Excellent Primer

Enjoy the Christian Life, by Don Mainprize (Key, 1972, 116 pp., $1.95), is reviewed by Paul Fromer, author and Bible teacher, former editor of His magazine.

This book aims at those who are dissatisfied with the quality of their religious life and emphasizes, especially in the early pages, the author’s own use of the principles he proposes for joy. He says the book “suggests the guidelines, marks dangerous detours, and tells how my appetite for the reality of God has been satisfied for the past six years.” I myself would hesitate to say that my own “appetite for the reality of God” has been regularly satisfied, and I am not sure that Augustine or Luther or Tozer found theirs so satisfied either. I became more apprehensive later in the book when Mainprize said, “Believe it or not, God’s greatest desire is to befriend us, to give happiness to us.”

However, as the book proceeds, the patent-medicine feel of the introductory chapters disappears, and the author settles down to show the necessity of time alone with God, enjoyment of Scripture, and other aspects of Christian experience.

The heart of the book concerns the filling of the Holy Spirit. Mainprize deals with it in four chapters: a biblical review of the idea, a “how to” chapter, marks of a filled person, and comments on a daily walk in the Spirit.

In the first, he surveys the five instances where the Bible describes such a filling, then considers references to a state of being filled, and finally studies the continuous process of being filled. In the second of the four chapters, he helps a Christian become filled with the Spirit by admitting his radical dependence on God, confessing sin, and surrendering his will unconditionally to God. At that point, the Christian can claim the filling of the Spirit, the author says, regardless of feelings.

Signs of the Spirit’s filling are seen in his control of the Christian’s life. The importance of using the means of grace and of deliberately rejecting all habits displeasing to God is strongly stated.

A filled person stays filled with the Spirit by constant reliance on God, quick repentance, and regular time alone with God in Bible study and prayer. This leads in time to joy in God, which the author carefully points out to have an emotional side.

This book is an excellent primer for a new and serious Christian who needs a foundation for his life in Christ.

A Delicate Balance

The Return of Christ, by G. C. Berkouwer (Eerdmans, 1972, 453 pp., $9.95), is reviewed by Murray Harris, assistant professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois.

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Nothing is more refreshing and reassuring to students of biblical theology and languages than to read a systematic theologian who handles the text of Scripture with expertise and shows himself fully aware of recent trends in biblical scholarship. G. C. Berkouwer is such a theologian.

In The Return of Christ he views eschatology not simply as the doctrine of the last things or of the “lateness” of all things but as focused on Christ, the Eschatos, who has come and will come at the end of time. “This double advent is the keystone of eschatology, distinguishing it from mere futurism.”

Berkouwer diligently maintains the delicate New Testament balance between an individual and a cosmic eschatological hope. A carefully stated doctrine of the intermediate state is not illegitimate. While believing that “to look for scriptural proof of the anthropological possibility of this doctrine is a vain effort, “Berkouwer appeals to Romans 8:38 f. as grounds for the promise of continuous fellowship with Christ beyond death. “How this ongoing communion is possible in the face of death’s ravages and destruction will have to remain part of God’s secret counsel.” But perhaps Second Corinthians 5:1 f., with its assurance of the receipt at the moment of death of an oikodome or oiketerion (either the resurrection body or some temporary form of embodiment), is relevant at this point.

Many contemporary eschatological writers tend so to personalize the eschaton that any reference to the last things is viewed with suspicion, but this accusation certainly cannot be leveled at Berkouwer. He observes that the biblical promise of “new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells” (1 Pet. 3:13)—the corollary of the resurrectio carnis and the resolution of any dilemma between the cosmic and the soteriological—speaks of renewal and liberation through judgment rather than of annihilation and complements the personal visio Dei (not to be equated with the Scholastic visio Dei per essentiam).

Discussing “Signs of the Times,” Berkouwer quotes Charles Hodge: “Prophecy … is not intended to give us a knowledge of the future analogous to that which history gives us of the past.” In its preoccupation with the chaotic phenomena of history, “reportorial eschatology” goes awry, losing the essence of the eschatological proclamation—the “already” that points to the fulfillment to come—and ignoring the fact that “in the last days the preaching of the Gospel is the focal point of all the signs.” Properly discerning the signs leads one to understand the times. Stressing the need for the “continuous reinterpretation” of signs because of the ongoing course of history, Berkouwer deals with three eschatological signs: the Antichrist, the millennium, and the future of Israel.

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If at times Berkouwer’s argumentation seems somewhat repetitive, this is doubtless the sign of a skilled teacher (Berkouwer has thirty years’ standing in the Free University of Amsterdam). This teacher has put us all further in his debt with this stimulating and enriching volume.

The Quest For God

God and Reason, by Ed. L. Miller (Macmillan, 1972, 244 pp., $3.75 pb), is reviewed by Rheinallt N. Williams, professor of philosophy of religion, Theological College, Aberystwyth, Wales.

What Miller attempts in this work is, he says, “a historical approach to philosophical theology.” But the terminology need not frighten the layman. Philosophical theology is contrasted with “revealed theology” (which is based on truths held to have been disclosed by God): it represents the fruit of the employment of man’s natural faculties in his search for God.

If the title of the book seems somewhat prosaic, the contents are not. Perhaps “The Quest For God” would be just as appropriate as a title, for Miller also considers ways to God that go beyond the reach of reason. What he gives us is a very lucid, readable discussion of most of the themes traditionally associated with the subject in question, such as the arguments for God’s existence, the relation between faith and reason, the problem of evil, belief in immortality, and the meaning of religious language. The last chapter is devoted to some new theologies that have excited considerable interest. Miller adds useful notes on other books that deal with some of these themes. Most of the well-known names in this field, stars and satellites alike, from Plato to the author of Honest to God, are either mentioned or discussed.

Miller’s approach is avowedly historical. He does not intend to plug a particular theological line. This approach seems to have both limits and advantages: limits, because it does not seek to bring the readers to the point where he must say “Here I stand”; advantages, because it shows that no school has a monopoly on wisdom, and that the tide of thought, like the dragnet in the parable, washes up pearls together with litter. Hence the need to be constantly alert in assessing pronouncements on matters of moment, no matter what their sources. This is particularly needed today, for speculation on matters of the spirit, masquerading as authentic interpretations of the Christian faith, is a free-for-all.

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Toward the end of the book, Miller offers a justification for the historical approach: “The man of understanding possesses a wider historical consciousness that liberates him from the imprisonment of his own moment. Ancient Heraclitus said, ‘It is the mark of a foolish man to get all excited over every new idea.’ ” But Miller is by no means simply a record-player, reproducing what others believe. He declares his hand at the start by confessing his conviction that God has disclosed himself and spoken to man in the Christian revelation. Yet the man of faith “must be intellectually responsible about the thing that he believes most strongly,” and Miller holds that “philosophy and theology … must speak to real people about real issues.”

The author’s own position adds up to the assertion that something other than reason is required to grasp the greatest truth of all. Yet he writes as one who fully recognizes the place of reason in matters of faith. Thus he concludes the section on the traditional “proofs” for God’s existence with the words of Job: “Lo, these are but outskirts of his ways and how small a whisper do we hear of him.” He concurs that the “proofs” are indeed a whisper, one that “must … be given full voice by revelation.”

Miller gives credit where it is due in stating the position of others, and when he criticizes, he does so without spleen. Another merit of this work is that the reader is not left to trudge through endless deserts of abstract thought without an oasis in sight. Frequent illustrations clarify, and good-natured observations lighten the journey. Thus we read, “Clearly, an actually existing thing possesses more power than an imaginary one; if someone doubts this he should try sweeping the house with a non-existent broom.” And, “There is a difference between a hundred actual dollars and a hundred possible dollars, as will become apparent if you try to spend the possible ones.” And in a comment on Tillich: “Certainly we would be left cold if Billy Graham were to conclude one of his evangelistic broadcasts with the benediction, ‘And may the Ground of Being bless you real good!’ ” But, of course, Tillich’s heart might have been “strangely warmed”!

NEWLY PUBLISHED

The Harper Book of Christian Poetry, edited by Anthony S. Mercatante (Harper & Row, 247 pp., $6.95), and A Book of Religious Verse, edited by Helen Gardner (Oxford, 337 pp., $12.50). Although the Harper volume is more inclusive—Gardner chooses British poetry only, except for T. S. Eliot—the Oxford anthology is more scholarly. Mercatante includes no glosses or footnotes, and translations and editing of the selections are inferior to Gardner’s.
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Schism, Heresy and Religious Protest, edited by Derek Baker (Cambridge, 404 pp., $23.50). Thirty scholarly papers on specific deviations throughout Christian history from Roman North Africa through Lollards and Swedenborgians to modern African independents. Volume 9 of “Studies in Church History.”
Barefoot in the Church, by Donald R. Allen (John Knox, 178 pp., $5.95). A good resource book for those who want to know about “house” churches.
Religion and the Rise of Modern Science, by R. Hooykaas (Eerdmans, 162 pp., $2.65 pb). An authoritative survey by a Dutch professor of the role of Christianity in the scientific advance of the post-Reformation period.
What You Believe and Why, by Leslie Woodson (Zondervan, 160 pp., $1.95 pb). A group study guide. Orthodox presentation of the traditional doctrines (e.g., the person and work of Christ, inspiration of Scripture) and also helpful approaches to themes of current discussion (e.g., ecology, astrology, the Second Coming).
What We Know About Jesus, by Stephen Neil (Eerdmans, 84 pp., $1.25 pb). A brief but fresh and forceful examination of primitive Christian writing on the reality and character of Jesus. The well-known author now teaches at the University of Nairobi.
The Bonhoeffers: Portrait of a Family, by Sabine Leibholz-Bonhoeffer (St. Martin’s, 200 pp., $7.95), and Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Reality and Resistance, by Larry L. Rasmussen (Abingdon, 220 pp., $4.95 pb). Two additions to the growing collection of Bonhoefferiana. Dietrich’s sister gives an intensely personal recollection of their childhood and youth, including a number of personal letters, and an account of her own wartime exile in England. Rasmussen gives an extensive, sober analysis of aspects of Bonhoeffer’s life that are more often praised than understood: his pacifism, his attitude toward the assassination of a tyrant, and his approach to political resistance in general.
The Cross and the Flag, edited by Robert Clouse, Robert Linder, and Richard Pierard (Creation, 261 pp., $4.95, $2.95 pb). Essays by eleven forthright evangelicals on the socio-political implications of the faith. Both Republicans and Democrats are represented in the treatment of such topics as civil religion, women’s rights, the radical left and right, poverty, war, and the environment. Thought-provoking and very worthwhile.
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Commands of Christ, by Paul S. Minear (Abingdon, 190 pp., $4.95). A reverent discussion for the layman of some of the important commands of Christ, by a noted professor at Yale Divinity School.
Death and the College Student, by Edwin S. Shneidman (Behavioral Publications, 207 pp., $9.95, $4.95 pb), Understanding the Suicidal Person, by Paul W. Pretzel (Abingdon, 242 pp., $5.95), and On Dying and Denying, by Avery D. Weisman (Behavioral, 226 pp., n.p.). The first two volumes are painful—but vital—reading for the Christian who sees the secularization of death. “Combat Death,” “My Suicide Attempt and the Encouragement of Herman Hesse,” and “Psychological Death and Resurrection” in the first book are particularly terrifying and depressing. The third approaches the problem from a religious, though perhaps pseudo-Christian perspective and is a less satisfying study than the second, which is purely psychiatric.
The Grace of God in the Gospel, by John Cheeseman and others (Banner of Truth [Box 652, Carlisle, Pa. 17013], 141 pp., $1 pb). Four Oxford undergraduates give a straightforward, clear presentation of the Gospel, which they feel is being neglected throughout much of Christendom. They emphasize the transcendent power of God, the time-space reality of the saving work of Christ, and the Calvinist themes of sovereign grace and the bondage of the human will.
Meaning and Method, by Anders Nygren (Fortress, 412 pp., $12.95). One of the great old men of the so-called Lundensian theology, a sometimes useful alternative to the other post-liberal movements of the thirties through sixties, addresses himself to the problem of religious knowledge. A voluminous study that characteristically leaves unanswered the central question about authoritative, reliable, propositional revelation as the source of our knowledge of God.
A Treatise on the Millennium, by Samuel Hopkins (Arno, 158 pp., $8). Reprint of a 1793 work by a leading American theologian who followed in the wake of Jonathan Edwards.
An Introduction to Contemporary Preaching, by Daniel Baumann (Baker, 302 pp., $6.95). A Bethel Seminary professor offers a comprehensive treatment suitable not only as a text for beginners but as a review for the practicing preacher.
You the Teacher, by Lawrence Richards (Moody, 124 pp., $1.95 pb). Reports and reflects on the insights of a Sunday-school teacher who sees a big responsibility and feels her own inadequacy. Not a “how to” but rather a “who you are” book. Warm and readable, as well as effective for the “average” teacher who wants to improve.
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Let’s Study the Bible, by Kenneth E. Jones (Warner, 126 pp., $.95 pb). Helpful for the beginning Bible student; could be used as an adult Bible-class textbook.
Lectures on Ecclesiastes, the Song of Solomon, and the Last Words of David (Concordia, 550 pp., $7.50), The Bondage of the Will (Fortress, 307 pp., $9), and Letters: 1522–1530 (Fortress, 460 pp., $9.50), all by Martin Luther. Volumes 15, 33, and 49 of Luther’s Works. Only six of the fifty-six volumes of this set are yet to come.
How to Improve Adult Education in Your Church, by Jerold W. Apps (Augsburg, 110 pp., $2.95 pb). Practical recommendations for a vital education program based upon the centrality of the faith to all of life.
Miracles in Indonesia, by Don Crawford (Tyndale, 160 pp., $1.25 pb). An interesting account of happenings both unusual and ordinary throughout Indonesia. Refrains from sensationalism but accepts many of the accounts of miracles while acknowledging that other observers are skeptical.
Preaching From the Types and Metaphors of the Bible, by Benjamin Keach (Kregel, 1,007 pp., $12.95). Keach was a famous seventeenth-century English preacher. He gathers and elaborates upon hundreds of figures of speech under sixteen topics such as the Holy Spirit, men, and the Church.
Reflections on the Causes of Human Misery and Upon Certain Proposals to Eliminate Them, by Barrington Moore, Jr. (Beacon, 201 pp., $7.95). A well-written, impressive-sounding contribution to the philosophical literature of the New Left, in which some astute observations are interspersed with a ritualistic condemnation of “predatory democracy” (i.e., the United States). More rational and pessimistic than Marcuse.
The New World Idea Index to the Holy Bible, edited by Harvey Griffith (World, 907 pp., $14.95). Alphabetical index, with two columns per page and one Scripture reference per line, of 147 ideas on which the Scriptures speak (e.g., anxiety, conversion, grace, judgment, resurrection, youth). “Anger,” for example, has thirty-eight major divisions, many of which have subdivisions. The verses themselves are not printed, but enough information is conveyed (in uncluttered form) for the user to see which references are appropriate for his purposes.
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Saints and Snobs, by Marion Leach Jacobsen (Tyndale, 199 pp., $1.95 pb). Writing in a breezy style, the author uncovers a serious problem within the Church and gives some possible solutions.
How Lost Are the Heathen?, by J. Oswald Sanders (Moody, 80 pp., $.75 pb). A calm and clear restatement of the biblical teaching on salvation, running counter to the optimistic universalism of a Barthian or unitarian stripe so prevalent in ecumenical circles today.
People Lovers, by William S. Taegel (Word, 138 pp., $3.95). This book attempts to bring God’s healing love to lonely and oppressed Christians.
Handbook on Abortion, by Dr. and Mrs. J. C. Willke (Hiltz, 143 pp., $1 pb), Respectable Killing, by K. D. Whitehead (Catholics United for Faith [222 North Ave., New Rochelle, N. Y. 10801], 287 pp., n.p., pb), and Abortion: The Agonizing Decision, by David R. Mace (Abingdon, 144 pp., $3.75). The Willkes have given a detailed, easy to understand, and rather frightening handbook on the practices, laws, and philosophy of abortion. They themselves are committed to the right to life. Includes practical suggestions to combat the abortion epidemic. Whitehead, a traditional Roman Catholic, presents an up-to-date discussion of the moral, legal, and philosophical aspects of abortion and argues that opposition to abortion is and ought to be characteristic of all Christians and Jews who take human life and moral responsibility seriously, not merely of Catholics, as pro-abortion spokesmen often allege. Sociologist David Mace’s book might appear to be more balanced, in that it presents the pro-abortion arguments without much partisanship and the anti-abortion position reasonably fairly. Mace does not minimize the implications of the problem and avoids over-simplification, but his final message would seem to be permissive. We could paraphrase it: “Treat abortion with deep seriousness, but go ahead and get one if you really want it.”

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