Rome And The Bible
The Bible, Word of God in Words of Men (La Bible, Parole Humaine et Message de Dieu), by Jean Levie, S. J. (Kenedy, 1962, 323 pp., $7.50), is reviewed by Leslie R. Keylock, Special Instructor in French, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois.
Evangelicals and Roman Catholics alike have been accused of paying little attention to the phenomena of Scripture, i.e., the effect of the human element on divine inspiration. This book, hailed by the Roman Catholic press as the most important work on the doctrine of biblical inspiration to have been published in the last decade, should do much to remedy the lacuna from the Roman perspective. Already the book has caused a stir in scholarly Catholic journals in America, and it has been suggested as the best book for background study on the problem of inspiration in preparation for the Second Vatican Council. The Jesuit Theological College in Louvain, Belgium, has long been one of the centers of that most fascinating of French religious movements, the “Biblical Revival,” and its professor of Holy Scripture has here given us a probing historical and doctrinal study of Catholic thought on this most important of biblical themes. Especially valuable are the excellent bibliographies which occur throughout the book.
The first two hundred pages of the work are devoted to a historical survey of one century of Catholic exegetical research, including a study of the influence of archaeological discoveries on the dogma of the Church, the influence of liberal Protestant biblical criticism on Roman Catholic thought, the vigorous controversies which raged within the Church as a result of modernism, the growth and development of a strong biblical movement under the dominating influence of Father M. J. Lagrange, the relationship of religious authority to this latter movement, and more recent developments in biblical exegesis since the end of World War I and the rise of neo-orthodoxy. This section is brought to a conclusion by a thorough discussion of the papal encyclical Divino Afflante Spiritu (1943) and the tremendous impetus it has given to biblical scholarship within the Roman Church.
The more important section, however, from the point of view of both the Roman Catholic scholar and the evangelical interested in the best of Catholic theology, is the one which considers the question of inspiration. The author analyzes the Holy Scriptures first as the words of men and then as the Word of God. Although Father Levie is a Roman Catholic and hence believes in the inspiration and infallibility of the Bible, he nevertheless accepts more of biblical criticism than Protestants have, until recently, expected from Roman sources; e.g., he accepts dual authorship of Isaiah; the inaccuracy of many biblical etymologies, genealogies, and source documents; the documentary hypothesis with its stress on doublets; and the fictional nature of much of such books as Job, Jonah, and Esther. Father Levie concludes that final interpretation can come only from an infallible Church. There are, he feels, definite limits to the proof from Scripture in the formulation of a theology.
It is in the chapter on the Bible as the words of men that I feel this book makes its most significant contribution, for the author makes a deliberate attempt to combine a high view of inspiration with an acceptance of many of the conclusions of German higher criticism. No evangelical work that I know treats the subject of the phenomena of Scripture as thoroughly. It should therefore act as a needed goad to evangelicals to fill this most serious gap in their thought, for it is in this area that theological scholars of all types will probably be fighting crucial battles in the years that lie immediately ahead.
LESLIE R. KEYLOCK
A Welcome Voice
Pentecost and Missions, by Harry R. Boer (Eerdmans, 1961, 270 pp., $5), is reviewed by Herman J. Ridder, Minister of Evangelism, Reformed Church in America.
It will come as a surprise to many Christians to learn that the Great Commission was not the motivating factor in the evangelistic activity of the New Testament Church as it has been for the Church in the last century and a half. The contention of the author, Dr. Harry R. Boer of the Theological College at Bukuru, Northern Nigeria, is that Pentecost was the central, conscious motivation of the New Testament Church.
In setting forth his thesis (the work appeared literally as the author’s doctoral thesis dissertation in 1955), Dr. Boer carefully discusses the place of Pentecost in the history of missions as well as in the history of redemption. The Spirit in the Old Testament was “a retroactive work of the Spirit of Pentecost in the time when He was not yet poured out …” (p. 83). All of the Old Testament activity has a note of incompletion about it, awaiting the Spirit who is the vital principle and who ushers the Church into the endless life of Heaven.
The preponderance of sensitivity to the Great Commission during the flourishing activity in missions during the last century or more was due to historical circumstances arising out of the Reformation’s lack of perception of the Church’s mission and responsibility to geographically distant peoples. This is not to suggest that it is therefore scriptural. On the contrary, “the Great Commission derives its meaning and power wholly and exclusively from the Pentecost event” (p. 47). It is with Pentecost that the real missionary (evangelistic) activity of the Church begins. All of this is not to suggest that the Great Commission has no relevancy to the Church’s mission. It is in fact the law that governs the discharge of the Church’s task in the world. At Pentecost this law went into effect.
The appearance of this book at this time is a real service to the Church. First, there can be little doubt that this is indeed “the age of the Spirit.” On every hand discussion in the Church turns to the nature and significance of the Holy Spirit, not simply as the Third Person of the Trinity, but as a Person experienced. Boer’s careful study will be a strong help as the Church increasingly turns its attention to this “reticent Spirit.”
Also, in the current discussion regarding the “how” of the Pentecost speaking in “other tongues,” the author makes an emphasis that needs to be heard today. So much discussion centers on the manner in which these tongues were present that the real truth of Pentecost is missed. After more than a century of debate, we are scarcely beyond where the debate began. To Dr. Boer, the “what,” which is the dramatic declaration of the importance of witness, stands in danger of being overlooked. “The speaking with other tongues dramatically demonstrated the witnessing character of the church” (p. 103). Thus, in fruitless debate we miss the central and controlling truth of Pentecost, which is that we are witnesses, made so by God’s Holy Spirit.
In a day when the work of evangelism becomes increasingly difficult (the post-war “religious boom” is all but over), we welcome a voice like that of Dr. Boer. The power for mission is not to be found in the clever manipulation of people either within or without the Church. Nor will our success be enhanced by more carefully schooled witnesses whose salesman-like approaches are geared to good results. Although the reviewer would be the last to scorn the finest methods of training, he has been concerned with the mission of the Church long enough to realize that the power for evangelism comes through a deep dependence on the Spirit of God, who is first and foremost a witnessing Spirit.
HERMAN J. RIDDER
Of Interest To Both
What the Church Teaches, by Monsignor J. D. Conway (Harper, 1962, 336 pp., $4.95), is reviewed by Walter M. Montano, President, Western Hemisphere Evangelical Union, Glendale, California.
This book is a compilation of various articles published in the Catholic Digest. Each is an answer to a question submitted by a reader of the magazine.
The title gives the impression that the book deals with all the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, while in reality it presents only a few. The author writes for the American mentality and tries to make his various topics attractive and palatable. We may even say that these articles were written with the purpose of making proselytes of indifferent Protestants to Roman Catholicism.
The chapter related to Protestantism contains statements about the Reformation so favorable that they could not be repeated in countries outside of the United States. We read: “Protestants have generally a sound morality, rigorous on some points, with special stress on the practical social virtues; their concepts and convictions have largely formed our national code of morality and our accepted customs of behavior. They have traditional love of freedom, a sound sense of man’s rights, and a sentimental searching for tolerance.… Protestantism is a culmination of truth and sanctity” (p. 51).
In contrast, Roman Catholic priests in countries where their church is united with the state condemn Protestants as the “sons of the devil.” The St. Paul Dispatch of July 11 reports that a Portuguese Roman Catholic priest, Alfredo Mendes, writing in the newspaper Diario de Manha, said: “The American Protestants are worse than Communist enemies.”
In spite of his favorable comments about Protestantism, Monsignor Conway believes that God’s blessing upon America came, not through Protestantism, but through elements of Roman Catholic doctrine and practice that Protestantism retained.
The author assumes that Christ himself established the Roman Catholic Church. History contradicts this assertion. The papacy started with Emperor Constantine, almost four centuries after the death of Christ.
Monsignor Conway defends the dogma of his church that “outside the Roman Catholic Church there is no salvation.”
Reading for Perspective
CHRISTIANITY TODAY’S REVIEW EDITORS CALL ATTENTION TO THESE NEW TITLES:
★ Basic Christian Doctrines, edited by Carl F. H. Henry (Holt, Rinehart and Winston, $6). The substance of orthodox Protestant scholarship at the mid-point of the twentieth century. American, English, and Continental theologians expound 43 doctrines of the Christian faith.
★ The Word in Worship, by Thomas H. Keir (Oxford, $3.50). A solid exposition of the Reformed liturgical tradition which boldly defines preaching as: Hear the Word of the Lord! and worship as actual response to God.
★ The Impact of American Religious Liberalism, by Kenneth Cauthen (Harper & Row, $6). Excellent presentation of American theological liberalism in which the author measures its impact on post-liberal theology.
It is noticeable that the author avoids the discussion of some of the most important teachings of the Roman Catholic Church, teachings which even the average American Roman Catholic believer would refuse to follow if he knew all that is involved.
In general the book is of interest to both Roman Catholics and Protestants.
WALTER M. MONTANO
With Or Without?
As Christians Face Rival Religions, by Gerald Cooke (Association, 1962, 192 pp., $3.75), is reviewed by James Daane, Editorial Associate, CHRISTIANITY TODAY.
This is a pleasant and informative treatment of those crucially important questions which emerge when Christianity comes into contact with non-Christian religions. These questions are currently becoming more urgent as Buddhists, Hindus, and others turn missionary to make converts in the West, and a shrinking world brings Christianity and the West into wider contact and sharper conflict with the revived religious nationalism of the East.
Cooke stresses the need of getting to know the non-Christian and his religion, the peril of both exaggeration and oversimplification of religious similarities and differences, and the need to avoid those broad, glittering generalities we are all so prone to make.
Cooke’s conclusions, however, are profoundly disappointing. He raises the question, “How are we to speak about a ‘unique’ and ‘once-for-all’ revelation in Christ?” and then asserts, “If this means that God’s active self-disclosing relationship to man came to an end in Jesus Christ, it is difficult to accept.” He further declares that “belief in a full and final (in the sense of utterly discontinuous) revelation at one point in history is open to serious question” (p. 168). The “once-for-all character of God’s self-disclosure in Christ,” he says, “is best preserved in terms of depth rather than finality” (p. 169). Thus Cooke seeks to allow for a large degree of authentic divine revelation in Christ, and for a smaller but equally authentic self-disclosure of God outside of Christ within the non-Christian religions. “Who,” he asks, “will presume to limit the divine intent and power by saying that this (sic!) revelation cannot be partially reflected elsewhere …?… All that a Christian can say is what is involved in his own Christian commitment and that he has as yet found no equal of Jesus Christ in non-Christian faiths; he can not know whether this corresponds to a fact in the objective order of things, or whether it reflects his too preliminary acquaintance with other religions” (p. 169).
In this manner, Cooke attempts to provide a resolution for the conflicting claims of Christianity and the non-Christian religions, and thereby prepare for one worldwide community “out of all religions.” The desire for this world community is his prime interest in facing the “rival religions”; he believes it is either one world or none.
His claim that the uniqueness of Christianity is a matter of “depth” and not of “quality” is sheer verbalistic confusion, a facade which scarce conceals something less than intellectual honesty. Since when is uniqueness a quality that can be defined quantitatively in terms of number of degrees?
Further, Cooke claims it is presumptuous for a Christian to maintain that the non-Christian religions cannot produce an equal to Jesus Christ. Would he be less guilty of presumption if he claimed that these religions cannot produce someone superior to Jesus Christ? Or is Cooke perfectly willing to allow for this possibility—a possibility which his position does not exclude? But since his position does not exclude the emergence of one superior to Jesus Christ, how can he retain any kind (or degree) of uniqueness for Christianity?
Cooke promises “an interreligious strategy for community without compromise.” He not only fails to keep his promise but so decisively compromises Christianity as to surrender it completely before conceiving his first strategem.
One may surrender Christianity if one wills, but then let it be done bravely and honestly, not under a white flag announcing “without compromise.”
JAMES DAANE
Attractive And Useful
The Holman Study Bible (A. J. Holman Company, 1962, introduction 12 pp., text 1,224 pp., concordance 191 pp., maps 8 pp., $8.95), is reviewed by Faris D. Whitesell, Professor of Preaching, Northern Baptist Theological Seminary, Chicago, Illinois.
Using the text of the Revised Standard Version, this study Bible is an able effort to help people use the Scriptures. An outline, a survey, and a brief paragraph about the author introduce each book of the Bible. Thirty-four writers produced the Old Testament introductory articles, and twenty-one those for the New Testament. These contributors represent the best in sound, conservative scholarship in England and America and come from a wide range of denominations and schools.
At the end of this Bible are five major scholarly articles filling 53 pages. F. F. Bruce wrote on the Dead Sea Scrolls, Carl F. H. Henry on the Bible and modern science, James L. Kelso on the archaeology of the Bible, David H. Wallace on the period between the Testaments, and Donald J. Wiseman on the chronology of the Bible.
The text of the RSV runs two columns per page and is quite clear and readable. The cross references, however, appear in small indentations in the text rather than in a middle column and are so small as to be difficult to read. The pages are approximately 5½ × 8 inches.
This is an attractive, handy, and useful edition of the Holy Scriptures which will undoubtedly have a wide circulation.
FARIS D. WHITESELL
Mid-Century Orthodoxy
Basic Christian Doctrines, edited by Carl F. H. Henry (Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 1962, 320 pp., $6), is reviewed by Frank Farrell, Assistant Editor, CHRISTIANITY TODAY.
From general revelation to final judgment, the work manifests reverent handling of the great doctrines of the Bible. Readers of CHRISTIANITY TODAY will recognize the essays as having appeared in a series of the same name over the past two years. Now as a compact introduction to theology in one volume, they may stand as a milestone of mid-century Protestant orthodoxy. Seldom has the work of so many distinguished evangelical theologians and biblical scholars the world over been assembled between the covers of a single book of theology.
Ranging across denominational lines, 44 contributors represent the evangelical scholarship of the major Protestant traditions and of several nations. Apart from American scholars, chapters are signed by such names as G. C. Berkouwer, F. F. Bruce, Philip E. Hughes, Otto Michel, and Leon Morris. One of the essays appears in print for the first time: Roger Nicole has contributed a survey of the various theological disciplines, geared to stimulate the lay reader to further study.
The essayists deal in concise yet scholarly and literate fashion with the various doctrines, defining, expounding, and applying them while noting contemporary relevance. Sensitivity is shown at points of evangelical disagreements, particularly where denominational traditions diverge. Not all will be pleased with every position taken, but this applies also to theology books by single authors, though at times to a lesser extent. Common to all the contributors, even while they interact with contemporary theological trends, is a united loyalty to the Living Word and the Word Written. Current tendencies to set the two in mutual opposition are shunned.
Perhaps the biggest handicap confronting the essayists was the limitation of space in developing their tremendous themes. But their efforts surmount this to an admirable degree. And select bibliographies are included for those who would further explore the riches of the doctrines of the Bible.
FRANK FARRELL
Lucid Translation
Chytraeus On Sacrifice, edited and translated by John Warwick Montgomery (Concordia, 1962, 151 pp., $2.75, paper), is reviewed by R. K. Harrison, Professor of Old Testament, Wycliffe College, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
Although not one of the better-known personalities of the Reformation, David Chytraeus (1531–1600), a student of Luther and Melanchthon, played an important part in drawing up the classic Lutheran confessional statement known as the Formula of Concord. Chytraeus was essentially a biblical theologian, and against a background of the plenary inspiration of Scripture he examined the Old Testament concept of sacrifice in relationship to the atoning work of Calvary in his treatise De Sacrificiis.
This is the first time that the work has been translated from the original Latin into a modern language, and although it harks back to the pre-critical era and reflects the scholastic categories of medieval analysis, its clarity and obvious mastery of Scripture could well serve as a model for contemporary scholars. While the pattern of atonement which Chytraeus presents has strong Anselmian overtones, he makes abundantly clear his belief that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself.
Dr. Montgomery has furnished the reader with a lucid translation, supplemented by careful grammatical and exegetical notes. This excursus is a timely and important contribution to the increasing amount of literature on the theology of the Reformation period.
R. K. HARRISON
Book Briefs
The Ministers Manual for 1963, compiled and edited by M. K. W. Heicher (Harper, 1962, 321 pp., $3.95). A treasury of prayers, sermon starters, sermonic outlines, aids for Junior sermons, illustrations, funeral meditations, bulletin board slogans, Sunday school lessons, and much more material useful to the pastor and preacher. For every Sunday of the year and for midweek services.
All Our Days, by Purd E. Deitz, Boynton Merrill, and others (Christian Education Press, 1962, 383 pp., $2.50). Very well-written devotions for youth which sometimes on crucial matters dip to sub-biblical level.
A Woman’s Choice, by Eugenia Price (Zondervan, 1962, 182 pp., $2.50). Written by a woman for women; author seeks to teach women to “think,” and with God’s help to “live through” their problems.
The Holy See at Work, by Bishop Peter Canisius Van Lierde, translated by James Tucek (Hawthorn, 1962, 256 pp., $5). A description of the structure and function of the ecclesiastical machinery that governs the Roman Catholic Church. For study and for reference.
Twelve Virtues of a Good Teacher, by Brother Luke M. Grande, F.S.C. (Sheed & Ward, 1962, 160 pp., $3.50). Meditative and practical discussions of the marks of a good teacher.
The March of the Cross, by Leonard W. Cowie (McGraw-Hill, 1962, 214 pp., $10). Sketchy and uneven history of the Church; with beautiful illustrations of the Church’s buildings, persecutions, leaders, and critical moments.
The World Under God’s Law, by T. Robert Ingram (St. Thomas Press 1962, 123 pp., $3.50). Author appeals to the Ten Commandments to defend our “Christian Society in the United States,” grounded in the Decalogue’s idea of justice and order, against what is asserted to be its only alternative, namely, socialism. While the author scores points, his analysis often lacks precision and his criticisms definable aim.
Handbook of Church Correspondence, by G. Curtis Jones (Macmillan, 1962, 216 pp., $5). Aid and information on how to produce acceptable letters in the church office. The form and appearance of many letters from ministerial pens prove the need of the book.
Bible Giants Tested, by John R. Rice (Sword of the Lord Publishers, 1962, 288 pp., $3). Sermons which trace how grace works in the character of such men as Jacob, Paul, Elijah, and Saul among others.
Symbolism and the Christian Imagination, by Herbert Musurillo, S. J. (Helicon, 1962, 186 pp., $4.95). Author traces the products of imagination as it expressed Christian truth and experience in symbolic forms.
Paperbacks
Motives and Methods in Evangelism, by John R. W. Stott (Inter-Varsity Fellowship, 1962, 19 pp., 1 s.). A brief study in biblical principles by a well-known evangelist.
Christians Face the Total Menace of Communism, by Prentiss L. Pemberton (Judson, 1962,108 pp., $1.50). A brief analysis of Communism, Constitutional Democracy, the Christian Faith, and sugtions as to how the latter two can counterattack the former.
Meet the Lutherans, by G. Everett Arden (Augustana, 1962, 74 pp., $1.45). Brief story of Lutherans in North America: worshiping, confessing, dividing, reuniting, serving.
Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours?, by Roland Allen (Eerdmans, 1962, 179 pp., $1.65). The widely influential book of one of the most significant missionary minds of our time.
Church Dogmatics: A Selection, by Karl Barth, selected and with an Introduction by Helmut Gollwitzer, translated and edited by G. W. Bromiley (Harper, 1962, 262 pp., $1.50). A gentle introduction for those who lack the six months needed to read Barth’s Dogmatics.
Nine Modern Moralists, by Paul Ramsey (Prentice-Hall, 1962, 271 pp., $2.95). A concise summary and critical evaluation of Marx, Sartre, Dostoevski, Maritain, Tillich, R. Niebuhr, H. R. Niebuhr, Cahn, and Brunner.
Pattern and Meaning in History, by Wilhelm Dilthey, edited and with an Introduction by H. P. Rickman (Harper, 1962, 170 pp., $.95). A consideration of the nature of history and of “man in passage” by a man whose influence was and still is considerable. First published in 1961.
Form Criticism, by Rudolf Bultmann and Karl Kundsin, translated by Frederick C. Grant (Harper, 1962, 161 pp., $1.25). Two exemplary essays on Form Criticism as applied to the oral traditions behind the Gospels. First published in 1934.
Judson of Burma, by B. R. Pearn (Edinburgh House Press, 1962, 96 pp., 7s. 6d.; by post 8s.). A worthy story of Judson, minister from Massachusetts, who 150 years ago sailed up the Rangoon to establish Protestant missionary work in Burma.
The Christians of Korea, by Samuel Hugh Moffett (Friendship, 1962, 176 pp., $1.95; cloth $2.95). Delightfully told, highly informative story of Korea and her Christians. American author describes land of his birth and labors.
A History of Immersion, by William L. Lumpkin (Broadman, 1962, 40 pp., $.75). An appeal to history to show that immersion has been the usual mode of baptism.
Free Will, edited by Sidney Morgenbesser and James Walsh (Prentice-Hall, 1962, 171 pp., $1.95). Study of “free will” in Dun Scotus, Hobbes, Augustine, Aquinas, Aristotle, Sartre, and others.
Mark, translation by John W. Beardslee, Jr. (New Brunswick Theological Seminary, 1962, 90 pp., $1.25). With footnotes which are always interesting and sometimes more reflective of personal position than exegesis.
Concern and Response, edited by Margaret Williamson (Friendship, 1962, 222 pp., $3.50). Report of the Second National Conference on the Churches and Social Welfare held in Cleveland in October of 1961.
Nave’s Topical Bible (Condensed Edition), edited by Orville J. Nave (Moody, 1962, 255 pp., $.89). Contains nearly 1000 topics and sub-topics with selected verses of the Scriptures under each to aid Bible study and sermon preparation.
