New review of Biblical Eschatology

While I was in East Africa, a lengthy review of my book, Biblical Eschatology, appeared on the blog "Spoiledmilks" by Spencer Robinson, a Bible teacher who lives "across the pond." After summarizing the book chapter-by-chapter, he concludes:

It’s a tall book, and Menn packs a punch. He holds to Amillennial eschatology, and he argues it well. Many will be challenged by this book, and they should be challenged. Some parts are dense, yes, but I was surprised at the clarity (mentioned above) in which Menn writes. There were some issues I had to read a number of times (especially the bit about the “‘first’ resurrection” and the “‘second’ death”), but I can say that I have a clearer view of the Bible’s overall structure. . . . This is a book that you will come back to for a long time. It’s long. There is a lot to read. There are more Bible references than you can shake a stick at. Menn has done his work, and this book will require a lot of prayer. Highly recommended.

The full review is available here: https://spoiledmilks.wordpress.com/2015/08/14/review-biblical-eschatology/ 

He also posted a similar, albeit not identical, review on Amazon, here: http://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Eschatology-Jonathan-Menn/product-reviews/1620325799/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=byRankDescending

Christianity and Islam: Theological Essentials

I just posted my ECLEA teaching book Christianity and Islam: Theological Essentials on the "ECLEA Courses" page of the ECLEA website (http://www.eclea.net/courses.html).

In it, I deal with Islam's major beliefs and how they are similar to and different from the major beliefs of Christianity. I quote primary Muslim sources throughout rather than simply quoting anti-Muslims who might misrepresent what Islam teaches.

One African to whom I sent this emailed me today and said, "Thank you for the great work. I have just done a quick preview on the book and most of the queries I have had to deal with in the field are covered."

Given the state of things today and the high stakes at issue, please check this book out. You can download it for free.

It's worth it!

On Aug. 7 a new reviewer posted the following review of my book, Biblical Eschatology, on Amazon under the title, "You may not think it is worth it, but it is!"

"I checked this book out of our church library. It is the best thing I have seen on Eschatology. A detailed presentation and discussion of the major views within Evangelicalism is accompanied by convincing arguments for an Amillennial perspective. A great survey of the Book of Revelation is included along with important appendices that exegete the major texts of Scripture often marshalled in support of premillennial views. If you are of the premillennial persuasion, you owe it to yourself to read this book. Menn's work cannot be ignored!

My only regret is that I have yet to get my personal copy so I can re-read with highlighters in hand. I suppose the publisher, Wipf and Stock, is partly responsible for the price being over $50. But I encourage you to eat out one less time this month and put the $$ toward getting this book. I am. You won't regret it."

Thank you, Jimbo, for this review. You can find this and all other Amazon reviews here:

http://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Eschatology-Jonathan-Menn/product-reviews/1620325799/ref=cm_cr_dp_see_all_summary?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=byRankDescending

New review of Biblical Eschatology

Ron Maness, the head of the library at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, TX, recently bought a number of copies of Biblical Eschatology for the library. Here is the review he posted on Amazon yesterday:

"This is book on eschatology, and the author is amillennial, but before you let that turn you off, let me tell you that the Foreword to the book and one of the strongest endorsements come from two theologians who hold to the historic premillennial perspective, but who recognize the extraordinary nature of this book and the excellence of Menn’s work.

So that should be an indication that this book is special, and let me assure you, it is. In fact, it is in a class by itself. And if reading a theology book about eschatology doesn’t do anything for you, then look through his chapter on why eschatology is important, beginning with the point that eschatology helps to integrate and tie together our overall theology.

It is not a book to necessarily be read straight through (although that is what I am doing), but for the reasons I will note below, it lends itself to be taken and studied in segments.

Summary Points:
1. When you pick up the book, you will note that it is large. It is oversize. But because of the way it is organized, it is a book you can take and focus on particular areas of interest.
2. The main text consists of 12 chapters, totaling 335 pages. Chapter 7 for example is on the Millennium, chapter 8 on the Olivet Discourse, Chapter 10 on the Antichrist, and Chapter 11 is a sweep through Revelation in 130 pages (representing a virtual commentary on Revelation).
3. Then there are 7 very important appendices totaling 140 pages. The appendices include one on Ezekiel 40-48, one on Zechariah 14, one on Daniel 9:24-27 (the 70 weeks), and one on Romans 11:25-26 (“and so all Israel shall be saved”).
4. So of the total 580 pages, the remaining 109 pages consist of bibliography and indexes.
5. The book is full of very helpful charts and tables, showing all kinds of fascinating comparisons. For example, a chart comparing Daniel 7 with Rev 4-5. Another chart has 5 columns comparing the Olivet Discourse with the Seals of Rev 6-8, the Woman and Dragon of Rev 12-14, the Trumpets of Rev 8-9, and the Bowls of Rev 16. The tables and charts alone make the book worth spending time in. And there are scores of them.
6. The chart comparing the four basic millennial views alone is 7 pages, going into much more detail than the normal summary charts of the main views.
7. The number of theologians that Menn interacts with and quotes, is incredible. And Menn is someone who was a lawyer until deciding to go to seminary in his 50s. He is currently the Director of an agency equipping church leaders in East Africa.

Don’t be deterred by the size (or the price). Your only problem will be tearing yourself away from all of fascinating information it contains once you open it. The book is an absolute delight. In addition to my personal copy, as church librarian I added three copies to the church library, and those who have checked it out have been highly impressed.

So don't let this one get away from you. It is indeed in a class my itself."

Thank you, Ron. You can find this and the 8 other reviews on Amazon here:  http://www.amazon.com/Biblical-Eschatology-Jonathan-Menn/product-reviews/1620325799/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt_lft?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1&sortBy=recent&reviewerType=all_reviews&formatType=all_formats&filterByStar=positive&pageNumber=1

Pray for Burundi!

The elections in Burundi are coming up in just over a week. There has been major turmoil in the country. The following is from an email I just received from Frederic Harerimana, ECLEA-Burundi's national coordinator:

1. Pray for peace reestablishment in Burundi. Since the beginning of demonstrations against the "third term" of president Nkurunziza, the security of Burundians especially at Bujumbura has been threatened. In addition, there is too much rumours which have prompted some people to flee the country and are living in pathetic conditions in neighbouring countries.

2. Pray for the refugees who are living in poor conditions in fear of coming back to Burundi. Some ran away for their security, but a few may have gone for other reasons (not verified though). The mixture of motivations for fleeing complicate further the options of finding acceptable living condition and of returning to Burundi.

3. Pray for the search for lasting solution in Burundi. Politicians have failed quite a number of times to reach a consensus while trying to negotiate a peace deal. Pray for humility and a new rebirth of a spirit of peace in Burundi. Pray for the renewal of our minds so that Burundians reject the rebellion spirit, we embrace a spirit of tolerance, cohabitation, acceptance of one another, patience etc.

4. Pray for the church in Burundi so that we all work for peace. Currently, the church, instead of playing its unifying role, she contributes to the worsening of the situation with a few exceptions! The church needs to authoritatively lead the nation to peace and stability.

5. Pray for the protection over our families. Pray for God's guidance in taking the decision whether or not to stay in the country.

Frederic Harerimana

The state of the church in Garissa, Kenya

You may recall some time ago Muslim terrorists attacked a university in Garissa, Kenya. They specifically targeted Christian students, killing approximately 150. I recently received an email from Josiah Joab, a pastor who lives in Garissa who has attended ECLEA training sessions. Here is what he says about the situation in Garissa:

"It's well with our souls in Garissa. There are lots of hope for the come back of Garissa. Most people (both Somalis and non Somalis) are tired of these demonic attacks and are crying and fighting to restore our county Garissa and region back to sanity.

 

As Christian, we have lost so much in terms of business and employments. Church attendance has also gone so down that it has affected church leaderships and programs. We are crawling so to say. However the few of us who have remained are zooming in to Much Prayers and encouragements from each other. We've been organizing joint prayers and fastings. The best is yet to come for the path of the just is like a shining light of a new day that shines brighter and brighter to a perfect day. IT CAN ONLY GET BETTER!"

 

May God watch over, protect, strengthen, and encourage Josiah and the other believers in Garissa.

Biblical Eschatology listed on website

On June 2 Community Bible Chapel of Richardson, TX listed my book, Biblical Eschatology, as one of their new and recommended books. Here is what they said:

Biblical Eschatology, by Jonathan Menn. Eschatology from an amillennial perspective. Sam Storms rated it number 6 in his top books of 2014, due to its “near exhaustive treatment of every issue imaginable and his fair-handed and always biblically grounded interaction” with other views, which make it “an extremely valuable resource for anyone wanting to dig deeply into the swirl of debate regarding the end times”.

The website page link which includes the other new and recommended books is here: http://communitybible.org/new-books-june-2015.