BOOKS:
Ellis, Christopher J. Gathering: A Spirituality and Theology of Worship in Free Church
Tradition, PAGES 37–100
Smith, You Are What You Love, PAGES 111–192
Use the first full paragraph to summarize the reading. Begin by addressing the author’s purpose and the primary thesis he or she is presenting. Then, summarize the main points by which the author argues the thesis or accomplishes the book’s purpose.
Use the next paragraph (or two) to evaluate the reading. Engage the main points that relate to the author’s argument. Include page numbers when making specific references to the book. Three areas to focus upon:
Has this author made a compelling case? I.e., Are the author’s claims well supported (factual)? Are the arguments well formed?
What overall perspectives (theological, experiential, philosophical, denominational, or cultural) does the author have that influence or condition his or her conclusions? Do these perspectives negate or limit their conclusions? What contexts might not be helped by these arguments?
What unique terms or vocabulary does the author use to describe their claims? How do they define those terms?
Include a handful of quotes from the text that may be meaningful to your future pursuits (e.g., your research paper). Footnote them in using Turabian’s short form. Do NOT use parenthetical citation or the “ibid” convention.