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Paul Dubuc

Paul Dubuc

I enjoy books and reading. (Who here doesn't?) I don't know where I'll find he time to read all the books I own, but I'm always getting more. The books I have here on my "shelf" are ones that I have read and found interesting enough to recommend and discuss with others. Those on my "reading list" are ones I'm reading now or have read most...more »
  • member since July 2007

Reviews

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Displaying 1-10 of 23 reviews
  • Manalive (Dodo Press)
    • Rated 4 stars

    “Hilarious! This is fun reading. Would make a good stage play.”

    Paul Dubuc wrote this review 3 weeks ago. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Highly Sensitive Person
    • Rated 4 stars

    “I'm not very keen on popular psychology and self-help books. But it was interesting to find book written about a character of people into which I fit very well. I never knew there was such a group before.

    Ive found some things in this book that don't fit me specifically (and a few things I don't like), but I score very high on the self-test on page xvii and many parts of the book describe my personality very well. The book goes a long way in helping the reader understand what makes sensitive people tick and in dispelling the negative stereotypes of "shy" or "introverted" people. If you are an "HSP", the book will help you live with yourself, understand your limitations and value your uncommon abilities. If you're not the sensitive type, you may find in this book a tremendous help in understanding such people.

    Not all of the book was helpful for me. The first two chapters, describing the trait of an HSP, were very interesting and convinced me that I belong in this category of personality. Chapters three and four, however, did not interest me very much. The idea of managing the reactions of one's body to worldly stimuli as if you were caring for an infant seems a bit strained to me. I also have no desire to "reparent myself". Thankfully, my own parents did a good enough job of that the first time. I don't want to spend a large part of my life trying to repair any mistakes that may have been made back there. I've found God to be a good father to me now, and I have two great kids on which I want to spend all of my fathering energies.

    Chapter six, on "Thriving at Work", was probably the most helpful since I have a strong desire to do creative, meaningful and productive work. Yet it's also the place where most conflicts arise. When I read the page of "Tips for Employers of Highly Sensitive People" at the end of the book, it seemed to describe the ideal work environment for me.

    The chapter on medications (nine) was interesting for the insight it gave on how antidepressants work. I have no experience with such drugs and I am now more certain that I want none. I think Dr. Aron's perspective on their use as a last resort or short-term measure is very sensible.

    I was also very interested in the last chapter on spirituality, but found it disappointing for its lack of depth. Its main observation is that HSPs tend to place more importance on spirituality than others, but we're a mixed bag when it comes to the forms that takes (as would be expected). Dr. Aron is a Jungian Psychologist and spirituality is taken seriously by that discipline. Yet the things I have heard and read about the nature and practice of Jung's spirituality greatly disturb me. Not that Dr. Aron is advocating a particular form of spirituality. In line with the opinion of most of her profession, hers seems to be that anything that helps is good.”

    Paul Dubuc wrote this review Saturday, September 20 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • There Is a God: How the World's Most Notorious Atheist Changed His Mind
    • Rated 4 stars

    “For those who are familiar with Anthony Flew and his work, this should be a very interesting book. Flew is a renowned philosopher who, for most of his life, argued clearly and (for many) persuasively against the existence of God. This book is the story of how he changed his mind and came to believe that God must exist. Flew's influence among atheists has been so strong that many of them have been scandalized by his change of mind. Some have gone so far at to allege that Flew did not write this book, is suffering from some sort of dementia (because of his age), and is being taken advantage of by others. I think that there is very little reason to believe these accusations unless you have a strong vested interest in atheism. An internet search on Flew's name and words like "dementia" will give you details of the controversy.

    The book is well written for the general reader and more of a story of Flew's intellectual journey than an apologetic work. In the first appendix, Roy Varghese responds directly to Flew's atheist critics. There is also a second appendix written by N. T. Wright giving a very interesting summary of his Christian approach to the question of how God reveals himself in the form of a human being who is resurrected after death. Flew does not seem committed to Christianity but says that Wright's approach is absolutely fresh and impressive. I agree. I highly recommend this book.”

    Paul Dubuc wrote this review Friday, August 29 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Edge of Evolution: The Search for the Limits of Darwinism
    • Rated 5 stars

    “This book is an excellent follow up to Darwin's Black Box. Both books seek to rescue science from materialist philosophy and do an excellent job. It was interesting to read this book next to Anthony Flew's "There Is A God" (also published in 2007). Flew, a brilliant philosopher and longtime opponent of theism, has embraced the existence of God based on evidence similar to that which Behe presents. Behe's books have drawn the ire of the Darwinist establishment, but his arguments are well reasoned and his evidence is sound. He deserves to be read carefully and with an open mind. Written for the lay reader, anyone who remembers some of their high school biology will have little trouble benefiting from the book.”

    Paul Dubuc wrote this review Saturday, August 23 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • Here & Now: Living in the Spirit
    • Rated 4 stars

    “This book of meditations is one of Nouwen's best, I think. It covers a multitude of life circumstances and endeavors. Each chapter is divided into short sections that will help get readers focused on their own meditations and prayers to draw out God's will and ways in their own everyday lives. Nouwen's writing is sensitive and wise. His words are well worth pondering. The significance of the title is that it helps to live "in the moment" more than being anxious about the future or regretful over the past. It's a book of meditations, not meant to be read through quickly or in one sitting. Each discussion is meant as a springboard for you own thoughts, prayers and reflections on your own situation. It's not a book for "getting through" as much as it is for "getting along".”

    Paul Dubuc wrote this review Tuesday, August 19 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Narnian: The Life and Imagination of C. S. Lewis
    • Rated 4 stars

    “This is a very good biography of C. S. Lewis. Jacobs is a skillful writer and has a great knack for weaving Lewis' own writing and ideas into the events of his life. He brings out the greatness of Lewis' mind and character without hiding his flaws or failing to point out what he thinks are some of his half-baked or somewhat parochial ideas. The thorough research that has evidently gone into writing this book is skillfully crafted into a fascinating narrative; very enjoyable reading. Jacobs convincingly debunks the more bizarre speculations of A. N. Wilson's unfriendly biography (particularly those surrounding his debate with Elizabeth Anscombe--see also Victor Reppert's essay in ch. 21 of Bassham and Walls' book, "The Chronicles of Narnia and Philosophy" for more on this.) and fills in many gaps that other biographers have left. If you only have time to read one story of Lewis' life this is a good one. I highly recommend it. But you should make time to read two. George Sayer's biography, written from the perspective of a personal friend is a good companion to this one. You'll find some good stories in there that Jacobs leaves out. Sayer gives a better picture of Lewis' relationship with Joy Davidman, for example. Those who fault Jacobs for trying too hard to psychoanalyze Lewis have a good point. But his tone is speculative in these parts, not conclusive, cautioning readers to draw their own conclusions rather than put too much weight on his. One thing Jacobs helps to do is balance the view that many have of Lewis as a rationalist with his more passionate side. Lewis highly valued reason and logic in making sense of his beliefs and his "mere Christianity" but passion and imagination also seem to have played an important and necessary part in realizing those beliefs for his own life and in living them out.”

    Paul Dubuc wrote this review Tuesday, August 12 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • Letters From a Skeptic: A Son Wrestles with His Father's Questions about Christianity
    • Rated 5 stars

    “Greg and Edward Boyd have have given us a great blessing in publishing their correspondence on the nature of Christianity. This book is unique among the many apologetic sorts of books I have read for a few reasons:

    1)It's honest. Ed Boyd doesn't go easy on his son about Christianity. The questions are thoughtful, penetrating and genuine, not straw men set up to be easily knocked down. Greg Boyd's answers are equally thoughtful and well stated. He doesn't overwhelm with theological language but does a very good job of explaining difficult ideas in simple language. He honestly admits to uncertainty in places, but does a fine job of showing that uncertainty need not be a serious impediment to genuine faith and rational belief. I have never seen so many difficult questions about Christianity answered so well in so little space.

    2)It's intimate. This is a discussion between a father and son who genuinely love and respect one another. It's a model for how important, ultimate issues can be debated in a very constructive manner.

    3)It's powerful. Ed Boyd's conversion is more than a mere acceptance of certain religious beliefs. It is a powerful testimony to the power of God to change a human life wonderfully "from the inside out."

    Many have objected to parts of Greg Boyd's "Open Theism." (See his other books for a more detailed treatment of his theology.) Though I have some questions about this position myself, I think Boyd is a genuine evangelical Christian theologian who is wrestling honestly with how to make the best sense out of the whole Bible's portrayal of God. There are plenty of places in the Bible where God is portrayed as being shocked (even surprised?) at human behavior. He changes his mind. He is passionate and emotional (if the prophets are to be believed and Jesus is really God incarnate). God doesn't fit in a neat little conceptual box and Greg Boyd is honest about that. He deserves a fairer more open-minded reading than many of his critics give him.

    If God is the most powerful being in existence, he can do anything; even limit himself in some respects (not all) with regard to his knowledge of the future. To some people this implies a diminshment of God. If so, it is a self-diminishment--no other being has done it to him--and he is still is the most powerful being in existence--no one else has more foreknowledge than he. So how is God diminished? Is God unable to right any wrong just because he didn't "know" it would happen beforehand (because it wasn't part of reality before it happened)? I don't think so. I think Boyd makes a good point when he suggests that the conception of God that many Christians have may owe itself more to the ancient Greeks than to Christianity (or the Judaism from which it sprang) and biblical teaching.

    Greg Boyd is a passionate, whole-hearted Christian with the Highest regard for the Bible. That comes out very clearly in this book. I highly recommend it.”

    Paul Dubuc wrote this review Tuesday, July 29 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • The Training of the Twelve
    • Rated 5 stars

    “This book is a classic study of Jesus' teaching and training of his disciples (first published in 1871). When I first read it, I was fascinated by the light it shed on my reading of the Gospels. It is a very valuable study for any Christian who serves in any form of leadership capacity or anyone seeking to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.

    The book's 31 chapters give an absorbing commentary on selected passages of the four Gospels, following in chronological order Jesus ministry and teaching among his disciples. The writing style will take a bit of getting used to for the average modern reader, but it's well worth the effort. There is also a table of Scripture references discussed in the book that make it useful reference work. Read it cover to cover first.”

    Paul Dubuc wrote this review Tuesday, July 29 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • ESV, Personal Size Reference Bible (TruTone, Cool Mint, Ivy)
    • Rated 5 stars

    “The ESV is my preferred translation for general reading, quoting and study. This new edition is in the format I like best: single column paragraphed text with cross-references in the center and translators' notes at the bottom. The single column format can be harder to read if your eye has trouble following longer lines of text, but I find it more aesthetically pleasing than double column pages. This Bible is a very handy size for carrying around. Crossway has improved the quality over previous editions of the ESV that I have seen. The cover and binding the genuine leather edition are of very good quality. The opacity of the paper is better than the larger size Single Column Reference Bible so there is less "see through" text from other pages making this edition easier to read. I also prefer the paragraphed text over the single verse format because the paragraphs are easier to notice (although it may be harder to find individual verses) and it fits more text on each page so the overall size of the book can be smaller. This edition retains the short concordance of the more compact editions which is handy. The only improvements I can think of would be to make the typeface a little larger and darker and to add some map pages. I wouldn't mind the book being centimeter or so thicker if it had these improvements, but I can get along fine (for now) without them.
    ”

    Paul Dubuc wrote this review Saturday, March 15 2008. ( reply | permalink )
  • The New Concise History of the Crusades
    • Rated 5 stars

    “This is an excellent, well balanced, and very readable short history of the Crusades. It will help the interested reader understand the motivations of kings, popes and sultans in the major conflicts of battles spanning five centuries of European and Middle Eastern history. Madden provides needed correctives to common distortions about the Crusades and helps us understand the part they play in conflicts between Muslims, Christians and Jews today. Highly recommended.”

    Paul Dubuc wrote this review Saturday, February 9 2008. ( reply | permalink )
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Displaying 1-10 of 23 reviews


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