Cornelius Van Til, Reformed Apologist and Churchman, John R. Muether

   Another installment from the series, "American Reformed Biographies," "Cornelius Van Til, Reformed Apologist and Churchman" is a very real contribution to understanding  one of the founders of the Orthodox Presbyterian Church. Other than quotes contained in other works I'd not read much of Van Til until a good friend of mine mentioned how much he appreciated him. Knowing my friend's devotion to sound doctrine I figured Van Til would have to be worth my time and after reading this book, I haven't changed my mind.

   In the long view it will most likely be proven that Van Til's Dutch heritage was a rich resource for faithful theological reflection, though some thought otherwise during his life. Not having read Van Til's works I cannot personally defend them but after reading this biography I immediately added all of the works of Van Til to my Amazon wish list. So, I hope to be reading them one day when the Lord provides book money :). 

   John Muether has done a good job of walking that middle ground between being too scholarly for the average Christian and too popular to have lasting value. Although, if you are thinking about purchasing this book you need to be aware that this is a biography about a theologian, a complex theologian. As a result you will be reading about the main ideas that he put forth and the counter ideas of those who challenged him. But if you are willing to learn there is much to be gained from Van Til's works and godly devotion. This  is the second biography from this series that I've read and I confess, I'm hooked. I can't wait to read the remaining three about Dabney, Hodge & J.P. Boice. In fact, I'm having trouble convincing myself not to order the next installment. I'm also looking forward to a time when I commit to digging into the mind of Van Til, a man that plumed the depths of philosophy and held it to the authority of God's Word and Jesus Christ. Thanks Justin for turning me on to Van Til!!

Post tenebras lux, Scott

How The Irish Saved Civilization, The Untold Story of Ireland's Heroic Role from the Fall of Rome to the Rise of Medieval Europe, Thomas Cahill

   A perfect example of why truth is better than fiction. "How The Irish Saved Civilization" was simply a fun read. It was also a message of hope, considering our times.

   "From the fall of Rome to the rise of Charlemagne - the "dark ages" - learning, scholarship, and culture disappeared from the European continent. The great heritage of Western civilization - from the Greek and Roman classics to Jewish and Christian works - would have been utterly lost were it not for the holy men and women of the unconquered Ireland. ... Thomas Cahill takes us to the "land of saints and scholars," the Ireland of St. Patrick and the Book of Kells..."

   Okay so, yesterday was St. Patrick's Day which compelled me to share this book with you. I know, that's corny; but it would do us well to relearn the Christ Patrick preached. The civilization that grew after the fall of Rome and Constantinople grew largely out of the ashes and ignorance that remained when all that was noble and stable had collapsed.

    As we ponder what a post-modern world will look like, as we more and more gaze into the fierce face of the philosophies of power, we will be served well to remember that true greatness is to be found in simple humility. Neither Patrick nor the monks that followed him were empire builders. Their labors were not for power or greatness but for Jesus Christ and the quest for truth in Him.

  Cahill's closing words should grip the heart of every Westerner, "The twenty-first century, prophesied Malraux, will be spiritual or it will not be. If our civilization is to be saved - forget about our civilization, which, as Patrick would say, may pass 'in a moment like a cloud or smoke that is scattered by the wind' - if we are to be saved, it will not be by Romans but by saints."

Post tenebras lux, Scott

The Cross In The Shadow Of The Crescent, An Informed Response to Islam's War with Christianity, Erwin Lutzer with Steve Miller

   First, a confession is in order; my appreciation for Dr. Erwin Lutzer is long standing. While working my way through college and grad school as a third shift night auditor at a Days Inn I discovered the radio program, "Songs In The Night." Many was the night that his rich voice and keen spiritual insight fed the soul of a sleepy seminarian. 

   Later I discovered that he was the pastor of the historic Moody Church of Chicago. As a result I came to appreciate "The Moody Church Hour" and "Running To Win" from time to time. Over the years I've profited from reading many of his books as well. Though I met him only once, it is with a certain selfish sadness that I watched the video of the announcement his retirement last January. I feel an indebtedness to him (as well as a few others) for my own spiritual growth. 

   Having said all that, I supposed current events have conspired to peak my interest in this book. "The Cross In The Shadow Of The Crescent" was shuffled to the back of my stack for many months. Most likely, the reason for my hesitation was that I had just recently read another book on Islam and although the book was over all favorable toward the growth of Christianity in Islamic regions the subject is not at the top of my list. 

   I'm certainly no expert on the subject but my impression is that Pastor Lutzer has done the church of Jesus Christ a tremendous favor by writing this. It is at times hard to persevere through the accounts of Islamic atrocities that have been committed. On the other hand, the message of the book is powerfully motivated to equip believers to pursue deeper faith in Jesus. I heartily encourage everyone to read this book as soon as Amazon or Barnes & Noble can get it to your door. 

Post tenebras lux, Scott