continued from page 56same is true of stories. An ending has little
emotional or philosophical effect on a person unless they know the beginning. Story,
by Steven James, is a book about Easter. But,
Easter is not the beginning, it is the climax
RIPEN of the story of God’s redemptive actions
Shawn McDonald throughout human history. And like any
Sparrow Records good story, to this one, there is an introduction, character development, rising action
Ripen begins in a beautiful yet stark in a beautiful yet stark complete with obstacles and complications
ambient presence full of subdued or- to the protagonist (God), a climax, even a
chestrations and a minor chord guitar denouement of peace, which is happening
working; it’s a presence that that lessens right now. So, why do we often tell the story
in its intensity just slightly throughout of God in the wrong order?
the entire album. Yet it’s an album of Steven James doesn’t. He tells it from
shining work in songwriting honesty “The beginning.” Story is dramatic and ac-
and folkie-musical dexterity that truly cessible. It carries the reader through all the
haunts you as much as it guides you in a important layers of the multilayered and
meditative praise. Followers of Damien omni-textured work of art that has been
Rice will find a home with Ripen as his authored by God. James’ reflections on the
tones carry similar mysterious cries and scenes of history come from life experience
lyric vulnerability. For the best example and continually inspire familiar biblical set-of this, check out “Lovely” which is tingswithemotionalcharge.
sublime in its threadbare urgency and James is honest, funny and insightful.
climactic lack of boundaries. Three aspects that make this book a suc-
McDonald’s main growth from his cess. The reader is drawn to his down-to-
debut, Simply Nothing, is the addition of earth narrative that always foreshadows the
multiple tones and textures—many of coming tragedy and miracle of the crucifix-
which were supplied here with organic ion. While you are sharing your faith with
instruments found or bought at random a friend in life and words, this would be a
locations (everywhere from e-bay to good companion for you (hopefully that is
Seattle flea markets). Ripen is like dark happening even as you read this). It will re-
chocolate, rich and intense the whole mind you of the awe that is due to God. It
way through. This is a solid release. will help you see anew the all-encompass-
WL TAKEAWAY: ing wonder of God’s plan. It will help you
Songs here are passionate cries, perfect
as movie soundtracks for your worship video tech to augment share that ultimate beauty with the people
with visual displays of the gospel. in your life.
www.shawnmcdonaldmusic.com
THE HIDDEN POWER
OF ELECTRONIC CULTURE
Shane Hipps, Zondervan
STORY: RECAPTURE THE MYSTERY “This is not
Steven James, Revell Books simply a book about
When standing ‘how to use media,’”
alone, the punch line says Shane Hipps in
of a joke is rarely fun- the opening pages of
ny. You can’t walk up The Hidden Power of Elec-
to someone and say, tronic Culture. “Rather it
“Because he’s shell- seeks to provide the
fish,” to someone and tools to help us inter-expecta response other pret our electronic culture and understand re and understand
than polite bewilder- the implications for our faith and our cor-ment. But if you be- porate life together.” That is where Hipps’
gin your conversation w ith “Why did the bookisnotyourtypicalchurchmediafare.
clam take the last piece of pizza?” you will Hipps takes on the right side of the brain;
undoubtedly get uncontrollable guffaws he delves into the “why” and “how” ques-from whomever you are speaking with. The continued on page 60
