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

Brothers, We Are NOT Professionals, A Plea to Pastors for Radical Ministry, John Piper

Have you noticed that Hollywood has no idea what to do with ministers? Next time you find yourself watching a movie or TV program that happens to have a preacher in it observe how he is portrayed. Either he will be performing a wedding, a social do-gooder, a social outcast, a religious hypocrite, a religious weirdo or simply part of the background. I call this last one, which often includes him performing a wedding, "window dressing." In such cases the minister of the gospel plays no significant role in the movie. He is simply there to look nice for the wedding. He's a prop, part of the furniture. For years I thought this was simply a coincidence; that it had no real significance. Then it occurred to me one day that there was significance. Oh, I am not saying that this was necessarily intentional, though I'm not ruling that out either in some cases. No, I believe that at least part of the significance comes from the nature of the calling of the gospel minister. The world, simply put, just doesn't know what to do with him. Is he an executive? Is he an educator? Is he a social organizer? a community's conscience? A scholar? a prophet? Scripture might say he is all of these and much more. Hollywood, it seems to me, captures the world's confusion about the gospel minister. 

Now, you ask, what does this have to do with anything? Unfortunately, Hollywood not only reflects culture, it often influences it as well. Don't get me wrong. I'm not on a rant against Hollywood here and neither is Piper. In fact, Piper's book doesn't make the observation that I just made. Piper seeks to correct another misunderstanding about the office and work of the gospel preacher but this one has somehow arisen from within there own ranks. Piper writes to challenge his fellow preachers to stop viewing themselves as professionals and to return to the New Testament definition of pastoral ministry. The hard truth is that the world, by and large, sees us pastors wrongly because we see ourselves wrongly. We have not sought the be preachers, shepherds and prophets but have too often behaved as professionals.
Piper's tone in the chapter, "Brothers, Sever The Root Of Racism," is unfortunate. Maybe "tone" is not the right word. Perhaps, it is with the assumptions that seem to be latent within this chapter that I take issue. The argument seemed to take the liberal media's word completely about the state of race relations in this country. This saddened me because I am used to more objectivity from Piper. Piper writes as if there have been little to no progress made in this nation in this regard when there is much evidence to the contrary. After all, there are many black leaders in this nation who laud the American people for how much ground has been made. We have a black president who is in his second term. I know that he was not president when this book was written but neither did the American people make such a turn so quickly. Of course, we agree with the premise that racism must be severed but it is doubtful a continuation of the liberal media narrative is of any help in this regard.  

John Piper has done the church of Jesus Christ a profound service by writing this book. The better part of four shelves in my library are filled with books on the pastoral ministry; Brothers We Are Not Professionals is one of my favorites. I have actually read it twice now. 

If you are a pastor or minister of the gospel, you will be challenged and sharpened by this book. As for seminary students, it should be required reading in pastoral theology. If you are layman, do not dismiss this book. It would do every minister well to have a congregation filled with spiritually minded people who understand his calling and encourage him in it. You could also purchase him a copy but be sure to include a personal note of appreciation for him and his service to Jesus Christ and His church. 

post tenebras lux, Scott

John Williamson Nevin, High Church Calvinist, D.G. Hart

John Williamson Nevin's name, as far as I can remember, had never past my hearing or appeared in my reading. It was not because he was one of my faith heroes that I purchased this book. There just seemed to be something that caught my interest as I perused the P&R catalogue. I suppose it was the terms "high church" and "calvinist," two viewpoints that I'd always been taught were mutually exclusive, applied to the same man! How could this be? What did this mean? Who was this man? What happened to him? If that sounds like the start of a good read, you are spot on! 

Nevin resisted the revivalism of his day seeking to restore healthy protestant spirituality. Granted this is a theological biography about a controversial man but D.G. Hart is to be commended for his balanced presentation. Perhaps enough time has passed that the compulsion to "take sides" has wained so that this man's writings can be weighed to see if there be any substance. "Even if Nevin's views were quirky and his career was uneven, his theological creativity and observations of American Protestantism were sufficiently penetrating to attract the interest of various scholars (Hart)." 

Though this biography probably will not fall within the interests of many (and that's okay), I confess to being taken in by it. If you read theology, church history, or are a student of worship then you'll appreciate Nevin's life struggles and contribution to the church, even if you do not always agree with him. 

post tenebras lux, Scott 

Pray For Me, The Prayer Champion's Guide to Essential Prayer for The Next Generation, Tony Souder

Intended to be a church-wide resource Pray for Me may prove to be something that God uses to "turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children." Though profoundly simple what Tony has given us in this resource should not be underestimated. If your church wants a resource to connect the generations; if you want to be more intentional and passionate in prayer for your own children, nieces, nephews, neighbors, friends, coworkers, brothers or sisters; you will find exactly what you need here! I'm not exaggerating. This book is small enough not to discourage but full enough to keep you on track in your prayers. It will also teach you MUCH about biblical praying while your at it. 

You may also want to check out the... 

Pray for Me website: www.prayformecampaign.com .

post tenebras lux, Scott

Special thanks to my buddy & partner in ministry Paul for giving me the children's version of Pray for Me!

Grace In Winter, Rutherford in Verse, Faith Cook

The letters of Puritan Pastor Samuel Rutherford are a treasury of spiritual wealth for the church of Jesus Christ. Rutherford's spiritual depth and passion for Christ and his flock is nothing short of heavenly. His letters framed in Scripture and empowered by his selfless devotion remain a fountain of Christ-centered worship awaiting any  willing to mine their depths. 

Faith Cook in Grace In Winter, Rutherford in Verse has done much mining for her readers in this brief poetic introduction to Rutherford's letters. Cook did Rutherford justice here and provided a path for another generation to learn from one of our Lord Jesus' wisest servants. 

A word about when to read this book: Save this book for your personal growth. You'll want time to read and reread Cook's excellent poetry derived from Rutherford. You'll be inspired to prayerful worship and praise and if you're like me that makes it valuable! You may even run out and purchase Rutherford's letters...

post tenebras lux, Scott