A Life Of John Calvin, A Study in the Shaping of Western Culture.

By Alister E. McGrath. Malden, Massachusetts: Blackwell Publishers, 1990. 332 pp. $46.95. Paperback.

John Calvin is one of the most misunderstood and misrepresented men in history. In some religious groups, it is almost a past-time and an article of faith to malign the theologian of Geneva. Calvin has been accused of drowning Anabaptists in their baptismal waters, decapitating a child for disobeying parents, having Servetus burned for heresy, being a dictator in Geneva, and inventing the doctrine of predestination. None of this, McGrath seeks to demonstrate, is true. McGrath dispels a multitude of false information regarding Calvin and endeavors to uncover the real Calvin in his actual setting. This book is a service to the church in this way. 

It is often said of those who essentially agree with Calvin’s theology that they are “following a man” and consequently they are given the expletive, “Calvinist.” McGrath presents Calvin as abhorring personality cults. Calvin, McGrath points out, requested that he be buried in a common grave and that no monuments be erected. Little is know of his childhood or of his education. Calvin was notoriously private and what little he did write regarding himself left many questions. McGrath posits that even the term Calvinist was surprising to Calvin. In fact, this designation was given to Reformed believers by many Lutherans in an effort to slow down the spread of the Reformed Faith in Germany. McGrath rightly points out that Calvin was not the first to believe such doctrines. The Hussites and the Huguenots were pre-Calvin. Calvin was heir, McGrath writes, to this teaching. Calvin was able to arrange it well and utilize avenues at his disposal to propel the Reformed Faith into an international movement. 

McGrath’s use of Genevan records is compelling. Much of the inaccurate information about Calvin and his role in Geneva has been cleared due to McGrath’s collating the activities of the City Council. McGrath’s fairness is commendable. It is clear that he holds Calvin in high regard and yet he points out that Calvin was probably not ordained by a religious organization but by the city council. He notes that Calvin was a simple civil servant and was often outranked by the council. He further discusses the weakness of Calvinism to degrade into the secular. On the other hand, McGrath makes a special effort to show Calvin’s many contributions. He especially endeavors to dispel the accusation that Calvinism is devoid of Culture and deplores art. 

McGrath’s constant comparison of Calvin and his accomplishments with those of Karl Marx is unsettling. To point out one or more similarities is insightful but a constant comparison would not be a compliment to Calvin and to potentially imply a real similarity between the two that does not exist. The purpose behind so many comparisons was left ambiguous in the book.

Another misconception that McGrath corrects is that “Calvinism” does not mix with a missionary zeal. This is clearly not the case. For example, as soon as Calvin was able to launch a missionary endeavor to France he did so. In fact, the Reformed Faith proved quite capable of international influence contrary to other expressions of Evangelical faith that were more or less local in influence. Calvin’s theology has shown adaptability to differing cultures. It is remarkably versatile and resilient under hardship. It also offered a viable option for socio-economic and governmental concerns for city-states that wanted to embrace the Reformation. The Radical Reformers offered little more than anarchy to those who wanted to leave the fold of Rome. The pattern that was being made at Geneva was showing the way for others and Calvin was giving them the religious expression to guide them. 

McGrath’s A Life of John Calvin should be read by every student of Western Civilization and every Christian Minister. John Calvin continues to be a fruitful study to all who love to sit at the feet of the truly great, though, as McGrath notes, Calvin never considered himself to be great but only a humble scholar.        

Post tenebras lux, 

Scott 

Bringin Up Boys, Practical Advice and Encouragement for Those Shaping the Next Generation of Men. Dr. James Dobson

Audio Book currently FREE at Amazon.com

The October 12^th, 1970 issue of Time magazine warned about the dangers of a society blurring the lines between male and female. The piece highlighted the research of Dr. Charles Winick then professor of anthropology and sociology at City University of New York. Dr. Winick studied 2,000 cultures and found that only 55 had attempted merging masculinity and femininity. According to Winick, not one of the 55 cultures survived the attempt to make a gender-neutral society. 

Dr. Winick's ominous words have been largely ignored by American educators and leaders. Since the 1970s piece, the feminization of boys and masculinization of girls has gained momentum. Nearly fifty years later we read about six-year-old Zachery Christie being suspended from his Delaware elementary school for bringing his Cub Scouts camping utensil to school so that he "use it to eat his pudding." Thankfully his case has been re-evaluated and the suspension reversed. Some saw in this situation merely an example of the breakdown of common sense in the zero-tolerance policy. But another issue looms behind this "breakdown of common sense;" a failure to understand the nature of boys.         

“Build me a son, O Lord, who will be strong enough to know he is weak, and brave enough to face himself when he is afraid, one who will be proud and unbending in honest defeat, and humble and gentle in victory.” Douglas MacArthur, “A Father’s Prayer”

With the rise of the tran=s=gen-der movement, Dobson's thesis and insight are more relevant than ever. There are certainly more Scripture-based works on parenting but we would do well not to dismiss this clear voice in a cultural wilderness for men and boys. Happy reading my fellow book-lovers!

This post in response to those of you who've encouraged me to return to this blog. Thank you for your kind support. It is my hope that in some small way I can return the favor by turning you on to some really good reads!

Post tenebras lux, 

Scott

Culture Counts, Faith, and Feeling in a World Besieged, Roger Scruton

    "Roger Scruton has written an aggressive, provocative, and persuasive counterattack against the nihilism of modern intellectuals who would repudiate the high culture of America and the West," writes Robert H. Bork.

    What is culture? There is abundant discussion these days about "respecting the culture of others." This mantra is especially used in Western nations today thanks to the multicultural movement. This is often quoted as if the West does not already have a brilliant and vibrant culture. Sadly, a large portion of this discussion is quite shallow and politically motivated. Scruton brings simplicity and clarity to understanding the nature and role of culture and why Western Culture, specifically, is worth every effort to learn and treasure. 

    Roger Scruton has written some forty books challenging the corrosive philosophy of Liberalism. Scruton in winsome and simple ways demonstrates the richness and value of learning and transmitting the essential components of Western Culture. In chapter one he answers the difficult question of what exactly is culture. Scruton writes, "...It is very hard to set spatial or temporal boundaries on Western civilization. It grew from the fusion of Christianity with the law and government of Rome, became conscious of itself in the high Middle Ages, passed through a period of skepticism and Enlightenment, and was simultaneously spread around the globe by trading and colonial interests of its more adventurous members. And throughout its most flourishing periods, Western civilization has produced a culture that happily absorbs and adapts the cultures of other places, other faiths, and other times. Its basic fund of stories, its moral precepts, and religious imagery come from the Hebrew Bible and the Greek New Testament. On those Judeo-Christian roots, however, has been grafted a tree of many branches, bearing many kinds of fruit."

   Scruton's excellent discussion of the role of Leisure, Cult, and Culture in chapter two is nothing short of brilliant. It is both simple and transformational. Honestly, many a church, denomination and preacher might be encouraged and helped by this lucid discussion of a topic we tend to either get wrong or ignore. Each little chapter is filled with a banquet of thought. Topics such as "Knowledge and Feeling," "The Uses of Criticism," "Teaching Culture," "Culture Wars," and "Rays of Hope" are surprisingly thorough and reachable by all. Culture Counts is a small book that will hopefully be accessible to a wide audience. It is my hope that Roger Scruton's writings and speeches will find their way into your diet of excellent literature. 

Post tenebras lux,
Scott

How Many Isaiahs Were There & What Does It Matter, Prophetic Inspiration in Recent Evangelical Scholarship, Richard L. Schultz

   Did Isaiah the prophet write the book that bears his name? Were there two, three, or four "Isaiahs?" Did Isaiah the prophet even exist? Is the book of Isaiah simply a compilation of writings from other scribes? A troubling trend is afoot in Evangelical scholarship. As evangelicals gain acceptance in the academy there has with this acceptance comes the temptation to yield and to use, the higher- critical methods that have plagued liberalism from its inception. Respect can be a powerful draw that leads to a perversion of the historic and traditionally accepted doctrine of the inspiration of the Scriptures. And lest we minimize the danger, we must remember that to forsake the biblical doctrine of inspiration or to pervert it is to lose the Scriptures themselves. Schultz's concern is that "One of the primary threats today to a traditional understanding of biblical inspiration and inerrancy is the unrestricted employment of historical-critical tools by evangelical biblical scholars."
    How Many Isaiahs... is actually an excerpt from the larger book, Evangelicals & Scripture: Tradition, Authority, and Hermeneutics; a book that will henceforth be on the Sorry, I'm Booked "must-read" list. This is good for the reader. Making How Many Isaiahs...a stand-alone book makes it small enough for the average person. Since this is a subject that the typical Christian might shy away from reading, IVP Academic has performed a great service to the church by publishing it. The issues of this book, especially to the book of Isaiah, are of vital importance. "Contemporary evangelical approaches to the book of Isaiah illustrate vividly how historical-critical approaches to the book entail a changing doctrine of Scripture," Schultz writes. Church members mustn't ignore this book because, as the saying goes, what begins in the classroom ends on the street. Pastors go to seminaries to learn the Word and the skills of ministry and godliness but if what they learn is wrong then they will be as well. How can a local church pastor preach Isaiah with conviction when he is not confident that Isaiah is a trustworthy book or if his belief in the traditional understanding of inspiration and inerrancy has been shaken? Issues such as these are not simply scholastic past-times but have profound implications for the growth and vitality of the local churches. 

Post tenebras lux,
Scott 

Biblical Eldership, An Urgent Call to Restore Biblical Church Leadership, Alexander Strauch

   Is leadership in the church about popularity? Should churches simply find those individuals that have done well for themselves in the community? What makes for good and, more importantly, godly leadership? Do pastors have authority? Should they? What does this authority look like and who gave it to them? Churches should be asking these and like-minded questions. Unfortunately, many churches do not ask such questions until they are faced with a problem in the body or the failure of a shepherd. "Who can calculate the damage done during the past two thousand years to the churches of Jesus Christ because of inattentive, naive, and prayerless shepherds?", writes Strauch.
    Biblical Eldership by Alexander Strauch is already a classic on the subject. I'm tempted to skip it and not blog about this particular book because of its rapid and deserved rise to the must-read list on the topic of church order. On the other hand, one suspects that taking such worthy works for granted is how they often fall into disuse. Perhaps there are church members, elders, deacons, and pastors who are yet to benefit from this work. My concern specifically is for the younger ministers that are building their libraries and constructing their understanding of biblical church order.
    Solomon wrote that to the making of books there is no end. Speaking as one who blogs on the joy of books and reading, I'm perfectly happy with Solomon's observation. In the spirit of Solomon's great wisdom, it behooves us to be selective about our reading. Research what are the best works on a given subject and read them first then if there are time, money and energy to read more, do so. It is my observation that most people read. That is not the question. What makes the difference in us is that we are reading deep, Scriptural works that transform our minds and lives in conformity to God's Word. Such is Biblical Eldership. This is not a "church growth" book so if you are looking for the latest and greatest on how to grow your church to be the talk of the religious stratosphere then this is not the book for you. But if you want to build godly, servant-leaders that uphold the sound doctrine and spiritual vitality in your congregation then this book is most certainly in the must-read list.
    Biblical Eldership is written with balance and clarity. Strauch has made great effort to build upon solid and thorough exegesis of pertinent Scripture. Furthermore, he has researched broadly on the implementation of the Bible's teaching on elders, which is often a gap not bridged. In fact, I am comfortable saying that for Strauch these are one and the same. It is clear that he is working from a firm belief in the sufficiency of the Scriptures. Strauch expounds the Scriptures then explains how this is to be worked out in relation to other passages and in light of church history, as it relates to church order. It is worth mentioning, as well, that his style is warm and winsome. Strauch never comes across as if he were on the attack. He believes in and defends his position but in an engaging way so that even if you do not agree with the concept of elders in the church you will benefit from making this book a part of your research. Practically speaking, this would be an excellent "required reading" for all church leadership for teaching how to care for the Lord's flock. It is my prayer that all shepherds will take time to digest this book and implement its wise counsel. 

Post tenebras lux,
Scott

The Quest for the Historical Adam, Genesis, Hermeneutics, and Human Origins, William VanDoodewaard

The Quest for the Historical Adam, Genesis, Hermeneutics, and Human Origins, William VanDoodewaard

   Does the Bible teach a hardline creation ex nihilo? Must we believe that the world was created in six days? Did mankind exist before the creation of Adam? Does it matter if we believe that God created? Does a modified view of creation coincide with a biblical view of the gospel? What has the church believed and taught for two millennia? If these questions are meaningful to you, then you are asking the right questions. You need answers, biblical answers, that undergird the faith rather than undermine it. 

    Few know the history behind the debate about origins. Though it is surprising, not many pastors are familiar with it either. Charles Darwin didn't start the discussion nor will he have the final word. VanDoodewaard has given a gift to our day in, The Quest for the Historical Adam. Here is a thorough but never tedious expose of the church's struggle with the question of whether to take the Bible literally when it says that God created the heavens and the earth in six days or to find some other hermeneutic that will save face for us before the world. 

   Written with a clear mind and a patient heart The Quest for the Historical Adam interacts with the patristic fathers of the church, the medieval scholars, the reformers, the Enlightenment era, the nineteenth century and early twentieth-century greats as well as the current era. This may well be one of the most important books written in the last fifty years. Evangelicals must land biblically on this matter. It is an issue of utmost importance for the health of the church and her faithfulness to the gospel. Unless we stop being embarrassed over God's Word we will never have the Spirit's power to face the onslaught of neopaganism that surrounds us. Pastors must cherish the Word more than scholarly recognition. Faithfulness to the complete message of God's Word is not optional. 

    Regarding how we have arrived at the current hermeneutical (how to interpret the Bible) dilemma in the church VanDoodewaard writes with succinct accuracy, 

"The rise of enthusiasm over new natural philosophies, their growing sophistication, and the popular blurring of the philosophical constructs and the categories of hypothetical models with aspects of genuine growth in scientific knowledge, meant the revival of and increase in the pressures previously felt by Origen, Augustine, Eriugena, Aquinas, La Peyrere, Burnet, Whiston, Le Clerc, and others (p. 143)." 

In this statement, there is a congealed insight that characterizes VanDoodewaard's research and writing. He has obviously given himself to the task of reducing this mammoth topic and its history to a manageable size. The result is a book to which every Christian may resort for understanding and confirmation in God's Word. My word to you - get it; read it; buy it for your pastor and neighbor who takes such questions seriously. 

Post tenebras lux,
Scott

James Petigru Boyce, A Southern Baptist Statesman, Tom Nettles

   If you've kept up with my reviews of the other volumes from this series then you know that I am in love with the series, American Reformed Biographies. I recently acquired all the current biographies in this series and have slated them for upcoming reading adventures! My interest in J.P. Boyce has been a long-standing one. He is a figure in Baptist history that, to my mind, modeled so much of what Baptists should strive for in ministry. For some time I've desired to learn more about this great father of the Southern Baptist denomination. When I saw that the American Reformed Biography series had included a J.P. Boyce edition I was ecstatic. Finally, I thought, we will get a quality biography about this giant of a man whom so few Southern Baptist know anything about. 

   For the most part, having now read this edition, my joy remains. It is good and right that Boyce was included in this series. It is also good and right that Dr. Tom Nettles was selected to write it. It is worth the read and has much to commend it to both Baptist and other Evangelicals. Boyce's contribution is highlighted and celebrated. There is much to be learned about the beginning and struggling years of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. Of great interest to me was that Nettles included some information about life for Boyce and Southern Baptists during the Civil War. So, the diligent reader will find much to keep him "hooked" till the end. 

   With all the aforementioned said I am painfully compelled to point out a few criticisms. First, I must say that the constant reports about who gave how much to the seminary, how much they were short to pay the professors and how far Boyce and others had to travel to convince someone to give was exhausting. It is understandable to include this in some way in an abbreviated fashion but the repetition of this information made me feel as though this were the first biography ever written from an accountant's ledger. It just did not make for interesting reading. Furthermore, this emphasis made the biography feel like it was as much, if not more, about the founding and financing of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary than it was about the man James Petigru Boyce. Frankly, I wanted to know the man more. I desired to know more about J.P. Boyce. How can learn from him and grow from his life? The seminary is an interest of mine as well but not to the shadowing of the man who founded it. Then there was the constant appearance or assumption we might say, of A.T. Robertson with no introduction or explanation. Of course, I am familiar with A.T. Robertson and his mammoth works. Robertson is another of the Southern Baptist greats that have been all but forgotten to the lust for growth and change that have taken hold in the denomination (topic for another time).

   With this trajectory, this biography has little excuse to justify its length. When the Van Til and Nevin volumes are 200 pages shorter it is hard to understand why this edition is so long. Why not cut out some of the ledger reporting? If all we were going to do is report where Boyce picked up another $1000 then, by all means, I vote that we keep it brief. Don't get me wrong; I have great respect for the author. Maybe that's the reason for my disappointment. My appreciation for Dr. Nettles possibly raised my expectations too high. I admit that my entry thought was: "Finally, a biography about an exceptional Baptist leader that is written exceptionally." But my exit from the book was not with so much excitement. It is worth the read but it does often become tedious and for that, I am bothered. 

Post tenebras lux, 

Scott