BOOK CRITIQUE INSTRUCTIONSFor this Book Critique read the entire book. Then, address the following 3 sections in a 3–5-page, well-written paper.
Book: Spurgeon, Charles. Lectures to My Students. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1979. ISBN: 9780310329114.
1. Bibliographic Entry
Include a bibliographic entry for the text at the top of the page. An example of a correct bibliographic entry is:
Bibliographical Entry
Willard, Dallas. Renovation of the Heart: Putting on the Character of Christ. Colorado Springs, CO: NavPress, 2002.
2. Summary
Summarize the themes, concepts, and principles of the book. Do not simply restate the contents of each chapter. Demonstrate that you have identified the themes, concepts, and/or principles by expressing them clearly in your own words. You must support your summary with parenthetical references identifying where the material can be found in the text. Your summary must be no longer than 1–1.5 pages.
Note: Do not make the mistake of simply restating the contents of the various chapters which you have read; this is not what the assignment is asking for, and you will not receive credit for rewording the contents of each chapter.
3. Critique
Critique what you have read by stating your position on the text and supporting it well with parenthetical references. If you agree with the reading, say so, and provide evidence to support your position. If you disagree with the text, state that and support it equally.
Remember: you must not state your position based upon another text. Many students enjoy reading MacArthur, and inadvertently, or purposely, compare their other texts to his. Avoid this at all costs! Your critique of a text must stand on the merits of the course text alone.
Your critique must be no longer than 2 pages.
4. Evaluation
Evaluate the book’s value in its larger academic context by stating/showing if or how the book contributes to the field of pastoral ministry. If you decide the text is beneficial, then support your statement in tangible ways, using scholarly references. Do the same if you take the reverse position. Your evaluation must be 0.5–1 page.
One final note: pastors sometimes slip into what is called “sermonizing” when writing academic assignments. You must avoid this. While it is perhaps second nature to slip in a mode of teaching/preaching, “sermonizing” and academic assignments do not go together. Always use spell-check, and proofread your assignments before submitting.
Important Notes for completing your Book Critiques:
Your assignment must follow the instructions included with the General Instructions for Written Assignments document. Do not exceed the maximum page limit for this assignment.
