If life is meant to be about flourishing and leading others towards the same outcome, one might naturally ask how it can be attained? This is the question that Andy Crouch wrestles with in his third published book, Strong and Weak. As he introduces the idea of strength and weakness, Crouch makes the point that it does not have to be one or the other. Rather, true flourishing is found at the healthy intersection of both components. It is this idea that he argues for and supports throughout the remainder of the book.

Crouch begins by identifying his terms and clarifying what he means and perhaps most importantly, what he does not mean by flourishing. When he refers to strength, what he is referencing is authority. Similarly, when he writes about weakness, Crouch actually means vulnerability, which he defines as meaningful risk. With these variables in place, Crouch introduces a 2X2 diagram, unpacking each quadrant and the leaders and leadership styles that inhabit each of them.

The quadrants associated with varying degrees of authority and vulnerability are identified as such; exploiting, withdrawing, suffering and flourishing. Crouch details noticeable patterns that often cause one to reside in each of the above named methods of influence—stating clearly the dangers and benefits that exist. Despite modern society’s negative association with suffering, Crouch makes the point that it is only from this quadrant, which one can be propelled back to flourishing.

This book is an excellent work with several comprehensively considered insights. Crouch communicates a simple idea with remarkable ease and outstanding application. As he did in Culture Making and Playing God, Crouch once again inspires his readers to think and act responsibly with what God has entrusted to humanity.

Reviewed by John Ames

Publisher’s page: http://www.ivpress.com/cgi-ivpress/book.pl/code=4443

It is with integrity and in a very comprehensive fashion that Dr. Aida Spencer presents her readers with a worthwhile commentary which combines the Apostle Paul’s letter to Titus and his second to Timothy. Throughout the work, Dr. Spencer demonstrates critical command of these two pastoral texts. It is impressive to observe her respect for the letters as she approaches them with care. As a result, Dr. Spencer has once again delivered a strong contribution to the theologian’s pursuit of honest scriptural interpretation. Her perspective on the intended functional ministry of women within the Church, a position that comes out of this commentary, deserves consideration.

After engaging with the context and the thematic elements of Paul’s letter to Titus, Spencer spends a substantial amount of time examining the term elders. She mentions that, “their function is only suggested in the letter.” As a result, Spencer looks to the culture to explain it further, uncovering that elders “had authority in religious and civic matters…they handled city administration and jurisdiction.” She further contends that they were to be compared to “ambassadors, people who sought reconciliation.” Additional to the symbolic and superficial descriptors for an elder, Spencer correctly categorizes Paul’s requirements for such an office as moral qualities. The question that seemed to be building as she examined the term elders was answered rather matter-a-factly, as she affirmed that the Greek form, which Paul utilized in the presently identified second chapter of his letter—presbytis, is in fact meant to represent female eldership. Spencer, then puts together a list of qualities that are tied to the both presbytes (male elders) and presbytis (female elders). She supports her argument with contextual evidence and with a comparison to Aristotle’s literary works (which Paul would have been aware of and might be contrasting)

Dr. Spencer builds off of the section on elders to explain that Paul was actually teaching that women should pray and lead as men do, imploring Titus to “encourage the female leaders as much as he does the male leaders.” Additionally, she claims that Paul was calling women not to be silent and passive but rather to be active leaders in their households and focused on evangelism. Interestingly, Spencer highlights the image of slavery and how young women are not meant to subject themselves to maltreatment but rather that they should emulate voluntary slavery in a humble way demonstrating leadership. This theme of reversing the perceived nature or effect of certain aspects of life continues as Spencer emphasized the transformation of attitude that is required by Christians, needing them to be meek rather than in charge.