Editorial Reviews

Midwest Book Review

Reviewer's Bookwatch
February 4, 2005
Volume 5, Number 2
Taylor's Bookshelf

Dismantles such deceptions as fate, lot, fortune and chance

In No Such Thing As Luck: A Biblical Perspective, Charlie Johnston dismantles such ancient deceptions as fate, destiny, lot, fortune and chance -- all elements of the traditional concept of "luck". Drawing upon a biblical foundation for his enlightening insights into the idolatrous nature and wayward meaning of belief in a "luck factor", a condition that simply does not exist, Charlie Johnston explains in detail the origin and development of luck's meaning from antiquity down to the present day; alerts the Christian reader to the idolatrous nature of a belief in luck; proves that luck is not a source of enduring prosperity; takes the romance quite out of the concept of destiny; exposes false beliefs about luck, chance, fate and fortune; prizes the value of separating truth from error and shows how to distinguish between the two; and reveals how a Roman goddess named Fortuna established the modern meaning of fortune -- how luck became a lady. Commended to the attention of those who lay blame for what goes wrong in their lives or activities to "bad luck", as well as attributing their successes to "good luck", No Such Thing As Luck should be required reading for any Christian who is concerned about a gambling oriented culture that is hallmarked by casino gambling, poker playing, four-leaf clovers, and "lucky" item fetishes in support of sports teams.

__________________________________________________________

"His revelations from Scripture will cause a Christian to think twice before speaking those words again."

Luck. A word bandied around by most of us in conversations. Best of luck. Wish you luck. Good luck on your new job. A four-letter word, it seems, with which we pepper our conversations.

Charlie Johnston’s treatise No Such Thing As Luck points out the pagan origins of the term we so lightly use. His revelations from Scripture will cause a Christian to think twice before speaking those words again. As Johnston states, “The fundamental claim of luck is power. Luck claims the power to bring benefits and bestow blessings.” With such a strong light shed on it, the word takes on a sinister flavor. Biblically, Johnston reminds us with Jeremiah 31:35 “Thus says the Lord, Who gives the sun for a light by day and the fixed order of the moon and of the stars for a light by night. Who stirs up the sea’s roaring billows or still the waves when they roar-the lord of host is His name.” (Amp.)

Before we utter those flighty words again, we need to check our heart motives. Luck, it seems, does not line up with scripture. And Charlie Johnston has proven that fact to me. Read this study to discover the truth for yourself. Its recommended reading from a blessed woman, me.

Blessings,
Eileen Key

Editorial Reviews

Midwest Book Review

Dancing Word Writers Network