Thursday, April 14, 2011

Proverbs book: invitation for (more) endorsers

I don't think I've ever done a double-post (here and Pyro) before. But hey: (A) it's my blog; and (B) who knows? There might be three people who come here without visiting Pyro, and one of them might fill the bill. So, without further eloquence:



by Dan Phillips

Let me say in opening that, though I am here to ask for something, it isn't money!

HSAT: I'm in a happy dilemma. I just tapped about all the folks I know to amass endorsers for World-Tilting Gospel for Kregel. Wonderful folks responded (thank you, every one of you), and a number of gracious souls drawn from that number are currently reading with a view to endorsing it.

But now, guess what? My Proverbs project has been moved to the front-burner. This is absolutely terrific news to me, of course. But what it also means is that I get to go beat the bushes to find some more gracious souls to consider endorsing that lengthy tome. (Reluctant, you will understand, to impose on those already doing me a favor to add yet another, so soon!)

Thank God, I already have some absolutely terrific brothers who have generously agreed to read and consider endorsing the Proverbs book. All I need now is... more.

What you need to know: it's not short! And the deadline the publisher is looking at for endorsements is the end of May.

What I am asking: interested parties meeting these criteria —
  1. If you are a published author, and/or you teach (preferably Old Testament) at some institution, and if you believe you can make the deadline, drop me a line.
  2. If you don't meet either specification, but know someone who does, to whom you might commend my meager effort, ask him to drop me a line.
What it is: The working title of the book is currently God's Wisdom in Proverbs: Hearing God's Voice in Scripture. I am dearly hoping that it makes a unique contribution to Proverbs literature. Here are some of the book's singular aspects:
  1. Written, and reaping benefits from, conviction of the Solomonic origin of the whole. (You'll be surprised to learn what a minority opinion that is among evangelical writers, and what difference it makes.)
  2. Deals with the Biblical text both in its historical/canonical position in the process of unfolding revelation, and in its larger Biblical context.
  3. Engages the Hebrew text; yet
  4. Crafted with a practical/pastoral focus and broad appeal (i.e. any reader can read, learn, profit).

Topics include:
  • How to read, understand and apply proverbs.
  • What the fear of Yahweh is.
  • How to find wisdom.
  • A fresh, closer look at the real meaning of Proverbs 1:7; 3:5-6; 22:6 (among others).
  • Wisdom for friends, singles, married couples, parents, children.
  • ...and other good stuff.
Sound like fun?

Of course, eventually I hope it sounds like fun to all of you and many others as well, God willing. But right now I need it to sound like fun to some additional endorsers. Lord willing, you will all have access to it in just a matter of months.

So if you fit the bill above or know someone who does... drop me a line.

My email is, without the spaces: filops @ yahoo.com

That is all. Thanks!

PS — I'd be tickled if a WTG endorser wanted to read this, too. Two already are, praise God. I'm just reluctant to pile on!

Dan Phillips's signature

9 comments:

Herding Grasshoppers said...

Wish I met your qualifications, but I'll just have to wait until its in print :D

GrammaMack said...

Can't help you out, but congratulations--how exciting!

DJP said...

Thanks, sistahs. I'm equal parts excited and scared.

Toyin O. said...

Thanks for sharing:)

Merrilee Stevenson said...

I should have taken the advice given to me back when I was a newlywed with no kids, "Write your book now while you still know everything!" That way, I would qualify. I just have to settle for "happy housewife, mother and layperson with a hunger for the Word of God." Wish I could help beyond that. But I'll pray you get some stellar endorsements, as I know you should.

Susan said...

I don't even bother to say I want to preview it (even though I'd love to!) because I know I don't qualify. :(

But I'll make sure I get my autographed copy. :)

Stefan Ewing said...

I shoulda written a book when I was 19, and the most brilliant person in (my very small) world....

Tom said...

Well, I don't meet your quallies in the sense that "published" = "by a publishing company" or "institution" = "a place outside your home." Oh well.

But I did want to say that since you first announced this book, I've been looking forward to it. I was actually a little bummed when WTG was going to be your first book, and not this one! Can't wait 'til it's out.

Tom

DJP said...

Actually, I think it's a race. I don't know anymore which will be out first. I think it will be Proverbs.

Believe me, none will be more interested to see than I!





Which, now that I say it, sounds pretty pathetic....