Title: The Book That Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization

Author: Vishal Mangalwadi

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Number of Pages: 442

Can Be Purchased at: www.bookdepository.com (AUD $20.38) (USD $15.27), Koorong (for Australian buyers) $19.99

In 2011, to commemorate the 400^th anniversary of the King James Version of the Bible, Vishal Mangalwadi published The Book That Made Your World: How the Bible Created the Soul of Western Civilization. This non-fiction book takes its readers on a phenomenal journey of discovery as Mangalwadi shows how the Word of God has ‘made’ the Western world – from leading to the invention of the horseshoe to providing the foundation for human rights. As Mangalwadi says in his prologue to The Book That Made Your World, “A cursory glance may give the impression that this is a book about the Bible. Those who actually read it will know that this about great literature and great art; great science and liberating technology; genuine heroism and nation building; great virtues and social institutions.”

Born and educated in India, Mangalwadi grew up surrounded by a mixture of secular and Hindu ideas.  After Mangalwadi became a Christian as a young man, he left his city, Allahabad, and went into the rural areas of India to serve and minister to the poor and outcasts of his society. His experiences gave him many examples of what a civilization that is unfounded on Biblical truth is like and equipped him to write The Book That Made Your World. In his book he contrasts Western culture with the culture of his own country and of other nations and shows what it is that makes the West so different. At the same time, he does not put other cultures down or portray the West as being better than it is. The Book That Made Your World is not so much about different cultures as it is about the power of the Gospel.

Mangalwadi says, “The Bible was the power that revived Europe. Europeans became so enthralled with God’s Word that they rejected their sacred myths to hear God’s Word, study it, internalize it, speak it, and promote it to build the modern world.” Vishal Mangalwadi also recognizes the danger the West is falling into. He continues, “At the dawn of the twenty-first century the West is again losing its soul. Will it relapse into a new dark age or humble itself before the Word of the Almighty God?”

The Book That Made Your World  is a book for mature readers as Mangalwadi discusses certain topics and tells some stories that may disturb younger readers. While he states things as they were and are, however, his language is not offensively graphic. A general knowledge of history would enhance the reading but Mangalwadi explains the relevant historical events so well that even someone who has no knowledge of history will still gain a lot from this book.

Because of the deep, rich content of The Book That Make Your World it can be a bit challenging to read in some places and is the sort of book that needs to be ‘digested’ slowly. However, even if it takes you months to get through it, you will certainly find the journey worthwhile. The Book That Made Your World is an excellent book for anyone who wants to grow in their Christian faith, deepen their understanding of their world and see concrete evidence for the mighty power of the Gospel.

Have you ever read The Book That Made Your World? Let me know what you thought of it. I’d love to hear from you!

Titles: Mr. Pipes and the British Hymn Makers, Mr. Pipes and Psalms and Hymns of the Reformation, Mr. Pipes Comes to America, The Accidental Voyage

Author: Douglas Bond

Publisher: Christian Liberty Press/P & R Publishing

Printed: 2000 – 2007

Number of Pages: 194-258

Douglas Bond, who is a ruling elder in the Presbyterian Church in America (PCA), inspired by his love for church history and his deep respect and appreciation for hymns and hymn writers, has produced the charming ‘Mr. Pipes’ series. Written for children, but enjoyable for anyone over the age of twelve, his ‘Mr. Pipes’ books are a collection of biographies skilfully woven into the exciting and amusing adventures of the fictional characters, Annie, Drew, and their dear friend Mr. Pipes.

Living in Washington State USA with his wife and four children, Douglas Bond is not only a teacher of history and literature at Covenant High School, but he also guides church history tours in Europe. He has written twenty books and has used his experience and his remarkable power of description to make the European settings of his books come alive.

In the first book of his ‘Mr. Pipes’ series, Annie and Drew are sent to Olney, a small country town in England, for what they believe can only be an extremely boring summer holiday. That, of course, is before they meet Mr. Pipes, a friendly, elderly organist. Using masterful characterization, Douglas Bond portrays these characters so vividly that they become like

friends. It isn’t long before the children discover Mr. Pipes’ love for old hymns and hymn writers. He delights the children with the stories of many well-known British hymn writers while they enjoy many experiences of England as it is today. Through the message of the Gospel so clearly conveyed in the hymns they learn, and through Mr. Pipes’ friendship, Annie and Drew come to know Christ as their Saviour. In the other books in the series, Annie and Drew again meet up with Mr. Pipes and he continues to teach them about the writers of well-known hymns as they tour Europe and as he visits their homeland, America.

These books are a delightful and unique way to discover the stories behind many of our hymns and carols. In the words of Mr. Pipes, hymns are abounding with timeless grandeur and it is a wonderful experience to get to know them through these fun and engaging books. They are excellent books for parents or teachers to read aloud to their children/students or for children to enjoy on their own. Because of the rich historical content, it enhances the books if the reader has a general knowledge of history. For video clips, more information about Douglas Bond’s other books and also to purchase his books, visit www.bondbooks.net.

Have you read this book before? If you haven’t, was this review helpful? I’d love to hear from you!

Author: Allan French

Publisher: Bethlehem Books

Printed: 1993

Number of Pages: 244

Can be purchased at: www.bookdepository.com for (AUD) 19.80, (USD) 15.58. (free shipping) or  can be found on gutenberg.org as a free ebook

The Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow is a masterful tale written by the gifted historian and author Allen French. French was a man who was passionate about most things related to history and among his other interests he had a deep fascination for Icelandic legends. In The Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow, he takes his readers back to the days when men spent the long winter evenings telling stories of courage and heroism, the days when Vikings terrorized the northern seas and people relied on their weapons for food and safety. Having studied many of the sagas, or legends, of Iceland, French is able to skilfully capture the style of an ancient saga in his novel while still writing in language that modern readers can understand.

From the very beginning of the book the reader feels that he is sitting in a great, fire-lit hall in a cold northern country, listening to a bard as he sings this tale of courage and forgiveness. French tells the story of Rolf, the son of Hiarandi the Unlucky. It is believed that a curse of unluckiness lies on their family and this seems to be the case for after Hiarandi lights a beacon on the cliffs to save a ship from being dashed against the rocks, things become harder for the already unfortunate family. Eventually, through treachery and jealousy, Rolf, only about fifteen years old, finds himself an outlaw and is exiled from his home and family. In his travels he is accompanied by the gentle giant Frodi and together they battle against Vikings, suffer shipwreck, endure slavery and fight invincible men. They even encounter a ghost but French tells this event in such a way that it is not dark or creepy and the reader can accept it as a normal element of an Icelandic saga. Through his adventures Rolf meets many different, vivid characters including one who is more closely connected with Rolf’s circumstances than either of them realize at first.

Although French wrote specifically for boys, I would recommend this story to any reader from about twelve years old and up. It is a refreshing, inspiring tale of Christianity versus Paganism, faithfulness versus treachery, courage versus cowardice, humility versus pride. As Lydia Reynolds says in her introduction to the book, reading Rolf  is “like taking a drink of water straight from the glacier’s source…It feeds a hunger in us. It quenches a thirst”. The Story of Rolf and the Viking Bow is available as a free ebook here or as a paperback on Book Depository for (AUD) 19.80, (USD) 15.58.

Have you read this book before? If you haven’t, was this review helpful? I’d love to hear from you!