Christopher Nelson

Inferno by Dante Alighieri

Revisado: 04-18-25

Friends, allow me to commend to your thoughtful consideration Inferno by Dante Alighieri—an enduring classic not merely of literary greatness, but of theological and philosophical profundity. I did not select this work out of mere curiosity or because of its revered status in the canon of Western literature. I chose it because I sensed, rightly, that it held weight for my Christian formation. And having now read it, I am convinced it speaks with startling relevance to the moral and spiritual crisis of our times.

Dante’s descent through the tiers of hell is more than a dramatic journey—it is a mirror held up to the human soul. Even if Dante’s precise cosmology may be speculative, even if certain elements are bound to his time and place, the overarching message remains unflinching and true: there is a hell. Christ Himself, in the fullness of truth and grace, affirmed its reality. And in an age dulled by moral relativism, we are in desperate need of reminders that eternity is no metaphor. It is the great frontier of consequence.

Reading this book, I found myself often arrested—not by fear alone, but by conviction. Each circle of punishment brought to mind the sober reality of sin’s final trajectory. And more than that, it stirred in me the question that should haunt every rational person: Am I living in such a way that my soul is being formed for heaven or for hell?

We know that salvation is the work of grace. The sufficiency and merit is Christ’s alone, made ours through His atonement. But that does not mean we are passive spectators. No—the call is to repentance, to resistance against the darkness within and without, to the diligent pursuit of holiness. There is effort to be made, and not just casual effort, but urgent striving, as one who knows what is at stake. Hell is not merely a doctrine—it is a reality to be shunned with everything in us.

Inferno has etched into my spirit a renewed sense of vigilance. I appreciated, deeply, its unflinching depiction of judgment. It spoke not to my intellect only, but to my soul. I am grateful for the discomfort it stirred. It reminded me that conviction is a gift—a warning light that keeps the soul from ruin.

Let us not take lightly what Christ died to save us from. Let us, with all sincerity and holy determination, resist sin, cleave to the Savior, and walk circumspectly in this brief life we are given. If Dante’s Inferno helps awaken that resolve, then it is a book well worth reading—again and again.

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Unexpected candor in this classic

Revisado: 04-07-25

Friends, I recently undertook the formidable task of reading The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli—a classic, to be sure, and certainly a controversial one. It is a work that has endured for centuries, not because it answers the questions we wrestle with, but because it dares to ask them so unapologetically.

As someone in leadership, I found myself drawn into the ethical paradoxes Machiavelli presents. Is it right—morally right—to do whatever is necessary to maintain leadership? Or does such a mindset erode the very foundation upon which true leadership must rest? These are not hypothetical musings; they are existential questions for anyone who dares to take up the mantle of responsibility.

Machiavelli offers no pretense of moral clarity. His prince is a man who must, above all, survive—expediency above ethics, power above principle. But herein lies the tension. For those of us who walk with conscience, who live under the conviction of the Spirit of God and the authority of the Word, the utilitarianism of Machiavelli offers no peace. I have never received liberty from the Lord to adopt the creed that the end justifies the means. Such a posture may preserve a position, but it cannot preserve the soul.

And this is what’s most striking—and troubling—about The Prince: the complete absence of divine accountability. It portrays a man untethered from heaven, acting without regard to conscience or spiritual order. It is a philosophy of dominion without devotion, of strategy without submission.

That said, it was not an easy read, nor should it be. Great books are not always agreeable, but they are often profitable. I leave The Prince not with admiration, but with a deeper clarity about what kind of leader I do not want to become. In that sense, the book is a mirror—dark, but revealing.

I would cautiously recommend this work to senior leaders—particularly those with a deep reservoir of experience and spiritual maturity. Read it not as a manual, but as a warning. And when you do, may it drive you not to the throne of power, but to the altar of truth.

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A Riveting Journey of Growth and Leadership

Revisado: 03-12-25

Friends, I don’t often venture into fiction, but this novel was an undeniable pleasure to read. It pulled me in, keeping me awake late into the night, eager to unravel the next chapter. While some pivotal moments slipped past me in the intricate details, the overall experience remained deeply engaging. The character development was exceptional—Violet’s reluctant yet compelling rise into leadership was particularly striking. However, I found certain aspects of the war command’s internal dynamics less convincing. Even so, the book’s exploration of struggle, resilience, and transformation made for a truly rewarding read. I would certainly recommend it to mature readers, as it does contain some adult elements.

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The Savior generals

Revisado: 02-28-25

Leadership is a rare and costly thing, and Savior Generals is a profound study in its highest form. I approached this book not for its military strategy but for the leadership lessons embedded within its pages—and I was not disappointed. Each of these leaders faced overwhelming adversity, often serving under superiors who failed to recognize their brilliance. Yet, against all odds, they persevered.

True leadership is tumultuous, and great leadership—let alone brilliant leadership—is nearly mythical. Most leadership is mediocre at best, incompetent at worst. But the figures in this book embody the kind of leadership that defies the norm. They stood firm in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, working within flawed systems yet still managing to succeed.

This book sharpened my understanding of leadership and left me better for having read it.

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A Necessary Wake-Up Call for True Masculinity

Revisado: 02-22-25

In an age where many men find solace in the illusion of strength—confusing dominance with leadership, independence with isolation, and pride with virtue—this book stands as a clarion call to authenticity. It is not merely a book; it is a mirror, reflecting the deep-seated tendencies that often go unexamined in the hearts of men who have been conditioned to suppress vulnerability under the guise of masculinity.

Reading this was, for me, a gut check of the highest order. Few books have challenged me so profoundly. It confronted my inclination to hide behind a façade of self-sufficiency while ignoring the deeper, unresolved issues that quietly fester beneath the surface. Pride, control, and the avoidance of true surrender—these are the very things that must be laid at the feet of Christ if we are to walk in the fullness of our calling as men.

This book forces introspection. It does not coddle, nor does it shame. Instead, it beckons us toward responsibility, toward genuine leadership, and ultimately, toward transformation through faith. I am deeply grateful for its impact and the truths it compelled me to wrestle with.

For any men’s group, leadership team, or individual seeking to grow into a more biblically grounded, emotionally honest, and spiritually surrendered man, this book is indispensable. I highly recommend it.

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Engaging!

Revisado: 02-14-25

If you’ve ever found yourself on the fence about the Clintons and wanted to hear directly from those who claim to have suffered at their hands, The Clinton’s War on Women will make sure you land firmly on one side. Roger Stone delivers a meticulously researched and well-documented expose that is as enlightening as it is infuriating.

Reading this book is like peeling back the curtain on a decades-long saga of power, corruption, and impunity. At times, it’s almost too much to stomach the sheer audacity of those who believe they can outrun accountability forever. But history has a way of catching up, even with those who think they’re untouchable.

If you enjoy reading material that keeps your blood simmering and your sense of justice on high alert, this book will not disappoint. Stone presents his case with verifiable examples and a level of detail that leaves little room for doubt. Love him or hate him, he knows how to build an argument. Another hard-hitting, must-read from Roger Stone.

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So many questions answered for me

Revisado: 02-04-25

This book thoroughly addresses every controversy I’ve encountered since watching Oliver Stone’s JFK. It offers a compelling and comprehensive exposé, leaving no question unanswered. Highly recommended.

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Enlightening!

Revisado: 02-12-20

Few have gone where Goggins has been; yet, everyone can relate to battling with their own insecurities, limitations and preconceived notions. If you’re looking for a roadmap from someone who’s been to an abyss and back, Goggins has real substance. Thank you, warrior!

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A root between Judaism and Christianity

Revisado: 01-19-20

I have come to respect Dennis Prager through his political talk show over the years. I was won to his transparency, intellectual sincerity and heart to do his level best to inject good counsel into the world. As a Christian minister, I found the perspectives revealed in this commentary on Genesis to be fresh, engaging and enlightening. I see that this will be a resource that I'll return to time and time again. I really appreciate the communicated roots between Judaism and Christianity.

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