Miroslav Volf is the Henry B. Wright Professor of Theology at Yale University Divinity School, and Director of the Yale Center for Faith & Culture. He’s a pretty bright guy. In fact, he’s so bright that much of what he writes can be intimidating to somebody like me. I try my best, and I do understand theology a bit, but Miroslav is in that rarified air that can give me elevation sickness.

This book, “Against the Tide”, is different. It’s more personal, for one thing. It’s a collection of short essays that Volf wrote over a decade or so. Each essay has a theological message, but the personal side of Volf comes out as he relates stories about his children, his parents, and his childhood. Miroslav and I met this past February and enjoyed a dinner together with mutual friends, so I as I started reading this book I felt that I knew him a bit. But the book opens up his heart and mind in a beautiful way, revealing the human side of this brilliant scholar.

Another reason “Against the Tide” is different has to do with the short chapters. Each is about 3-pages long, making each one a quick read. I found myself using the book as a daily devotional, though I never intended to do so. It just sort of happened. I’d pick up the book with every intention of reading 30-40 pages, but I found that after one short chapter I’d be challenged in some way. I’d find myself contemplating what I had just read, thinking through the ramifications of what Volf had written. Now, some chapters hit me harder than others (some didn’t hit me at all). But in general, I found myself reading about 3-pages and then having to stop and think a bit. I loved it.

Highly recommended book. Order a copy and enjoy. Just don’t ask me to lend you mine (it’s inscribed by Miroslav…hope you are jealous).