Book Author: Michael J. Shank

WHEN SHOVELS BREAK is a book written as a sequel to MUSCLE AND A SHOVEL, both by Michael J. Shank. It is a story that takes us more personally into the journey of faith that began in MUSCLE AND A SHOVEL. The following contains my opinion and recommendations regarding this book.

The reader is enthralled with the struggles of Michael and John, the two main characters of the story, and their downward spiral, discouragement, and depression. Mr. Shank sets forth the hard facts of how sin enters one’s life and the horrifying danger it brings. One can sense the utter hopelessness and despair as John’s life spins out of control. Further, one can sense the dichotomy of personalities as John and Michael tread the road of shame caused by sin and rebellion. Michael goes from extreme zeal to discouragement and disappointment brought on by fellow Christian’s lack of zeal, and even goes to drinking, marital unfaithfulness, drugs and greed until at the end of his rope Michael comes to himself.  I wept and hurt because of the emotions evoked in this story. Then I wept and rejoiced because of the restorations that were told.

It seems that the book can be divided into three sections. First there was the story of darkness to light. In this part we have the joy of a man and his wife who had just found the gospel, and were on fire for the truth.  Unfortunately, they fall away.  He/they fell far and hard. Christians everywhere can learn from this section about the high cost of sin. Christians everywhere should learn from this section to flee sin in any and every form.

The final section is not really in story form. Rather it seems to be Mr. Shank’s preaching offering hope to fallen Christians. I think this section is very beneficial for brothers and sisters who have fallen away. It is chock full of encouragement to acknowledge sin, the role the individual plays in falling away, and a call for the Church to abstain from the destructiveness of gossip. But herein is my first criticism; Mr. Shank seems to indicate that the idea of Biblical dis-fellowship should be avoided. The plain truth is that the New Testament clearly instructs that certain people are to be marked and avoided. (Philippians 3:17, 2 Timothy 3:6) Of course when this type of action is taken the same document (New Testament) also teaches that the purpose of such discipline is to cause repentance (1 Corinthians 5:5).  This eliminates the reason that is behind the evil of gossip, which appears to destroy the character of the one who is dis-fellowshipped.

The middle section, (this has been saved until last because it is the most dangerous part) is why it is unwise to recommend this book too highly, or to have many others read the book. This part is very small, about 40 pages. This is where Mr. Shank learns about the divisions that have plagued the Lord’s Church due to human innovation. On the one hand in these chapters he denounces the ecumenical mindset of our modern society. On the other hand he categorically encourages it among those who are part of the Lord’s Church.  It simply can’t be both ways. In this section Mr. Shank slams the scriptural position of correct Biblical worship. He derides those who do not use the Lord’s treasury to support institutions. He calls differences in interpretation ambiguous. He deplores those who dare stand only on a “thus saith the Lord.”

There are many good lessons to be learned from WHEN SHOVELS BREAK. The fact of sin and its high cost and the truth that when a Christian falls away they can be restored are a couple of such lessons. We rejoice in these things, but in all I have to urge extreme caution when reading Mr. Shank’s WHEN SHOVELS BREAK. His plea for unity without regard to the plain teachings of the Bible and its examples are dangerous.

 

Book Review by: Michael Bolton