Things We Couldn't Say is the true story of Diet Eman; a young Dutch woman; who; with her fiance; Hein Sietsma; risked everything to rescue imperiled Jews in Nazi-occupied Holland during World War II. Throughout the years that Diet and Hein aided the Resistance--work that would cost Diet her freedom and Hein his life--their courageous effort ultimately saved hundreds of Dutch Jews.Now available in paperback; Things We Couldn't Say tells an unforgettable story of heroism; faith; and--above all--love.
#103909 in Books Lesslie Newbigin 1995-03-30Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .28 x 6.00l; .37 #File Name: 0802808565111 pagesProper Confidence Faith Doubt and Certainty in Christian Discipleship
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Exceptional; In Depth; But LackingBy S. J. YoungThis book is much more profound than one would think. Newbigin unpacks the flawed quest for certainty of the Enlightenment - which also is evident in Fundamentalism (naturally so; as Fundamentalism is a product of the Enlightenment or modernism. It's the Enlightenment in application to religion - particularly with respect to Christian Fundamentalism). The belief one can find certainty ultimately results in nihilism - a loss of reason. And; that morphs into Power (per Nietzsche). This is also quite evident in Fundamentalism.Yet; Newbigin does not morph into postmodern nihilism. He demonstrates that confidence is not found in thinking one can or should arrive at certainty for no one does. He does point to faith in the crucified and resurrected Jesus but seems to take more of a "leap" of faith in this event - rather than seeking to investigate it. Obviously; faith is still required; but I find Newbigin to be just a bit lacking in this area as he does not seem to believe any investigation into the "evidence" is necessary (or even point to this).I think this book combined with John Polkinghorne's excellent perspectives on the Resurrection (he approaches the evidence surrounding the resurrection the same way he; as a scientist; approaches evidence for scientific theories).Interestingly; both Polkinghorne and Newbigin point to the seminal and vitally important work of Michael Polanyi (scientist turned philosopher) on Personal Knowledge.Overall; a highly recommended read. I just think there's a bit more to it surrounding one's faith in Jesus. But; beyond that; I think many would do well (esp. those from very conservative; traditional Fundamentalist or Evangelical backgrounds).0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Great book; but mostly a smaller version of Gospel in a Pluralist SocietyBy Benjamin MorrisonNewbigin is brilliant in this volume; as always. However; this felt like a more condensed version of "gospel in a pluralist society". The only additions I really noticed were a more in-depth history on the development of enlightenment thought in Europe and more direct reference and quoting of Polanyi (whose epistemology Newbigin rests on heavily). Though I did enjoy it since it has been a while since I read gospel in a pluralist society; I'd save your money on this volume and just go for Gospel in a Pluralist Society. However; if you're looking for a slightly further historical development of the ideas he introduces there; this will be a welcomed addition. Evangelical readers should be aware that his doctrine of inspiration fall outside the standard Evangelical view. Nevertheless; very insightful.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Proper PraiseBy Aldhelm of MalmsburyI just completed Proper Confidence: Faith; Doubt; and Certainty in Christian Discipleship by Lesslie Newbigin. It gets my four star rating. This little book(105 pages) is of tremendous help in reflecting on apologetics in a postmodern West. The usual Newbigin fusion of Christo-centric; missions-oriented; impeccable scholarship; and concern for faithful Gospel witness all are here. In addition; Newbigin takes on a Cartesian approach to the defense of Christianity that has pervaded Western Christian thinking and must now be seen for its inability to fulfil God's purposes in the world. In his chapter; "Through Faith Alone;" Newbigin says; "The reasonableness of Christianity will be demonstrated (insofar as it can be) not by adjusting its claims to the requirements of a preexisting structure of thought but by showing how it can provide an alternative foundation for a different structure (93-94)"Newbigin is; as this new century goes by; the kind of pastor-missionary-theologian that we need to consider. I find his writing of immense help. While I prefer to read Newbigin while reading Spurgeon or Ryle at the same time (outside of the box thinking tempered by clear; orthodox Protestant preaching); I still do like to read him and end up preaching better as a result. He excites my devotion to the Christian and Biblical vision of the Church in the world for God's purposes in the world. And in Proper Confidence he demonstrates a keen insight into how "to commend the truth of the gospel in a culture that has sought for absolute certainty as the ideal of true knowledge bu now despairs of the possibility of knowing truth at all... (93)"
