Faith Under Pressure: A Study of Biblical Leaders in Conflict

by Michael S. Moore

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0971428913
• ISBN13: 9780971428911
• Release Date: April 2003
• Publisher: ACU Press/Leafwood Publishers
• Length: 360 Pages
• Weight: 1.19 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.1" x 8.9"

Customer Reviews

Excellent Study of Old Testament History

To look at OT kings, would-be kings, queens, priests, and prophets through Dr. Moore's eyes is to see them as real people, people mired in a system of political succession guaranteed to spawn tragedy after tragedy, people who theoretically follow Yahweh, but who often compromise their faith for political expediency. In 1 and 2 Kings, Israel is surrounded by powerful enemies, and one of the goals of the book is to explore at length why the kings of Israel and Judah make such seemingly unwise alliances with them. It explores the historical and cultural contexts in which these decisions are made, and, by scrutinizing these characters carefully, suggests several new ways of understanding the motivations for their actions. Combining a broad presentation of history with plenty of contemporary application, this is an excellent study for all serious students of Old Testament history.

A good book is a slow read.

Dr. Moore's deep delight in the text and context of the Bible are expressed in a uniquely personable way in his book, Faith Under Pressure. His careful scholarship is matched and energized through his personal engagement with the Biblical message, which demands more than a quick scan; panning through this book is a disservice to the author, and a loss to the reader. The work is one-third education, one-third explication, and one-third meditation.Dr. Moore explores the story of Biblical leaders under various forms of pressure - what was their situation, what was their response? With his own strong insight, and inimicable sense of humor, Dr. Moore draws from a rich background of ministry experience to relate the text `backward and forward,' to its historical past and to our postmodern present. Faith Under Pressure powerfully countermands the tendency of scholasticism to withdraw from a pastoral care approach.The reader's understanding of the Bible story will be richly enhanced, and they will be directly challenged by Dr. Moore's reflections. This is not a book for beginners. The author assumes that readers will study the Biblical texts for themselves as they engage with his work, and an intentional reader will take the time to struggle with both writings. Faith Under Pressure is a `must have' for serious students of the Bible. It is also a gift for ministers of a broad range of callings: preachers will find refreshment here; teachers will discover new insights; counselors will experience clarity.Do not expect to finish this book quickly - do expect to return to it. Do expect that the time you invest in reading it will pay off in your own professional and personal growth.

Spans the academy-pulpit-pew gap

How refreshing! Here's an exegetical treatment marked by solid researchand careful thought on the one hand, and by readability and relevance onthe other--a rare combination. Mike Moore's creative approach to thetext of 1-2 Kings, with its close attention to the implications of narrativestructure and to inter-(and intra-) textuality, identifies themes whichspeak as stunningly to the contemporary context as they did to theancient. His down-to-earth discussion, with its frequent "return" to theworld we live in, arises from a well-documented and well-informedanalysis of the life and times of the Israelite monarchy and of theskillfully spun stories preserved in these two biblical documents.Reading this book, scholars will find much to be instructed by andpastors will be re-inspired to preach the Old Testament. This is one ofthe few books that successfully span the unfortunate gaps betweenacademy and pulpit and pew.

Dynamic Faith

How can events from the Hebrew Bible possibly have any relevance today with all the education and technology of the 21st century? Dr. Moore's book demonstrates that the more things change, the more they stay the same! Faith is easy when things are going well, but it is only under pressure that faith is grown. The challenges remain the same today as in the time of the kings of Israel. Does one remain faithful even in the midst of injustice? Is it more difficult to keep the faith when things are too good? Faith unchallenged by the pressures of life, the same kind of pressures now as then, may get flabby and flat. It is only under the pressures of life that faith is challenged to grow, and with each challenge is the reward of a higher level, a greater faith. Dr. Moore has made the study of the Old Testament come alive as he shows parallels to the issues and temptations of our current culture. Great reading and even better to discuss with others!

A New Kind of Biblical Spirituality, for a New Audience

Most books on biblical spirituality usually direct their readers to Proverbs or Psalms. Most of these books are written by pastors whose reflections are driven by their experience of caring for others. Most are directed to the powerless. Faith Under Pressure is a different kind of guide to the spiritual life. Moore takes his readers to the red meat of the Bible: 1-2 Kings. His interpretations are those of a scholar, based on the best solid, and current, biblical scholarship. His audience is decision makers. He wants Christians with responsibility to find in 1-2 Kings practical support for persevering both in ministry and in the marketplace. Faith Under Pressure is an informed, and an inspiring read.