Scan barcode
mc_moose's review against another edition
5.0
Wow! This book is so richly Christ-focussed and edifying. A new favourite of mine and one I'd like to revisit regularly.
shortthoughts's review against another edition
4.0
Tony Reinke has combed through the letters of John Newton and sifted out many of his words pertaining to the Christian life. Newton excelled at distilling practical wisdom for daily living. His counsels are personal and helpful. Reinke does point out a couple of areas of deficiency in his writings. I think those deficiencies and Newton's advice in a couple of other areas show he was somewhat affected with pietism, though he also denounced and warned against legalism. None of that should hinder anyone from benefiting from this book.
The author has arranged Newton's counsels in different chapters that touch on various aspects of Christian life on earth. He gives us much on overcoming sin and temptation, viewing trials, and battling self, which Newton viewed as the greatest enemy. Reinke also acknowledges different aspects of life he didn't have space to deal with, but the book is a real blessing.
The author has arranged Newton's counsels in different chapters that touch on various aspects of Christian life on earth. He gives us much on overcoming sin and temptation, viewing trials, and battling self, which Newton viewed as the greatest enemy. Reinke also acknowledges different aspects of life he didn't have space to deal with, but the book is a real blessing.
joshrskinner's review against another edition
4.0
This is another great book in a great series. Theologians on the Christian Life has fast become a go to series for me. If you have any interest in history and the Christian faith, these are some nice non-biographies. I have read a couple and they have consistently been quite good. Newton would be the theologian I am least familiar with that I have read about in this series, so I was pretty interested to get started with it.
Reinke does a great job of outlining Newton’s thought, primarily through his letters, and really encouraging the reader to dig deeper to learn more about this interesting life. I always enjoy how Reinke writes and this subject matter. My one criticism would be that I thought it was a bit long. Not that the last chapters should have been cut, but I think the whole could have been condensed a bit. This work in 180-200 pages would have been my ideal. That being said, this is a great volume that the reader will not regret investing time and money in.
I received a review copy from the publisher.
Reinke does a great job of outlining Newton’s thought, primarily through his letters, and really encouraging the reader to dig deeper to learn more about this interesting life. I always enjoy how Reinke writes and this subject matter. My one criticism would be that I thought it was a bit long. Not that the last chapters should have been cut, but I think the whole could have been condensed a bit. This work in 180-200 pages would have been my ideal. That being said, this is a great volume that the reader will not regret investing time and money in.
I received a review copy from the publisher.
jorybayne's review against another edition
5.0
This is not a biography of John Newton, but a survey of his teachings of the Christian life. As such, Reinke does an amazing job analyzing and capturing the heart of Newton (as known through his letters) for our edification today. I love Newton’s simple, practical, and pastoral tone and not only learned about Newton’s theology, but was ministered to by him (through Reinke)—being challenged to see Christ as my all-sufficiency in all things especially in ministry.
katie_gibbs's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
susiem_reads's review against another edition
3.0
Loved reading Newton's thoughts and letters, but felt like Reinke subdivided Newton's points so much it was repetitive - could have easily been 50 pages shorter without any loss of comprehensiveness had Reinke added less commentary.
More...