A CENTURY TURNS by William J. Bennett

I just finished reading this wonderfully thought provoking book, a complimentary copy of which was provided by Thomas Nelson. While it does not have a missional theme, it does address global events that impact missions.

Bennett provides a map of the historic decades from 1988-2008 and reminds us how quickly events can produce opportunities and impediments to the spreading of the gospel. Events such as the fall of “the Wall,” the war on terror, natural disasters, and the rise of technology impact global missions. This book is a historical primmer for anyone who not only wants to learn from the past, but desires to help positively shape events of the future. Better understanding our culture and society assists us in establishing and executing strategies for taking the Gospel to the people of the world.

This book is not a professorial regurgitation of facts, but a historical narrative written by a participant. Bennett conveys Judeo-Christian perspectives throughout his narrative. While reading this book I found myself filtering a number of events through a Biblical worldview in a manner that I had not done before. Not only was this book educational and enlightening, but a delight to read. For those who want to better understand the world in which we live by understanding the events that brought us here, I recommend it wholeheartedly. As a matter of fact, I recommend you not only read it, but pass it along to those readers who are in your sphere of influence.

One last thought. Jesus and Paul were very aware of political and cultural history – ancient and recent. It impacted their ministry. It should be the same for us. Use this book as a tool toward that end.