CONTOURS OF A CHRISTIAN PHILOSOPHY – AN INTRODUCTION TO BERMAN DOOYEWEERD’S THOUGHT, by L. Kalsbeek. Bernard and Josina Zylstra, editors. Wedge Publishing Foundation!I’oronto, 1975. Price $12.50. Reviewed by Rev. Johan D. Tangelder.
Christianity Today (March 12, 1976) calls this “a most important book.” I agree. We have heard so many pros and cons about Dooyeweerd’s philosophy that we should hail the publication of Kalsbeek’s translated work as a most welcome event.
The author is not by profession a philosopher ; he was a teacher and principal of a Christian school until his recent retirement. His introduction shows his profession. In an excellent and responsible manner he explains the rather complex system of Dooyeweerd’s thought. It is the author’s hope “that this book, which offers only an incomplete representation of Dooyeweerd’s work, may lead many readers to immerse themselves directly in the thinking of this philosopher” (p. 9).
The book contains an assessment of Herman Dooyeweerd by Dr. Langemeyer, professor of legal philosophy of Leiden until 1957 {pp. 10-13). Dr. Bernard Zylstra of the Institute of Christian Studies, Toronto, Ont., gives a historical survey of Dooyeweerd and some insights into the Association of Calvinistic Philosophy (pp. 14–33). Kalsbeek outlines Dooyeweerd’s philosophy in thirty-eight chapters (pp. 35–295). There are notes to the introduction (pp. 296–302); publications cited in the text (pp. 303–306); a selected bibliography of English, German and French titles of works and articles related to this philosophical movement (pp. 307–345); a glossary of terms by Dr. Albert Wolters of the I.C.S. (pp. 346–354), and an index of persons and an index of subjects (pp. 350–360). All these are helps for the reader to understand Dooyeweerd’s system of thought.
Herman Dooyeweerd is the most orig· ina! philosopher Holland has ever produced, not even Spinoza excepted (p. 10). He stands in the tradition of John Calvin and bas been strongly influenced by Guillaume Groen VanPrinsterer, Christian thinker, educator and statesman, and by Dr. Abraham Kuyper. Dr. Kuyper did not develop the fundamental principles of his world and life view into a coherent philosophy that “could serve as the theoretical framework for a Christian scholarly enterprise in the natural sciences, the social sciences, and the literary disciplines” (p. 18). His interests were mainly in theology. Dooyeweerd, in close cooperation wit h D.H.T. Vollenhoven, and with the aid of an “ever expanding team of scholars” set out to undertake the development of a Christian philosophy.
Who were and are some of the main supporters of the Philosophy of the Cosmonomic Idea (Dooyeweerd’s own rendering of Wetsidee)? Klaas Schilder, C. Veenhof, S.G. DeGraaf, B. Holwerda. “These men, with others, looked upon the philosophical work of Vollenhoven and Dooyeweerd as one of t he major efforts of the reformed community between the two world wars” (p. 24). Of course we must not fail to mention such scholars as K.J. Poprna, S.U. Zuidema, Dr. Hans Rookmaker of Dutch L ‘Abri and professor of the history of art, and on this continent Robert D. Knudsen of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and C. Seerveld of the I.C.S. I mention these names as many seem to have the impression that this movement is homogeneous. It is not and it is international in scope. Within its ranks are birds of different feathers, which has led to a most helpful and rewarding exchange of thought and at times spirited disagreement on some matters (p. 101).
Dooyeweerd has as ground motive for his Christian philosophy the concept of creation, fall and redemption through Jesus Christ (p. 66). Man as God’s image bearer is to open creation by virtue of his God given cultural mandate, to subdue the earth and have dominion over it. Dooyeweerd is an opponent of the theory of evolution. He “rejects every evolutionistic view which suggests that the structural principles have arisen from a process of development” (p. 188). He also accepts t he historicity of Adam and Eve. (p. 64).
Contours of a Christian Philosophy is not an easy book to read. It is mostly in· tended for students, teachers and others who are trying to deepen and broaden their understanding of man’s place in God’s world. I heartily recommend this work introducing Dooyeweerd’s thought to “laymen” in philosophy. It will serve as an excellent basis for dialogue with Dooyeweerdians on this continent.
A STRATEGY FOR PEACE, by Frank H. Epp. Published by Wm. B. Eerdmaus Publishing Co., 255 Jefferson Ave., S.E., Grand Rapids, Mich. 49503. 1973. 128 pages, $2.45. Reviewed by Rev. Fred Vau Houten.
The sub-title of this book is “Reflections of a Christian Pacifist,” and that is what the author, a Mennonite writer, claims to be. In eleven related essays he discusses such subjects as Praying for Nuclear War, Fear of Communism, American Causes of World War III, Unrealism of Militarism, Unilateral Disarmament, and the Church and Nationalism. He challenges his readers by asserting that so-called Christian nations, like the U.S., tend to go to war easily because the churches lack a peace theology.
Although the author tries to make a good case, it always seems to me that pacifists are not realistic. He calls for a greater appreciation among evangelicals of Walter Rauschenbusch and Harry Emerson Fosdick. He applies Biblical texts such as Isaiah 2:4 about beating swords into plowshares, and 9:6 about the Prince of peace , whose government has no end, to a warless world on this earth. In my estimation he more or less excuses rebellions because of the bad states quo. To me, sin is sin, whoever commits it.
Another saddening feature is the anti· American statements in the book. Not that our country is always right, but we should not judge her by certain trends or leaders. There is a lot of negativism about the U.S.A. “America’s world wide philanthropy has turned into unprecedented imperial profiteering” (p. 74). “A shift from at least a degree of pacifism in her value system to a monstrous militarism” (p. 77). Epp believes in unilateral disarmament. He complains that the religious concepts take on new meanings. “Discipleship begins to mean superpatriotism; the chosen people means Americans; the Kingdom of God means the kingdom of America; the banner of the cross really means the star–spangled banner; and dying for freedom translates itself into killing for freedom” (p. 80). Such negative characterizations and oversimplification of issues are unworthy of a Christian writer.
THE NEW LEGALITY by Hebden Taylor; Craig Press Paperback; Reviewed by Rev. Jack Gray.
The New Legality is a top book for today—for two reasons.
First, the author gives an easily readable and clearly understandable op· tion for a truly Christian system of justice. With today’s judicial system under attack from Christians and non-Christians alike, now is the time to offer an alternative that is based on God’s word and will really work. With contemporary “justice” in Western culture so often neither just nor right, Taylor’s Christian system has just the right touch for our times.
While many are able to level accurate attacks against the present judicial system, few are able to offer substantial solutions, especially ones that are Christian. The strength of Taylor’s book is that he spends little time crying in despair, and a great deal of time on reform –real Reformed reform. While some take the easy way out and merely criticize, Taylor takes the tough road and with strong, virile strokes outlines a Christian alternative to our present problems of justice. It is a solution based on Dooyeweerd’s approach to philosophy and law, but fleshed out in our contemporary life by relating it to specific legal decisions of the past decade. In The New Legality Taylor has done the Christian community a service by giving a solid stance for Christian justice.
Second, The New Legality is a timely book because the second part takes the principles of t he first part and applies them to one specific moral issue—homosexuality. Rather than leave his solution in the lofty realms of theory, Taylor tests it on an issue and lets us be the judge if it can work. The last 16 pages put the entire book into a practical perspective. Here the average reader can make his own decision on the merits of Taylor’s Christian judicial system. This practical application of theory is the second strength of the book.
The New Legality is only 52 pages and does not take much time to read. For the short time invested in reading, it is a most valuable book.
THE GRACE OF GOD IN THE GOSPEL, by John Cheeseman and others. The Banner of Truth, Carlisle, PA., 1972. 137 pages, $1.25. Reviewed by Rev. B. Erffmeyer, Jenison, MI.
This is an excellent little book setting forth in a fresh way the great truth of God’s Sovereign Grace. This work is the fruit, not of abstract speculation, but of discussions that took place in the context of the day–to-day life of the Oxford InterCollegiate Christian Union by four men: John Cheeseman, Philip Gardner, Michael Sadgrove and Tom Wright from four different colleges. Their purpose was primarily for evangelism: presenting the Gospel to members of the University. Their motivation was toward the greater glory of God.
The Bibliography reveals the authors are widely read in Reformed Theology. They have presented their case for the Reformed faith very well. It is warm, inspiring and convincing. An abundant use of Scripture is made. Each section ends with “Questions and Objections Considered.” No difficult questions or objections are avoided. This discussion adds much to the book.
I recommend this book wholeheartedly.
WAITING FOR CHRIST’S RETURN. Herman Veldkamp. Paideia Press. St. Catherine&, Ontario. 1978. 127 pp. $2.95. Reviewed by Rev. Henry Vanden Heuvel, pastor of the Bethel CRC, Sioux Center, Iowa.
Paideia Press of St. Catherines has been doing a great service to the English reader in translating some of the important Dutch theological books of this generation. These two books are translations of Herman Veldkamp‘s commentaries on Daniel and I Thessalonians.
Actually they are not commentaries at all. At least not in the sense of word—study and exegesis. But they are important studies of these two books of the Bible in that they deal with the message of the books, and that in a very practical, homiletical way. Rev. Veldkamp was a preacher, and that is very evident in these books. Of course they are translations, and the excellence of the English editions can be traced to the work of Theodore Plantinga who translated both books.
The subject matter is similar in both volumes, because both deal with the concepts of the future of the kingdom of God. And that is at the heart of both books too—the crucial place of the kingdom of God in the Scriptures and in the life of God‘s people today. The way that Veldkamp makes the experiences of Daniel and his three friends live in the light of God’s kingdom and His rule over all the nations of the earth is simply beautiful. Anyone preaching on the book of Daniel will be greatly enriched by these studies by Herman Veldkamp. There is no moralism here! And the same thing can be said about the book on I Thessalonians. The author compares our waiting for Christ’s return to the Dutch women who waited for the return of their husbands from the sea. That kind of eagerness, that kind of longing, that kind of anticipation ought to mark our preparation for the return of Christ. His exposition of the Apostle Paul’s comparison of the return of Christ to the coming of a thief in the night is exceptional.
Both these books are welcome additions to the English reader’s library. Of course, those who can read the Dutch have long been familiar with Herman Veldkamp whose studies on other books of the Bible have been standard works for many years. Paideia Press is to be thanked for making these available to those who could not benefit from the ready pen of Herman Veldkamp before.
MARIGOLD MORNINGS: A Family Love Story. Dorot hy Evslin . 1976, 213 pp., S6.95. Ch ristian Herald House, 40 Overlook Drive, Chapaqua, New York. Reviewed by Hester Monsma.
“I’d like to sing the song of a woman whose primary identity was established by love and marriage, certified by motherhood and the no-nonsense hand of necessity, and decorated by many gardens.” And this the author proceeds to do in a delightful, often whimsical way.
While not depreciating the role of the career woman—she herself began teaching English at a community college after her children were grown-she makes it clear that the role of mother and homemaker is the highest and most fulfilling calling a woman can engage in: “Without mothers the world simply stops.” “Motherhood is a beginning, not an end.”
Written in an autobiographical style, Mrs. Evslin concentrates on one year in the life of her family when all four childr en leave the parental home to establish homes of their own. In doing so she gives us an intimate glimpse into her philosophy of life, her love for the outdoors, her devotion to her family , as well as communicating to us her appreciation for the unique role which God has given to women.
Any woman who is tempted to feel that she is “just a housewife” or “just a mother” will complete the reading of this book with a new sense of self-esteem and with a deeper understanding of the all–important role she plays. All in all, a book women will benefit from and enjoy reading.
CALVINISM: ITS HISTORY, PRINCIPLES AND PERSPECTIVES, by Simon Kistemaker, Baker Book House. Reviewed by Leonard Stoekmeier, pastor , Corsiea, South Dakota.
This volume is a 104 page study manual, consisting of 12 chapters. Each chapter concludes with discussion questions under the heading, “Points to Ponder.” Two chapters deal with a biography of John Calvin, five chapter s present a history of Calvinism covering the 16th to the 20th century, two chapters deal with the principles of Calvinism and the final three chapters cover the perspectives of Calvinism. The volume also has a brief “Epilogue.”
Dr. Kistemaker is a member of the faculty of the Reformed Theological Seminary at Jackson, Mississippi. He has done a commendable piece of work in presenting the basic principles of Calvinism in a concise, direct way, easily understood . The chapter dealing with Education itself is worth the cost of the book.
Over the centuries volumes have been written on this subject matter. Hence this small volume does not present anything new. However, the presentation does much to whet one’s appetite for a deeper study of the Word of God and the Reformed Confessions.
This is not meant as a criticism of this volume, but its usefulness would be enhanced with additional biblical references in its closing chapters. The reader may use a concordance to supply this lack . If additional printings of this volume are anticipated the inclusion of a Bibliography, for further study, would be helpful.
We are living at a time when the principles of Calvinism are greatly needed, not only on the North American continent, but, throughout the entire world. This dynamic system of thought in which the redemption of Jesus Christ is shown to be vitally meaningful must be increasingly presented to mankind. Because of its strict adherence to the Word of God this system of thought is indeed the leaven which society needs.
Too few persons have a working knowledge of Calvinism. A study of this volume does much to correct this. It is highly recommended for church societies, especially young adult groups.
Dr. Kistemaker has provided a study manual. His concluding statement may never be forgotten – “All men live Coram Deo–in the presence of God.”
THE SCIENTIFIC CASE FOR CREATION, by Henry M. Morris, Ph. D. Published by Creation-Life Publishers, Inc, San Diego, CA. 1977. 85 pp. $1.95. Reviewed by Dr. A. Mennega.
“This small book is intended to serve as a brief introduction to the broad field of scientific creationism,” as the foreward states.
In the book Dr. Morris briefly contrasts the Evolution model with Creation model, by looking at data, laws and evidences, leaving out the theological and biblical implications.
Morris makes clear that one has to choose between the only two possible models of the history of the earth and of living things, i.e., either the Evolution model or the Creation model.
He discusses the improbability of evolution occurring today, and the inability of the uniformitarian evolution model to ex plain the earth’s record of the past, indicating the desirability and necessity for some form of creationism.
On pp. 55 Morris displays a valuable table of estimates of the earth, based on the uniformitarian assumptions of zero initial “daughter” component, closed system, and uniform rate . These estimates, which vary greatly, ranging from a few hundred to 500 million years, are ignored by many scientists who need the 5 billion years’ estimates by the uranium, potassium and rubidium methods for their scientific framework.
Appended at the end of the book is an annotated bibliography of eleven books for those who wish to look into these matters more closely.
For the Christian who needs the issues laid out in a few strokes and for those who are really interested in a clearer understanding of the fundamental issues, this book can be a helpful starter.
SPIRITUAL GIFTS IN THE APOSTOLIC CHURCH by Rowland S. Ward. 1972, 60 pages. Published by Fraser and Morphet Pty. Ltd., 3 and 5 Eastbourne Street, Praham , Victoria, Australia . Reviewed by Rev. Jack Gray, South Holland, Illinois.
Roland Ward ‘s book is a fine defense of the traditional view of spiritual gifts. He takes a firm stance against any forms of Pentecostalism. His careful exegesis of I Corinthians 12–14 is especially thorough and solid. I gained some new insights and particularly appreciated the way he graphed several key passages. He also deals with the material in Acts and ties this in with the responsibilities of office bearers in the church. He includes some helpful appendixes, particularly one on Christian worship.
Perhaps the best way to sum up his position is to quote from his own Afterword. “The question then is: ‘What should be our attitude to those who manifest the phenomena associated with the Pentecostal movement?’ It is suggested that, if the testimony of the word of God is basically as clear as we have seen, then the instruction along such lines will prevent the introduction of Pentecostal teaching, and reassure the many who are confused and in deep distress over this matter.” (p. 60)
There seem to be two problems with the book: his style is not easy for the average reader to follow, and the fine print and full pages do not make attractive copy. It is not a fun book to read; you have to force yourself along. What you receive is solid and good, but not easy to get. In short, Spiritual Gifts in the Apostolic Church is good, but dry.
SHEPHERDING GOD’S FLOCK VOL. I (subtitle: THE PASTORAL LIFE) and SHEPHERDING GOD’S FLOCK VOL. II (subtitle: PASTORAL COUNSELING) 156 pages each; P r esbyterian and Reformed Publ. Co., Nutley, New Jersey, Box 185. $3.75 each volume. Author: Jay E. Adams. Reviewed by Dr. Wm. H. Rutgers.
Since the over–riding thrust of both volumes deals with Pastoral Counseling, we can give a review of both in one article. The author observes that there is a revival of interest in the “Theology of pastoral activity,” particularly among liberal and neo-orthodox writers. In the same breath, he adds: “the conclusions reached by beginning with unscriptural views of God and man, have been universally unsatisfactory” (p. 1 Vol. I).
Adams informs us that according to Colossians 1:28 Paul distinguished the preacher’s two prime activities as: “nouthetically confronting every man and teaching every man.” The first is “admonishing” which the author calls “nouthetically confronting” which is of the essence of pastoral counseling. But the two: counseling and teaching, always go hand in band. Theology and Ethics are in· deed distinct disciplines, but they may never be divorced. Our behavior is solidly based on what we believe. We are as we think. Counseling has become a very meaningful and profitable specialization. It ought not surprise us in view of all the hang–ups, tensions , anger, despair, inner dissatisfaction, depression, marital discord, anxiety over failure to reach life’s potential, in business ventures, etc. which we humans experience in the complexities of modern life.
How shall we in a meaningful manner meet these problems with a hope of finding solutions? Many counselors ask: is there any hope in the midst of this chaos? Adams declares that there is something radically wrong with counseling, and he spells out lucidly what is wrong in these words: “almost to a man counselors have rejected the only true standard of human values, beliefs, attitudes and behavior. Yet those matters comprise the stuff of which counseling is made. They have looked everywhere else, tried everything else, but have totally ignored the one Book that can bring order out of chaos. In the Bible alone can be found the true description of man, his plight and God’s solution in Christ” (p. 62 Vol. II).
Again listen to this: “God alone can tell man what values to espouse; after all, no one else originated the Ten Commandments: God alone can disclose the chief goal of man, explain the core of his problems and offer the fundamental solutions to them” (p. 63 Vol. II).
Here is a refreshingly, solid biblical stance and approach to counseling. This sound principle, thoroughly Christian, pervades these two volumes. Only within that context do we have a revealed view of One who is responsible for all that is, of man made in His image, of the One to Whom all are in last analysis responsible; of a law which is normative and uncompromising, of the standards of value for man to achieve . Naturally since man fails there is the basic problem of sin, guilt, God’s displeasure with sin; but bless His name God also points to hope, a solution to man’s basic problem: sin. Among the chaos of counselors, the Christian with this basic commitment of faith, as above outlined, can offer to man the only hope of a remedy and solution of his tensions and hang-ups.
The guidelines for counseling, viz., nouthetic confrontation, the presuppositions of the Christian counselor are clearly spelled out by the author as follows:
- Know man’s basic nature: created in God’s image.
- Know man’s basic problem : sin.
- Know God‘s basic solution: salvation, justification, sanctification.
- Know what man’s purposes are in life : to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.
- Know the pattern after which man is to be fashioned: Jesus Christ.
- Know the One who provides the power, enabling to live after God’s requirement: the Holy Spirit.
These two volumes abound with practical advice (p. 107 Vol. l). Sometimes such advice seems bluntly obvious; plain, downto·earth, sanctified common sense. But it needs to be articulated, since there is not too much of this commodity: common sense, around! Adams accomplished that in splendid form.
The first volume has a wealth of information for young men aspiring to the office of the ministry: qualification, how to plan and schedule our time, talents, habits of study , arranging family and social life; hints as to effective pastoral work: visiting the sick, hospital calls, special visitations etc. The Appendix to Vol. I pages 135-156 entitled: Grief as a Counseling Opportunity, is well worth the price of the entire volume!
I heartily recommend these volumes to young men aspiring to the ministry, who doubtless will be engaged in much work of counseling. We recommend these volumes to every office–bearer, especially the elders who will find many a helpful hint in the work they are expected to perform according to their ordination to that office. Every church library should have a few sets of these books in their library for the congregation, for the entire church should be in some way engaged in this ‘“nouthetic confrontation” for the building up of the saints.
Our sincere gratitude to the author for articulating what needs to be said and to have said it lucidly and eloquently.
THOUGHTS ON PREACHING by J.W. Alexander. Published by Banner of Truth, Carlisle, PA, 1975. (Reprint of 1864 edition.) Reviewed by Rev. John R. Jackson.
James W. Alexander (1804–1859) was a noted Presbyterian preacher and teacher in the eastern United States during the first half of the 19th century. This volume presents his reflections on the ministerial calling, with particular attention to preaching and related matters. Despite the fact that this material was written over 125 years ago, it remains useful and “relevant” today. Alexander provides insight, advice and suggestions for ministers of all ages, which, if followed, will surely refresh and revitalize one’s ministry. Accordingly, it is most helpful and enjoyable if read a section a day as opposed to more lengthy reading. Thoughts on Preaching is the kind of book pastors need to read occasionally.
AN ALL-ROUND MINISTRY: ADDRESSES TO MINISTERS AND STUDENTS by Charles H. Spurgeon. Banner of Truth Trust, Ed inburgh and Carlisle, Pa. 1973 printing. 396 pp. $3.50 paperback. Reviewed by Rev. Jerome Julien, pastor of the First Christian Reformed Church of Pella, Iowa.
First published in 1900 and since 1960 reprinted by the Trust, this little book is not only a worthy addition to a minister’s library, it is worthy of careful reading. The chapters were originally lectures given by Spurgeon at his pastors’ conferences held between 1872 and 1890. Obviously they are sometimes dated. Yet their general thrust is not out of date for the minister of the Gospel. In many ways these chapters can be considered a real spiritual feast.
EXPLORE THE WORD, by Henry M. Morris, III, 1978, 340 pages, paper. Creation Life Publisher s, San Diego, California, $5.95. Reviewed by Rev. Calvin Vander Meyden, pastor of the Drenthe CRC.
Dr. Henry M. Morris, the author of this book is administrative Vice-President of Christian Heritage College and Professor of Apologetics and Bible.
The purpose of the book is to teach the Christian layman how to study theWord of God using Strong’s Concordance as a study aid . The study process which Morris promotes is inductive; that is, a process of building a conclusion from the many pieces of information gleaned from studying a Scripture passage with the aid of a word study as outlined in Strong’s Concordance. The method of Biblical study which Morris advocates is designed to assist the sincere, mature Bible student to discover the overall teaching of the Scriptures on a given topic. This study procedure is facilitated by making a thorough study of a given Biblical word and analyzing it as it is used in its context. The conclusion of the study is withheld until all of the research and word study has been completed. Only then can the student discover the full orbed meaning of any given topic of Scripture.
What I appreciate most about this book is the high regard for Scripture which Morris has. He says: “The more one studies the Word, the more awe one gains for its accuracy and relevancy. The more awe one gains, the more care and confidence one bas in the study of God’s Word.” It is heartening to see that there are still people today who emphasize the “accuracy” of God’s Word. Since so many people are wrongly saying that God’s Word is filled with errors, it is encouraging to read about a theologian who underscores the dependability and trustworthiness of the Holy Scriptures.
PERSONAL DECLENSION AND REVIVAL OF RELIGION IN T HE SOUL by Octavious Winslow , 1808–78. $1.95, 203 pages, paperback. August, 1978, The Banner of Truth, P .0. Box 621, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 17013. Reviewed by Rev. H. Hollander, pastor, Christian Reformed Church, Harrison , S. D.
Meditation, it seems, is somewhat of a lost art in our generation, sad to say. Amid the roar of motors, the screech of brakes, and the wail of sirens, most people prefer to spend their evenings going to a ballgame rather than going out to the field to meditate, like Isaac. We become so engrossed with things and action, that we often have little time or inclination to take a good look at ourselves and say with the psalmist, “Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me?” Along with the rest of our generation we, too, run the danger of becoming rich in this world’s goods, obsessed with physical fitness, but marred by leanness of soul.
To counteract these soul-stifling tenden· cies of our age, I heartily recommend the devotional reading of Personal Declension and Revival in the Soul. It is a reprint, a survival from a bygone age. We do believe in the communion of the saints, don’t we? And, reading this is one way in which we can have some communion with a well-known and godly Non-conformist pastor of the nineteenth century. It will be worth your while.