Book Briefs: August 27, 1971

From The Historian’S Side

New Testament History, by F. F. Bruce (Doubleday, 1971, 462 pp.,$8.95), is reviewed by W. Harold Mare, professor of New Testament language and literature, Covenant Theological Seminary, St. Louis, Missouri.

The author, the well-known professor of biblical criticism and exegesis at Manchester University, states at the outset of this excellent contribution to New Testament scholarship that he writes “as a historian, not as a theologian.” He treats the New Testament records as historically reliable.

Bruce begins this comprehensive survey of New Testament history with intertestamental political and religious developments, then discusses the New Testament period itself, and concludes with a description of the Church in its growth up to the fourth century. He skillfully integrates the various parts of the New Testament narrative into a continuous historical drama.

In his treatment of background, Bruce surveys the philosophical schools of the time, as well as the Jewish high priestly system and religious parties. He discusses the Qumran community, John the Baptist, and the ministry, trial, and death of Jesus. However, one could wish more had been said about Christ’s resurrection. Bruce also has helpful discussions on the house of the Herods and the Roman governors ruling over Judea.

He fully considers problems raised by important Scripture passages, such as the implications of the Jerusalem decree (Acts 15) for Jew and Gentile.

The author shows how archaeology illuminates New Testament history; for example, an early second-century Ephesian inscription sheds light on the narrative regarding the silver shrines made for Artemis (Acts 19). In addition, non-New Testament literary materials cited give new perspective in the study of some Scripture texts. That Job’s three daughters spoke with the tongues of angels (Testament of Job, first century B.C.) helps explain the illustration in First Corinthians 13:1 ff.; and it may well be that, as Bruce suggests, the deficient preaching of Apollos (Acts 18:24 ff.), who was from Alexandria, may have been due to the influence on him of the method of exegesis exemplified in Philo.

The book has frequent references to extra-biblical sources, both those outside the Church, such as Josephus, Philo, Tacitus, Suetonius, Pliny, and Trajan, and those within the Church, such as Ignatius, Irenaeus, Eusebius, and the Gnostic Gospel of Thomas.

Bruce’s book is evangelical, scholarly, and very readable. It can be profitably used as a textbook and as a resource book for seminars and private study. It will be of help to the pastor, the interested Bible student, and students and teachers in college and seminary. The excellent bibliography and indices greatly enhance its usefulness.

Those Fascinating Reformers

Reformers in the Wings, by David C. Steinmetz (Fortress, 1971, 240 pp., $8.50), is reviewed by Ronald Sider, assistant professor of history, Messiah College campus at Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

In recent decades, Reformation scholarship has taken seriously the fact that those who played the lead roles in the drama that unfolded at Rome, Wittenberg, Zurich, and Geneva were supported by a distinguished cast of significant though less-known figures. Reformers in the Wings takes its place as one of several recent books that summarize the vast amount of contemporary scholarly work on some of the secondary Reformation figures. The author grants equal time to Catholics, Lutherans, Reformed, and Radicals by writing five concise portraits of figures in each of these four categories.

Aware that Protestants did not have a monopoly on reformatio, Professor Steinmetz devotes part one to late medieval Catholic reform. The popular preacher Johannes Geiler von Kayserberg, the Augustinian theologian and monastic administrator Staupitz, the moderate Cardinal Contarini seeking reconciliation with the Protestants, the reform-minded Catholic humanist Faber Stapulensis and the British aristocrat and papal diplomat Cardinal Pole all receive sympathetic treatment. The second part, devoted to Lutheran reformers, is an interesting discussion of the refraction of Luther’s theology in the thought of several of his major co-workers. If Melanchthon slowly weakened Luther’s rejection of the freedom of the will in salvation, and Osiander became dissatisfied with the “cold doctrine” of forensic justification, Amsdorf tried to remain faithful to the master by asserting that good works are harmful for salvation. Brenz and Bugenhagen, for their part, faithfully pastored the flock and established lasting Lutheran church structures. Representatives of the Reformed tradition from Strasbourg (Bucer), Zurich (Bullinger), England (Hooper and Peter Martyr Vermigli) and Geneva (Beza) make up the third section.

Since the Radical Reformers are no longer stepchildren of Reformation scholarship, they also receive equal time. Steinmetz discusses Luther’s ally and then bitter foe, Karlstadt, the spiritualist Schwenckfeld, and three Anabaptists, Hubmaier, Denck, and Marpeck. Most significant perhaps is the author’s thesis in the chapter on Hubmaier, that Reformation typology notwithstanding, the Radical Reformers were not always radical. In their adoption of pacifism and their break with the medieval notion of a corpus Christianum, the Anabaptists did in fact break with the medieval past more radically than did Luther or Calvin. However, by stressing Hubmaier’s debt to late medieval nominalism in his thinking on justification and free will, Steinmetz is able to argue that on some other important issues the Magisterial Reformers represent a more radical break with late medieval theology than does Hubmaier, the “radical” Anabaptist.

By focusing on one or two central doctrines of each thinker, the author provides a good introduction to Reformation theology. Hermeneutics receives careful attention both in the chapter on Faber Stapulensis, who was very concerned with the problem of the letter and the spirit, and in the chapter on Marpeck, who rejected the Reformed view of the relation between the Old and New Testaments. The chapters on Peter Martyr Vermigli and Schwenckfeld provide an excellent discussion of Reformation Eucharistic thought. (In fact, the comparison of Lutheran and Reformed thinking on the Eucharist is so extensive that Vermigli is almost forgotten.) And the central doctrine of justification receives special attention in the sections on Contarini and Hubmaier. An additional virtue of the book’s discussion of theology is that the author (who studied under Professor Oberman) always includes a discussion of late medieval thinking in his concise sketches of the history of particular doctrines.

The preoccupation with theology (the author teaches at Lancaster Theological Seminary) is also the major weakness of the book. Some sixteenth-century politics occasionally sneaks into the text (e.g., in the chapter on Pole), but there is precious little economic and social history. Is there not, for instance, some interesting economic and technological history that should have been included in the chapter on the civil engineer Pilgram Marpeck?

Considering the scope of the book, it is remarkable that there are only a few minor mistakes. For instance, it is not accurate to say that Karlstadt was “aided in his radical reform by the so-called Zwickau prophets.” Although the bibliographies usually include the most recent material, the author overlooked Friedel Kriechbaum’s Grundziige der Theologie Karlstadts (1967). But the mistakes and oversights are infrequent.

Professor Steinmetz has provided us with concise, easily readable, reliable sketches of twenty fascinating Reformation figures.

Practical Reading

Counseling Christian Parents, by William S. Deal (Zondervan, 1970, 128 pp., paperback, $1.95), is reviewed by Robert G. Weinman, minister, First Presbyterian Church, Columbiana, Ohio.

Parents who want honest answers to their questions should not overlook Dr. Deal’s practical analysis and advice. He was formerly a college president and pastor and is now a professional counselor in marriage, family, and youth relations. He has counseled many young people and is greatly concerned with the breakdown of many families related to the Christian Church. In a delightful personal style, he discusses the origin, value, and meaning of life as God-centered. The result is highly personalized answers in specific areas of confusion and worry.

“The future happiness of children,” he says, “is quite largely conditioned in the early home life. They will either reap a harvest of blessing from this condition or be warped and twisted into insecure, fearful and unhappy people as they become adults.” This book is no magic solution for the thorny problems of child-rearing; but parents who take its message seriously and put its advice into practice will give a much better performance in their appointed role.

Those Active Old Testament Scholars

New Perspectives on the Old Testament, edited by J. Barton Payne (Word, 1970, 305 pp., $6.95), is reviewed by Francis I. Andersen, professor of Old Testament literature, The Church Divinity School of the Pacific, Berkeley, California.

At the twentieth annual meeting of the Evangelical Theological Society, held in Philadelphia in 1968, an array of conservative scholars—mainly American, three from England, one from South Africa—reviewed the present state of Old Testament studies. Seventeen papers are now made available in this volume, the third symposium produced by the ETS.

The papers cover a wide range of topics and, predictably, vary in scope, in approach, in quality. Conservatives have responded to new learning in a variety of ways. Some have rejected new conclusions and firmly maintained old positions; others have welcomed modern discoveries and adjusted their views to fit; still others have made use of new knowledge and argued that, rightly interpreted, it only confirms traditional beliefs. Each of these three attitudes is represented in the present volume.

Some of the contributors mount a polemic against “liberal” criticism. Leon T. Wood, for instance, argues again for an early date for the Exodus, stating that adherents of a late date deny biblical inerrancy; archaeological data must fit biblical statements. Walter C. Kaiser, Jr., argues that Genesis 1–11 is not mythological but historical. (His title—“The Literary Form of Genesis 1–11”—is misleading, for he discusses not the form as such but rather the content in terms of philological features and general credibility.)

Elmer B. Smick is more willing to welcome the light that Ugaritic throws on biblical poetry; while Derek Kidner is more cautious about finding parallels, let alone sources, for Old Testament Wisdom writings.

Several major contributions show the increasing influence of recent form-comparison studies on the understanding of Old Testament covenant-making. While many conservative writers have remained largely untouched by such developments, Meredith G. Kline and Kenneth A. Kitchen have taken a lead in exploiting them for apologetic and constructive purposes. Both continue their work in this volume, and the editor joins them with an extensive study of the theology of the covenant. Kline builds on his earlier work by pointing out the significance of ancient covenant forms for the establishment of a written canon.

Kitchen assails “deuteronism” (sic!) as imaginary. It is not so easy to dismiss generations of scholarship with the complexity of the problem and the ridicule—“its methods and results are vast literature of the subject are not alike absurd.” Those acquainted with likely to be persuaded by that kind of language. Kitchen bases his argument on analogies from the literature and culture of Egypt and of other countries in the Ancient Near East. In doing this he denies, not only the distinctiveness of the deuteronomic tradition within the Old Testament, but also the uniqueness of Old Testament thought within the ancient world. The difference lies rather in the power and truth with which these common concepts are used within the Old Testament. Conservatives are likely to be disturbed by this line of argumentation, for they have usually emphasized the uniqueness of Old Testament ideas as specially revealed by God and not derived from the cultural environment.

Besides review articles (Robert L. Alden’s article on the prophets is a bibliographical survey), the volume contains some original contributions reporting more technical research. Outstanding is Edwin M. Yamauchi’s study of “The Greek Words in Daniel.” He presents a brilliantly argued and richly documented case against the usual claim that Greek words point to a late date for Daniel. In a complementary study Gleason L. Archer, Jr., compares the Aramaic of Daniel with the language of the Genesis Apocryphon from Qumran, and finds them so unlike as to point to an early date for the former.

Bruce K. Waltke offers a fine detailed study of the text of the Samaritan Pentateuch, and questions the argument that when it agrees with LXX, this combination may be better than the Masoretic Text.

Despite its patchiness, the symposium contains much useful material, and is a welcome sign of continued activity of conservative Old Testament scholars.

Stammering Out The Truth

The Threat and the Power, by Hans-Joachim Kraus (John Knox, 1971, 107 pp., $3.95), is reviewed by Marlin C. Hardman, pastor, Barcroft Bible Church, Arlington, Virginia.

In a day when many are more concerned with an “existential encounter” than with biblical authority, it is refreshing to read a book about preaching, especially from Germany! Here is practical food for thought well worth the time invested.

The author affirms with loving frankness his belief that preaching is the most important part of worship. He testifies: “The plight of preaching in the Protestant Church drove me to write this book.” In doing so he attacks the humanizing of God found in Bultmann, J. A. T. Robinson, Tillich, and others.

The thesis: “that in our time hermeneutics and homiletics have so distorted the decisive emphases in preaching that the question of authority has been pushed aside or even eliminated entirely.” Preoccupation with symptoms prevents us from discerning the real cause of the disease.

God doesn’t need to speak “in new ways.” We simply need to return to the authority of the Word itself, to let God use it as he planned. “Preaching that has authority wakes people up.”

The title and emphasis of the book are based partly on Luther’s translation of Isaiah 28:19—“Only assaults and threats teach us to listen to the Word.” Krause believes that this verse was for the Reformer “the guide for all attempts to apply the Word to life.”

Chapter four, “Listening and Studying Alone,” will make any God-called pastor re-evaluate his life. What keeps the average man from preaching with authority? Failure to make time for quiet, unhurried listening to the Word; thinking with his watch in his hands; lack of intensive study; reading the Bible only for something to preach; too much dependence on commentaries and study helps. As Kraus states: “When a man in the presence of the living God is transformed into a scholarly observer of God, his hearing is dulled, and he finds his path to power in proclamation blocked.”

One of the most stimulating aspects of this book is the author’s emphasis that the responsibility for preaching lies not only with the pastor but with the entire congregation. The gifts of the Spirit must be used.

Authority in preaching is not demonstrated by the emotional force with which the sermon is delivered. Kraus follows Luther in asserting that we must start with God who speaks, not with man who receives God’s Word. “Thus says the Lord” should be the claim for every sermon.

I especially appreciated the concluding chapter on prayer, which is an explication of Romans 8:26 and 27. “Proclamation can have authority only where life takes on a new direction in response to the Holy Spirit.”

Some may feel the author quotes Luther excessively, but I was encouraged to learn anew from him. Others will find the book lacking in certain clichés by which they judge a book to be typically evangelical. My only criticism is of the first chapter. In facing the problem that existentialism and the humanistic theologians present to preaching, it gets a bit weighty and is perhaps not the best introduction to the subject. However, this is by no means a major hindrance.

What is the power? The preaching of God’s Word with authority! The threat? It is to man’s self-assurance and pride. In the words of another: “The God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob is not the god of the philosophers.”

The emphasis of this book is accurately described by something Luther said: “Victory belongs to the one who stammers the truth, not to the eloquent liar.”

An Encouraging Portent

The Christology of Early Jewish Christianity, by Richard N. Longenecker (Allenson, 1970, 178 pp., paperback, $5.45), is reviewed by Edwin M. Yamauchi, associate professor of history, Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

The appearance of Longenecker’s monograph in the important “Studies in Biblical Theology” series is an encouraging portent for American evangelical scholarship. The author, a professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, is well known for his scholarly work Paul, Apostle of Liberty, published in 1964.

By making full use of the recently published Nag Hammadi Gnostic texts, the Dead Sea Scrolls, various Apocryphal works (e.g. Enoch), and canonical New Testament writings that are especially reflective of “Jewish” Christianity (e.g., Matthew, John, Hebrews, James), Longenecker examines the titles and concepts ascribed to Jesus by the early Jewish Christians.

He also presents some cogent suggestions as to why certain concepts—because of their possible implications in the circumstances of the times—were not used as much as one might expect. For example, why was not the suffering-servant theme of Isaiah 53 used more than it was in the New Testament? And why was there not more stress on the Davidic kingship of Jesus?

Longenecker concludes that the fundamental datum was, for Jesus, sonship; for the early Jewish Christians, “messiahship” on the basis of the resurrection; and for Paul and the Gentile Christians, the concept of lordship. He notes that the early Jewish Christians thought primarily in concepts derived from the Old Testament. And he suggests that it was the challenge of heretical teachings, such as at Colosse, that moved Paul to ascribe to Christ titles of supremacy in the cosmological sphere.

The author mentions only in passing an Arabic document recently published by the Israeli scholar Shlomo Pines that has attracted some attention in the secular press and has already been used as an authentic document of early Jewish Christianity by Hugh Schonfield in Those Incredible Christians. In addition to the articles Longenecker cites as critical of the historical worth of this medieval manuscript, one should note: S. M. Stern, “New Light on Judaeo-Christianity?,” Encounter, May, 1967, pages 53–57, and “Quotations from Apocryphal Gospels in cAbd al-Jabbar,” Journal of Theological Studies, XVIII (1967)., pages 34–57.

We look forward to more studies of the caliber of this monograph from Professor Longenecker, and from his evangelical colleagues.

Newly Published

The Emergence of the Catholic Tradition, by Jaroslav Pelikan (Chicago, 394 pp., $15). First of five volumes to appear over the next ten years or so surveying the history of the development of doctrine; by a scholar who, well knowing the magnitude of the task, is bold enough to attempt it. Will probably become the standard work.

Hermeneutics, by Bernard L. Ramm et al. (Baker, 152 pp., paperback, $1.45). Preachers and Bible-class teachers can profit greatly from this book. The ten articles treat general principles plus such specifics as parables, types, and prophecy. Originally they were part of Baker’s Dictionary of Practical Theology; it is good that they are now available separately.

Straight Dope on Drugs, by Walter S. Krusich (Creation House, 126 pp., paperback, $1.95). A straightforward discussion of the effects and dangers of the major drugs. Krusich combines dramatic statistics and lurid true stories in an illustrated text designed to appeal to basically straight pre-teens and teens.

Arminius: A Study in the Dutch Reformation, by Carl Bangs (Abingdon, 382 pp., $9.95). Probably will become the definitive work. Especially significant because it vividly presents the man and his background as well as theology and combines scholarship with a lively writing style.

China: The Puzzle, by Stan Mooneyham (World Vision, 74 pp., paperback, $.95), Christian and Muslim in Africa, by Noel Q. King (Harper & Row, 153 pp., $5.95), Profit for the Lord: Economic Activities in Moravian Missions and the Basel Mission Trading Company, by William J. Danker (Eerdmans, 183 pp., paperback, $3.95), Religion in Cuba Today, edited by Alice L. Hageman and Philip E. Wheaton (Association, 317 pp., $7.95), and Role of the Faith Mission: A Brazilian Case Study, by Fred E. Edwards (William Carey, 139 pp., paperback, $3.45). Competent studies of the Christian past, present, and prospects in various places.

Theology of the Liberating Word, edited by Frederick Herzog (Abingdon, 123, pp., paperback, $2.75). Four recent, technical essays by Germans on the nature of the Word of God collected by one who believes that “it is the unwillingness of American theology to root itself in the biblical word that [explains] the lack of any true authority” and who deplores any refusal to let the Word “function as an arbiter of truth.…”

The Future Shape of Ministry, by Urban T. Holmes III (Seabury, 310 pp., paperback, $4.50). Forsaking the verbiage and jargon that too often characterize a book on ministry, the author presents a thorough overview of the subject.

Interpreting Christian Holiness, by W. T. Purkiser (Beacon Hill, 70 pp., paperback, $1.25). An excellent, brief explanation of what believers in “entire sanctification” mean—and don’t mean—by their terms. Not likely to convince others, but at least should prevent cavalier disdain.

Sharing Groups in the Church, by Robert C. Leslie (Abingdon, 221 pp., paperback, $2.95). The subtitle invites the reader to get “involved” in sensitive, meaningful, action-oriented communication. Each section records parts of actual share-group conversations. A good introduction for those who feel the need for more probing discussions in the church.

Religion and Man: An Introduction, edited by W. Richard Comstock (Harper & Row, 676 pp., $9.95). Text for an introductory college course. Specialists write on the various religions of India, China, and Japan and on Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Highly readable.

Pentecostalism: A Theological Viewpoint, by Donald L. Gelpi (Paulist, 234 pp., paperback, $1.95). A Jesuit philosophy teacher reflects on the Catholic charismatic movement, in which he participates. Sample: “The test of the authenticity of any charismatic experiences is the extent to which it leads one to share the ‘mind’ of the crucified Christ.” “In the matter of ‘Spirit-baptism’ it is dangerous and misleading to demand that the divine response be the gift of tongues.…”

The Black Church in America, edited by Hart M. Nelsen, Raytha L. Yokley, and Anne K. Nelsen (Basic Books, 375 pp., $10). Thirty-three well-chosen selections from various sources in this century are collected as a reader for sociology of religion and black-studies courses.

Christendom Divided, by Hans J. Hillerbrand (Westminster, 344 pp., $9.95). Yet another brief, authoritative overview of the beginnings of Protestantism. Distinguishes the religious, the theological, and the political reformations and greatly stresses the role of Luther.

Twelve Makers of Modern Protestant Thought, edited by George L. Hunt (Association, 140 pp., paperback, $2.25). Twelve men write on twelve thinkers simply and appreciatively. However, few of these “makers” would be considered Protestants by the Reformers.

Introduction to the Bible, by Donald J. Selby and James King West (Macmillan, 1,116 pp., $11.95). A well-done college-level text for teachers who are happy with the prevailing “orthodoxy” in mainstream biblical scholarship. The Old and New Testament sections are also available separately ($8.95 each).

Teeth on Edge, by Robert O. Fife (Baker, 135 pp., paperback, $1.95). The author argues that “racism is a dimension of human sin.… It is fundamentally a spiritual problem.” He explores interracial relations and differences over antislavery within the antebellum Christian Churches and Churches of Christ. Well documented. Worthwhile for all Christians.

A Survey of Bible Prophecy, by Arthur E. Bloomfield (Bethany, 238 pp., paperback, $2.95). Sees about ten and a half years intervening between the Rapture and Christ’s return. (The Great Tribulation precedes Daniel’s Seventieth Week.)

Historical Theology: Continuity and Change in Christian Doctrine, by Jaroslav Pelikan (Westminster, 228 pp., $9.95). A history of the historical study of doctrine with reflections on the relationships of biblical, historical, and systematic theology.

The Life of Mary Baker G. Eddy and the History of Christian Science, by Georgine Milmine (Baker, 495 pp., $5.95), The Armstrong Error, by Charles F. DeLoach (Logos, 117 pp., paperback, $.95), and The Scandal of Scientology, by Paulette Cooper (Tower, 220 pp., paperback, $.95). Although current devotees of these religions are unlikely to be convinced by these exposes, prospective members might be dissuaded. Milmine’s book was first published in 1909 but is still relevant.

The Church and the Secular Order in Reformation Thought, by John M. Tonkin (Columbia, 219 pp., $8). A comparative presentation of the rather diverse views of Luther, Calvin, and Menno Simons, in light of their medieval heritage.

The Search for Human Values, by Cornelius J. van der Poel (Paulist, 186 pp., $4.95). A modern Catholic reacts against strict adherence to rules to gain God’s favor. He tries, with only partial success, to bring together an evolutionary theory of values with what he sees as man’s task: to become fully human. Very good insights into the image of God, but his optimistic view of man’s ability entails an inadequate view of redemption.

The Christian Revolutionary, by Dale W. Brown (Eerdmans, 147 pp., paperback, $2.45). A Church of the Brethren leader, having become “involved in the idealism and activity of the New Left,” offers “a theological reflection on my involvement in that Movement.”

A History of Apologetics, by Avery Dulles (Corpus and Westminster, 307 pp., $9.95). A brief survey of the differing ways apologetes have approached their task. First half goes up to 1600 and the second halt treats equally both Catholics and Protestants.

Trajectories Through Early Christianity, by James M. Robinson and Helmut Koester (Fortress, 297 pp., $9.95), and Orthodoxy and Heresy in Earliest Christianity, by Walter Bauer (Fortress, 326 pp., $12.50). Two books seeking to blur the distinction between canonical and non-canonical writings and between sub-apostolic orthodoxy and its competitors. Bauer was first published in German in 1934. Robinson and Koester enlarge upon his work in four essays each. They argue for the rearrangement of New Testament studies within the broader study of the first three centuries of Christian literature and history.

Constantine the Great, by John Holland Smith (Scribner, 359 pp., $8.95). The author sifts through idealized images of legends and early historical accounts to reconstruct the Constantine who rose to supreme power in Europe and Asia Minor. A novelist as well as historian, Smith presents the full political and religious context; yet tells the story well, focusing on the man’s character and showing it to be far from saintly.

Protestant Diplomacy and the Near East, by Joseph L. Grabill (Minnesota, 395 pp., $13.50). Secular historians are gradually becoming aware of the great importance of missionaries in contributing to American attitudes and actions regarding other nations. A historian of evangelical background writes a scholarly work on the influence of missionaries on American foreign policy (up to 1927) in a traditionally troubled area.

The Ministry and Message of Paul, by Richard N. Longenecker (Zondervan, 130 pp., paperback, $1.95). A first-rate scholar gives an accurate introductory overview of the life and teachings of the apostle.

The Philippine Church: Growth in a Changing Society, by Arthur Tuggy (Eerdmans, 191 pp., paperback, $3.45), and The Discipling of West Cameroon: A Study of Baptist Growth, by Lloyd E. Kwast (Eerdmans, 205 pp., paperback, $3.45). Two more books helping to make church history a global rather than a European discipline. The former surveys both Catholic and various Protestant activities while the latter focuses on one denomination in one part of the country.

Nun, Witch, Playmate: The Americanization of Sex, by Herbert W. Richardson (Harper & Row, 147 pp., $4.95). Very similar to the paper presented by Sister Janice Raymond at the Catholic National Association of Laity in July (see August 6 issue, page 37). The author analyzes the three major syndromes behind the sexual revolution.

Was Jesus a Pacifist?, by Chester Russell (Broadman, 96 pp., $2.95). No, but neither was he a militarist. God may guide some Christians to fight, others not.

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