This weekend I’m graduating with my Master’s degree in computer engineering from Washington State University. It’s been a long journey with many challenges along the way, but it feels good to be done.

The Hole in Our Gospel, by World Vision president Richard Stearns, is the best book I’ve read this year. It exhorts the Christian Church to focus on the needs of the poor, spreading God’s love to those who need it the most.  The book argues that we cannot fully realize the Gospel of Christ unless we work to solve issues of social justice. By telling his personal story, Stearns makes that case that we all need to do our part to help our neighbors.

For the most part, the American Church has become all about “spirituality” and the emotional personal experience. We’ve lost our sense of practical purpose and we’ve forgotten how to make a real difference in the world. Mr. Stearns reminds Christians of their enormous potential and their clear, God-given mandate to change the world for the better. He describes a number of specific challenges that need to be addressed, but he never loses sight of the basic goal: bringing the Good News to the disadvantaged.

This book is both inspiring and convicting. It has encouraged Kristen and I to take a stand and commit more of our resources to social justice issues. With some friends from our church, we’re working toward the construction of a deep well in Africa. If you’re interested in making an impact in the world, start by reading The Hole in Our Gospel.

Notable Quotes:

“We have taken this amazing good news from God, originally presented in high definition Dolby stereo, and reduced it to a grainy, black-and-white, silent movie.”

“…before we can demonstrate that love and offer the gospel to the rest of the world, we have to fill the hole in our own gospel.”

“…our greatest power to change the world is released when we come together in collective action to organize and focus the resources of the whole body of Christ.”

John Piper’s biography of William Wilberforce is concise but powerful. It gives the reader a good understanding of one of the finest politicians England has ever produced. In particular, it places special emphasis the Christian motivations behind Wilberforce’s pursuits. Without that insight, any analysis of William Wilberforce would be incomplete.

With Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce, Piper paints a portrait of the man who spearheaded efforts to end slavery in the British Empire. Mr. Wilberforce is portrayed as a compassionate, selfless individual who was dedicated to eradicating every social injustice that came to his attention. He was an extremely patient man with boundless perseverance. His complete understanding of God’s sovereignty and his confidence in God’s plan for his life make him a good role model for other Christians to follow.

Even though this book does a great job of examining Wilberforce’s spiritual motivations, it could use a little more biographical detail. As I read Piper’s words, I found myself wondering about the more personal details of Wilberforce’s life. With all of his endeavors and ambitions, how did he make time for his family? What did a typical day look like for him?

Judging by its length, I’d say that Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce would make a great introductory read for anyone interested in Wilberforce. However, its thorough coverage of Wilberforce’s faith make me think I’d be disappointed by the work of any other biographer.