Transforming the magisterial themes of the book of Romans into devotional stories that touch the soul is no easy task, but Soli Deo Gloria (Latin for "glory to God alone") provides such transformation. While the author writes in the context of one who has a warm relationship with the God of grace, he also examines the book with the eyes of a biblical scholar and theologian. The result is a devotional work that reaches both head and heart.

Anabaptist references throughout Soli Deo Gloria make it a unique contribution to the wide array of devotional books. As a Mennonite, it is comforting to read devotional messages that are graced with the names of past and present faithful believers, such as Harold S. Bender, Stanley Green, and the author's wife Esther, a talented artist whose work adorns the book's cover. Other significant Christian leaders of the past century are also readily referenced: E. Stanley Jones, Mother Teresa, and Dietrich Bonhoeffer among them.

Myron Augsburger brings to his writing the advantage of a mature cultural and religious grasp. Readers may know him as the former President of Eastern Mennonite University, as a pastor, or perhaps as an effective evangelist of past decades. But perhaps what most qualifies him for writing a devotional guide based on the forthright book of Romans is the consistent direction his life has taken over several decades. He has chosen to be guided and motivated by the evangelical pulse of the book of Romans.

Those familiar with the complexity of Romans might marvel that it was selected as the basis for a book of devotions. Indeed it is a bold effort, and Soli Deo Gloria is designed as a verse by verse exposition so that the full scope of the epistle is included, and even the "difficult" verses, like the ones having to do with the Christian's relationship to government, are covered. The subject of death (Romans 4) is not glossed over or overly spiritualized either, partly because the author has been deeply affected by the absence of loved ones, including his own father's death. Several pages are devoted to grappling with the sorrow that the death of a loved one brings, and with that sorrow, the subtle emergence of hope and promise that come through resurrection hope.

For both Ausburger and the other evangelist we know simply as Paul (the author of Romans), the grace and power of the gospel of Jesus Christ seem more tangible and visible the more one reaches out to the people of the world for whom Christ died. In addressing the international impulse and intention of the gospel, Augsburger states in one of the devotions, "Christianity is not a western religion." So be prepared to travel if you use this book, and be prepared to be consistently challenged to make your life count for
Christ and the church.

While reading Soli Deo Gloria I found myself reflecting on the foundation of my faith. Questions emerged: "What was my baptism about? How have I changed? Is my life a testimony to the grace I have been given?" If only for moments of honest inner reflection the book has touched me, then it has served a worthy purpose.

For the person who loves the honesty and challenge of Romans, who wants to live out the Christian faith from an Anabaptist perspective, and who welcomes theological reflection that is sensible and contemporary, this devotional guide is a treasure.