CHRISTIAN BOOK PAGE
David (Malcolm) Bennett is an award winning Christian writer, lecturer and Bible teacher, living in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. He was born in London in 1942 and married Claire, an Australian, in London in 1967. They moved to Australia with their children Keith and Lynne in 1973. He is a member of Coorparoo Presbyterian Church, Brisbane.
David has the degrees of B.Th. and M.Th. through the Australian College of Theology, the latter being awarded with merit, and a PhD through the University of Queensland. He has been called "an excellent writer" (by Rich Deem).
This is also the website for CAMP HILL PUBLICATIONS, David Bennett's own publishing company.
This page contains details about books and articles written by David Malcolm Bennett (also known as David Bennett).
At the foot of the page are links to "Christian Book Reviews", "Quotable Christian Quotes", "Believe the Gospel" (which tells you how you can become a Christian) and "Hymns Ancient and Modern". The first is a selection of Christian books reviewed by members of the Bennett family. The second has a varied array of quotations from Christians throughout the history of the Christian Church, coming from many denominations and many countries. Pay these pages a visit and be challenged.
The third link presents the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ, which is the only way to getting right with God. Even many Christians are not clear as to what the Gospel is. Do you know? Make sure you take a look!
The fourth seeks to take the heat out of the dispute over what hymns/songs should be sung in church services. They do not have to be all modern, nor do they have to be all "ancient".
He is also writing some papers on the lives of William and Catherine Booth and the early history of The Salvation Army. The first of these appear on his new site. Click below.
David has written a two-volume biography of Catherine Booth of The Salvation Army. The first volume, "Catherine Booth: From Timidity to Boldness", has now been published by Morning Star Publishing. He has also completed volume 2, which hopefully will be published in 2022.
David has also been appointed to the editorial panel of a new publication called The Australasian Journal of Salvation Army History. The first issues can be found on the following link:
Australasian Journal of Salvation Army History
David's other recently published book is Hudson Taylor and China. Hudson Taylor was the founder of the China Inland Mission (now OMF). It is published by Rhiza Press and the ISBN is 9781925563375 There is also a documentary being made about Hudson Taylor, and the makers of this video have already shown interest in this book. This book has won the Caleb award for biography and memoir for 2019.
Another of David's recent books is Charles Haddon Spurgeon Revisited This is a dramatic retelling of the story of the remarkable Baptist preacher of the Victorian era. One of Spurgeon's great skills was explaining profound truth simply, and doing so with pathos and humour. He made a profound impact upon his own age and still lives today in his books, many of which are bestsellers. Published by Rhiza Press, ISBN: 9781925139693
"Yibbie", a reviewer on amazon.com, has called this a "wonderful introduction to Spurgeon's life."
Another of his recent books is John Wesley: The Man, his Mission and his Message. It is a dramatic account of one of the great men of the church. While it colourfully presents his bold evangelistic mission, it also portrays him as a real human being, with an acute sense of humour and sad failings. If you want to understand Wesley the man, this is the book. Published by Rhiza Press, ISBN: 9781925139273
Wendy Rush found this account of Wesley's life "really interesting and inspiring" (Rise Magazine).
David's other recent book Edward Irving Reconsidered: The Man His Controversies and The Pentecostal Movement is published by Wipf and Stock in America.
For more details log onto
Irving was a highly popular and very controversial preacher in Britain in the 1820s and 1830s. He was eventually expelled from the Church of Scotland for heresy concerning the humanity of Christ, though some Presbyterians before and since have also held the same view. He was also an early charismatic and some believe that that was the main reason for his dismissal. Lance Wonders of the ACTS International Bible College (Minneapolis/St Paul) has called Edward Irving Reconsidered "a marvelous piece of research" and an "insightful biography". Peter Brown says, "it succeeds wonderfully," and Kyle Holland calls it "an excellent work". John R. Miller in Pneuma Review says Bennett "narrates Irving's story with a masterful blend of detail, intrigue, and efficiency, which keeps the story moving in both an entertaining and scholarly manner." He adds, it makes "Edward Irving come to life."
David's book From Ashes to Glory: A Dramatised Life of C.T. Studd, Cricketer and Missionary was joint winner in the biography section of the Caleb awards for 2014.
Studd played in the England versus Australia Test that gave us the legend of the Ashes, and later served as a missionary in China, India and Africa. He was the co-founder of WEC International and a man of great dedication and commitment. This book tells the dramatic story of an amazing man. Aus$16.99.
David has three articles for you to read: "Jesus as God", "How to Read the Book of Revelation" and "Should we take the Bible Literally? Why the answer is 'Yes!' and 'No!'" Let him know what you think about them.
How to read the Book of Revelation.
Should We Take the Bible Literally?
David has written two books about William Booth, Founder of The Salvation Army. The smaller (and cheaper) of the two, called simply William Booth, has been out of print for a few years. The good news is that it has now been reprinted in Australia, under the title William Booth and his Salvation Army, at Aus$14.95, and is available around the world. More good news: This book is a finalist in the biography section of the CALEB Awards for 2013. (See below for more details.)
David's book The Sinner's Prayer: Its Origins and Dangers has been published in Australia in paperback at A$18.95. It is also available from bookshops throughout the world, see local prices, and is available on Kindle at US$9.95. This book investigates the origins of the Sinner’s Prayer. That is, the type of commitment prayer that appears in such booklets as “Four Spiritual Laws” and “Steps to Peace with God.” It also warns against the use of this type of evangelism, which is unbiblical and dangerous, and promotes in its place other forms of presenting the Gospel of Christ that are consistent with Scripture.
It has been called "an important book" by Paul Clark in Journey (Oct. 2011), "very interesting" by John Talbert, and "an excellent piece of research" by British evangelist Dave Bennett (not a relative). Tore Haugen also describes the research as "excellent" and notes that it is "clear" in its urging "caution" with regard to the use of such prayers. John S. Waldrip says it is "Highly recommended".
The chapter headings give a good idea of the scope of the book and are listed below.
Chapter 1: What is the Sinner’s Prayer?
Chapter 2: A Biblical, Theological and Practical Look at the Sinner’s Prayer
Chapter 3: Before Charles Finney
Chapter 4: Charles Finney
Chapter 5: Mid- and Late Nineteenth Century Methodism
Chapter 6: The World of D.L. Moody
Chapter 7: The Wider Influence
Chapter 8: After World War Two
What, then, are the dangers? How did such prayers originate? Is it really an unbiblical method? This book contains the answers.
Click on the link below to find out more about the Sinner's Prayer book, including sample pages.
Order from your favourite bookstore.
SEE ALSO DAVID MALCOLM BENNETT'S:
Alan S Bandy has called this volume an 'extremely well-written and informative' book (Alan S. Bandy, the Rowena R. Strickland Assistant Professor of NT & Greek, Oklahoma Baptist University).
Order through your favourite bookstore.
See also
David Malcolm Bennett is the editor of The Letters of William and Catherine Booth. The Booths were the founders of The Salvation Army, and these letters are those that they wrote to each other. This publication is by arrangement with the British Library and The Salvation Army, London.
The book contains 350 letters, that is over 300,000 words. It is in hardback, A4 size, has 385 pages and the price is Aus$99 (that is Australian dollars), post free in Australia, plus $25 postage overseas. It can be ordered from David, via PayPal, e-mail David Bennett. e-mail address
The letters in this book are all the traceable letters that William and Catherine Booth wrote to each other. The earliest ones were written in 1852, just before their engagement, the last in 1889, shortly before Catherine’s death. Over half of them were written in the 1850s. The originals of most of these letters are to be found in the British Library, London. Some of the originals of the letters that appear in this book have been lost, but use has been made of the record of those letters that appear in the various biographies of the Booths. This book is a love story; it is an adventure; it is a spiritual journey; it is an historical document of interest and value.
ISBN 978 0 9577937 1 2
This is now available on a CD, see below.
David Bennett has also edited The Diary and the Reminiscences of Catherine Booth. Catherine (Mumford) only kept a diary for two short periods while she was a young woman: 1847-48 and for a few weeks in 1852. It begins when she was a very sick 18-year-old, and ends soon after she became engaged to William Booth. Her Reminiscences, by contrast, were dictated on her deathbed and are lengthy. About half of the manuscript of the Reminiscences unfortunately has been lost, but this volume contains all the remaining text, plus footnotes and index for both documents. It is the companion volume to “The Letters of William & Catherine Booth”. Hardback, Aus$70, 21x30cms, 170 pages, ISBN: 978 0 9577937 4 3
The Diary and Reminiscences is now out of print in book form, but both documents appear on the CD mentioned below, along with the Booth Letters.
A New Venture.
David is also pleased to announce that he has produced a CD with three important PDF files about William and Catherine Booth of The Salvation Army. They are The Letters of William and Catherine Booth, The Diary of Catherine Booth and The Reminiscences of Catherine Booth. ISBN: 978-0-9577937-9-8 (Camp Hill Publications.) This CD costs Aus$35 (post free in Australia, post Aus$6.20 extra for other countries).
This is available now and can be ordered from him or from bookshops. You can order from him and pay via PayPal, use this e-mail address:
This contains the Diary only, not the Reminiscences, and lacks the footnotes and index that are in the hardback edition. This is an excellent devotional book. Paperback, 16x21cms, 56 pages ISBN: 978 0 9577937 5 0
The paperback edition of the Diary is also now out of print, but a reprint is being considered. For more information contact David Bennett. See e-mail address above and below.
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT?
We are bombarded daily with information about environmental issues, some of which is highly questionable. But what does the Bible say about these matters? This book seeks to answer that question. It will help you apply biblical truth to caring for God's creation, without placing that creation above the God who made it.
16x21 cms, 48 pages, ISBN 978 0 9577937 8 1 Aus$12 (Post free in Australia.)
For a book review of What Does the Bible Say about the Environment? and other CALEB PRIZE book reviews, log on to omegawriters.com
HOW TO GET YOUR BOOK PUBLISHED
Many Christians write books; few get them published. This book, especially prepared for Australian Christian writers, will help budding authors get their books published. David Bennett has nearly 50 years in the book trade, so he understands the problems. Author Lyn Hurry calls it "a gem". Paperback, 16x21 cms, 22 pages. ISBN 978 0 9577937 7 4 Aus$7 (Post free in Australia.)
THE FUNNY SIDE OF CHURCH
The Funny side of Church is not just a book of Church-related jokes, for there are already plenty of those. Rather, it is a book of Christian fun that contains jokes, bloopers and a whole host of humorous events from real life, both from the past and modern times. It also features some marvellous stories about Meg, a high-powered, hands-in-the-air, card-carrying, excitable charismatic. This is a book for those who think that Church life is dull and boring. For that matter, it is a book for those who don’t think Church life is dull and boring. Paperback, Aus$10, (Post free in Australia.)
16x21cms, 52 pages, ISBN: 978 0 9577937 6 7
David has written two books about William Booth of The Salvation Army. The General: William Booth is in two volumes and is a detailed examination of the General's life. If you want to know what made William Booth tick, then you need to read this book. The other, William Booth and His Salvation Army, is written in a more popular vein and is an excellent introduction to Booth and his Army. It is exciting, sad, funny and always readable.
THE GENERAL: WILLIAM BOOTH. This is the first full-length biography of William Booth since 1934, and is published in two large format paperback volumes in America by Xulon Press.
Details are:
The General: William Booth;
vol. 1, The Evangelist ; 382 pages; US$19.99; ISBN: 978 1-591608-48-6;
vol. 2, The Soldier ; 451 pages; US$23.99; ISBN: 978 1-594672-06-4.
If you need more information feel free to e-mail David, or log on below to the web site of the publisher, Xulon Press:
It can also be ordered from: Amazon.com
In Britain from: Amazon.co.uk
In Europe from: Amazon.de
In Australia from: Koorong Books and Salvation Army Supplies, Melbourne and Sydney (Aus.$45 & $47)
Take a look inside The General
Comments about The General
Colonel Bramwell Booth of the UK, a descendant of William Booth, says The General “reads more easily than any biography of William and Catherine I can remember”.
The General, vol 1 is “a detailed yet readable account of Booth’s early life” (The Salvationist UK, Jan 17 2004).
“If you are going to buy a new biography of William Booth, then buy this one”, (Christian Mission Historical Association Journal, Winter 2003).
WILLIAM BOOTH AND HIS SALVATION ARMY published by Even Before Publishing, at Aus$14.95, (ISBN 978 1 922074-73-7). This is a brief and exciting introduction to William Booth of about 175 pages. The new edition of this book has just been published and is available around the world. (Originally published in the "Heroes of the Cross" and "Men of Faith" series.)
A friend of mine bought a copy of this book a little while ago. a few days later she rushed up to tell me that the other night she had intended to read one chapter before going to bed. Instead she read six. They are short chapters, it's, true, but that is very encouraging.
Review comments for William Booth and his Salvation Army:
“He has successfully married historical accuracy with a fiction-like style of writing, making it an easy to read, interesting and informative volume.” Captain Marvin Youden, the Canadian “War Cry.”
“Highly Recommended”, Don Prout, “New Life”.
"Thoroughly enjoyable", Commissioner D. Campbell.
"Fascinating", Lieut-Colonel Leonard E. Grinstead.
"Compelling Reading", The Australian Evangelical.
SEE THE NEW WEBSITE DEDICATED TO WILLIAM AND CATHERINE BOOTH
Click below
CATHERINE BOOTH ON WOMEN'S PLACE AND MINISTRY: The Progress of her Thought Published by Camp Hill Publications, Brisbane. Catherine Booth was one of the Victorian era's foremost advocates of women's right to preach. This booklet traces the development of her thought on that subject. 40 pages, Aus$9 (Post free in Australia.) (ISBN: 978 0 9577937 3 6)
OTHER BOOKS
THE ALTAR CALL: Its Origins and Present Usage published by University Press of America, 4720 Boston Way, Lanham, MD 20706, USA, at US$60 ISBN 978 0 7618 1839 7). If you have any difficulty obtaining this book, contact the author (see e-mail address above and below).
From the foreword by Mark Noll of Wheaton College:
“Many historians have commented on the practice of inviting serious inquirers to the front after a service of Christian proclamation as part of making a decision for Christ. Until this time, however, no one has worked out the history of the practice so well, and only a few have evaluated its theological significance as carefully as it is evaluated here…
For me the history was most compelling, but I suspect others may resonate more with the author’s own survey research, his canvassing of pertinent biblical matters, and his discussion of practicalities with respect to worship services. From whichever angle one approaches the book, rewards are there for the taking.”
From a review by Karen B. Westerfield Tucker of Duke University:
Some "readers may take issue with [Bennett's] conclusions regarding the appropriateness and the usefulness of the altar call as a tool for evangelism. Yet they should not ignore the carefully crafted criticism that Bennett levies against the form. Bennett's 'engaged history' serves as a reminder that 'traditional' practices should not be immune from scrutiny". Doxology Vol. 19, 2002.
"The definitive examination" of the altar call. "Find it and read it." Dr Michael A.G. Haykin.
"The best thing ever written on the subject of the altar call", Patrick McIntyre (author).
The Altar Call is "super informative" and "scholarly yet readable", Karl Dahlfred (Missionary to Thailand).
A "scholarly and balanced work", William Edgar Allen.
"The most thorough treatment of the altar call that I have been able to find", Don McChesney.
"This is a fine study", Henry H. Knight III.
This book contains "The best research" on the origins of the altar call, Robert W. Caldwell, "Theologies of the American Revivalists", page 105.
D. L. MOODY published by Bethany House at US$4.99, Aus$7; (ISBN 978 1 55661 304 3) also know as Moody and Sankey).
Review comments:
“Very readable”, “The Australian Evangelical”.
“A fine introduction to two outstanding ‘heroes of the Cross’”, Irene Oliver, “Anglican Focus”.
THE END OF THE WORLD IS NEAR! OR IS IT? at Aus$10 (Post free in Australia.) (ISBN 978 0 646 30300 0). Distributed by Camp Hill Publications, e-mail address
Review comments:
“This book is an excellent introduction to the whole subject of the end times”, David Schulz, “Evangelical Action”.
“David Bennett’s book debunks the fringe groups of the universal church that have tried to second-guess God’s timing for these events”, Peter Ellis, “Insights”.
WHY LEFT BEHIND SHOULD BE LEFT BEHIND published by Xulon Press, Florida, USA, at US$14.99 (ISBN 978 594679 77 3)
This is an updated and enlarged edition of The End of the World is Near! Or is it? especially produced for the American market.
It is available from:
www.xulonpress.com> amazon.com> barnesandnoble.com> and Christian bookstores in America.
HOW TO UNDERSTAND THE BIBLE, new edition (2008), published & distributed by Camp Hill Publications at Aus$8 (Post free in Australia.) (ISBN 978 0 9577937 05).
This book is written in a simple style, and has been especially prepared for young people and new Christians.
SIXTY DAYS WITH THE BIBLE ON PRAYER Published by Camp Hill Publications, Brisbane. This is a book of 60 daily devotional readings all on the subject of prayer. It also serves as a teaching manual on prayer. Aust$9.50 (Post free in Australia.) (ISBN: 978 0 9577937 2 9)
David Bennett has also written numerous articles and book reviews in both Christian and secular papers and magazines. These include:
Online:
That Year 2000: The end or a Beginning, December, 1999, “M/C – A Journal of Media and Culture”, published by University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; http://www.uq.edu.au/mc/
Print:
The Origins of the Altar Call and its Implications for Modern Evangelism, CSAC Working Paper, Series 1, No.22; published by the Centre for the Study of Australian Christianity, Robert Menzies College, P.O. Box 1505, Macquarrie Centre, NSW, Australia, 2113.
How Arminian was John Wesley? “The Evangelical Quarterly”, Vol. LXX11, No.3, July, 2000, in Carlisle, England.
John Wesley, George Whitefield and Jonathan Edwards: Their Evangelism and the Invitation System “Lucas”, Nos. 25 & 26, June & December 1999, in Sydney, Australia.
Raptured or not raptured? That is the question. (On Pseudo-Ephraem and Fra Dolcino), “The Evangelical Quarterly”, Vol. LXXX, No.2, April, 2008, in Carlisle, England.
Bible Versions: The King James Only Debate, "The Pneuma Review", vol. 16. No.1, Winter, 2013, in Wyoming, MI, USA.
Bible Versions: What is the best Bible Translation? "The Pneuma Review", vol. 16. No. 2, Spring 2013, in Wyoming, MI, USA.
For you to think about
Jesus Christ “is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross" (Colossians 1:15-20).
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Bible Publishers.
Three questions for you to answer
Q1 Did Jesus Christ really rise from the dead? (Examine the evidence before answering. Look in the New Testament: Matthew 27:57-66, 28:1-20; Mark 15:42-47, 16:1-19; Luke 23:50-56,24:1-53; John 19:31-42, 20:1-29; 21:1-25; 1 Corinthians 15:3-8.)
Q2 If He did rise from the dead, what does that tell you about Him?
Q3 What would that resurrection mean for you?
If you are unsure, contact me and we can discuss it via e-mail.
Members of the Bennett family have reviewed a number of Christian books for your benefit. Make sure you take a look
David Malcolm Bennett's Christian Book Reviews
For a range of quotations from Christians of different times, countries and denominations, why not visit my Quotable Christian Quotes?
David Malcolm Bennett's Quotable Christian Quotes
Do you want to know about the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Do you want to become one of His followers? Click on Believe the Gospel and read what the Bible says about the way of salvation.
For a few thoughts on music in Christian worship click below.
You can contact me at:
BACK LIST
This book was a finalist in the biography section of the CALEB Awards for 2013. The CALEB Awards are for Australian Christian writers.
DAVID BENNETT'S ARTICLES
