Eternal Ways
Those interested in Christian topics will find much to consider in this passionate exploration of faith in everyday life.
Timothy Etoori’s Eternal Ways encourages Christians to become more involved in their religious communities. Based on the author’s experiences as a lay minister in his native Uganda, this book suggests ways to incorporate the Bible and faith into daily life.
Though an accountant by trade, Etoori’s passion is with spreading “the word of the Lord,” and so he explores the Bible thoroughly in this text, explaining various biblical passages and how to incorporate those teachings into everyday life. Starting with “The Kingdom of God,” the book explains who Jesus is, what it means to be a good Christian, and the steps that the devout may take in order to one day reside in heaven. In a unique chapter called “The Economics of The Kingdom of God,” the author discusses God’s economic policy of prosperity through love and peace, though a lack of focus costs the chapter some momentum.
Etoori uses biblical teachings to suggest how to be a better Christians, spread the word of God, and put faith into action. His explanations are clear and concise, and he helpfully interprets biblical verses in everyday language. One chapter, “The Ability of the Believer,” is particularly strong. In it, he offers three specific prayers—of waiting, offering, and command—that are designed to connect and strengthen one’s relationship with God.
The most fascinating section isn’t a chapter at all, but a short personal story concluding the volume. In it, he introduces Mama San, a Ugandan village woman who dies in childbirth under harsh circumstances—her husband will not take her to the hospital, so she rides a public bus with a plastic basin in case the baby arrives early. The story explores how neighbors deal with the loss of this hard-working woman. The author grapples with the death of Mama San and laments that it could have easily been prevented. “God works through his people,” a reverend reminds Etoori. Mama San’s four children go to live with aunts and thrive, reinforcing the author’s faith in God’s mysterious plan.
The author demonstrates a deep and thorough understanding of the Bible. Every section references specific passages that support Etoori’s case for leading a Christian life. Each of the fourteen chapters also contains sub-chapters, organized alphabetically. Though this formal organization gives the book the feel of a research paper, it is useful for keeping the text accessible.
Biblical passages are highlighted in bold to support claims about faith and God. The author meets his goal of offering guidance through biblical texts, though he stops short of offering a bibliography or notes to suggest further reading. Packaging is incongruent to the text — a rainbow, pot of gold, and garlands of four leaf clovers — and suggests a less serious book.
Those exploring Christian topics will find much to consider in this passionate exploration of faith in everyday life.
Reviewed by
Barbara Nickles
Disclosure: This article is not an endorsement, but a review. The publisher of this book provided free copies of the book and paid a small fee to have their book reviewed by a professional reviewer. Foreword Reviews and Clarion Reviews make no guarantee that the publisher will receive a positive review. Foreword Magazine, Inc. is disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255.
