Dear Cornerstone family,
Several of you have recently asked me what’s on my reading list this summer. As per usual, the list is long, but I’m sad to say, the page turning has been minimal. With that said, here are three titles I finished in June:
The Genesis of Gender by Abigail Favale – I first heard of this book on Kevin DeYoung’s excellent podcast, Life, Books, and Everything. Favale was a one-time devotee to feminist ideology who has returned to the Christian faith and a Christian understanding of sexuality. With a mix of theology, philosophy, and personal anecdote – namely, the birth story of her first child – Favale carefully exposes the errors of modern gender theories and makes a persuasive case for why a Christian understanding of male and female makes the best sense of the human person.
C.S. Lewis: A Life by Alistair McGrath – I’ve read a half a dozen Lewis biographies over the years, and I would rank this one in the top three. McGrath retells the twists and turns of Lewis’s life and intellectual development, highlighting his peculiar genius and prophetic contributions. It’s a highly readable, surprisingly intimate portrait of a profound man. If you love Lewis, you’ll love McGrath’s work.
The Riddle of Life by J.H. Bavinck – Originally written in 1940, this simple theological treatise was translated a few years from Dutch to English. In a word, it’s an apologetic text written by a missionary, addressing fundamental questions of human existence with simplicity and beauty. In less than a hundred pages, Bavinck provides a robust defense of the Christian faith.
Everett Vencel
Books aside, let’s talk people! I want to take a moment to introduce you to a couple of new staff members at Cornerstone. First, meet Mr. Everett Vencel. A native Californian and a rising senior at New College Franklin, Everett is coming on as Media Coordinator. With seven years of experience in media arts, Everett will lead our media team overseeing livestream, sound, video, and the soon-to-be podcast. Beyond his interest in media, Everett loves reading books and playing ultimate Frisbee. He also makes a mean baked potato!
For the last several years, Mr. Jeremy Steffens has faithfully served in sound and livestream. Though taking a step back from the helm, Jeremy will continue to play a supportive role on the media team. It is impossible to adequately express our thankfulness to Jeremy for his years of faithful labor. In a word, we couldn’t have made the advances we made during COVID without his faithful labors. He has been a godsend for us in so many ways.
Tucker Alexander
Second, meet Mr. Tucker Alexander. Tucker is exploring a call to ministry. Toward that end, he is coming on for a one-year pastoral internship. Tucker is the youngest of four children and lived most of his growing up years in Brentwood, TN. He is a graduate of Columbia State Community College (Franklin, TN) and Reformation Bible College (Sanford, FL). He currently works as an accountant for a marketing agency in Cool Springs. He enjoys traveling to visit his family and friends and spending time outdoors.
We’re looking forward to seeing how the Lord will use Everett and Tucker on staff at Cornerstone!
Your servant,
