Whatsoever Things Are Lovely
Book Review
Reviewed by Darold Morgan
Richardson, TX
Whatsoever Things Are Lovely
Foy Valentine
Wimberley, TX: CET Publication, 2004.
If ever a book lived up to its title, this one is it! Here is a delightful, highly readable and engagingly humorous compilation of most of the columns Valentine has written for Christian Ethics Today since he founded this publication in 1995. What emerges from these pages is almost an autobiography of one of the finest and most expressive Christian ethicists we have among us. And there are no plans afoot for an autobiography to be written!
The author is known far and wide for his writings and emphases on moral and ethical values, both in his native Texas and literally around the world because of his many years of identity with Baptist World Alliance. In these chapters we not only sense enduring biblical values, but we also can relish multiple personal asides and comments which reveal refreshing insights about Valentine that previously were not known.
Valentine is never far from his rural East Texas heritage where life began in a farm family and in a wonderful little Baptist Church. His respected father was a deacon and his wonderful mother was a teacher, both in the public school and the church. Here is the nurturing place for his biblical values which deeply and lastingly influenced him. In this book Valentine comments on these deep roots as well as early Christmas memories, rural cemeteries, East Texas trees, and life as the son of a farmer. He does this seemingly mundane side of his life with that "Valentinian" skill as a writer that makes us feel we are there with him. Nearly always his comments about these early family days give way to his current family which constitutes one of the most important facets of his life-his wife, his daughters, and his grandchildren! These are relationships, which are never maudlin, but they are wholesome and beautiful and deeply satisfying.
Throughout this entertaining and enjoyable book are ample evidences of Valentine`s competence as a biblical scholar. Not only does he know the Bible, he loves it and shares insights from it that confirm his choice of a title from Paul`s letter to the Philippians. Mixing biblical knowledge with innumerable personal experiences and a rip-roaring sense of humor, the reader receives a solid sense of old-fashioned pleasure.
Emerging from these pages are some rare and frustrating insights about the author. One reads about his reluctance to part with money for a new car. It is apparent he can live without computers, cell-phones, television, movies, hearing aids, and most medicines. He relishes rocks! If he ever invites you to see the fireplace in that unusual cabin in New Mexico on the river, he will point out rock by rock how that part of the house came to be. His powers of observation in nature are exceptional, and thankfully never descend to the levels of quirkiness. It all adds up to enhance the reputation of a genuinely fascinating individual, the likes of which we rarely meet.
One gets the impression from the book that East Texas, the Red River area of New Mexico, and his family are the areas of lasting interest in his life. Somewhere in between are many dominant patterns for which he is known far and wide yet they fade into relative insignificance as he reflects on the enduring lessons of loveliness that come from his major sources. And that is the privilege of authorship.
The consistent skills Foy has with words and images, a skill that seemingly grows richer with age, have brought us a volume that will occupy a permanent place on our library shelves.
The book is guaranteed to bring the reader pleasure, insight, and a graphic reminder of "lovely things." It is replete with a healthy optimism and a basic Christian faith, which will bless and encourage everyone. When you review the long life of this octogenarian-from his beginnings on a farm, through college and seminary days, into the swirling waters of denomination leadership, and now into retirement-Foy Valentine`s optimism and faith shine brighter than ever!
Note: To receive this book, see offer elsewhere in this Journal.
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