read More]
Going Home
Dec 18th, 2009 by David Nelson
Children grow up and leave home, and then on occasions return home. “Going home” may involve a trip to the place we’ve known since childhood, a gathering of family for a holiday in a place where part of our family now resides, or the inevitable journey to be with a dying loved one.
I have in the past shared the story of my parents and their illnesses, as well as the struggles of my Mom, who … [Read More]
Worship and Ecclesial Purity
Oct 20th, 2009 by David Nelson
This is the second in a five-part series on a theological framework for worship. I began with a post on theological integrity. This week we focus on ecclesial purity. My former students will note that I’ve changed the nomenclature for this part of the framework to be more all-inclusive of matters related to worship as the people of God.
“Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord,” the psalmist asks, and, “Who shall stand in … [Read More]
Theological Integrity in Worship
Oct 5th, 2009 by David Nelson
In the past months I’ve had some things to say about worship, some in a general sense and a series on the problems associated with what I call “Disney-World” Worship. Yes, I have been a bit of a curmudgeon in the process. I appreciate those who have interacted with me both on the blog, via email, and some in person. Next comes a series of posts describing something of a theological framework for worship, focusing … [Read More]
Hindsight and Cultural Relevance
Sep 24th, 2009 by David Nelson
Much is said about cultural relevance among evangelicals. This is, of course, not new. As a new believer in my twenties I recall then “cutting edge” pastors speaking of cultural relevance. I recall them often being criticized by those older and grayer. That was in the 1980s and those pastors are now the graying figures of the SBC. And another generation now is speaking of the need to be culturally relevant.
The need for Christians to … [Read More]
Why Johnny Can’t Preach
Aug 27th, 2009 by David Nelson
Last week our Lifeway Campus store asked me for a list of five favorite books that they could display in their store as recommended reading. They are asking various professors from our faculty to do this throughout the year.
I wanted an ancient work, which was easy to choose – Augustine’s City of God – everyone should read it. And then I added a few “modern classics” that are accessible and don’t have any good popular … [Read More]
Neighbor Love and the Considerate Traveler
Jul 21st, 2009 by David Nelson
Noise-cancelling headphones are one of the best inventions in recent memory. I was given a set a couple of years ago. Since I travel a fair amount, I have come to appreciate the ability to block out aircraft engine noise and a fair amount of other distractions as well. I like my headphones.
But I’ve discovered that my headphones have their limitations. The do not cut out noise at certain frequencies, including high pitched baby squeals … [Read More]
