It is always a delight to see books written by former members of Eden appearing in the bookshops. Not, I hasten to add, in order to check the references in the index, but with a real sense of gratitude to God for the medium of the printed word in spreading his truth. That is especially the case when the book in question gives practical advice to Christians confronted by the complexities of our contemporary society in some way or other.
That is exactly what The NET Commandments by our former member Norman Fraser, published by IVP, offers. His practical guide to how to apply Christian ethics and standards in our use of the Internet and the computer is full of considered wisdom and biblical truth and is surely a must for all Eden's IT users, if only so that they can become, in the words of the book's subtitle, 'righteous nerds'.
Yet, how long, I wonder, will Norman's book be available? It is not so much that any IT publication becomes, once published, almost by definition out of date. The truths Norman reminds us of do not date, even though the gadgetry fails. Contemporary publications, Christian and secular alike, have such a limited shelf life, before they become first remaindered then pulped. That is why it is good to see, too, republications of helpful books of earlier decades. I welcome also IVP's decision to republish John White's The Fight. It is a book that Joy Dann is keen to recommend.
She writes:
I first came across this book almost twenty years ago when the women's group I belonged to used it as a study book. Each week one of us would prepare a study for discussion around one chapter. We all felt it was practical and helpful. I think it is an excellent book. John White wants to heighten our awareness that as Christians we are constantly engaged in spiritual warfare. He underlines the reality of the devil and his tactics but happily also reminds us that God has equipped us for the fight.
I find chapter 5 particularly helpful especially when he writes about the practical ways of putting on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18). I highly recommend this book. I have read it through several times and also find it a really helpful handbook. It is one of a handful of Christian books that give me comfort just be seeing it on my bookshelf.
Norman Fraser: The NET Commandments (IVP) £5.99
John White: The Fight (IVP) £5.99
Available from the Eden Bookstall.