The following book reviews are written by David Malcolm Bennett and other members of the Bennett family. David Bennett is a writer from Australia with more than a dozen books in print. For more information and for details of his own books click on the link below.
David Malcolm Bennett's Christian Book Page
The Bible and Theology
Who made God? Edgar Andrews (Evangelical Press), 303 pages (ISBN: 978-0-85234-707-2).
When you come across a feminist novelist (Fay Weldon) complementing a good evangelical book, then you know that you have something a bit different. And Edgar Andrews’ Who made God? is certainly that. Andrews, a scientist who is a Christian, argues positively for the existence of God against such atheists as Richard Dawkins, in a way that is scientifically informed, biblically and theologically accurate and most fascinating. What’s more it also contains bursts of wonderful humour that further enliven the text. In one place he argues that some atheists reason that “If it looks like a duck, walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, then it must be a chicken.” Andrews even offers a definition of a miracle (which is much harder to define than most people believe). He describes it as God overriding “natural law to effect a non-natural or miraculous event.” I think he’s right! As a non-scientist, I found a few sections a little difficult to understand, but not too many. This is a very good book.
Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony by Richard Bauckham (Eerdmans) 538 pages (ISBN: 978-0-8028-3162-0).
This is an important book, though it is not an easy read. For more than a generation many biblical scholars have argued that the Gospels in the Bible were not written by eyewitnesses, nor were they greatly influenced by eyewitness testimony. But here Richard Bauckham presents strong arguments that though the Synoptic Gospels may not have been written by eyewitnesses, these accounts are based firmly on reliable eyewitness testimony. He also argues that John's Gospel was written by an eyewitness, as it claims, though in his opinion that witness was John the Elder not John son of Zebedee. Two reviewers on the back of the book refer to Bauckham's remarkable "detective work", and with good reason. This is, for the most part, a convincing book, with an array of intricate arguments to back his claims. (Mind you, I still think John's Gospel was written by John son of Zebedee, though with assistance from someone else, perhaps John the Elder.)
Living with the Underworld by Peter Bolt (Matthias Media), 154pages (ISBN: 978-1-921068-90-4).
This is a striking book. It presents Christian truth in a way that will irritate some but entertain, inform and challenge many more. The primary subject is the spiritual underworld, death, the devil and demons. He draws parallels of that world with the criminal underworld that we can see in such TV programs as The Sopranos and read about it our newspapers. To Peter Bolt, the spiritual underworld is as real as the criminal equivalent and even more destructive. Though written in a popular style, it does not sink into sensationalism. If you want a book to teach you about exorcism, this is not it. He rejects that practice, for Satan and his cohorts are already a beaten enemy through Christ. But if you want a sane, biblical and readable approach to the topic, here it is. Peter Bolt is Head of New Testament Studies at Moore College.
Scandalous: The Cross and Resurrection of Jesus by D. A. Carson, (Crossway) 170 pages (ISBN: 978 1 4355 1125 7).
This is one of the best books I have ever read. And I have read many.
Don Carson has the wonderful gift or presenting profound truth simply. This he does splendidly in this book on the death and resurrection of Jesus. And he does it in an unusual, but most helpful way. For example, in the first chapter he notes the ironies of the cross. These include, "The man who is mocked as king is the king", The man who is utterly powerless is powerful" and "The man who can't save himself saves others."
In our society, even in the Church, the seriousness of sin is downplayed. Carson does not do that. He makes it very clear that sin offends our holy God and that He will not tolerate it. Yet, by sending Christ to die for us, His grace and mercy meet His justice and this results in our salvation.
This book abounds in essential Christian teaching, written in a powerful and moving style.
Jesus’ Resurrection: Fact or Figment? A Debate between William Lane Craig & Gerd Lüdemann(IVP) 206 pages.
This book is the printed version of a debate between one of the world’s leading defenders of the traditional understanding of that resurrection (Craig) and one who regards the resurrection appearances as only visions (Lüdemann). It also contains additional material from Stephen T. Davis and Robert H. Gundry in support of a literal resurrection, and from Michael Goulder and Roy H. Hoover against it. Craig builds his debate on “four facts that are agreed on by the majority of scholars”. They are: “Jesus’ burial by Joseph of Arimathea, the discovery of his empty tomb, his postmortem appearances and the origin of the disciples’ belief in his resurrection.” These “facts” are inevitably challenged by Lüdemann, at least the first two of them, as is Craig’s claim to scholarly consensus. This is a fascinating book on a vital topic. However, its weakness is that as the first part of it is the transcription of a spoken debate, it bears some of the weaknesses of such a debate. That is, firstly, speakers have a limited time to deal with the subject, and consequently are unable to do so thoroughly, and, secondly, some important points raised by one debater are ignored by the other. For this reason most of the best material in the book is by the other scholars in a written debate, and by Craig and Lüdemann in their closing comments. In the final analysis the Gospel accounts of the resurrection have a “ring of truth” about them, which is hard to argue against.
Hymns on Paradise by Ephrem the Syrian (trans. Sebastian Brock) published by St Vladimir's Seminary Press, 240 pages. (ISBN 0-88141-076-4).
It is unusual for me to review a work by one of the Church Fathers, but this gem by Ephrem the Syrian (4th Century) is special. Drawing on the biblical text Ephrem's colourful imagery conjurs up a picture of the heavenly realms that is most heavenly. For example,
"In (Paradise)there resides a beauty that has no spot.
In it there exists a peacefulness that knows no fear." (Hymn 5)
Surely we share these hopes with Ephrem.
The Law is not of Faith edited by Bryan Estelle, J.V. Fesko and David VanDrunen, published by P & R Publishing, 358pp (ISBN 978-1-59638-100-1).
This is a book of essays on the relationship between the Gospel and the Law, based on the premis that the Law of Moses was a reinstitution of natural law, originally given via the conscience to our earliest ancestors. It is a very fine book and has helped me a great deal in sorting out in my own mind the tricky subject of the relevance of OT Law to the Christian. I have read very few books that so often threw me back to the Scriptures "to see if these things were so". Reading this book requires a great deal of concentration and thought, but it is well worth the effort.
Listening to the Spirit in the Text by Gordon D. Fee, published by Eerdmans, 180pp. (ISBN 0-8028-4757-9).
Gordon Fee is professor of New Testament at Regent College, Vancouver, and has previously written How to Read the Bible for all its Worth (with Douglas Stuart) and various commentaries, including an excellent one on 1 Corinthians. This book is a collection of varied addresses and essays, drawn together under the banner of the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures. They include an excellent first chapter entitled Exegesis and Spirituality: Completing the Circle, which argues that it is not enough to study the Bible technically or academically, but it must also be approached Spiritually, and that with a capital “S”, because the Holy Spirit must aid us in our task. Fee also has a chapter on corporate worship in the Pauline Churches, which contains much interesting, helpful and challenging material. The essay is, however, marred because he concentrates entirely on Paul’s letters, ignoring the church’s gathering together in Acts, thus presenting a rather unbalanced view of the subject. But this book by Fee is throughout thought provoking and spiritually challenging. A thorough reading of it would be a useful stimulus to anyone’s Christian life. It is also a good book to argue with, for even when he presents views with which one might not agree, they are presented, clearly, rationally, biblically, and, not least, spiritually.
Systematic Theology: Abridged Edition by Charles Hodge (ed. by Edward N. Gross), published by Baker (ISBN: 0-8010-4321-2).
This a very useful abridgement of Charles Hodge's remarkable analysis of Reformed theology, originally published in three volumes. Though Hodge died in 1878, for the most part his work does not date. It is smooth, logically reasoned and thoroughly biblical. It deals with the doctrines of God in depth, and all the other major Christian doctrines are fully explored. Read this and you will have a much better grasp of Christian truth.
Who Saves, God or Me? by Erroll Hulse, published by EP (ISBN: 978 085234 685 3).
Erroll Hulse could be said to have his finger on the pulse of evangelism and its outcomes. As he knows well, going by the way many of today's Christians talk, it sounds as though we save ourselves, though God may be working somewhere in the background. After all, what do we hear? "I have made a decision." "I have made a commitment." The emphasis nearly always seems to be on what we have done. But it is God who saves; It is God who saves; God alone.
This is an excellent book that rightly exposes the folly of much of modern evangelism and the theology behind it. My only major criticism is that he does not distinguish sufficiently between Armianism and, what I would call, Finneyism (as in Charles Finney). Much of what he calls Arminianism is really Finneyism. True Arminianism, as with Arminius and the Wesleys, is closer to Calvinism than it is to Finneyism. It is Finneyism that sadly rules much of today's evangelism. But, otherwise, this is a fine book and a must read for all involved in evangelism.
Darwin’s God: Evolution and the Problem of Evil by Cornelius G. Hunter, published by Brazos Press (ISBN 1-58743-011-8).
It is not new to say that the theory of evolution is based as much on metaphysics as upon scientific research, but Cornelius Hunter says it, and says it very well and very convincingly. Whilst regarding evolution as possible, Hunter sees it as unlikely and certainly unproven. He says that though there is some evidence for it, there is more against it, and he regards it as “not a persuasive explanation of the origin of the species”.
According to Hunter, Darwin’s theory of the origin of the species grew out of his struggle to relate his scientific research to his concept of God. Darwin found the natural world was at times wasteful, unpredictable and even evil, and this did not sit well with his understanding of what God should be like. Darwin’s answer was to remove God from the role as creator of the various species and substitute a naturalistic solution. Many of those who have followed Darwin’s science have also followed his “religious creed” by either adopting his idea of an absentee God, or by dispensing with God altogether.
Hunter says that evolution is accepted today not because it has been proved to be correct, but because it cannot be proved to be false, and as the theory suits the modern mind it has become dominant.
The Unseen World edited by Anthony S. Lane, published by Baker (ISBN 0-8010-2142-1).
This is a selection of academic "Christian Reflections on Angels, Demons, and the Heavenly Realm". It seeks to play its part in reversing the common academic trend, which rejects or downplays the existence of such beings as angels and demons. The ten essays include such subjects as: "Thinking about Angels", "Jesus the Daimons and the Dead", and "Charismatic Interpretations of the Demonic". This is a thought-provoking book.
Romans by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (12 volumes), published by Banner of Truth.
The great twentieth century Welsh preacher meets the greatest of Paul's letters with wonderful results. The sermons of Dr Lloyd-Jones come over very well in print, if not quite with the impact of his preaching. This extensive treatment of Romans is fascinating, life-building reading. Buy and read a volume a year and it will bless your soul.
Sufficient Saving Grace: John Wesley’s Evangelical Arminianism by Herbert Boyd McGonigle, published by Paternoster, 2001 (ISBN: 1-84227-045-1).
In this excellent book, Herbert McGonigle, a Nazarene scholar, examines John Wesley’s brand of Arminianism. He traces the development of Wesley’s thought in this area from his youth to the end of his life, and notes its influence upon Methodism and other movements. Along the way McGonigle compares Wesley’s beliefs with other forms of Arminianism and the various strands of Calvinism. The key to understanding Wesley’s theology in this area is his conviction that all have sinned and are unable to please or respond to God by their own resources, but that all have also been granted a measure of God’s grace (“prevenient grace”) that has restored the human will in some measure. This has made it possible for an individual to respond to Christ. Whether you agree with Wesley or not, this a fascinating study and reading it will assist any serious student of this subject to understand it better and sort out their own ideas.
In The Beginning: The Story of the King James Bible by Alister McGrath, published by Hodder, 340pp. (ISBN 0-340-78585-3).
In the strictest sense this new book by Alister McGrath traces the history of the English Bible from Wycliffe to the King James (KJV). But its main focus is the latter, that so-called authorised version. However, as McGrath points out, though the KJV was commissioned by King James 1, the final product was probably never authorised as such.McGrath gives briefly the story of the emergence of printing, the Protestant Reformation and Luther’s German Bible, which all played their part in creating a desire for the Bible in English. Indeed, various translations did appear in the 16th Century, the later ones building on the work of William Tyndale. The most popular of these versions was the Geneva Bible, which was translated by English Puritan scholars in Geneva. Ironically, at first the KJV was not popular. The Geneva Bible still held sway. But in the middle of the 17th Century the KJV began to find favour, and in the 18th and 19th Centuries it was the English Bible.
The KJV was a very good translation, but, as McGrath points out, “By definition, no translation is perfect”. But in the nearly 400 years since it was first published the English Language has changed so much that the KJV itself needs an interpreter. McGrath puts it this way: “When a translation itself requires translation, it has ceased to serve its original purpose”, and he is correct. Today’s Christians are right to use one of the modern versions. But the KJV has a proud history. It has probably been more useful in the extension of the Kingdom of God than any other translation before or since. McGrath’s book is a fascinating study and is full of insight and wisdom.
The Graham Formula: Why Most Decisions for Christ are Ineffective by Patrick McIntyre, published by White Harvest, 2005 (ISBN 0-9635050-2-5)
This book echoes some of the concerns that I expressed in my volume The Altar Call and later in The Sinner's Prayer: Its Origins and Dangers. Though I certainly do not agree with all the McIntyre says, he is right that today's evangelism produces far more non-converts than converts, and one of the main causes of that is the use of the "sinners' prayer". (Disturbingly we have a frightening habit of telling these "non-converts" that they are converted.) If you suspect that much of today's evangelism is ineffective, even counter-productive, read McIntyre's book and you will see some of the reasons why.
Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation by Bruce M. Metzger, published by Abingdon, 1993 (ISBN 0-687-08999-9).
This is the best book I have ever read on the Book of Revelation. Written by an experienced Bible translator, it is brief, good to read, easy to understand and, not least amongst its good points, it is sane. Metzger commences with a brief but helpful introduction, then proceeds to go through Revelation section by section, giving useful information and commentary. The book is completed by a series of studies in Revelation by Donn Downall. If you are looking for sensationalism and biblical interpretation by news media this book is not for you. But if you want to be introduced to the mysterious Book of Revelation in a rational, but thoroughly biblical way, then buy this book and read it.
Jesus Spoke Hebrew by Brent Minge, published by Shepherd, 60 pp. (ISBN: 0-9579868-0-7).
What language did Jesus speak? The common view in recent times has been that Jesus spoke Aramaic, the language of Babylon. Others, few in number in the twentieth century, have said Hebrew. There was at least one brave scholar not so long ago who actually said Greek. It is of course possible that Jesus spoke both Hebrew and Aramaic, and perhaps even Greek too. Too much is made in my opinion of the earthly Jesus lacking formal education. If a person has a gift for languages he or she will be able to learn them even though lacking formal schooling. But Brent Minge believes that Hebrew was the common language in Judea and Galilee at the time of our Lord’s life, and therefore the logical deduction is, Jesus spoke Hebrew. For the most part he argues his case well. He has researched the subject thoroughly, and quotes from both Christian and Jewish sources from ancient and modern times to support his arguments. There are occasions when his arguments seem to miss the mark and others when he seems to be too confident he his right, but on the whole he argues well. However, I would love to see someone solidly committed to the view that Jesus spoke Aramaic place this little book under the microscope. The results would be interesting.
Powers of Evil: A Biblical Study of Satan and Demons by Sydney H.T. Page, published by Baker, 295pp (ISBN 0-85111-437-7).
This, as its subtitle suggests, is a thorough study of what the Bible says about Satanic powers. It does not deal, for the most part, with the demonic today, but looks at probably every biblical passage that does, or might, refer to the devil, demons, or evil spirits.
Page’s approach is rarely speculative and he does not approach the subject in a sensationalised manner, unlike so many other writers on this issue. He has a thorough understanding of Scripture, and uses sound exegesis to determine what each passage is saying about the evil forces in the universe, and usually his arguments are convincing. Occasionally I found myself questioning whether he was reading something into the text, but for the most part this was not the case.
This is a very good, nicely balanced book. It is well written and, though it is rather scholarly, it is quite easy to read. If you want to understand what the Scriptures are saying about Satan and his cohorts, this is the book to help you.
Conversion in the New Testament: Paul and the Twelve by Richard V. Peace, published by Eerdmans (ISBN 0-8028-4235-6).
Peace's book is a scholarly examination of the New Testament teaching on conversion. He notes that not all NT conversions were sudden, most of the Apostles, for example, seem to have been converted gradually. He then argues that as some people today are also converted gradually and others suddenly our evangelism needs to take that into consideration. An excellent book.
The Pleasures of God: God's delight in being God by John Piper, published by Mentor, pp.328 (ISBN: 1857923871).
This is a very fine book. It is quite large, but is a pleasure to read and contemplate.
It made me think how rarely we read a book or hear a sermon about God. Does that sound strange? Probably, but not so if you consider it. We read and hear much about our relationship with God and other things related to him, yet surprisingly little about God as God. This book helps correct that omission in a wonderful, even exciting way.
Piper teaches that our triune God actually enjoys being God. He has fellowship within the persons of the Godhead and continues to rejoice in His creation and His people. Certainly God is also a judge, and, if you like, has a stern side, but first and foremost he wants to bless his creation and delights to do so. And Piper proves from the Scriptures that these are not ideas that he has dreamed up, but they are thoroughly biblical teachings.
Zion's Christian Soldiers? The Bible, Israel and the Church by Stephen Sizer, published by IVP, 199 pp. (ISBN: 978-1-84474-214-1).
This is an important and timely book. Many Christians, particularly in America, believe that Jews have a God-given right to the territory promised to Abraham and the other patriarchs and that, therefore, the interests of modern-day Israel must be protected at all costs. This concept is a major cause of the terrible violence that repeatedly errupts there. Stephen Sizer, without being anti-semitic, challenges that view and argues biblically and rationally that Israel, as such, is no longer the chosen people of God. That designation now applies to those from all races who believe in Christ. He also puts forward the view that there was the implied condition of obedience in the promises that God made to the patriarchs concerning the land. As this condition has been broken, Jews do not have an automatic right to that land.
Beginning Well: Christian Conversion & Authentic Transformation by Gordon T. Smith, published by IVP, 230 pp. (ISBN: 0-8308-2297-6).
This is a difficult book to review. It has an abundance of good material, yet has some weaknesses. One of these weaknesses is that though Smith’s book is entitled “Beginning Well”, he seems rather hazy about the idea of an identifiable beginning to the Christian life. Smith’s basic ideas are, firstly, that all Christian conversions are gradual, but some are less gradual than others, and, secondly, that conversion must lead to transformation. In the first he has a good point, but may go too far. In evangelical churches too often we expect all conversions to be sudden, and doubt the genuineness of anyone’s conversion if he or she cannot point to a particular time and place when that event occurred. Yet when were the 12 Apostles converted?
When Smith insists that conversion must lead to transformation he is on sure ground. According to the Bible genuine Christian experience must lead to change for the better. A failure to insist on that has led to all sorts of problems in the modern church. The Reformation principle perfectly expresses it: it is faith alone that saves, but the faith that saves is never alone. Genuine faith in Jesus Christ inevitably leads to transformation, to good works. Well, are Christian conversions gradual or sudden? Or are some gradual and others sudden? Perhaps one should answer, “All Christian conversions are gradual, but some are less gradual than others. Some much less!”
Evangelicals and Tradition by D. H. Williams, published by Paternoster, pp.176 (ISBN: 1-84227-386-8). The authority for Protestants is the Bible, not tradition, right? Well, yes and no. Protestantism at its best elevates the Bible above tradition, but at the same time it does not ignore the church's tradition. D. H. Williams argues in his book that Evangelicals should take much more notice of the writings of the Fathers of the early church, that early Christian tradition, because there is a depth of learning there which can greatly benefit us. Williams is for the most part right. I have read quite a bit of the early church's writings in recent years, and, while some of it is decidely odd, a great deal of it is stimulating, helpful and worthy of our attention.
The Christian Life
The Cost of Discipleship by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, published by Simon Schuster, 316pp. ISBN: 0-684-81500-1
Dietrich Bonhoeffer was a German pastor and theologian before and during the Second World War. His opposition to Hitler led to him being executed. His book is a challenging introduction to true Christian Discipleship. It is best summed up by his startling quote, "When Christ calls a man He bids him come and die."
The book is in four parts, the first two of which are the most compelling. The first section, "Grace and Discipleship", soundly attacks what he calls "cheap grace". That is, many people who are supposedly saved, show little evidence of it. The second section is an excellent exposition of Christ's Sermon on the Mount.
This is a must read. It makes very clear what following Christ really means.
Lies That Go Unchallenged in Popular Culture by Charles Colson, published by Tyndale, 393pp. ISBN 1-4143-0166-9
Lies That Go Unchallenged is a thought provoking book. Too many Christians accept with little question what emerges from the media on ethical matters and Colson's book urges Christians to ask questions and to think the issues through in a biblical way. The book is arranged in seven main sections, each of which focuses on a particular "lie", such as the idea of universal toleration. Then within each section various topics are dealt with, followed by questions for discussion. This book is strongly recommended and can be used by individuals or groups.
Following Jesus & Leading People by Ross Farley, published by Scripture Union, 130pp. ISBN:1-876794-39-9
Ross Farley is an experienced youth worker and is currently employed by aid agency TEAR. He has written this very good book on leadership, which advocates that Christian leadership should be based very firmly in following Jesus. Ross distinguishes between leadership and management, and argues that much of so called leadership in today’s churches is in fact management, which owes more to the secular world than the teaching of Christ. Amongst the distinctions he makes between those two forms are that “Leadership is about change while management is about production” and “Leadership is an influence relationship while management is an authority relationship.” Farley continues that leadership should be “Change-focused”, “People-Centred”, “Value-based” and “Team-empowering” and Jesus should be our example. While the leadership of Jesus is unique in some respects because of who He was, He should still be the model for our leadership. Farley’s book is thought-provoking and challenging, a must for Christian leaders.
Listening to the Spirit in the Text by Gordon D. Fee published by Eerdmans, 180pp. ISBN 0-8028-4757-9
Gordon Fee is professor of New Testament at Regent College, Vancouver, and has previously written How to Read the Bible for all its Worth (with Douglas Stuart) and various commentaries, including an excellent one on 1 Corinthians.
This book is a collection of varied addresses and essays, drawn together under the banner of the Holy Spirit and the Scriptures. They include an excellent first chapter entitled Exegesis and Spirituality: Completing the Circle, which argues that it is not enough to study the Bible technically or academically, but it must also be approached Spiritually, and that with a capital “S”, because the Holy Spirit must aid us in our task. He also has chapters on women’s ministry, The Holy Spirit and Worship in the Pauline Churches, and one on the views of John Shelby Spong, the liberal American Bishop. Spong champions a liberal view of the Bible, but as Fee shows Spong seems to have little regard for Scripture, in that he has a tendency to largely ignore it when presenting his views.
Fee's book is throughout thought provoking and spiritually challenging. A thorough reading of it would be a useful stimulus to anyone’s Christian life. It is also a good book to argue with, for even when he presents views with which one might not agree, they are presented, clearly, rationally, biblically, and, not least, spiritually.
“Toronto” in Perspective: Papers on the New Charismatic Wave of the Mid 1990s, ed. David Hilborn, published by Paternoster (ISBN 1-84227-099-0), pp.385.
The so-called Toronto Blessing, the most famous feature of which was “holy laughter”, hit many churches in Canada, America, Britain and other countries in the mid-1990s. This book is a collection of specially written articles and previously published papers about the “Blessing” from a British perspective, under the banner of the Evangelical Alliance. These papers range from those strongly in favour to those as strongly against, with plenty in between. As such it is a very illuminating examination of this controversial phenomenon. Though these papers deal mainly with the “Blessing” in Britain, some do trace the rise and decline of the movement in other countries too, particularly in Canada and America. I confess to being somewhat dubious about much that has been called the “Toronto Blessing", but I feel that it would be ill-advised to tar all movements so labelled with the same brush. While some of these may have been false fire, others were almost certainly genuine movements of the Spirit of God.
Coping with Controversy: Helping Christians Handle their Differences by Gareth Jones, published by Paternoster (ISBN 1 900507 18 8).
This is an excellent book on a delicate subject. It helps the reader discover how to pour oil on troubled waters.
Joy Unspeakable by Martyn Lloyd-Jones, published by Kingsway (ISBN 0-85476 514-X).
In this series of sermons on the Holy Spirit, Lloyd-Jones steers a middle, and thoroughly biblical, course between many conservatives, who play down the role of the Holy Spirit in Christian living, and the opinions and practices of the charismatics. This has to be one of the best books ever written on the Holy Spirit.
Whatever became of Sin? by Karl Menninger, published by Hodder (ISBN 0-340-19715-3).
I have heard psychiatrist Karl Menninger called “a secular humanist”. There are hints of that in his book (e.g. pp. 46-47). But Menninger’s book is one that almost could have been written by an ardent Christian, and it could be argued that it should have been. Menninger states that in the Twentieth Century we recategorised sin as either “crime” or “symptom”. And he argues that we desperately need to recognise sin as sin once more, and then take responsibility for our own misdeeds, for only then can they be properly dealt with. This book was written in 1973, but is still remarkably relevant. If you can find a copy, buy it, read it, and pass it on. You won’t agree with all Menninger says, but there is a challenge on every page.
Questioning Evangelism by Randy Newman, published by Kregel (ISBN 978-0-8254-3324-5).
This is a rather different book on evangelism and a very good one. The sub title carries its clear message: "Engaging People's Hearts the Way Jesus Did." It has often struck me how different modern methods of evangelism are from those of Jesus and the Apostles. Put simply Newman's Jesus-based method involves asking our contacts questions and listening to their views. That need not, should not, involve compromise, but it should show respect for them as people. Jesus did that; Newman recommends it. Very often today evangelism is steamrolling the views of others in a monologue along the lines of "I know better than you, so listen to me." Jesus by contrast listened to those who came to Him, though He, by clever questions and ideas, usually turned their focus. This book is highly recommended
The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind by Mark Noll, published by Eerdmans (ISBN 0-8028-4180-5).
Once upon a time the church in America thought seriously, deeply and intelligently about its mission, and its members were to be found in the centre of the intellectual life of the community. Today, for the most part, this is not so. In this book, church historian, Mark Noll calls for a return to an intelligent view of the Christian faith and for us to take it into the corridors of power.
A Passion for Truth by Alister McGrath, published by IVP (ISBN 0-85111-447-4)
In many ways this book is the British equivalent of Mark Noll’s “Scandal …” (see above). Alister McGrath argues that the Christian faith is intellectually coherent and that we can and must present it to and within the academic community.
Firestorm of the Lord by Stuart Piggin, published by Paternoster (ISBN 1-84277-031-1).
Dr Stuart Piggin's work, "Firestorm of the Lord", is a fine book, which examines, historically, theologically, biblically and practically, the important subject of revival. Piggin’s position is neither pentecostal nor conservative, and he fits somewhere in the middle of the spectrum of understandings of the Holy Spirit’s activity in the world. And for the most part, in my mind at any rate, he correctly assesses the biblical teaching on the subject. Piggin understanding of Revival is that it is totally within the sovereignty of the triune God, as in the teachings of Jonathan Edwards and Martyn Lloyd-Jones (both of whom he quotes extensively), and not something that can stirred up by human activity, as Charles Finney taught. Not that Piggin teaches that we should just sit and wait for it. For we should preach for revival, pray for revival and plan for revival, while acknowledging that the timing, extent and power of such an outpouring is in the hands of the living God. I am pleased to recommend this valuable book.
No Turning Back by George Verwer, published by Hodder/STL, 1983 (ISBN: 0-903-843-68-4).
George Verwer is the founder of Operation Mobilisation, a mission that takes books to the world, via ocean-going vessels. Though this book is by no means new, it is a volume well worth preserving. It is a non-aggressive challenge to Christians to live whole-hearted Christian lives. Yet it is not unrealistic in its expectations, containing plenty of helpful and practical ideas. Bearing in mind that so much of Verwer's ministry has been spent distributing Christian books, it comes a no surprise to note that this volume continually refers to Christian authors that are worth reading.
When the Crosses are Gone by Michael Youssef, published by Kobri, 2011 (ISBN: 978-0-9848108-0-2).
This is a very striking book. While I can't say that I agree with all Youssef says, there are many points he makes that I support wholeheartedly. One of his main contentions is that the ability and willingness to think and reason has been largely lost in the western world. Consequently, decisions are made emotionally, rather than being carefully thought out. And this applies both to decisons individuals make and those made collectively. He is right, and that is a major reason why western society and the modern Church are in such a mess. This book concentrates mainly on the American scene, but as America influences the rest of the world so much, it is relevant anywhere.
Church History and Biography
Transatlantic Revivalism: Popular Evangelicalism in Britain and America 1790-1865, by Richard Carwardine, published by Greenwood Press (ISBN 0-313-20308-3).
In the eighteenth century it was common for British preachers to visit America and play an active part in that nation’s religious development. Some returned to their homeland, others stayed. Though this was continued into the next century, gradually the tide turned and American preachers such as James Caughey and Charles Finney visited Britain, preaching to enthusiastic crowds and introducing new methods of evangelism. Carwardine’s account of this transatlantic exchange is thoroughly researched and good to read. I know of no book that covers this issue better.
The Birth of the Church and A Public Faith by Ivor J. Davidson, published by Monarch (ISBN 1-85424-658-5 & 1-85424-689-5).
These are the first two books in the series The Monarch History of the Church. Though these are produced primarily for students, who for the most part will dip into them as they need, I read each of them straight through from cover to cover. My aim was to gain a better understanding of the first 600 years of Church History, and I found them very helpful to that end. For the most part they are also quite readable, though, inevitably, things got rather tricky in the second volume's lengthy discussion on the different views of the person of Christ. That's a very important subject, but it does not make easy reading. These are two fine books, which do their job admirably.
One Blood by John Harris, published by Albatross, 1994 (ISBN 0-86760-095-0).
The sub title of this remarkable book gives a clear description of its contents. It is "200 Years of Aboriginal Encounter with Christianity: A Story of Hope". In over 900 pages of fascinating writing John Harris tells the story of the meeting of the Christian Church and the Australian Aborigines. Sometimes the story is sad, even harrowing, especially in the early days. At others it is encouraging and cheering. If the church did not do all it could and should have done to rescue Aborigines from the destructive inroads made by European “civilisation”, then it still did much. When the rape and murder of Aborigines was common, churches, missionaries and ordinary Christians at times became their only protectors. The title One Blood refers to the King James translation of Acts 17:26, God “hath made of one blood all nations of men”. While many early settlers in Australia regarded Aborigines as little more than animals, the Christians who sought to aid these despised people universally regarded them as of “one blood” with us. Harris’s treatment of this subject is thorough, fair and interesting. One doubts that it could be bettered.
Reformation: Christianity and the World 1500-2000 by Felipe Fernandez-Armesto & Derek Wilson, published by Bantam, 1996 (ISBN 0-593-02749-3).
This is a book with a difference. It is about the Protestant Reformation, but it covers far more than that. Written by two historians, one Catholic, the other a charismatic Protestant, it examines how the Reformation influenced society and the Church, both Protestant and Catholic, in the ensuing 500 years. The data is not treated chronologically, rather each chapter covers a particular topic, such as “Scripture and Tradition” (chapter 2), and examines how the church has viewed that subject and been influenced by it during that whole period. The book has some thought-provoking material, written in an interesting style, but it has the serious drawback of not regarding theological differences as important. That major fault detracts considerably from what is in some ways a useful book.
Awaiting the Millennium: A history of end-time thinking by Richard Kyle (IVP 1998) 254pp. ISBN: 0-85111-581-0.
This fine book was originally published under the title The Last Days are Here Again! What would cause anyone to change from that clever title to the more mundane one above is hard to imagine. In this book Kyle looks at End Times speculation throughout history, particularly that emanating from Christian and pseudo-Christian groups, though he also includes some ideas from other religions and secular thinking on the subject. In the last 50 years it has been very common to expect the Second Coming of Christ and the End of the World in our lifetime, particularly in American Christian circles. But those events have not occurred. Kyle’s book demonstrates that during numerous periods in the past many people also expected the end of the world in their lifetime. This is not a new phenomenon. Early in Church history, in the times of the Crusades, during the Reformation, and into the nineteenth century, many have expected that Jesus Christ would return while they were still alive. But He didn’t come. It is amazing how so many people have been deceived on this issue, for the Scriptures clearly teach that “no one knows the day or hour” of Christ’s return. Jesus Christ will return, but we have no idea when.
Revival & Revivalism: The Making and Marring of American Evangelicalism 1750-1858 by Iain Murray, published by Banner of Truth (ISBN 0-85151-660-2).
What is the difference between revival and revivalism? Murray draws a clear distinction between the two, seeing revival as the sovereign outpouring of the Spirit of God and revivalism as “man-centred” evangelism, using methods of doubtful value. This book traces a fascinating picture of one hundred years of American Evangelical history, and makes it clear that much of modern evangelism is built on a shaky foundation.
D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones: The First Forty Years 1899-1939 and The Fight of Faith 1939-1981 by Iain H. Murray, published by Banner of Truth (ISBN 0-85151-353-0 and 0-85151-564-9).
Martyn Lloyd-Jones was the greatest preacher in the twentieth century in Britain, perhaps in the world. His life story is a fascinating one. From the quiet beginnings of his childhood in Wales, to becoming a leading medical practitioner, to obeying the call of God to preach, first, in Wales, then in London’s Westminster Chapel. From the Second World War until the 1970s he commanded this major Christian pulpit week after week, in his quiet yet authoritative manner, and spoke to thousands upon thousands. Lloyd-Jones is widely regarded as a great teacher, and so he was, but Murray makes it clear that Lloyd-Jones first and foremost thought of himself as an evangelist. He was also a leading figure (probably the leading figure) in evangelical church “politics” in Britain after the Second World War, and was a friend and advisor of many.
One major criticism could be made of the book. Murray miscalculated in his spanning of this two-volume work, a fact he recognises himself: the first volume runs to nearly 400 pages, the second to a massive 800. This is a fine biography of a man small in stature, but big in the proclamation of the word of God in the power of God.
The Journal of John Wesley abridged by P.L. Parker, published by Moody Press (ISBN 0-8024-4390-7). N.B. There are also other abridgments of Wesley’s Journal available.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, was an amazing man. His Journal, which he kept for over fifty years, is a wonderful record of dedication, courage, persecution, revival, and the power of God active in human life. Even in abridged form the Journal is exciting and instructive. All Christians should read it.
Miscellaneous
Ultimate Questions by John Blanchard, published by Evangelical Press (0-85234-237-3)
There are many booklets on the market explaining the way of salvation to non-Christians, but none better than this. It is thorough in its presentation of biblical truth (as much as it can be in 32 pages) and sound. It is also attractively presented. Buy some today and give them away.
Rapture Fiction and the Evangelical Crisis by Crawford Gribben, published by Evangelical Press (978 0 85234 610 5).
Crawford Gribben is right. There is an evangelical crisis, and a very serious one. Evangelicals are losing the idea of what it means to be evangelical, indeed, even what it means to be Christian. His Rapture Fiction looks at a number of fictional series relating to the rapture, most notably the Left Behind books, and correctly concludes that all is not well in the Church. His concern is not with Christian fiction as such, which he regards as perfectly legitimate, but rather Christian fiction that distorts certain aspects of the Christian faith, as Left Behind does. Gribben's Rapture Fiction also correctly highlights the dangers of basing one's faith upon fiction rather than the Bible
Forcing God’s Hand by Grace Halsell, published by amana () and The End of Days: Fundamentalism and the Struggle for the Temple Mount by Gershom Gorenberg,published by Oxford University Press (0-19-515205-0).
Theses two books are quite different, the first being written by a Christian and the second by a Jew, but they both share similar concerns. The two writers are disturbed about the effects of dispensational (“Left Behind”) teachings about the End and their influence upon the world, particularly the Middle East.
Halsell was brought up in America’s South, became speechwriter for President Johnson, and has made numerous visits to Israel. Yet, though, with this background, one would expect her to understand her subject well, she does not really seem to grasp the religious side of this issue. In addition, in spite of being a journalist, in the interviews she conducts with people, she often fails to ask the difficult questions that are crying out to be asked. It is an interesting book, but with distinct limitations.
Gorenberg’s book shows that he has a much better understanding of the topic than Halsell, both from a Jewish and a Christian perspective, and even a Muslim one. He has a deep understanding of the political and religious implications of the modern state of Israel, and this underscores his work. He looks at the foundation of modern Israel and the Six-Day War, and his account is full of fascinating incidents and characters, some political, some religious, plus those that defy labelling. He also examines Jewish and dispensational hopes of building a new temple on the site of the old, a plan full of danger because currently it is a Muslim holy place. Though The End of Days comes from a Jewish perspective, which to the Christian reader means it has some limitations, it is still an excellent book, which is both informative and disturbing.
The Dawkins Delusion by Alister McGrath and Joanna Collicutt McGrath, published by SPCK (ISBN: 978-0-281-05927-0). Richard Dawkins, a noted Oxford scientist, has caused a considerable stir with his book The God Delusion. Alister McGrath, another Oxford academic (with doctorates in science and theology), responds to his arguments in this illuminating little book. For example, Dawkins argues that science had disproved the existence of God. McGrath reponds that science can neither prove nor disprove God, as appears to be acknowledged by the majority of scientists. McGrath also points out that many leading scientists of today do not find science in conflict with traditional Christian belief. If science disproves God, how could so many of its practioners have been deceived?
Subverting Global Myths: Theology and the Public Issues Shaping our World by Vinoth Ramachandra, published by IVP (ISBN: 978-0-8308-2885-2). Ramachandra is a lay Anglican theologian from Sri Lanka with a PhD in nuclear engineering . While this book is not easy to read it is extremely worth any effort invested in it. It examines six important issues and, being written by an author from Asia, it does so from a perspective that those of us from western countries need to consider.
On the "Myths of Religious Violence" he argues "armed conflict is rarely, if ever, solely about religion or religious differences" (p.79). On "Myths of Multiculturalism" he makes a very valid point when he says, "a morally or culturally 'neutral' state which makes no moral demands on is citizens and is equally hospitable to all cultures and conceptions of the good is logically incoherent and practically impossible" (p.143) Yet, "the Bible, and Christian theology in general, endorses cultural diversity" (p.145).
The other "myths" dealt with are those of Terrorism, Human Rights, Science and Postcolonialism. This book is a demanding read but is well worth the effort.
The Case of the Vanishing Corpse by Kel Richards, published by Beacon Communications (ISBN 0-9587020-5-5). A modern private detective investigates the riddle of a missing body. All similarities to the resurrection of Jesus Christ are intentional. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
Homosexuality and the Politics of Truth by Jeffrey Satinover, published by Baker (ISBN 0-8010-5625-X).
Dr Satinover’s book is a truly Christian volume, sincere, compassionate and biblical. But he does not soft-pedal on the difficult issues. On the subject of whether homosexuality is inherited and genetic or not, he says, “There is absolutely no evidence whatsoever that the behavior ‘homosexuality’ is itself directly inherited’ (p. 222). And “As with alcoholism … even though its origins may be influenced by genetics, [homosexuality] is strictly speaking a pattern of behavior” (p. 51). Indeed, he summarises the views of one leading behavioural scientist, saying, “that the latest genetics research only means that some tentative, indirect, partial genetic relationship might exist” (pp. 38-39). Satinover’s material on the political manipulation behind this issue is also illuminating. Dr Satinover is a practising psychiatrist and is a former Fellow in Psychiatry and Child Psychiatry at Yale University.
The Islamic View of Major Christian Teachings by Christine Schirrmacher, published by RVB International (ISBN 3-928936-60-3).
This is a small but important book, and particularly useful at the present time. Most Christians know little about Islam, and prior to 11 September 2001 knew even less, but this book details what Moslems think about what we believe, and in so doing teaches us much about their beliefs, and thus helps fill the gap. Christine Schirrmacher is a German Christian who has made an in-depth study of Islam. The book suffers a little from being written by a German in English, in that the English is not always correct. But that is a small problem in what is an easy to read and very helpful book.
Christianophobia: A Faith Under Attack by Rupert Shortt, published by Rider (ISBN 978-1-8460-4276-8).
I did not like this book at all, but I strongly recommend that you read it. I did not like it because it tells a grim tale (grim tales really). It deals with the persecution of Christians in many countries around the world today, a persecution that goes largely un-reported by the western media. While many of us sit in our comfortable western churches, millions of Christians suffer in Islamic and Communist countries and some other lands, and few outside those realms seem to care. I urge you to become informed and do something about it. Reading this book would be a useful first step.
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