Utilizing the contest deciding power of random.org, I have selected a winner for The Constantine Codex by Paul L. Maier. Congratulations to David Wagner. Stay tuned to Bible Geek Gone Wild for other giveaways we’ll be featuring in the near future.

Today at Bible Geek Gone Wild it’s Free Fiction Friday. Enter for a chance to win The Constantine Codex by Paul L. Maier. Here’s the scoop on this title from the Tyndale House Publishers website:

“Harvard Professor Jonathan Weber is finally enjoying a season of peace when a shocking discovery thrusts him into the national spotlight once again. While touring monasteries in Greece, Jon and his wife Shannon—a seasoned archaeologist—uncover an ancient biblical manuscript containing the lost ending of Mark and an additional book of the Bible. If proven authentic, the codex could forever change the way the world views the holy Word of God. As Jon and Shannon work to validate their find, it soon becomes clear that there are powerful forces who don’t want the codex to go public. When it’s stolen en route to America, Jon and Shannon are swept into a deadly race to find the manuscript and confirm its authenticity before it’s lost forever.”

Paul L. Maier is my favorite author of all time. I’ve read nearly everything he has ever written. If you are a Bible Geek like me, you will not be disappointed with this third book in the Skeleton series. Earlier books in the series include A Skeleton in God’s Closet (early nineties) and More than a Skeleton in (2003).

Giveaway Rules: You may only enter the drawing once. Simply fill out your name and email address to enter. There is one book up for grabs in today’s giveaway. The winner will be notified by email. The giveaway closes Saturday at noon. This giveaway is limited to residents of the 48 state continental United States.

Note: If you are reading via RSS, you may need to visit my blog to see the form.

This contest is now closed. Thank you for your interest.

I’ve been watching all of the favorite books of 2011 posts popping up throughout the blogosphere, so I figured I should make my contribution.  I’m going to be a bit of a rebel and buck the system by listing 5 books rather than 10.  Drumroll please…..

Shaun’s Favorite Books of 2011

1. The Constantine Codex
	Paul L. Maier is one of my favorite authors of all time.  My first introduction to Dr. Maier’s writing was A Skeleton in God’s Closeton my way back from visiting Concordia Seminary in Fort Wayne, IN back in 1997.  Since then I’ve acquired and read pretty much anything he has put his hand to.The Constantine Codex is the third book in the skeleton series beginning with A Skeleton in God’s Closet in the early nineties, followed by More than a Skeleton in 2003.  All three of these wonderful novels tell the story of Harvard Professor and unwitting adventurer Jonathan Weber. If you’re a fan of biblical archaeology, these books will not disappoint!
2. Deadly Disclosures (Dinah Harris Mystery Series – Book 1)
	It is only recently that I became acquainted with the writing of Julie Cave.  Julie is author of the Dinah Harris mystery series published by Master Books.  Deadly Disclosuresis book one of the series and deals with some pretty heavy issues, including the case for creation / intelligent design over evolution and other raw life issues including tragic loss, depression and alcoholism.  There are several clear articulations of the gospel in the book and overall it shows that Jesus Christ is sufficient, able to heal the deepest of wounds and deliver from even the deepest of hurts. Julie winds a masterful tale is one of the best new authors I’ve encountered during 2011!On a related note, I recently finished The Shadowed Mind (Book 2), which I will be reviewing soon and can’t wait to get started with Pieces of Light (Book 3), which is all cued up and waiting on my kindle.
3. Learning to Jump Again
	Learning to Jump Again is one of those books I never intended to read this past year, but it sort of came across my path at just the right time.  Anthony’s book is a very honest telling of the forceful emotions and spiritual turmoil one experiences leading up to and during the years that follow the loss of a parent.  I saw my own story in so much of what Anthony shared.  For me, reading this book was a cathartic experience. I would recommend this book to anyone who is working through the loss of a parent or other loved one, but my only caution is that this book may be too much for you right after the funeral. I would suggest picking up Learning to Jump Again at least three to six months afterwards.
4. Keep Your Greek: Strategies for Busy People
	After spending all of that time acquiring Greek skills during our college and seminary days, it seems we just can’t find the time to keep up with it as our list of responsibilities always seems to keep going up, while our available time for study and personal development goes in the opposite direction.  Even if your Greek skills have atrophied a bit, don’t despair.  Keep Your Greek has some great ideas to help you get your Greek on and bring out the inner Bible Geek that’s inside of us all.  I would highly recommend this book for any Bible college / seminary student, pastor, or layperson who is interested in or who has ever studied Greek. Even if your interest in keeping up with your Greek studies is limited, you will find something of use here.
5. Luther: Echoes of the Hammer
	As a 33 year old man who reads an awful lot of non-fiction, I honestly don’t tend to read a lot of graphic novels.  As a father of some soon to be teens, who love graphic novels, I’m starting to get into them a bit more.  I’m always on the lookout for good resources to teach them about church history, especially the reformation.  With all of that in mind, I highly recommend Luther:  Echoes of the Hammer.  This book will help readers understand why Martin Luther is considered an important reformer and hero of the church. Excellent writing and beautiful illustrations make this book a joy to read and keep it moving along at a good pace. With the many informational helps included in the book, even readers who are unfamiliar with the terms or people of the reformation period will be able to follow the story with ease.

Congratulations to the three lucky winners in The Constantine Codex giveaway sponsored by Tyndale House Publishers. They are:

• Gregg Lindahl
• Craig Hurst – craighurst.wordpress.com
• Jason Skipper – www.pastoralmusings.com

Many thanks to Adam at Tyndale House Publishers for agreeing to sponsor a giveaway and many thanks to the larger team at Tyndale House Publishers for publishing this great new work of fiction by Dr. Maier.

The kind folks at Tyndale House Publishers have partnered with Bible Geek Gone Wild to give away 3 copies of The Constantine Codex by Paul L. Maier.

The Constantine Codex is the third book in the series that began with A Skeleton in God’s Closet in the early nineties, which was followed up with More than a Skeleton in 2003. This new book continues the story of Harvard Professor and unwitting adventurer Jonathan Weber. See the description from Tyndale House Publishers’ web site below:

“Harvard Professor Jonathan Weber is finally enjoying a season of peace when a shocking discovery thrusts him into the national spotlight once again. While touring monasteries in Greece, Jon and his wife Shannon—a seasoned archaeologist—uncover an ancient biblical manuscript containing the lost ending of Mark and an additional book of the Bible. If proven authentic, the codex could forever change the way the world views the holy Word of God. As Jon and Shannon work to validate their find, it soon becomes clear that there are powerful forces who don’t want the codex to go public. When it’s stolen en route to America, Jon and Shannon are swept into a deadly race to find the manuscript and confirm its authenticity before it’s lost forever.”

The contest will run through Tuesday June 21st and is limited to residents of the 48 state continental United States.  Submit your entries below via PunchTab.

If you’re reading this via RSS reader, click through to the blog post to enter. If you don’t want to enter via PunchTab, please leave a comment below sharing your favorite Paul Maier book and why.

I was excited to get my eager fingers on The Constantine Codex this past weekend.  The wonderful folks at Amazon had it on my doorstep Friday afternoon, but alas I was out of town and unable to start reading it ’til Saturday night.  I got through about 100 pages the first night and finished the other 300 or so last night.  Let’s just say I’ll be a little groggy today.  The Constantine Codex is another example of Dr. Maier’s quality writing and high attention to detail.  As a lover of biblical languages, scribes, manuscripts, etc. I found this story especially appealing.  Dr. Maier does a great job of blending his stories with modern day events and real people.  I was especially happy to see the important work of the Center for the Study of New Testament Manuscripts (CSNTM) woven into the story.  It’s going to take me a few days to digest everything I read, but a review will be posted very soon.  I also got word from Tyndale House Publishers that they will be giving me several copies to give away, so stay tuned for a giveaway in conjunction with my forthcoming book review.

It’s not very often that I get all giddy and start clapping and screaming when I learn of a new book, but in the case of Paul L. Maier I make an exception.  Dr. Maier is my favorite author and I was elated to learn that Tyndale House Publishers just released The Constantine Codex.  The Constantine Codex is the third book in the series that began with A Skeleton in God’s Closet in the early nineties, which was followed up with More than a Skeleton in 2003.  This new book continues the story of Harvard Professor and unwitting adventurer Jonathan Weber.  See the description from Tyndale House Publishers’ web site below:

“Harvard Professor Jonathan Weber is finally enjoying a season of peace when a shocking discovery thrusts him into the national spotlight once again. While touring monasteries in Greece, Jon and his wife Shannon—a seasoned archaeologist—uncover an ancient biblical manuscript containing the lost ending of Mark and an additional book of the Bible. If proven authentic, the codex could forever change the way the world views the holy Word of God. As Jon and Shannon work to validate their find, it soon becomes clear that there are powerful forces who don’t want the codex to go public. When it’s stolen en route to America, Jon and Shannon are swept into a deadly race to find the manuscript and confirm its authenticity before it’s lost forever.”

When it comes to fiction that will be enjoyed and treasured by Bible Geeks (myself included), Dr. Maier is the master.  I can’t recommend his writing highly enough.  If The Constantine Codex strikes your fancy, I’d suggest picking up A Skeleton in God’s Closet and More Thank a Skeleton, so you can read them all in order.  My copy will be arriving from Amazon this Saturday and chances are I’ll finish it before end of day Sunday.  Many thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for printing another of Dr. Maier’s works!

The Constantine Codex is available directly from Tyndale House Publishers, Amazon.com and elsewhere.

I was intrigued to see that Tyndale House Publishers just published a memoir of former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty.  Since I’m a Minnesota native, I just couldn’t help but point it out. The release date was yesterday, so it should be largely available from Amazon and elsewhere.

The winner for day 12 of Bible Geek Gone Wild’s 3rd Annual 12 Days Before Christmas is:

• Joel Watts (www.thechurchofjesuschrist.us)

Many thanks to Random.org for making it possible to choose fairly. Also, many thanks to Bridge-Logos, Baker Books, Zondervan Academic, Tyndale House Publishers, & InterVarsity Press for sponsoring the prizes for day 12.

The winner for day 4 of Bible Geek Gone Wild’s 12 Days Before Christmas is:

• John Yi

Many thanks to Random.org for making it possible to choose fairly. Also, many thanks to Christy Wong and Tyndale House Publishers for sponsoring the prizes for day 4.