Separation of Church and State – A Review

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jan 31, 2012 in Book Review | 0 comments

When Thomas Jefferson penned his reply to the Dansbury Baptist Association of Danbury, I do not think even ever considered the depth to which his words would be used.  The phrase “separation of church and state” sat in the text of the letter for years before it was used to divide religion from the founding principles of the Republic.

In Separation of Church and State: What the Founders Meant, David Barton examines Jefferson’s text in the context which the letter was written as well as the context of the words used during the period the letter was written. Mr. Barton’s in-depth analysis of the culture as well as the background of the text gives new understanding to Jefferson’s words.

From an examination of the First Amendment’s “Establishment Clause and the “Free Exercise Clause”, David Barton examines what the founders meant in the writings of the beginning documents of our country; bringing to light such words as religion, denomination and church in their 18th century context.

David Barton expounds on the decision in the courts as to the wording of Jefferson and how the courts spoke from the phrase “Church and State” and not the context of the writing as well as redefining the words according to their decision. (see page 14 regarding the 1962 Decision Engel v. Vitale)

Following his writing in other works, David Barton quotes from the Founding Father as well as the court decisions to make a valid point in his examination of the phrase, “separation of Church and State.”

Personal Note:

• Education in Jefferson’s phrase “separation of Church and State” should be examined in context. It should also be examined by your own mind instead of taking for granted what is continually mentioned on television, radio and other media.
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Just my thoughts,

How Do You Kill 11 Million People–A Book Review

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jan 17, 2012 in Book Review | 2 comments

When I told me wife what I was reading, her slowly turned around with her eyebrow raised and she said, “What?”  The sound of the title is sure to true some heard, but the message of the book is direct as the title.

Usually, Andy Andrews is the motivational speaker and writer of such works as “The Noticer,” “The Island of Saints” and several others. Mr. Andrews new book, “How to Kill 11 Million People” might seem like a break from his normal writings, but not so. While the book may not be as motivational as some, his point is well made and should cause each of us to take action.

Mr. Andrews presents the way on “How to Kill 11 Million People” with evidence from years past. In fact, Mr. Andrews asks you not to believe his writings, but to research the sources yourself.

Once I began, I could not put this brief text down. It is well worth the read and definitely worthy to be shared to others.

So, how to you kill 11 million people? Read the book and find out. It is worth it. But once you read it, will you do something about it?

Just my thoughts,

This post contains links to the Preacher’s Pen Amazon affiliate link. Using our affiliate link allows us to earn a small portion of the sale (4% – 6%). The earnings go right back into the work of the Preacher’s Pen.

Update – January 17th, 2011

Since some have asked a variety of questions I thought I would give you a more in-depth look at the review.

“How to Kill 11 Million People” is about lying. Pure and simple lying. Andy takes you, as a reader, through the atrocities of the Nazi regime upon the Jewish people. How were a small group of Nazi’s able to kill over 11 million Jews? Simple, they lied to them.

Andy Andrews discusses how lying and drastic effects and even we might be lied to today.

Enjoy the book.

Chris Gallagher

Four Centuries of American Education–A Review

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Jan 12, 2012 in Book Review | 0 comments

See if you can answer the questions below: (The answers are at the bottom of the article.)

• Which Ivy league school had this as an educational practice? – “Everyone shall so exercise himself in reading the Scripture twice a day that he shall be ready to give such an account of his proficiency therein.”
• Which other Ivy league school admonished it students to, “Above all, have an eye to the great end of all your studies, which is to obtain the clearest conceptions of Divine things and to lead you to a saving knowledge of God in his Son Jesus Christ”?

The quotes above, both taken from foundational documents of Ivy League schools, provide a small glimpse into the beginnings of our nations educational system.

In Four Centuries of American Education, David Barton, founder of WallBuilders (http://www.wallbuilders.com) spends time tracing the roots of the American educational system. Throughout this resource, Mr. Barton provides source after source to show the foundations of this nations educational system were founded upon a higher standard.

Mr. Barton’s research provides interesting insights and material to which I imagine the majority of Americans are not aware. Not only does Mr. Barton quote from these documents, there are images throughout the book from those documents.

A quote I found to appreciate throughout the book is, “The philosophy of the schoolroom in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next.” (page 6) Mr. Barton not only covers the founding principles of the American educational system, he continues the discussion into the current period to provide insights into our current system and the journey it has taken from its foundations.

If you are looking for a resource to assist in learning about the foundations of the American educational system, I recommend Four Centuries of American Education. As a minister, I am intrigued by the educational system because most of the people I talk with have attended public schools in the American educational system. It is good to know what people are learning to assist them in growing.

Just some thoughts,

Answers to the first two questions:

1. Harvard
2. Yale

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Preaching with Freshness: A Book Review

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Nov 1, 2011 in Book Review | 0 comments

Burnout.

It is a word which preachers deny and many have experienced. You very rarely know you are there until the griping effects of burnout latch hold and tear you down. Staying fresh in ministry is a difficult task when you are bearing the burdens of others, keeping things confidential and seeking to grow those who do not want to grow. Add a 50 hour work week to the mix and burnout approaches when you least expect it.

Preaching with Freshness (affiliate link) by Bruce Mawhinney and Jay Adams is an excellent story of a preacher struggling with ministry and the assistance provided to him by an aging minister. While not written like many self-helps books, Preaching with Freshness takes on a different format with a “true to life” story captivating your thoughts.

When I first read this book, I could not put it down. The words grabbed me from the beginning and the assistance provided was excellent.

This book is not only a great resource for your ministry, but it is a great book to give away to someone struggling in their ministry.

Just my thoughts,

This post contains the affiliate link to Amazon.com. A small percentage (4%-6%) of the sale goes to support the Preacher’s Pen. You can also visit the Preacher’s Pen Amazon store at http://www.preaching101.com.

Antagonists in the Church: Book Review

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Oct 17, 2011 in Book Review, Leadership, Ministry | 0 comments

If you are a minister, read it!

If you are a church leader, read it!

Every now and then you read one book and wish you would have read it years ago. This was one of those books for me. I wish this topic was a class taught during my years studying ministry at Freed-Hardeman University.

The topics of antagonists in the church did not end with the Pharisees, Sadducees and scribes of Jesus day, but they continue to exist in the church today. As antagonists have reeked havoc in the past, they will continue to reek havoc until church leaders recognize them and deal with them.

Dr. Kenneth C. Haugk goes through the process of identifying an antagonist and the characteristics the antagonist will possess. The chapters of the book will not only reveal the characteristics and patterns of antagonists, but it will also discusses how to prevent and deal with antagonists in the church.

I highly recommend “Antagonists in the Church”  to ministers and church leaders. If you are currently dealing with conflict in your ministry, order “Antagonists in the Church” and read it before taking your next step.

You can order the book at the link below using my affiliate link and assist in supporting the Preacher’s Pen.

Just some thoughts,

*The post above contains an affiliate link for Amazon. A percentage of the purchase price (4% to 6%)  goes towards my affiliate account.

Paula Harrington does it again!

Posted by Chris Gallagher on Aug 8, 2011 in Book Review, Ministry | 0 comments

Paula Harrington has done it again. After publishing “A Sunday Afternoon with Preacher’s Wives,” Paula brought a further discussion regarding preachers and their ministry in her newest compilation – “A Common Bond.”

Paula’s desire for those in ministry and her compassion for the church is clearly seen in her writings. The encouragement she provides is a powerful resource. A Common Bond is a compilations of insights from preachers on a variety of subjects; from weddings to sermon preparation to God’s Providence.  Paula wrote many preachers and asked them for their wisdom regarding the ministry. A compilation book such as this is needed not just by preachers or those in the ministry, but also those looking to go into the ministry and every member of the church so they can understand the various aspects of preacher’s lives.

Personally, I wish this compilation was available when I made the choice to enter into the ministry in 1994. The insights are extremely helpful in my current ministry. The insights from experienced preachers is a delight. Their wisdom is passed through this book to the reader. There are stories of comedy, heart-break and opportunity.

Take time today and read “A Common Bond.”

I bought “A Common Bond,” the electronic version (PDF) and have enjoyed keeping it on my computer as I travel. I recently read it on a short family trip and I could not put the tablet down. Get this book for yourself and for others!

The self-publishing house, Lulu, has the electronic version for 99 cents! Get it now.

The paperback for is $8.88.

Thanks Paula! I can’t wait to see the next one!

Be sure to check out Paula’s website, “Thinking Jesus” at http://paulaharrington71.blogspot.com/

Just some thoughts,