★★★★★ Book Review: The Beauty of Holiness by Michael P. V. Barrett

 

The Beauty of Holiness by Michael P. V. Barrett

Opening Statement—and What’s the Point?

I originally purchased The Beauty of Holiness: A Guide to Biblical Worship because of Appendix 3, “Head Covering for Public Worship.” Since I was already studying 1 Corinthians 11, that appendix alone was reason enough for me to buy the book. What I discovered, however, was an excellent explanation of the regulative principle of worship and why proper worship matters.

Barrett summarizes the heart of the book well: “Since true worship flows from the knowledge of God, it follows that improper thinking about God contaminates and invalidates any act of worship.”

That is the point. Worship begins with who God is—not with what pleases us.

What Is the Tone of the Book?

The tone is reverent, serious, pastoral, and thoroughly grounded in Scripture. Barrett writes with theological precision, but the book does not feel like a dry academic textbook. He wants the reader not only to understand biblical worship but also to feel the weight and privilege of entering God’s presence.

Barrett is especially qualified to write on this subject because he is both a minister and an Old Testament scholar. He has served as a seminary professor and academic dean and is now Senior Research Professor of Old Testament at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary. That background is evident in the way he connects Old Testament worship with its fulfillment in Christ. His audience includes pastors and church leaders, but the book is accessible to ordinary Christians who want to think more carefully about worship.

What Is the Purpose of the Book?

The book addresses a problem that has reduced many conversations about worship to disputes over personal preference: contemporary or traditional, casual or formal, old songs or new songs.

Barrett redirects the question. Instead of asking, “What kind of worship do I enjoy?” we should ask, “How has God commanded us to worship Him?”

He explains the difference between the regulative principle, which permits in worship what Scripture sanctions, and the normative principle, which permits whatever Scripture does not expressly forbid. From there, he examines reverence, obedience, the condition of the worshiper’s heart, and the centrality of Christ’s atoning work.

The book does what it promises. Barrett does not simply defend the correct outward forms of worship. He repeatedly warns that even biblically ordered worship is worthless when it becomes heartless ritual. Right mechanics cannot compensate for wrong theology, hypocrisy, or hearts that are far from God.

Why Does It Matter?

What sets this book apart is its refusal to separate biblical order from sincere devotion. Some discussions emphasize correct forms while neglecting the heart; others emphasize sincerity while treating God’s instructions as optional. Barrett holds the two together.

God is in heaven, and we are on earth—yet He invites us into His presence. That privilege should produce gratitude, caution, and reverent submission. Worship is not entertainment or self-expression. It is an approach to the holy God made possible only through Jesus Christ and His atoning blood.

What Do I Think?

Reviews are necessarily subjective, and my interest in head covering certainly shaped my decision to read this book. Appendix 3 remains valuable to me, but it is no longer the only reason I recommend it. The whole book gave me a clearer and more complete framework for understanding worship.

And the Verdict Is:

Verdict: Read it if you want to move beyond arguments about worship styles and consider what Scripture teaches about approaching God with truth, reverence, obedience, and a sincere heart.

To Cover or Not to Cover? by Brett Baggett

 To Cover or Not to Cover

Opening Statement: What’s the Point?

Brett Baggett’s To Cover or Not to Cover? is a short theological treatment of 1 Corinthians 11:2–16. Baggett describes his purpose clearly:

“The goal of this book is not division but faithfulness to Christ above all.”

The book examines what Baggett identifies as twelve concrete truths in the passage, followed by nine applications that remain debated among Christians. Its central question is simple: Does Paul instruct men to uncover their heads and women to cover theirs today? (Amazon book description)

What Is the Tone of the Book?

Baggett is a pastor, and the book reads much like a sermon—or perhaps a short sermon series—transcribed and arranged for publication. Its tone is earnest, pastoral, and focused closely on the biblical text.

There is nothing wrong with that approach. Readers who appreciate listening to a pastor work carefully through a passage may find the style comfortable and familiar. Those looking for a more conversational book, however, may find it closer to a theological treatise than a conversation across the table.

Baggett’s pastoral experience qualifies him to teach Scripture, but the book does not present him as uniquely qualified to address head covering. He does not write as a specialist in ancient history, Greek culture, textiles, or women’s experience with the practice. His likely audience is Christians—both men and women—who want a straightforward biblical argument for the continuing relevance of 1 Corinthians 11.

What Is the Purpose of the Book?

The book promises to examine the passage itself and determine which teachings are clear, which applications remain debated, and whether head covering belongs only to ancient Corinth or continues today.

It largely accomplishes that goal.

Baggett keeps his attention on Paul’s argument rather than wandering into unrelated questions. Theologically, I found nothing objectionable. Socially, the book is also measured. It does not burden women with elaborate dress codes, supernatural claims, or layers of hedge laws. That alone distinguishes it from some books on this subject.

The limitation is not that the book says anything particularly wrong. It is that it says little that has not already been said by other men writing about 1 Corinthians 11. Readers familiar with existing theological treatments will probably recognize most of the arguments.

The book also includes little church history and relatively little practical application. It explains the passage more than it explores what accepting that interpretation might mean for the woman who must actually wear the covering.

Why Does It Matter?

Before wrapping up a review, I like to ask what sets a book apart.

In this case, the most honest answer is that To Cover or Not to Cover? does not appear to be trying to reinvent the conversation. It offers a concise, pastorally delivered argument focused almost entirely on the biblical text. That may be precisely what some readers want.

The difference between Baggett’s book and my own is largely one of purpose and voice. His reads like a theological treatise. My goal in writing Recovering Covering was to sound as though I were sitting across the table having coffee with another woman—working through the theology, history, objections, and practical questions together.

Those approaches do not have to compete. They serve different readers.

What Do I Think?

Reviews are subjective; none of us can remove ourselves entirely from the evaluation.

My overall impression is that this is a sound, focused book that does what it sets out to do. I found nothing that would cause me to warn readers away from it. At the same time, I did not find a distinctive contribution that would make it essential for someone who has already read several traditional theological defenses of head covering.

And the Verdict Is:

Verdict: Read it if you want a short, sermon-like exposition of 1 Corinthians 11:2–16 from a pastor who believes the passage remains applicable today.

If you are primarily looking for church history, a woman’s perspective, practical “what if” questions, or a more conversational introduction to the practice, you will probably want to supplement it with another resource.

 

 

The Night Shift by Robert Enright

The Night Shift by Robert Enright

This first book in the series has lots of violence and zero spice and a bit of vulgar language. Set in London, The Night Shift features an emotionally damaged veteran who "takes care of things."

It moved quickly and there were no slow parts, with tension between justice and (?)

I enjoyed the book, it was a pretty quick read and I'll read the next book in the series.

If you liked "Reacher" and books like that, you'll enjoy this

The Reluctant Caregiver by Bobbi Junior

 "The Reluctant Caregiver" by Bobbi Junior

This book is not so much of a "how do I handle this" sort of book; it follows one woman's journey through the chaos of a mother with dementia who is determined to be independent.

I began this book very shortly after my mother-in-law was diagnosed and while the two women with dementia are different, I did learn that the paths have similarities.

Bobbi Junior is a Christian and the book is peppered with passages that both challenge and comfort - how do you deal with dementia in a difficult relative in a way that honors God.

I would recommend this book to anybody who would like the encouragement while walking this difficult path

(book was read in 2025, reviewed in 2026) 

 

Book Review: Border Son by Samuel Parker

This book was written in third person narration, so there were different personalities and perspectives.

The primary setting was the Mexico/US border and the story highlights the chaos and violence that the drug cartels have inflicted on the area, while telling the story of one man's search for his son that was pulled into the violence.

The major subplot is the regret and second-guessing that comes to a parent when their child goes sideways, and the doubt that they will be able to repair the relationship and questioning what that will look like going forward. 

The book came through my feed as "Christian Fiction" - but the Christian part was so subtle it is not noticed. 

Book Review- "Biblically Responsible Investing - On Wall Street As It Is In Heaven"

My husband put some money in an investment account for me to learn how to work the stock market. It wasn't' until this last year that we even thought about the "God Side" of it. He bought me this book as food for thought.

 "Biblically Responsible Investing - On Wall Street As It Is In Heaven" by Robert Netzly

 We know that the "Magnificent Seven" stocks lean heavily left, do we want to support those agendas by our investing? 

Finally, this book offers a handful of thoughts on why biblically responsible investing is necessary for Christians. These are the arguments that the Lord used to pry me out of the impressive but godless world of secular investing and plunge me headfirst into the biblically responsible investing movement. 

Netzly, Robert. Biblically Responsible Investing: On Wall Street as It Is In Heaven (p. 10). Canon Press. Kindle Edition. 

The book is pretty conversationally written, and easy to understand, while bringing up eternal questions for anybody interested in investing.

Netzly went from "how much money can I make for my clients" to "how do I honor God by investing in companies that don't dishonor Him"

The book promises to guide the reader through the process of choosing what values are important, why God cares about how we invest our money and about the connection between your investments, God’s glory, and your joy.

Chapter 4 is titled, "Does Your Conscience Have a Price?"

consider:

If you asked the average Christian investor whether they would consider buying into the porn business, they would probably (hopefully!) say no. However, if a financial advisor asked the average Christian investor whether they would consider buying stock in Netflix or Amazon or some other company that dabbles in pornography but, in the opinion of the advisor’s research department, seems poised to double in value . . . well . . .

Netzly, Robert. Biblically Responsible Investing: On Wall Street as It Is In Heaven (p. 50). Canon Press. Kindle Edition.  

 

 Even if a person doesn't invest directly, they can often direct their 401Ks to specific funds. If they rely on a financial advisor, they can request that certain companies be avoided.

The book did change the way I invest - for instance, we refuse to give Netflix any money because of their values - if I don't want to buy into a company that "dabbles in pornography" - why would I want to profit from it? 

My verdict is:

Read this book if you want an overview of why God cares how you invest your money, if you want to learn how to invest responsibly, and (in our investing) to glorify God in all we do, to shine the light of Christ brightly so that the world “may see our good works and give glory to our Father who is in heaven” (Matt. 5:16).

so ends 2025

 I read lots of books in 2025 and forgot to record them!

 Ones I remember most:

• Hungry (audio book)
• The Indifferent Stars Above
• Remarkably Bright Creatures
• Biblical Responsible Investing
•  Honoring Dishonorable Parents
• Finding Grace in the Face of Dementia (my MIL has severe dementia)
• The 100 (all three)
• Understanding and loving a person with borderline personality disorder (also MIL)
• The Reluctant Caregiver
• Ten Days in a Mad-house

Some of these I'll be reading again, because I need to read about them again...

 

Next Year, I'm going back (way back) to Challies 2020 Christian Reading Challenge.