In the final decades of the 1700s; as the threat of revolution began to dim the radiance of the Enlightenment; two brilliant scientists simultaneously achieved a breakthrough that would alter the course of human thought and history: they discovered oxygen. The humble English dissenter Joseph Priestley and the French aristocrat Antoine Lavoisier were unlikely competitors; but their fierce rivalry to solve the "riddle of air" became a kind of eighteenth-century space race; a contest made all the more exciting by the tumult of their time. In A World on Fire; acclaimed writer Joe Jackson brings to life the seismic intellectual and political shifts that ushered in modern science. Set against the conflagrations of the American Revolution; the storming of the Bastille; and the Reign of Terror; Jackson’s narrative deftly weaves together biography and history; scientific passion and political will. With their discoveries inside the laboratory— paving the way for the identification of the elements as well as modern atomic physics—and the tragedy of their downfalls; Priestley and Lavoisier epitomize the plight of the scientist in the modern age. With A World on Fire; Jackson has transformed their story into a spellbinding work of narrative nonfiction.
#131417 in Books Westminster John Knox Press 1994-07-01 1994-07-01Ingredients: Example IngredientsOriginal language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.02 x 1.00 x 5.98l; 1.27 #File Name: 0664253687434 pages
Review
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Wonderful book; if a bit flawed.By Brett GontaThis review is... a bit problematic; since as much as I enjoyed this book I felt that there were some things holding it back that kept me from fully "loving it"! Still; I'm going to be generous and give this 5 stars; but all together my true thoughts are that this is a 4.5 star book.So; what exactly is this book about? Well; Christian Doctrine speaks about the general theology of Christianity (obviously); albeit from a Reformed point of view. However; rather than Guthrie writing strictly from a Presbyterian point of view; he instead explains the "Reformed" view is more of a theology; something that any Christian from any denomination can follow and preach. Altogether; his work focuses on the theology of his teacher; Karl Barth; and explains some truths and misconceptions about the Bible. One such example is the idea of evangelization; not only do we go out to convert people so that they will be saved from Hell; but also so that they can know God; be liberated from their sinful sides; and reconcile their relationships with God; people; and the world around them.Altogether; for me; it was a tremendous book and not only taught me a lot but also helped me strengthen my faith. At the time of reading this book; I was going through a crisis of faith; one that was more about questions over "Is God truly loving?" and "Is Heaven perfect for everyone; or will everyone be the exact same there?" as well as the traditional/typical "Is God real?" questions. After reading this though; it really did help me understand this all better; not to the extent where I would put Christian Doctrine as an equal to the Bible (far from it); but I do think that Guthrie's own wisdom and advice really did help me understand better and I grew in my relationship with God.Along with this; one of the things I respected most about Guthrie was his willingness to become vulnerable--while he was clear on what his theological beliefs were (at least when he decided to share them); at the beginning of the book he does encourage the readers to understand that he is only human and therefore it is okay; even good; to disagree with him. Having been around many theologians who have acted as if they have a monopoly on theology; or at least don't want to ever consider anyone else's view if it didn't align with their own; this was a refreshing and wonderful view.Granted... that doesn't mean this is a perfect book. Putting aside the fact that I have at least some bias; due to this book helping me when I was in a crisis of faith; there are some times where Guthrie's choice of words are... difficult to understand; to say the least. One such example is when he discusses love between humans of the same sex (in a general way; such as through familiar or sibling love); he does state that we shouldn't assume that the Bible blesses homosexual marriage; yet afterwards goes on to state that we shouldn't also believe that these unions should be judged individually and without bias. For me; this was a bit confusing; my best guess is that Guthrie was either saying that we shouldn't assume the Bible has one interpretation about homosexuality or that while same-sex marriage might not be Biblical; homosexual union itself isn't. Even though I don't think this is; ultimately; an incredibly big problem; it still is a heated debate in the contemporary church and some more insight would have been appreciated.Similarly; when he speaks about death; he takes what appears to be a Christian Mortalist/Non-Reductive Physicalist view (that there is no "spiritual" Heaven or Hell; and that when we die we "cease to be" but that the Resurrection will see us completely restored to life); which implies to me him saying that any form of afterlife is nonexistent or is at least doubtful in the Christian tradition. Yet; once again; he states that this view of death does not mean we cannot hope for an "afterlife"; which once again could either refer to the Resurrection or could mean he is saying that our souls/consciousness existing after our bodies have died as possible but ultimately unnatural. Altogether; these and other arguments make his writing seem a little odd and confusing.Regardless; I still feel that Christian Doctrine is a great; maybe even underrated; book and many more people should read it--especially in comparison to other theology books (my recommendations would be Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis and The Orthodox Way by Bishop Kallistos Ware). While I can't say; at least with full confidence; that Christian Doctrine will become a revolutionary game-changer for the Christian Church or Guthrie will take a place as one of the "great contemporary theologians" like C.S. Lewis or Karl Barth; I will say that this is a book that not only makes for an incredible and easy read but also can open your eyes; and mind; to not just new interpretations; but also more knowledge as to what could be "truly Biblical".0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Christian DoctrineBy davidjordan84An unusually accessible and impressive volume detailing the typical reformed position on a host of theological issues: creation; predestination; sanctification; the future; sin; etc... The author is an excellent teacher and offers some really compelling justifications for why one's traditionally accepted views on one or more of the book's topics might be ready for an update. Highly recommended.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Already Reading It Again!By Joy C. DavidsonThis is not the dry book that one expects a book entitled "Christian Doctrine" to be. One might think a book on Christian Doctrine could be dry and even divisive; advocating his particular position on doctrinal issues. Instead; he explores doctrinal issues; explores the various positions; offers thought-provoking ideas; and then leaves you to determine your thoughts and position. Well done! A great resource that I will review time and time again.
