This book was an interesting compilation of varied authors and read more like a collection of theses, all with different ideas/themes. It is hard to critique the book as a whole, because you really have to break down each author for each chapter. I will start by ranking them from my most to least favorite:
1. Conclusion by John Piper. Concise, biblical and gospel-centered. Piper encourages by explaining the fullest example of the revelation of God is found in the person of Christ, specifically in His death and ressurection. We must focus our minds on Him and the gospel. Great chapter.
2. Thinking Deeply in the Ocean of Revelation: The Bible and the Life of the Mind R. C. SPROUL
I really enjoyed the chapter by Sproul because he used and exposited Acts 17, while also offering his unique wisdom of philosophy and thinking. No complaints here, and very helpful reminder that even in academia, the only way we can truly answer the difficult questions of life is through Biblical revelation.
2. The Way the World Thinks: Meeting the Natural Mind in the Mirror and in the Marketplace R. ALBERT MOHLER JR.
Mohler, like Sproul, exposits scripture. He uses Romans 1 to explain the debased mind of the world and how we as Christians ought to think differently than the world. I appreciate his clear writing style, lack of personal anecdotes and clear exposition of scripture. I especially like this view in the context of the gospel that Mohler reminds us of, “At the end of the day, we are not smarter than the rest. We are not morally superior to those who do not know Christ. We did not come to know salvation in Christ because we are wise. Salvation is all of grace.”
3. Thinking for the Sake of Global Faithfulness: Encountering Islam with the Mind of Christ THABITI ANYABWILE
I liked this chapter for the knowledge I gained about the traditions and beliefs of Islam, and how to have a conversation with those of other beliefs by understanding their position. The chapter was relatively void of scripture, but still helpful for understanding Islam.
4. Think Hard, Stay Humble: The Life of the Mind and the Peril of Pride FRANCIS CHAN
This chapter was extremely disappointing. Chan uses far more personal examples and anecdotes than scripture, which creates an air of pride, even though he is discussing humility. I would challenge someone to try to count the number of times he uses the word “I” or tells a story about himself. It’s incredibly disappointing. He doesn’t keep to a main thesis… some of his individuals points are true and good reminders, but they aren’t backed up by scripture and they aren’t articulated well. For example, Chan encourages us to not use thinking as a means of boasting to cause our brother or sister to fall. I enjoyed this point, but it was briefly mentioned and then done (not organized). Another beef I had with Chan in this chapter was that he put such an emphasis on experiences and “change” that he de-emphasized the written word of God as our primary revelation. He became “confused” when a Muslim sitting next to him told him that God had answered his prayers… He was offended as if only believers could enjoy the common graces of God in life. Instead of pointing these people to the objective reality of Christ’s death, Chan basically says to let them see how good you are, and then show them how your life got changed when you got saved. I am afraid by focusing so much on the outward appearances, Chan misses the boat here by forgetting the gospel, scripture, and centrality of Christ. Replace “Christ” with the many times he uses the word “I” and this would be a good chapter.
5. The Battle for Your Mind RICK WARREN
It’s unfortunate that this is the first chapter in this book. I understand Piper’s goal to be ecumenical, but this was not a good choice. Warren botches interpretation of scripture, rarely uses scripture except dabbled here and there to emphasize HIS points. He talks about himself, a lot. One gets the sense that he is working to try to prove to the audience/reader that he actually deserves to be in this book/conference. He talks about how many mountains of books he has read, and uses other personal examples of piety with a guise of humility veiled over them. He has a list of “points” but not based on scripture. He is formulaic, outcomes oriented, and shallow in his theology which is very evident in this chapter. He does not focus on scripture, the gospel, or Christ for that matter. If Al Mohler hadn’t written chapter 2, I would have put the book down after this.