THEOLOGICAL PERSPECTIVES ON CHURCH GROWTH, by Harvie M. Conn, Editor. Reviewed by Rev. John G. Van Ryn.
Through the efforts of Dr. Donald McGavran and others of the School of World Mission at Fuller Seminary, Church Growth has become the focus of much attention in mission circles. Terms such as “winnable people,” “homogeneity,” “people movements” have become common. In March, 1975 over 50 people gathered at Westminster Seminary for a consultation on Reformed Mission and the Theology of Church Growth. This book is a product of that consultation. Whereas it does not provide an in-depth critique of Church Growth theology, it does provide some insights into this theology. These insights are given by several of our Reformed men including E. P. Clowney, J . I. Packer, R. Recker, J. M. L. Young, R. S. Greenway and A. F. Glasser as well as Dr. Conn. All of the contributors reflect their Reformed commitment by their confidence in the sovereign God who is building His church, extending His kingdom and saving His people. They also emphasize that this sovereign God holds us responsible to work wisely. This book is recommended to those who are concerned for the progress of missions and the growth of the church.
THE EVANGELICAL RENAISSANCE, by Donald G. Bloesch. 1973. Wm. B. Eerdmans Co. Paper Back, 165 pages. S2.95. Reviewed by Renze G . De Groot, Ph.D., Emeritus, Grand Rapids, Michigan D. Bloesch is Professor of Theology at the Dubuque Theological Seminary, and this book written six years ago is an urgent call to Evangelicals.
In the present resurgence of religious in· terest, the author sees both opportunities and pitfalls. In the Preface he says: “The true church will forever stand against the stream of culture,” and add to the question, “What must we do to be saved?” the question “What ought I to do, now that I am saved?” Evangelical Christians, he says, “must not isolate themselves from other Christians.” But, “the new Social Gospel movement undoubtedly errs in confusing a just society, instituted by social engineering, with the Kingdom of God.” “Ecumenists fail to see social problems in the light of eternity.” “It is my hope that Spirit-filled Christians will stay within the church and seek to be a leavening influence.” “There is also a time to separate” . . . “as a last resort” . . . but, deemed as a sign of failure (to reform) and therefore an act that calls for divine forgiveness.”
The book contains three chapters on Evangelicalism: its resurgence, its present-day form, and its hallmarks. In chapter four Bloescb gives a reassessment of Karl Barth in rather favorable terms, and chapter five extols the Legacy that we have inherited from Pietism, especially if we will include with it, the “kindred” movements of Puritanism and Evangelicalism. Thereby the author develops a wide range of tenets to which, he says, Pietism subscribes—even including Social dimensions of Pietism. In comparing Pietism with Fundamentalism Bloesch finds the rootage in the former, including Protestant scholastic orthodoxy, and also dispensationalism, which mainly accounts for the sectarian and separatistic character of Fundamentalism.
The Pietists, claims Bloesch, contended for doctrinal fidelity, as well as personal piety, but they tended to overemphasize “subjective faith” by gazing too intently upon their sins, instead of upon the Christ who atoned for sin. Nevertheless, Pietism contributed greatly to those true elements of the Christian life . . . “Praise of our lips, and sacrifice of our lives” (Heb. 13:15, 16). It contended that the highest kind of Christian practice is Missions. Evangelism has the priority, though social services is the inevitable corollary.
This book would have us see the increasing relevance of Pietism for our day, and for present Evangelicalism. “Violence is more in the heart, than in the streets.” “The new kind of man needed, is one renewed by God.” “He is God’s new creation, and the final answer to the social problem is the new birth.” On this spiritual note the author concludes this valuable resume of the trends in contemporary evangelical Christianity.
THE HERITAGE OF JOHN CALVIN, edited by John H. Bratt, Th.D. Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Mich. 1973. 222 pages, $5.95. Reviewed by Rev. Jerome Julien, pastor of the First Christian Reformed Church, Pella, Iowa.
This volume contains twelve lectures de· livered between 1960 and 1970 at Heritage Hall on the Campus of Calvin College. Delivered by men well–known in their fields of study. the subjects range from topics concerning Calvin, himself, to his labors in the areas of missions, to worship, to the application of Calvinism. They are of varying interest, but all of value for anyone interested in Calvinism.
Several chapters stand out. Those concerning worship are enlightening in these days. The two about missions should shed some light on this little known work of Calvin. Often Calvin is pictured as a hard man. If you think so, read “Calvin and Toleration” by Paul Woolley. There is a chapter on the development of congregationalism as a form of Church government. One striking chapter is entitled, “Arminius as a Reformed Theologian.” How can this be said? Well, the author, Carl Bangs, has a very broad definition of “reformed.”
This book gives a smattering of many different ideas about Calvin and Calvinism. Without becoming too detailed many points of interest are transmitted to him who reads. Those who could not hear any or some of the lectures can now benefit.
STUDIES IN EXODUS, by F. B. Meyer. 476 pages. Kregel Publications, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49501, $9.95. Reviewed by John Vander Ploeg.
To anyone not yet familiar with this Devotional Commentary on Exodus by F. B. Meyer it may seem strange to recom· mend this book as especially apropos read· ing for today. And that for two reasons. First, because Exodus is an Old Testament book recording the history of Israel in the wilderness in a time in the hoary past. And second, because this is a 1978 reprint of a work by F. B. Meyer of more than a half century ago.
But, for all of that, this is a book that fills a pressing need for this very hour. Why? Because whoever will take the time to immerse himself or herself in what is here found will gradually become captured by deep reverence and profound awe as Meyer portrays the all-glorious presence of and the astounding works of the great God of Israel and the experiences of His servant Moses.
Consider the following as an instance of Meyer’s vivid and gripping description of God appearing at Sinai for the giving of the Ten Commandments: “It must have been a great spectacle on that third day. The dense clouds veiling the mountain–peaks and riven with lightning! The thunder like the rattle of an army of angel drums or salvoes of heavenly artillery, announcing the approach of God! The furnace flames that cast a lurid light upon the scene! The thrilling notes of the trumpet ‘exceeding loud’! Only once again will the ear of man hear that resonant voice, ‘for the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the Archangel and with the trump of God, for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed’” (p.224).
This lofty style and awesomeness found throughout Meyer’s Exodus is a whole· some antidote to the cheap and easy intimacy with the Almighty that so many in our day display as they rush in where angels fear to tread. In a human court we do not address the presiding judge except as “Your Honor” and we do not address the U.S. Chief Executive in the White House except as “Mr. President.” Surely then, it is an abomination to the Lord of hosts if we dare to enter the Holy of holies and ad· dress Him as if He were no more than your next door neighbor Mr. Jones and as if we are free to converse with Him as equals. As well as I recall, it was J. B. Phillips who gave one of his books the significant title, Your God Is Too Small. Horizontalism in our conversing with God is a grievous offence to Him and those who fear the Lord will seek Him only along the vertical line. Meyer’s Exodus is a precious example of what our attitude ought to be. The book is permeated with an atmosphere of sublimity that is conducive to worship “in the beauty of holiness.”
About Moses, so prominent as God’s servant in Exodus, Meyer writes such lofty and beautiful lines as these: “We cannot see the lily growing out of the filthy pond without instinctively being led to desire to be clean. We cannot see a long line of snowclad Alps, rising from the valleys where mists and miasma lurk, without desiring to climb up and stand amidst those eternal snows. What a tribute to the magnificence of this man’s character who thus presented God to the people! As long as they had Moses they had been clean, he restrained them, and was a barrier against a tide of filth” (p.420).
Having read all of this book for personal nightly devotions and having been blessed in so doing I heartily recommend it to others for this purpose. The book of Exodus means more to me now than ever before. Meyer’s book also offers seed thoughts galore for the minister who may wish to preach a series of sermons on Exodus. The jacket is right: “You will find this a fresh spring that will splash to an overflow of blessing to all of those whom God brings into your life.”
Sorry to have to add this, but it would be less than honest to fail to append to this hearty endorsement that, for this reviewer at least, here and there a stricture is to be noted. On page 220 greater clarity is needed in the treatment of God’s covenant with His people then and now. We demur in reading: “The days of the first chapter of Genesis, by general consent, may be reckoned as aeons, and represent in Apocalyptic vision the majestic steps up which creation advanced . . .” (p. 405). And on page 408 Meyer resorts to a spiritualizing of God’s work on each of the six days not in keeping with the rules for good exegesis. The discerning reader will take heed even in the case of a book as good as this.
F. B. Meyer (1847–1929) was an evangelical pastor who served seven churches throughout England, he was President of the National Federation of Free Churches (1904–1905), a leading Keswick speaker, an ardent social worker, and for many years a friend of D. L. Moody. In his Studies in Exodus he has left evangelicals a precious legacy that may be read with no small profit.
WHAT ABOUT NOUTHETIC COUNSELING? A Question-and-Answer Book With History, Help and Hope For The Christian Counselor, by Jay E. Adams, Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing Co., Box 817, Phillipsburg, N.J., 1976; 91 pp, paper. Reviewed by Rev. John G. Kruis, Sussex, N.J.
Both friends and foes of nouthetic counseling have had some very serious objections to and apprehensions about certain aspects of this method. You too? If so, this would be a good book to get for a small price.
In this book Adams, at the ten year juncture in nouthetic counseling, succinctly answers many of the main questions and objections people have raised repeatedly. He clarifies his position and removes many misconceptions.
Adams also, in an abbreviated form, sets forth some of the basic principles of biblical counseling. He includes his informative and challenging address on “Counseling And The Sovereignty of God.” This was given on the occasion of his inauguration as Professor of Practical Theology at Westminster Seminary in October, 1975.
THE HOMOSEXUAL CRISIS IN THE MAINLINE CHURCH, by Jerry R. Kirk, 1978; 191 pages, paper. Thomas Nelson Inc. Publishers. Nashville & New York. $3.95. Reviewed by Rev. John G. Kruis, Sussex, N.J.
The homosexual crisis with which the author is concerned in this book was the proposal coming before the 1978 General Assembly of the United Presbyterian Church to approve of the ordination to the ministry of known practicing homosexuals. Although the author deals especially with this specific issue and crisis the book can be of great interest and value to us in other denominations who are and will be facing efforts to turn the church from a biblical stand on ecclesiastical and moral issues.
Jerry Kirk gives a very persuasive appeal, especially to leaders in the church, to stand up and be counted, to rise to action, for the glory of God, the purity of the church and for the sake of those who have been brought into bondage to sin. As he does so, he is really at the same time bringing to our attention important principles which should guide and motivate us as we face the issues today. For example he says, “The real crisis is: God’s Rights . . . God’s rights as creator and. Redeemer are infinitely higher than our human rights. lie is the one who initiated His relationship with man. It is His world and His church . . . Our ‘rights’ must, therefore, yield to His” (p. 38).
The author gives us very helpful material on the whole matter of homosexuality, its actual nature and causes. He demonstrates from the Scriptures that it is sin—and a sin from which one can be delivered by God grace and power. He also helps us to understand homosexuals as he draws from his broad experience in ministering to them in the gay community in Cincinnati, Ohio. Very interesting and informative!
Valuable also is the author’s plea for Christians to work with love and compassion with those who are yet in bondage to sin and those who have been set free but must yet struggle to overcome when they are sorely tempted to return to their former way of life. He again draws our attention to broad principles that must guide us when he says, “When God says such acts are sinful in His sight and contrary to His intention, is it loving for us to tell such persons that their active sexual conduct is not sinful? Should we tell them that it is really okay, and even good? In fact, should we tell them that because it is good and can bless us all, we ought to ordain them? Is this the loving thing to do? I think not. That is sloppy agape, not liberating love. That is careless and shallow love, love without responsibility, love without accountability, love that does not liberate.” (p. 73) I’d go farther, and say it is not love at all.
This a good book to have and to give to those you would like to arouse to biblical action as we face the issues in the church today.
GOLDEN BOOKLET OF THE TRUE CHRISTIAN LIFE, JOHN CALVIN. (Translated by H. J. Van Andell Baker Book House. 1975 Reprint. 99 pp. paper, $1.45. Reviewed by Rev. C. Vanden Heuvel.
The Golden Booklet is a simplified translation of Chapter six, Book III of Calvin’s Institutes.
It reads very fluently and you would enjoy reflecting upon its content. The subjects treated are very practical, like Obedience: the True Imitation of Christ; Self-denial; Patience in Crossbearing; The Right Use of the Present; and The Hope For The Future.
Shut–ins would enjoy receiving a copy. In fact both the younger and the older Christians would be greatly stimulated spiritually by reflecting on what it means to live a Christ-centered life. Heartily recommended.