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Summary: Hits Most of the Major Problems in the American Church
Review: What I found most compelling about this book was that Ms. Rivers hit most of the issues the modern American evangelical church is facing. Does size matter? Does it really mean that God is blessing your ministry when things seem to go the way you want them to when you haven't even really sought His face through prayer? Why are new age practices being accepted into the evangelical church? Two books I would recommend are A Time of Departing by Ray Youngen and This Little Church Went to Market by Gary Gilley on those subjects. This book also prompted me to pray fervently for the leadership of my church and their families.
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Summary: Moving . . . yet practical
Review: What I loved the most about this book was that it deals with subject matter sensitive to our day and age. Have you ever found yourself reading a novel that paints a pretty picture, and tells a good story, but you just wonder "what does this have to do with me?" You won't be asking yourself that question when you read And the Shofar Blew. Shofar is real, moving, and applicable. It is the story of a minster and his wife, their church, his ambition, and a crumbling marriage. All may seem well on the surface: he is dutiful and hard working, she is faithful and supportive, but this couple is only going through the motions and both denying the truth.
I think Shofar would be an excellent book for any couple to read together, young or old, new or worn, it has a lesson to teach that everyone needs to hear. Reading Shofar will teach the reader the dangers of selfish ambition, how working for onesself, and not the Lord, can destroy. And a relationship must focus on both people, each one caring for the others' needs; it's not enough to do all the taking or all the giving. But most importantly, Shofar reminds us that when we feel alone, rejected, and abandoned, God is our best friend, guiding us by the hand all the way through. Shofar will hold you captive, and you won't be free until you've read the last page!
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Summary: Great Book! A Must Read!
Review: When Paul Hudson is called to save a dying church, he takes on the job, bringing his wife Eunice and his young son with him. However, Paul's vengeance for saving souls is overcome with his desire to increase his church membership, and to make his coffers grow with tithes. Paul's sermons lose their spiritual message as he preaches in a way that would not offend non-believers. Soon he finds himself catering to the richer patrons of his church, and he enjoys "kissing up" to the upper crust of society in the small town. His wife Eunice is disheartened when her husband no longer preaches the gospel, and their marriage suffers greatly. When he has an affair with a parishioner, Eunice leaves her husband, and Paul chases after her, not wanting her to reveal the information about his affair to the parishioners. Meanwhile, Paul's relationship with his son has deteriorated so much that his son leaves home, to live with Paul's mother. Paul's son has always felt that his father has placed the needs of his church and his parishoners above the needs of his own family, and he feels unwanted, unloved, and slighted by his father's hypocritical behavior. A sudden event happens near the end of the story and it forces Paul to realize the mistakes he's made over the last twenty years of his life. He almost dies and he struggles to make amends with his mother, his wife, and his now nineteen-year-old son. Although the book was excellently written, I found it hard to believe the ending. It seemed too quick, and unbelievable, but the book itself was a good, exciting read, and I kept turning the pages until I'd reached the end.
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Summary: Almost impossible to put down...
Review: When people say they couldn't put a book down, I always wonder... It seems to be an overused cliche, but in the case of this book, it was true for me! This book is the story of a pastor and his family and what happens when he seeks glory for himself rather than drawing people to Christ.His wife seems almost too perfect, however, putting up with SO much for SO long. As the pastor gets rid of the godly Christian people in the church and brings in his yes-men, the church drifts farther and farther from the Lord. The pastor falls deeper into sin and eventually does repent and turns his life around. The one major failing of this book, in my opinion, is that Rivers should've spent more time on what happens after the pastor repents and tries to reconnect with his family. It seems that this part is condensed in the interest of space, perhaps. I would've liked to see more detail to this part of the book and wouldn't mind if the book were 100 pages longer to accomplish this. I'd love to see a sequel, but I doubt there will be one. Despite this criticism, I give this book 5 stars - it is a must-read! Please check out my other reviews and God bless you!
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Summary: I can't, He can! Any questions?
Review: Where does one start? First of all, I am a Pastor's son, just in case anyone didn't know. Yeah, the title of this book is called, "And the Shofar Blew". I'm here to tell you, Francine Rivers blasts a mighty loud horn! I am thankful that my dad never fell into the traps that Paul Hudson did in this. One thing we need to admit, Pastor's are called, but they are far from perfect! I know that from experience. But Rivers isn't just writing this to point out all the faults of Pastors. But on the other hand, this stuff really happens, and if we think it doesn't, we've been deceived!
Paul Hudson wants to follow in his father's footsteps. He wants to build a large church. He appears to do so, but what's going on behind the scenes? What's going on at home? Does God have a say in ANY of this? This is also a doggone challenge of accountability. Something that Christians need, with either a brother or sister in Christ! We also need to listen to what God would have to say to us, and then act upon that. And on top of all of that, we need to take helpful advice from elders of the church. I'm a greeter in our church, but I'm not afraid to ask our head greeter for advice, should a question arise.
This also paints a picture of a broken man, what his choices have done to those around him, and how to deal with it ultimately. It paints a very real picture of brokenness, and forgiveness. I can say that, because I've seen it, and wrapped my arms around a brother who was devastated by his actions, and all I could tell him was, "I love you!"
You WILL feel the stress of this story, you WILL taste tension, and you WILL not be able to deny who is in complete control! Francine Rivers does not write with bull crap as a back up. She writes the truth, no matter how bad it may hurt, but she always gives hope, because she knows in Whom it is! Amen!
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