Book Reviews

Duke McCall: An Oral History. Duke conservative either. Rather, he is a man father, and there are fabulously inter- McCall with A. Ronald Tonks. Brent- who grew up living in the big house esting insights into the personal life wood and Nashville: Baptist History on the plantation, which was essen- of the presidential family during and Heritage Society and Fields Pub- tially good to him and, therefore, the years at Southern Seminary. For lishing, 2001, 480 pp., $20.00. needs to be protected at whatever cost. example, he records the sign that his Duke McCall is above all else a sons put up close to their property Stoke your fire, put the blanket over denominational pragmatist, and there line, which said, “Trespassers will be your feet, curl up in your recliner, and is no theme in the book that comes shot on sight” (p. 113). He indicates prepare to enjoy — an oral history? through any more clearly. that the Louisville Times got hold of the Surely no oral history would ever Among the many rivetingly inter- story and printed it, causing a degree qualify for “leisure reading.” The esting aspects of the book is his assess- of embarrassment to some, but one exception to that time-honored rule is ment of the 1958 controversy at gets the impression that McCall this scintillating oral history by Duke Southern Seminary. In the end, the viewed the incident as humorous and McCall, an almost legendary figure in trustees of Southern Seminary become in a sense admired the creativity of Southern Baptist life for the past five the “guys in the black hats” who his boys, knowing as he did that dur- decades. Doubtless one of the keys to insisted on nixing McCall’s attempts ing their actual patrol the boys were a genuinely good oral history is know- to have some forgiveness and resto- armed only with air rifles. ing the right questions to ask, thus ration. The interplay of the various McCall had little good to say about triggering the recall of a colorful wit- personalities in the dispute and the the Association of Theological ness. Ronald Tonks should get rave realization that ultimately it was a Schools, especially in its relationship reviews in this case since his questions classic power struggle to determine to the seminary’s 1958 controversy. On tend to elicit some of McCall’s most whether the seminary would be a page 198 and following of the oral his- colorful memories. But even the right faculty-run institution or an adminis- tory, McCall documents irrefutably questions would never make for an in- tratively-led seminary becomes crys- just how intransigent, belligerent, and vigorating read if the interviewee tal clear. Although the theological unjust were the operations of the were not one of the most decisive and impact of this controversy was later AATS (now ATS) in their dealings colorful figures to cross through the felt by both Midwestern and South- with the situation at Southern Semi- Baptist Zion in recent years. McCall eastern, theology had little enough to nary. Since McCall is often featured as tells it all straight, at least as he saw it, do with the confrontation at Southern. being one who is opposed to the con- and he is not overly concerned about Other interesting features include servative movement (and in truth he political correctness or the public McCall’s advising Herschel Hobbs is), it is refreshing to see such an accu- relations aftermath. The oral history that the latter would be a fool to accept rate and candid portrayal of the ATS exposes the mind and heart of McCall the presidency of Southern Seminary. coming not from conservatives but and as such contains not only his can- Then McCall accepted the presidency from McCall. did perspectives but also real insight himself. In candor, he rehearses the McCall was no less enthralled with into everything from the adminis- letter he received from Hobbs upon the WMU, and that will once again tration of schools to theology and his acceptance of the seminary, which come as something of a revelation to churchmanship. said, “Dear Fool, I want to congratu- some contemporary readers. Some of In the process of this volume, it late you on your position in the meat his observations about certain mem- becomes apparent that Duke McCall grinder” (p. 99). bers of the WMU are worth recount- is no liberal. But, of course, he is not a McCall seems to have been a good ing. Speaking of Kathleen Mallory, 90 who at that time was heading up the lars and knew that it would make no rather sophisticated mind of Dr. Bill work of the WMU, he says, “She difference to his father who would Hull. didn’t care a great deal for the male of insist on the twenty days in jail. To his A rather extensive section on Paul the species. If there ever was anything astonishment, however, his father Pressler combines both insight and called ‘female chauvinism,’ you could called him forward and then paid the na¨ıvet´e as McCall notes that Pressler have gotten some over in the WMU fine for him. Not only does the inci- understood the Southern Baptist camp in those days” (p. 86). As a mat- dent give insight into the relationship Convention’s functional principles as ter of fact, the WMU does not fare very between father and son, but it also very few, but then McCall seems to well in any of the narrative regarding served as a frequent illustration in follow the usual line that Pressler was its relationship to Southern Seminary McCall’s preaching for explaining the making a considerable grab for power. and the School of Social Work that was atonement. Obviously, it would be dif- He also recounts an incident on page eventually begun there. Reading the ficult to come to any other conclusion 400 in which Paul Pressler bodily pur- contemporary accounts of journalists, based on this illustration but that sued him down the hall of a hotel and you would think that Al Mohler and McCall believed in a substitutionary tried to restrain him physically from Southern Seminary were guilty of atonement. entering an elevator. Pressler has no creating a rift in the landscape of a per- The former Southern Seminary memory of any such incident. And fect relationship; but McCall’s assess- president also comes down strongly while the current reviewer was not ment demonstrates the degree to in favor of pastoral authority, which present to draw any conclusion, it is which such a view is nothing more he explicates at some length (p. 49 and clearly far beyond the usual style of than fiction. following) and also insists that the Pressler to do any such thing. By the As would be anticipated, McCall is Bible is absolutely true (p. 392). Would same token, some of the report that less than enthusiastic about the cur- he waffle on that issue in response to Dr. McCall offers concerning this rent conservative movement in South- some of the more advanced contribu- reviewer’s relationships to Dr. Cris- ern Baptist life. The present reviewer tions of historical-critical scholars? well and to the First Baptist Church does not agree with many of the There is evidence that McCall just of Dallas comes up, as they say, “a few conclusions that McCall draws. But, never saw the problem between the bricks short of a load.” McCall even even if one differs with this Baptist two views. This is why at times he admits that he has only one source for statesman, one cannot help but be appears to be naive and undiscerning. his information, and that source con- enthralled with the nature of McCall’s For example, he insists on the old veniently is neither named nor docu- evaluations, not all of which are moderate clich´e that there are “no lib- mented in any way. McCall is wrong entirely negative. erals in the Southern Baptist Conven- also about the fact that the plan was a One of the more fascinating aspects tion.” This is repeated more than once five-year program to turn back the of this oral history is that at times in the book. By the same token, Convention to the faith of its fathers. McCall seems to be totally orthodox McCall’s assessment of the Elliott con- Conservatives always said that it was in his views; whereas, at other times troversy at Midwestern Seminary a ten-year program. However, he is he appears profoundly uncritical and (pages 248 and following) is not only right that conservatives underesti- rather naive. On page 21 there is a fas- intriguing, but also incredibly undis- mated the time feature by one-half cinating incident from his boyhood cerning for a person who, under since it took actually nearly twenty regarding the time he was arraigned normal circumstances, is so very per- years for the convention to turn. That before his own father, Judge McCall, ceptive. Also, his assessment of Bill figure is even more remarkable in light for speeding. He was fined twenty Hull, while not entirely positive, nev- of maintaining any confrontation in dollars or twenty days in jail. The ertheless indicates that McCall failed the present environment for such a younger McCall stood there speech- to discover the degree of neo-ortho- lengthy period. less since he did not have twenty dol- doxy which was characteristic of the On page 416 McCall observed, “It 91 is incredible that anybody would not find it a thought-provoking read. Why I Am a Baptist. Edited by Tom J. think a Russell Dilday or a Roy Those who lived through the period Nettles and Russell D. Moore. Nash- Honeycutt was a liberal.” Here is and have had the privilege of know- ville: Broadman & Holman, 2001, 257 another case of the “ostrich mentality” ing Dr. McCall will find it to be one pp., $14.99 paper. exhibited in some of the book. Roy of the most interesting reads in many Honeycutt in his commentary in the years. Suffice it to say, Dr. McCall’s Tom J. Nettles and Russell D. Moore, Broadman Commentary Series clearly parents apparently knew what they both professors at The Southern Bap- took issue with historical narratives in had and named him well when they tist Theological Seminary, edited this the Scripture; and even if Dr. Dilday called him “Duke.” He is, in fact, for- volume with the firm conviction that never wrote anything that was overtly ever the Duke of Louisville. any sufficient answer to the question liberal or neo-orthodox, he neverthe- of why one is a Baptist must rest on a less placed himself squarely in that Paige Patterson theological foundation. Not every camp by those whom he defended Southeastern Baptist Baptist shares this conviction. Nettles and promoted. Theological Seminary and Moore state in the Preface that These weaknesses notwithstand- their volume is offered as a corrective ing, every interested Southern Baptist Preaching: The Centrality of Scripture. to a work by the same title—Why I ought to read a book that will cast a By R. Albert Mohler, Jr. Edinburgh: Am a Baptist—published by Smyth great deal of light on the historical time The Banner of Truth Trust, 2002, 21 and Helwys in 1999. Nettles and period covered and provide abundant pp., $2.00 paper. Moore contend that the contributors insight to the character of Dr. Duke to this earlier volume, “a virtual McCall. Even McCall’s own assess- The contents of this booklet were ‘Who’s Who’ of the Baptist left,” ments of himself are often rather originally delivered as a convocation (p. xv) sought to define Baptists with- remarkable. These insights include address at Southern Seminary on out reference to theology—an effort perspectives that arise out of the con- January 30, 1996. Using 2 Timothy that necessarily results in serious troversy involving Dale Moody and 4:1-5 as his text, Mohler examines distortion. his messages in Oklahoma in 1960–61. what he sees as a crisis in contempo- Nettles contributed the first chap- As McCall says of Moody, “In my rary preaching: a loss of the central- ter, which serves as an introduction to view, the problem with Dale was ity of Scripture. Mohler cites the judg- the book. Referencing some of the always to get him to keep quiet long ments of Edward Farley (wrongly Southern Baptist giants of the past, enough to let somebody else solve his spelled as Parley) and David Buttrick such as John L. Dagg, E. C. Dargan, problems for him. Dale would get a as striking, but honest opponents of and J. M. Frost, Nettles argued that ‘bulldog’ attitude toward controversy a word based ministry. Mohler ends Baptists traditionally have identified in which he would worry the issue to his address with the final challenge themselves by their doctrinal commit- death, and he could never let it die. delivered by A. T. Robertson to his ments, including the inerrancy of Keeping him out of the country for a students shortly before his death, that the Scriptures and various Baptist year gave the controversy time to run we be “mighty in the Scriptures.” The distinctives. Nettles noted that by the its course and die out” (p. 224–225). little book will inspire and challenge, early twentieth century there was a In this situation one sees Duke McCall and it should be read by all who take tendency to minimize the role of at work and his mind at play. seriously the challenge to “preach the theology in defining Baptist. By the Readers will probably find much Word.” 1950s this tendency had grown to with which to agree and much with such an extent that many Baptist which to take issue in Duke McCall: An Daniel L. Akin leaders had begun to emphasize Oral History. But I cannot imagine any- diversity and toleration to the near one, even the uninformed, who would exclusion of doctrinal considerations 92 in defining Baptist. unbaptistic and destructively exclu- separation means neither that Chris- Nettles anticipates objections to sivistic” (p. 16). tians are disqualified from participat- such an emphasis on doctrinal preci- In the final chapter of the book, ing in the government, nor that the sion. For those who embody the mod- Russell Moore sounds forth a clarion church is denied its God-given role as ern proclivity to associate insistence call to conservative Baptists to assume the conscience of the nation. The upon sound doctrine with being their responsibility of proclaiming and church is to be free to speak propheti- mean-spirited, Nettles again appealed defending the traditional Baptist cally to the society without becoming to prominent Baptist forefathers, such understanding of the faith. Moore identified with the government. Reli- as Oliver Hart and Abraham Booth, warns, “If there are to be any Baptists gious liberty allows Christians to be whose lives and teaching demonstrate at the turn of the next century, we can- God’s prophetic voice and to share the that one can and should hold firmly not concede Baptist identity to the gospel message with others. Moore to one’s doctrinal convictions while ever-diminishing left flank of the notes the connection between reli- loving and respecting those who dis- denomination” (p. 235). Systemati- gious liberty and Christians’ respon- agree. That is, it is genuinely possible cally elucidating the Baptist distinc- sibility:’“Conservatives therefore to speak the truth in love. Nettles also tives, Moore encourages conservative should seek religious liberty precisely pointed out that merely because Baptists to stand their ground against because we believe in evangelism” Baptist doctrinal distinctives are not modern departures from the faith. (p. 242). salvific in no way minimizes their Concerning baptism, Moore warns Moore argues that conservative importance. against a sacerdotal understanding of Baptists also must continue to defend In yet another series of appeals to this ordinance as is popular in some the traditional Baptist view of soul the great Baptists of the past, Nettles Baptist circles. Likewise, conservative competency, which states that every acknowledged that being a Baptist is Baptists must continue to oppose the individual is personally accountable more than assenting to a set of doc- practices of sprinkling and pedo-bap- to God. In light of the moderate Bap- trines; it is being associated with a tism, both of which are practiced in tists’ distortion of the doctrine of soul great heritage that has produced men some moderate Baptist churches. Nor competency, Moore says that Baptists and women of the noblest type. Bap- should Baptists treat baptism as a rite have a right to be suspicious of any tist convictions have sustained in the of passage into adolescence—assum- doctrine that denies the proper role of face of great difficulties those such as ing that when one becomes a certain confessionalism in Baptist life. John Smyth, Thomas Helwys, Ben- age one should be baptized, regard- Moore acknowledges that even jamin Keach, John Bunyan, Andrew less of whether a genuine conversion conservative Baptists will not always Fuller, William Carey, Adoniram and has occurred. agree on every issue in this life. Yet Ann Judson, and Charles Spurgeon. Equally important is the Baptist they must stand united on the foun- Nettles exhorts Baptists not to insistence on regenerate church dational doctrines, while striving succumb to the modern pressures of membership. This includes not only after a greater doctrinal consensus. diversity and tolerance by refusing to rejecting pedo-baptism, but removing He calls for a unity grounded in “a state their identity in clear, unequivo- individuals from church membership common submission to a larger frame- cal, doctrinal terms. With an eye to rolls when their lives indicate that they work of biblical truth” (p. 244). those who misuse Baptist distinctives are unregenerate. According to Moore, Between Nettles’s introduction and such as soul competency to justify love mandates that such persons be Moore’s conclusion are contributions doctrinal latitudinarianism, Nettles confronted with their sinful condition. from twenty-four “theologically observes, “Strange that the very ideas Conservative Baptists, Moore engaged” individuals who tell their that made Baptists strong and gave asserts, must also continue to advo- own story of why they are Baptists. sharp and recognizable angles to the cate the separation of church and state This group is comprised of a cross-sec- Baptist profile should be deemed and religious liberty. Church/state tion of Baptists: three are Baptists of 93 other generations: three are women; popular level and are not intended to approach the subject matter with a four are overseas; several are involved be definitive treatments of Baptist male and female contributor for both in theological education, some as pro- distinctives; those exist elsewhere. the complementarian and egalitarian fessors and others as administrators; They do serve as refreshing remind- positions. The fact that the two editors, some are pastors; some are mission- ers that Baptists are who they are both of whom are associated with aries; some are denominational lead- because of theological convictions, Denver Seminary, differ themselves ers; some were not Baptist in their and those convictions are grounded in on this issue (James Beck the egalitar- early spiritual sojourns, but eventually God’s inerrant Word. As such, this ian and Craig Blomberg the comple- adopted Baptist views; some were volume will be of great use in discus- mentarian) helps to assure a fair and Baptists, left the Baptist fold, and sion groups in Baptist churches and balanced presentation of the two per- returned; several have made major in classrooms of educational institu- spectives. The editors and all the par- contributions in the wider evangeli- tions so as to introduce some Baptists ticipants are able to discuss the role of cal arena; some are Calvinists and to, and remind others of, their rich women in ministry without the ran- some are not; some are dispensa- biblical heritage. Many thanks to these cor that often accompanies debate on tionalists and some are not. authors for exposing the modern dis- such a controversial issue. The format Each contributor relates his/her tortions concerning Baptist identity of the book allows the editors to inter- own journey in a personal way. Denise and setting the record straight con- act with each of the contributors at the George centers her story around the cerning what it means to be Baptist. end of their chapters, but the contribu- influence of her Baptist grandparents. tors do not interact with each other. She learned the meaning of vicarious Walter Johnson The egalitarian position is repre- atonement from an incident in grade North Greenville College sented ably by Craig Keener of East- school where a student took her pun- ern Baptist Theological Seminary and ishment for misconduct. Fred Malone Two Views on Women in Ministry. Linda Belleville of North Park Theo- relates his spiritual journey from his Edited by James R. Beck and Craig logical Seminary. Neither Keener nor being reared in a Baptist church to his L. Blomberg. Grand Rapids: Zonder- Belleville could be counted as a radi- affiliation with the Presbyterians for van, 2001, 384 pp., $16.99 paper. cal feminist, and both write with a seven years to his subsequent return high view of the inspiration of Scrip- to his Baptist roots. Malone indicates The Counterpoints series edited by ture. Keener and Belleville repeat that a lack of both in-depth Bible study Stanley Gundry has provided a valu- many of the same arguments in their and expository preaching in many able series of multi-views books on articles; it might have been more pro- Baptist churches has led to many some of the most significant theologi- ductive for the editors to assign some defections—including his own. It was cal issues of our day on which there kind of division of labor in having two the study of the very Word of God of is no clear consensus among evan- biblical studies scholars approach which Malone had been deprived that gelical Christians—creation and evo- the same topic. Their argument for led him to reclaim his Baptist heritage. lution, apologetic methods, salvation, women in ministry (a) notes the many His experience left him with even sanctification, eternal security, law women whose service in a variety of deeper convictions than ever. He and grace, miraculous gifts, the Book ministry positions is recorded in Scrip- states, “My long, hard journey back of Revelation, and hell. Two Views on ture; (b) identifies other passages of to Baptist life causes me to be miser- Women in Ministry is another solid Scripture which seem to allow for able in heart when I see other Baptists contribution to this series. women serving in ministry positions; demonstrate a lack of convictions This volume updates and comple- and (c) provides alternative interpre- about the things that make us Baptist” ments Women in Ministry: Four Views, tations of Scripture passages in which (p. 134). by Bonnidell and Robert Clouse, pub- a plain sense reading of the text All of these essays are written on a lished about a decade ago. Both books appears to bar women from certain 94 ministry positions. Belleville’s attempt and slave-master submission are com- By analyzing the numerous Baptist to answer Wayne Grudem’s six chal- manded in the same passages, and we contributions to this question over lenges to the egalitarian position is no longer require submission of slaves the past 300 years, Norman argues especially helpful. One can debate the to masters because that command- that Baptist distinctives constitute a details of their particular arguments, ment was a concession to the culture specific theological genre: a confes- but on the whole Keener and Belleville of its day, we should also revoke the sional theology. present cogent and plausible argu- requirement of wives submitting to Norman argues that Baptist ments on behalf of their perspective. their husbands. Schreiner points out distinctives are shaped by four com- However, one may have a healthy a decisive difference, however, ponents: (1) an epistemological com- suspicion when it is necessary to between these two apparent parallels ponent, (2) a polemical component, (3) their argument to affirm, as they do, that Paul makes in Galatians, Ephesi- an ecclesiological component, and (4) that almost all the key texts relating ans, and Colossians—marriage is a volitional component. That is, there to women in ministry have been either ordained by God from creation, while is (1) a base of authority for the claims mistranslated or misinterpreted slavery is an evil human institution and convictions held by Baptists— throughout most of the history of the regulated by Scripture. whether Scripture and/or Christian church. The debate over the role of women experience. Though there are many The complementarian perspective in the church is going to increase in shared beliefs among all Christians, is represented by Tom Schreiner of The intensity over the decades to come. It Norman suggests that there is (2) a Southern Baptist Theological Semi- is crucial for evangelicals to be well difference between Baptists and other nary and Ann Bowman of the Inter- informed on this issue and to think Christians on key beliefs. These beliefs national School of Theology. Unlike carefully through its implications. This grow out of (3) a unique understand- the strong overlap between Keener book is an excellent, thoughtful, and ing of the church and are grounded in and Belleville, the two complemen- balanced introduction to the subject. the reality that (4) each person is obli- tarian articles are profoundly differ- gated to address his or her spiritual ent in approach. Bowman’s article is Steve W. Lemke standing before God. unfortunately very general in nature, New Orleans Baptist This very helpful volume contends dealing with the calling of any person Theological Seminary that the purpose of Baptist distinctives to Christian service rather than to the is to articulate and preserve the unique particular topic at hand. The task falls More Than Just a Name: Preserving Our theological identity of Baptists. Thus to Schreiner to represent the com- Baptist Identity. By R. Stanton being Baptist is more than just a name. plementarian perspective, which he Norman. Nashville: Broadman & Baptists have been and should be not only articulates with clear biblical Holman, 2001, 198 pp., $16.99 paper. known by clearly defined and histori- exegesis and effective arguments, but cally established theological com- does so in a genteel and irenic spirit. R. Stanton Norman, McFarland Pro- ponents. Norman maintains that Schreiner provides a classic presenta- fessor of Theology at New Orleans Baptists—“are more than just defend- tion and defense of the complemen- Baptist Seminary, has taken the vast ers of religious freedom, advocates of tarian position, with thoughtful and research from his doctoral disserta- baptism via immersion, or practitio- convincing responses to the egalitar- tion at Southwestern Seminary and ners of congregational polity” (p. 28). ian proposals. In particular, Schreiner revised it in a popular and accessible He boldly claims that for a person or offers a helpful survey of all the key format. The result is a persuasive and church simply to advocate one or two Scripture passages related to male and readable apologetic for the historic of the theological components does female roles. For example, one argu- distinctives of the Baptist tradition. not designate that person or church as ment that egalitarians usually make is Norman raises the important ques- Baptist. that since wife-husband submission tion: what does it mean to be Baptist? Some readers will certainly differ 95 with Norman’s proposals, but no Bap- now concerned with the competing over human sexuality. One can also tist can ignore his careful analysis. epistemologies of Carl F. H. Henry learn that the Christian Juggler’s Baptist life has too long suffered from and Stanley Grenz. American evan- Association holds a confessional state- an overdose of pragmatic approaches gelicals are not captivated by the ment that affirms biblical authority, to church and ministry. Norman’s stir- competing eschatologies of Dallas the Trinity, and the need for personal ring call to think theologically is wel- and Westminster seminaries. Indeed, regeneration. One can read about the comed, even if some might choose to one might say that if there are any missiological theology of William nuance matters differently. “leaders” of contemporary American Carey—and about the southern gos- This volume is a welcomed addi- evangelicalism, they might include pel career of Andy Griffith. tion to Baptist studies. Norman’s prosperity evangelist Joyce Meyer, The major strength of this work is claim that there is a continuous body painter Thomas Kincaid, a host of its wide scope. Balmer demonstrates of theological components that have Christian “boy bands,” and the mak- a basic familiarity with almost all sec- shaped Baptist heritage and identity ers of “Precious Moments” figurines. tors of evangelicalism—from Presby- could and should bring renewed If the bookstore’s selection tells us terians to Pentecostals—in terms of vision to the work of Baptist theolo- anything, it might teach us that the theological commitments and key per- gians in the twenty-first century. I quest for an evangelical theological sonalities. While the volume is rather gladly commend this work to theolo- consensus is more daunting than we skimpy when it comes to theology, gians, pastors and students—to all might have ever feared, since contem- Balmer shows remarkable familiarity Baptists seeking to understand better porary American evangelicalism is with the “pop culture” aspects of the their heritage and identity, and to non- bound together more by a quirky evangelical movement—aspects that Baptists as well. Stan Norman is to subculture than by a set of clear theo- some of us would rather ignore. None- be congratulated on this valuable logical convictions. theless, Balmer recognizes that to contribution. With this context in mind, scholar understand American evangelicalism Randall Balmer offers a map of the one must know about the influence of David S. Dockery American evangelical terrain—one the Niagara Bible Conferences of the Union University that tracks out evangelicals in terms early twentieth century, about Jimmy of their theological commitments, Carter’s 1980 presidential campaign, Encyclopedia of Evangelicalism. By their historical streams, and their and about the career of Amy Grant. Randall Balmer. Louisville: West- “ghetto” of conservative Christian This is perhaps the only resource in minster/John Knox, 2002, 654 pp., subculture with its own jargon, print in which a discussion of theolo- $29.95. music industry, and pantheon of gian E. Y. Mullins is followed by one celebrities. As such, this encyclopedia of musician Rich Mullins. The current discussion of evangelical seeks to compile thumbnail sketches The volume is weakened, however, identity and theological boundaries of everything an outside observer by its attempt to be both an “encyclo- seems to consume almost every meet- ought to know about the movement. pedia” and the work of a single author. ing of evangelical academic societies. One can learn the role of biblical While Balmer is one of the preeminent While these theological discussions rationalist Gordon Haddon Clark in scholars of evangelicalism, one indi- are crucial to the future of American formulating an evangelical response vidual simply cannot have “encyclo- evangelicalism, it might be alarm- to modernism. One can also discover pedic” knowledge about anything. ing—and sobering—to all sides of the that “Stryper” was a 1980s-era Chris- There are some careless errors—such issue to browse the aisles of a typical tian heavy-metal band that threw as defining—“Second Coming” as Christian bookstore anywhere in the Bibles from the stage at concerts. One though it is only a doctrine held by country. There we might discover can learn about the controversy that dispensational premillennialism. The that American evangelicalism is not split the Evangelical Women’s Caucus volume is furthermore weakened by 96 the sometimes obvious ideological composed for the present book. The and lives either in heaven with God biases of one who fashions himself essays deal with a broad group of or in Hades (depending on whether something of a “prodigal son” of themes, including The Historical one is saved or lost) is a Platonic notion American evangelicalism. Having Jesus, Deity Christology, and the New and has nothing to do with biblical moved from a conservative evan- Testament’s use of the Old Testament. teaching. He interprets psyche as syn- gelical upbringing to a more mainline But the largest number of essays onymous both with pneuma and soma Protestant stance today, having Bal- address New Testament anthropol- (p. 124), generally to mean “life.” He mer write an encyclopedia on evan- ogy and eschatology, theological further argues that the account in Luke gelicalism is something like having themes to which Ellis has devoted 16 of the rich man and Lazarus is a Catholic renegade Garry Wills write attention for many years. It is also the parable, which “is no more represen- an encyclopedia on the Vatican. Bal- case that many of his views on these tative of Luke’s (or Jesus’) theological mer often thus casually and uncri- issues are quite controversial and viewpoint than an illustration about tically dismisses as “fundamentalist” provocative, which is another reason St. Peter at ‘the pearly gates’ is repre- the more conservative wings of evan- why this volume is such an impor- sentative of the eschatology of a gelicalism in their concerns about the tant contribution. This review will present day preacher” (p. 125, note 29). theological identity of American limit itself to examining several of the One of the more important essays Christianity. If one is looking for a essays related to these themes of an- in the volume is Chapter XII, “The comprehensive and fairly weighed thropology and eschatology. Structure of Pauline Eschatology (II treatment of a complex theological Two chapters deal with eschato- Cor. 5:1-10).” Ellis argues here for the and sociological phenomenon, this logy in Luke. The first, “Eschatology importance of the corporate existence volume will be frustrating. If, how- in Luke,” criticizes the positions on of believers in Christ, for the “house ever, one is looking for a basic refer- eschatology held by Conzelmann and made without hands” being a physi- ence to the whirling kaleidoscope of Bultmann. These thinkers maintained cal body which the believer receives people and places within American that Luke’s book is an attempt to offer at the Parousia, for “nakedness” being evangelicalism, Balmer has provided an answer as to why the Parousia had a hypothetical disembodied (interme- a fascinating read. not yet occurred by positing a novel diate) state (which Ellis rejects), and salvation-historical scheme. Ellis “away from the body” meaning, not Russell D. Moore replies that there is no evidence that the intermediate state, but “away from the “non-occurrence” of the Parousia this body” and present in the Parousia Christ and the Future in New Testament “was a crucial problem” (p. 117). He in a risen body. In other words, he History. By E. Earle Ellis. Leiden: Brill, rejects the Conzelmann proposal that argues for an unconscious intermedi- 2000, xviii + 323 pp., $110.00. Luke substitutes salvation-history for ate state (though the believer is cor- eschatology in favor, rather, of the porately in Christ, so is not in a state E. Earle Ellis, Research Professor of projects for Lukan interpretation of non-existence), for conditional Theology, Emeritus, at Southwestern offered by Cullmann and K¨ummel. immortality, and he calls Christians to Baptist Theological Seminary, has The next essay, “Eschatology in focus eschatological attention not on had a distinguished publishing Luke Revisited,” addresses another “going to heaven when we die,” but career, but some of his more impor- issue in Lukan eschatology, the ques- on an expectation for resurrection at tant contributions appeared in schol- tion “Did his vertical eschatology the Second Coming. arly journals which are not accessible represent a shift from apocalyptic cat- In Chapter XIV the author intro- to many interested readers. Seven- egories to a Platonic dualism in which duces us to his views on hell. He teen of those articles have been the individual ‘soul’ receives salvation rejects the majority tradition that hell reprinted in this volume, with one at death” (120). Ellis argues that the is conscious eternal punishment in fa- essay, Chapter XVIII, having been notion that the soul survives death, vor of conditional immortality and the 97 annihilation of the finally impenitent. is also much that is very helpful. One look elsewhere (e.g., the Bible Time and He thus joins the ranks of John Stott, hopes that God will grant Professor Bible Wise series from Christian Focus Philip Edgecumbe Hughes, Clark Ellis strength to continue to serve the Publications). Then, this book can be Pinnock, and Edward Fudge in advo- church with his scholarship for years used for fun activities to illustrate and cating the position that hell is, at best to come. bring home those truths. This book is (or worst), temporary. warmly recommended as a resource This reviewer takes issue with Ellis Chad Owen Brand for teaching children. on most of the key issues raised in the paragraphs above. It seems clear that 1001 Ways to Introduce Your Child to Ray Van Neste Ellis too quickly applies the label the Bible. By Kathie Reimer. Nashville: Union University “Platonism” to those who hold to Broadman & Holman, 2002, 316 pp., anthropological dualism. The recent $12.99 paper. The Mosaic of Christian Belief: Twenty work by Moreland and Rae, for Centuries of Unity and Diversity. By instance, is not merely the resuscita- Though the title might cause one to Roger E. Olson. Downers Grove: tion of Platonism, but is a well-argued think that this book is about strate- InterVarsity Press, 2002, 357 pp., biblical/theological statement of a po- gies and methods, it is actually some- $29.99. sition which has a huge pedigree in thing more directly useful to families: the church’s history. Once one reas- a compilation of learning activities. This volume, a concise handbook sesses that anthropological point, the As such it is a great resource for of Christian doctrine, is the latest major defense for his understanding family Bible times, home schooling, offering from Olson, a controversial of an unconscious intermediate state Sunday School and the traditional historical theologian at Baylor becomes virtually moot. On that point, classroom. Kathie Reimer, a mother University’s George W. Truett Theo- as well, Ellis, for all the rigor of his and pastor’s wife, works through the logical Seminary. The work is a com- impressive scholarship, does not give Bible book by book providing mean- panion to Olson’s church history, The sufficient attention to the aorist verb ingful activities for key points in each Story of Christian Theology. Olson uti- in Philippians 1:21-23 (“to depart, and book, along with summaries of key lizes his familiarity with Christian be with Christ”), or to the force of people and concepts, memory verses controversies and consensuses from Paul’s statement, “away from the and devotional thoughts. The learn- the patristic era to contemporary the- body, present with the Lord” (2 Cor. ing activities obviously come from ology. The volume includes chapters 5:8), both of which seem clearly to call one involved in the daily task of on the foundational theological loci: for an immediate conscious transla- teaching children. Each activity prolegomena, revelation, Scripture, tion of the believer to the presence of begins with a list of questions God, Trinity, creation, providence, Christ (corporate personality presence explaining not only the supplies humanity, Christology, soteriology, simply will not do here). His rejection needed, age range in view and time ecclesiology, and eschatology. Under of conscious eternal punishment for allowed but also whether or not the each doctrinal heading, Olson con- the finally impenitent is forcefully activity will work in a group, a school centrates on key questions of dispute argued, but is not convincing. classroom or can be done in a car. in church history, noting how these There are other essays in the vol- These are helpful points, allowing, for clashes helped to shape the theology ume which are also worth reading, example, the book also to be used as of the church. especially “Reading the Gospels as a resource for meaningful activities What distinguishes this volume History” (Chapter XVII), and “Proph- on road trips. from other treatments of doctrine is ecy in the New Testament Church and The strength and focus of this book Olson’s peculiar brand of “post-con- Today” (Chapter XV). Though this is the learning activities. For summa- servative” evangelicalism. Olson reviewer finds much to critique, there ries of biblical truths or stories to read notes that the purpose of the book is 98 to set forth a “mediating theology” any position at all, except to say that Blomberg have issued jeremiads con- that “attempts to bridge unnecessary those who oppose a controversial demning the capitalist system and and unfortunate gulfs between per- position—say, open theism or anni- accusing most of those who are its spectives and interpretations” in evan- hilationism—are “fundamentalists.” beneficiaries of being substandard gelical Protestantism. Of course, since This is characteristic of a theologian Christians in their understanding of Olson is the author of the book, he is who has written on the open theism and use of wealth. And those are the able to choose the “extremes” which debate for years without saying much “evangelicals”! Liberationists and he will pit against one another in each more than that he is “open to open revisionist theologians are willing to doctrine. The “mediating” position theism,” but is not finally convinced. reconsider restoring hell to the loci of always happens to be the one Olson Olson is clear about what he opposes theology, just so rich Westerners can himself holds. —a conservative evangelicalism that be cast there to atone for their greed. This reviewer at times found him- seeks to identify boundaries of Chris- John Schneider thinks it is time self in hearty agreement with Olson’s tian orthodoxy on issues such as the re-evaluate all of this, and this book “middle way.” For instance, Olson knowledge of God or the everlasting- is his contribution. endorses the increasing consensus in ness of eternal condemnation. He This book appeared a few years ago contemporary evangelical theology dismisses these “fundamentalists” in a different incarnation as Godly that the Kingdom of God is both without ever examining exactly why Materialism (IVP, 1994). Originally “already” inaugurated and “not yet” they believe these doctrines are crucial Schneider planned only to revise that consummated—thus transcending for the life and health of the church. book, but this volume is actually the thorniest disputes between This volume is helpful in survey- almost a whole new work, though it dispensationalists and covenant theo- ing the kind of “centered set” defini- follows some of the same outline as logians. This consensus, however, tion of evangelical boundaries the previous volume. He begins with emerged from years of careful reflec- proposed by the evangelical left. It is an endorsement of a comment made tion on the biblical texts related to the less helpful as a treatment of Chris- by Michael Novak: “We are going to Kingdom. Evangelicals do not hold to tian doctrine. For that, liberals as well see a spiritual revival in this country, an “already/not yet” view of the as conservatives—and all the “medi- and it’s going to be led by rich people” Kingdom because it is a “mediating ating” positions in between—will (p. 4). Rejecting both the “wealth- position” any more than the early want a more sustained interaction negative” perspective of “prophetic church embraced the hypostatic union with the biblical foundations of Chris- (or radical) Christianity,” and the of Christ as a “middle way” between tian theology. nav¨ıvet´e and pandering of the Pros- the humanity and deity of Christ. perity Gospel people, Schneider They believe these things because they Russell D. Moore argues that all other things being are convinced Scripture teaches them equal, God wishes his people to be to be true. That kind of scriptural foun- The Good of Affluence: Seeking God filled with a cornucopia of good dation is the most glaring deficiency in a Culture of Wealth. By John R. things, including material blessings, of this work. There are occasional Schneider. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, and that market economies are the proof texts, to be sure, but the primary 2002, x + 233 pp., $24.00. best way to ensure the greatest support for any position is usually amount of wealth for the largest num- found in the problems it resolves, as Aside from Christian Reconstruc- ber of people. though Christian theology could be tionists and Prosperity Gospel advo- This professor of theology at Calvin negotiated by a particularly skillful cates, it is unusual to find Christians College ably subjects the work of the team of United Nations diplomats. writing about economics who actu- prophetic Christians (Sider, et al.) to a At the most controversial of points, ally think capitalism is a good thing. withering critique, while marking out however, Olson refrains from taking Theologians from Ron Sider to Craig an exegetical and theological defense 99 of his position. This reviewer is con- Mesopotamia and the Bible. Edited by tory of research, “Assyriology and vinced that Schneider wins the debate Mark W. Chavalas and K. Lawson Biblical Studies: A Century of Ten- hands down. But there are some issues Younger, Jr. Grand Rapids: Baker, sion,” by Mark W. Chavalas and “The that are either troubling or not con- 2002, 395 pp., $29.99 paper. Quest for Sargon, Pul, and Tiglath- vincing. One, the author develops the Pileser in the Nineteenth Century,” by notion of”“Delight” as a sort of sub- This edited book is unique and a Steven W. Holloway. Both essays dis- plot for his book. God delights in him- valuable asset for biblical studies. cuss the development of Assyriology self, and wants us to delight, and so Since the contributors are scholars in relation to biblical studies. The next provides good things for our delight. who are evangelical, it is easy to two essays focus on Mesopotamia in While this may be the case, it is not assume from the title that this book the 3rd millennium. Richard E. Aver- clear that this is at the heart of why is a background book for the biblical beck’s essay, “Sumer, the Bible, and God blesses his people in Scripture. text or an apologetic connecting the Comparative Method: Historiography Rather, he blesses them so that they historicity of the biblical text with and Temple Building,” discusses the can continue to serve him and be a Mesopotamian sources. On the con- history of Sumer in relation to the blessing to others. The notion of trary—the book is designed to pre- Bible while Mark W. Chavalas’ essay, delight, while aesthetically pleasing, sent to biblical scholars current “Syria and Northern Mesopotamia to does not seem to be at the heart of research and data about Mesopo- the End of the Third Millennium Scripture’s concern with material tamia (also Syria and Anatolia) by BCE,” presents an historical overview. blessing, as Schneider argues. experts in the field. The next groups of essays focus on Schneider also tends to refer to the The essays were initially presented the 2nd Millennium BCE. Three of the earth as “sacred” (p. 52). While he does at the 1995 meeting of the Near East papers provided either historical over- not use this notion to defend a radical Archaeological Society in Philadel- views or discuss a particular subject. eco-theology (as in, for instance, phia, PA. The papers were presented These essays are: Ronald A. Veenker, Kaufman and McFague), the use of the in a panel entitled “Syro-Meso- “Syro-Mesopotamia: The Old Baby- term is nonetheless troubling. The potamia and the Bible.” The editors lonian Period”; Victor H. Matthews, book also gives too much of a nod decided to expand the original eight “Syria to the Early Second Millen- in the direction of narrative theology, papers and bring the total to fourteen nium”; and David C. Deuel, “Appre- and so has an occasionally strong contributions. hending Kidnappers by Correspon- postmodern tinge to it. At the same The essays are arranged in chrono- dence at Provincial Arrapha.” The last time, the author’s interpretations of logical order from the third millen- three papers deal with sites and the Old Testament narratives in nium BCE to the Neo-Babylonian archives from Syria and the impact defense of his position are often pro- Period. Although some of the authors these sites have on biblical studies. found. addressed their field in relation to the These essays are: “The Bible and Criticism aside, this is a very good biblical text, all focused their paper Alalakh” by Richard S. Hess; “Emar: book, and stands as an antidote to the topics on their expertise and research On the Road from Harran to Hebron” muddled meanderings of Sider, interests. The essays can be divided by Daniel E. Fleming; and “Voices Blomberg, and the Liberationists. This into four groups: history of research, from the Dust: The Tablets from Ugarit ought to be one of the first books 3rd millennium, the Bronze Age, and and the Bible” by Wayne T. Pitard. Christians turn to in attempting to the Iron Age. In each group, approxi- The last set of essays focus on the understand work, wealth, and stew- mately half of the authors discuss their Iron Age Period. These essays are: ardship of resources in our world topic in the context of biblical studies “The Rise of the Aramean States” by today. while the others present an historical William Schniedewind; “Recent overview. Study on Sargon II, King of Assyria: Chad Owen Brand The first two essays present an his- Implications for Biblical Studies” by 100 K. Lawson Younger, Jr.; “What has further productive LXX research and design. Part 1 is clear and understand- Nebuchadnezzar to do with David? study. able, useful to those knowledgeable in On the Neo-Babylonian Period and After an introduction advocating biblical studies, but accessible to those Early Israel” by Bill T. Arnold; and study of the LXX because of its rela- who are not. Part 2 likewise, while “The Eastern Jewish Diaspora under tionship to the Hebrew Bible and its written for those conversant with the Babylonians” by Edwin Yamauchi. historical relationship to the Church, Greek, may still be followed with The book is well written and is a the book is divided into three parts. profit by others. In both of the first two valuable source for the recent schol- Part 1, “The History of the Septua- parts there are suggestions for further arship within the field. The book pro- gint,” contains chapters on the history study at the end of each chapter. Fol- vides an index of scripture reference and transmission of the LXX, modern lowing those suggestions provides the and an index of authors, which are LXX study, and character of the LXX reader with access to thorough study particularly useful resources. The as a translation. Part 1 was written to of the subjects introduced. While it is book would make an excellent auxil- be understood by the general reader a side effect of authorial intent, the iary textbook especially for any course and beginning student. No knowl- book provides excellent orientation to dealing with the Pentateuch or the his- edge of Greek and Hebrew is textlinguistics, translation theory and tory of the early biblical periods. assumed. Part 2 is “The Septuagint in practice, textual criticism, and herme- Biblical Studies,” and deals with the neutics. The explanation of the inher- Steven M. Ortiz language and text of the LXX, its use ent differences in textual criticism of a New Orleans Baptist in textual criticism of the Hebrew text in its original language from that Theological Seminary Bible, its relationship to the Dead Sea of a translation into another language Scrolls and the New Testament, and is especially instructive for those Invitation To The Septuagint. By Karen interpretation of the LXX. Basic famil- whose text-critical work has been lim- H. Jobes and Mois´es Silva. Grand iarity with biblical studies is assumed, ited to the Hebrew Old Testament and Rapids: Baker, 2000, 351 pp., $29.99. as is intermediate level Greek compe- Greek New Testament. The clear tence, yet the discussions are acces- explanation of the goals and difficul- Karen Jobes is Associate Professor of sible to the general reader. Part 3, “The ties of LXX textual studies brings New Testament at Westmont College Current State of Septuagint Studies,” home forcefully to the reader the and Mois´es Silva of Gordon-Conwell traces LXX scholarship in the nine- importance of the LXX to biblical stud- Theological Seminary also has taught teenth and twentieth centuries, and ies and the massive amount of work at Westmont College and Westmins- discusses the primary focuses of cur- yet to be done. The review of nine- ter Theological Seminary. Both have rent scholarship: linguistic research, teenth and twentieth century scholar- devoted much of their scholarly reconstruction of the history of the ship in LXX studies demonstrates how activity to Septuagint studies and are text, and theological developments in much a few dedicated scholars can well qualified to write this book. the Hellenistic era. Part 3 is designed accomplish. One would hope that this The authors have acted to fill a void to familiarize the advanced student work would be instrumental in bring- in Septuagint (LXX) studies by pro- with the status quaestionis. Four appen- ing scholars into the field. ducing a comprehensive, accessible dices deal with organizations and Providing help not available else- primer. No introductory level work research projects devoted to LXX where, this book is a significant con- was available to lead neophytes into study, reference works, a glossary of tribution to its field. The book is highly the field and help them become con- terms, and differences in versification recommended for use as a textbook versant and productive. Available between the LXX and English ver- and as required reading for all who studies were for those already knowl- sions. Indexes are provided for sub- are involved in the scholarly study of edgeable in the field. This book fills jects, authors, and Scripture. the Bible. that gap, and also leads the reader into The book delivers on the authors’ Charles W. Draper 101 The Virgin Birth. Revised edition. By Mark Dever, pastor of the Capitol Hill expressed in the administration of the Robert Gromacki. Grand Rapids: Baptist Church in Washington D. C. ordinances) that Baptist pastors of Kregel, 1974, 2002, 240 pp., $14.99 and the senior fellow of the Center previous eras were able to shape and paper. for Church Reform, has edited a col- influence their churches in a more lection of Baptist writings on church biblical, godly direction than that This book is a simple, biblically satu- polity. This volume is organized into which is found in the majority of rated, theologically orthodox study of two divisions. The first section con- Baptist churches today. the virgin birth and other related tains three introductory essays writ- Greg Wills undertakes two tasks in Christological themes (e.g., Christ’s ten by Mark Dever, Greg Wills, and his essay. First, he discusses the sinlessness, his two natures, the R. Albert Mohler, Jr. The second divi- important role that polity had for genealogies of Matthew and Luke, sion has ten historical reprints from Baptists in all aspects of church life. the incarnation). Though it says on eighteenth and nineteenth century Wills demonstrates that Baptists in the the cover it is revised and updated, Baptist leaders. Dever states that the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries there is little evidence that this is the project is an attempt to rejoin and believed that the biblical governance case. In the endnotes there is only one rejuvenate discussions that were of of a church could advance orthodoxy, reference that dates after 1974, and great importance for Baptists a cen- evangelism, and discipleship. These that is Machen’s Christianity and Lib- tury ago. According to the editor, the Baptists believed that “correct polity eralism (the particular edition used is purpose is to discover “what the Bible fostered true spirituality” (p. 20). Pol- dated 1997). There is also a reference teaches about how we as Christians ity was thus a means through which a to Bill Gates on pages 218-19 and the should organize our lives together in church communicated its convictions Chuckwu octuplets who were born churches” (p. ix). about doctrine, the ordinances, church in Houston in 1998. There are no ref- In his introductory essay, Dever membership, and church discipline. erences at all to recent Christological addresses the role and responsibility Second, Wills provides a brief bio- works or movements of either liberal of the pastor in shaping the life of the graphical overview for each author or conservative stripe. Still, this is a church. Through a historical investi- whose work is included within the book that is well written in short, gation of the responsibilities of Bap- historical reprints section. concise chapters (20 total with a brief tist pastors in previous centuries, he The third introductory essay, writ- conclusion). Gromacki says in the identifies the “noble task” of the pas- ten by R. Albert Mohler, Jr., examines preface his goal is not to duplicate the tor as the right preaching of the Word the issue of church discipline within classic defense of the virgin birth by of God and the right administration American Christianity. The inclusion Machen (The Virgin Birth of Christ, of the ordinances. According to Dever, of this essay within a volume on 1930), “but to provide a volume on a American Baptists essentially enjoyed Baptist polity suggests that the editor level understandable to both the a uniformity of doctrine during the believes the arguments enunciated are interested layman and the serious early and mid nineteenth centuries, as not only apropos for American Chris- Bible student.” To this end he clearly demonstrated in their shared adher- tianity but, even more specifically, for succeeds. ence to and vigorous preaching of the Baptist life. Mohler equates the demise doctrines of grace. In addition, the of the practice of church discipline to Daniel L. Akin ordinances of a Baptist church (bap- the accommodation of American tism and the Lord’s Supper) were Christianity to American culture. Polity: Biblical Arguments on How to rightly administered when these were Because of this accommodation, the Conduct Church Life. Edited by Mark coupled with a robust practice of church has acquiesced to the moral Dever. Washington, D.C.: Center for church discipline. Dever contends that individualism prevalent within Church Reform, 2001, 586 pp., $29.99. it was through preaching and presid- American societal ethos. This phe- ing over the life of the church (as nomenon has in turn led to the down- 102 fall of the practice of church discipline, ernance of a church does in fact have God and Time: Four Views. Edited by thereby precipitating the loss of effec- immediate implications for the under- Gregory E. Ganssle. Downers Grove: tive witness and ministry. Mohler standing and practice of the ordi- InterVarsity Press, 2001, 247 pp., argues that the great task of the church nances, church discipline, witness, $17.99 paper. is the reclamation of its “missing and ministry. mark” that is, church discipline. Only Other readers may perceive Multi-views books have become through its recovery will American Dever’s selection of authors and top- immensely popular largely because Christianity in general and Baptist life ics as rather myopic. For example, they help us to get a better under- in particular regain fidelity of doctrine, why the inclusion of only eighteenth standing of how different perspec- purity of moral conduct, and unity of and nineteenth century Calvinist Bap- tives address key difficult issues. This Christian fellowship. tists? Did any non-Calvinist Baptists book addresses a particularly difficult The second division of this volume in these or later periods write on the issue on which there is very little contains historical reprints of the writ- doctrine of church polity? Further, agreement among evangelicals—the ings of select eighteenth and nine- why does a volume on church polity relation of God and time. In this teenth century Baptist leaders. Several contain more writings on church dis- multi-view format, each of the four of these treatises address the general cipline than upon the specific topic of contributors presents his own per- topic of Baptist polity. The authors of congregationalism? Clearer delimita- spective, after which each of the other these works are Benjamin Griffith, tions and definitions for these issues contributors responds with their criti- W. B. Johnson, J. L. Reynolds, and Wil- would have easily alleviated these cisms of that approach. The author liam Williams. The other essays matters. then has an opportunity to answer address the specific doctrine of church Despite these concerns, this collec- the criticisms. discipline. Baptist luminaries such as tion is a valuable and welcomed Paul Helm of Regent College rep- Benjamin Keach, Samuel Jones, Joseph contribution to Baptist studies. The resents the traditional divine timeless S. Baker, P. H. Mell, and Eleazer Sav- reprints are a poignant reminder of the eternity or atemporalist perspective. age wrote these. A summary of church vitality and challenges of Baptist The view of time advocated in this discipline from the Charleston Asso- churches in previous eras. The inclu- perspective is variously described as ciation (1774) is also included. In sion of essays from contemporary the stasis, tenseless, or “B theory” of addition to the biographical introduc- Baptists with the treatises of Baptists time, in which God experiences past, tions included in Wills’s essay, each from other eras demonstrates a conti- present, and future events all at once reprint is further introduced by a nuity of concerns that have confronted in an “eternal now.” Unfortunately, historical sketch of the author all Baptists. Dever has provided a use- although Helm should have the reprinted from William Cathcart’s ful work that will certainly enrich cur- advantage in that the position he Baptist Encyclopedia. rent conceptions of Baptist life both in represents has the most advocates in Certain readers will question the the classroom and the church. Baptists classical theism, he burdens the definition of polity represented within and non-Baptists alike are challenged eternalist perspective with an overly this work. Most definitions of “polity” to be thoroughly biblical in their rigid view of divine immutability and focus on the structure of governance understanding and practice of church impassibility. Helm’s extreme views and decision-making within the polity. result in at least four unhappy logical church. The expansion of polity to consequences: (a) Helm is willing to encompass all aspects of church life Stan Norman give up a high view of divine omni- seems a bit strained; yet, the inclusion New Orleans Baptist science because in his view God can- of other ecclesiastic concepts within a Theological Seminary not know indexical measures of time discussion of polity does illustrate the or distinguish what events are cur- organic nature of church life. The gov- rently happening; (b) God does not 103 actually relate to persons in time, but All four of the contributors cite bib- which serves, more than anything falsely represents Himself as doing so lical references consistent with their else, as a moral primer. (The primary in ways that are not literally true; (c) perspective, but the biblical evidence voice in this volume is Land’s.) It is a Helm denies creation of the world and alone is not so clear as to decide the Christian “connect the dots” exercise time ex nihilo, but proposes the possi- issue decisively. All four contributors which addresses the major moral bility of the eternity of the universe; are analytic philosophers of some ilk, issues facing the Christian commu- and (d) theological problems arise and they propose logical arguments nity today. from Helm’s assertions that “[T]here in support of their positions. In fact, In the twelve chapters Land and was no time when the eternal God was one possible flaw in the approach of Perry present a series of arguments not Jesus of Nazareth” (54) and all the contributors might be that they that focus on the need for the indi- “[T]here is no time in which the Son share the presupposition that the vidual family to take the lead in chang- of God exists in a preincarnate form” answer to the relation of God and time ing America. Land sees traditional (55). None of these four tenuous con- is comprehensible to human logic. Christian families as the vehicle that sequences is necessary to the Perhaps the answer is a mystery can reclaim the high moral ground atemporalist perspective, so Helm’s bound up in the eternity of God that that has been abdicated to cultural elit- insistence on them makes this can only be affirmed by faith. ists who have corrupted American approach appear much less unappeal- Each of the positions is presented culture. ing than it normally would. Nicholas articulately with compelling support Out of the gate the authors state Wolterstorff of Yale advocates the from logical arguments and Scripture, that those who would choose to iso- opposite position of unqualified but none of the four positions repre- late themselves from the culture rather divine temporality with a correspond- sented in the book stands out as the then engage it are wrong. They argue ing tensed, dynamic, or “A theory” of clear winner. This book requires a that the biblical injunctions to be salt time in which past, present, and future careful reading, but it is not so techni- and light prevent Christians from have ontological reality. cal as to be beyond the non-specialist being disengaged. Land clearly Two of the authors propose medi- reader. I recommend it highly as a believes that if Christians do not assert ating positions between divine valuable survey to aid the reader in their worldview on America then temporalism and atemporalism. Alan thinking through one’s own position someone other worldview will direct Padgett of Luther Seminary advocates regarding the relation of God and time America’s cultural landscape. the relative timelessness perspective in that is so crucial to other related theo- One may not agree with Dr. Land which God exists in a timeless eternity logical issues of our day. on every issue, but there will be little that flows from His being, but God can doubt about his own convictions. This nonetheless respond to the temporal Steve W. Lemke does not mean that this work is a dia- world. God’s timelessness is relative New Orleans Baptist tribe. Land writes from a wealth of to the measurable time of this space- Theological Seminary experience. He is the current president time universe, but is temporally rela- of the Southern Baptist Convention’s tive to the metaphysical time that For Faith and Family. By Richard Land Ethics & Religious Liberty Commis- flows from His nature. William Lane and John Perry. Nashville: Broadman sion (ERLC). He has testified before Craig of Talbot School of Theology and Holman, 2002, 212 pp., $22.99. both houses of Congress on moral proposes a novel mediating approach issues that face our nation. He pos- that he labels as omnitemporality. Craig For Faith and Family will be received sesses degrees from Princeton, agrees that God is best described as with delight from students, friends, Oxford, and New Orleans Baptist atemporal “before” or without cre- and listeners of Dr. Richard Land. Theological Seminary. ation but as temporal after creation, John Perry is coauthor of this rela- One of the particular strengths of with a dynamic perspective on time. tively short and easy to read book, this work is seen in Land’s constant 104 drive to apply his ideas. As he con- The ERLC president urges that Dimensions of Time: The Structures of nects the moral dots for his readers, families must found and form their the Time of Humans, of the World, and he wants them to apply these ideas to relationships on Scripture. He also of God. By Wolfgang Achtner, Stefan real life situations. This drive for addresses important contemporary Kunz, and Thomas Walter. Translated application is apparent in the intro- issues such as moral relativism, mari- by Arthur H. Williams, Jr. Grand Rap- ductory chapter, when he asks the tal roles, sexuality, homosexuality, ids: Eerdmans, 2002, 196 pp., $30.00 reader, “Are you living your life pornography, the Internet, abortion, paper. believing Christ will support you in and medical technology. His summary your struggles and lead you to ulti- chapter shows that he is serious about The issue of the relation of God and mate victory over the cultural forces Christians experiencing true revival. time has evoked strong interest and that stand in opposition to a Christian Land states, “If we want America to numerous books in recent years. This worldview? Or are you just hoping to be a Christian nation there’s only one volume, originally published in Ger- make it through another day?” (p. 9) way to do it—convert her citizens to man, offers a more comprehensive If readers are not impressed with faith in Christ” (p. 193). Regarding the and richly textured approach to the logic, biblical basis, and applica- role of government, Land has often understanding time than in many tion of Land’s arguments, they will stated that the role of the government contemporary accounts of time. The enjoy his pithy summary statements is to provide a level playing field for translation from German is overall and his continual quotation of many everyone, and then to get off of the rather good, but there are a few awk- leading Christian thinkers from the field. Some may object to this state- ward phrases. This project arose from past and present. Land cites everyone ment, as well as his other ideas con- a study group of physicists and theo- from James Dobson to Francis cerning the role of government, as logians in which the three German Schaeffer, from the church father being overly simplistic. It is true that authors participated. Wolfgang Tertullian to U. S. Representative J. C. these issues are complex, but one does Achtner is a campus minister and lec- Watts in support of his position that not need to have a Ph.D. in ethics to turer at the University of Giessen, the family and Christian values are the be able to discern what is morally right Stefan Kunz is a pastor in Bensheim, only things that can change America and wrong. It is likely that some and Thomas Walter is professor of for the better. critics will accuse the author of con- information technology at the Uni- The book is very quotable. “Free- ceding too much to accommodation- versity of Kaiserslautern. dom without rules isn’t democracy; ism, while others will view him as too The major thesis of the book is that it’s anarchy” (p. 26). “America’s found- much the separationist. the human consciousness of time has ers believed not in freedom from reli- Much of what Land writes will a tri-polar structure of endogenous, gion, but freedom for religion” (p. 36). come across as mostly common sense. exogenous, and transcendent time. “The closer to the biblical standard a But Christian common sense seems to Endogenous time refers to the forms family is, the safer, wealthier, and hap- be a rare quality in these days of moral of time that arise from inward experi- pier its members will be” (p. 60). “It compromise, even in the church. ence, particularly in the biological isn’t easy or comfortable to hold a Every reader will benefit from the rhythms of life. Exogenous time brother or sister in Christ accountable biblical answers provided by Dr. Land occurs as humans interact with their for their marital behavior, but it’s our for today’s moral questions. This work environment, and is evidenced in both duty” (p. 65). “The First Reformation should be required reading for college natural time (the cyclical patterns of came about through a return to the students, church leaders, or anyone nature that are often expressed in the Word of God. The Second Reforma- who desires straight answers for mythology and cultic ceremony of tion needs to occur around the work today’s complex ethical issues. various religious traditions) and social of God in the families of the churches” time (frameworks of time that are (p. 87). Brent R. Kelly established within a society or cul- 105 ture). In particular, the invention of the the hermeneutic method of the lished forty-five books. He married clock in the thirteenth century revo- authors, which presupposes a weak the daughter of his New Testament lutionized Western culture by provid- view of biblical inspiration and is mentor and Southern Seminary Presi- ing a rational, linear measurement of overly reliant on the documentary dent, Dr. John A. Broadus. His mag- time by which society could be hypothesis. In particular, their hypoth- num opus, the 1,544 page Grammar of organized, meeting times could be esis that the Old Testament narratives the Greek New Testament in the Light of established, and work could be originally referenced the unnamed Historical Research, has remained in compensated. Transcendent time is pre-JHWH spatial god, replaced with print for over eighty-five years and is the sense of timelessness that arises the time-involved JHWH by later edi- still a standard work in the field. Presi- from mystical experience, prophetic tors, is obviously an argument from dent John R. Sampey of Southern foreshadowing, and epiphanic rev- silence. At other times, insights about Seminary, lifelong friend of Robertson, elation. This threefold pattern of time are extrapolated eisegetically said that the day Robertson finished evolving human consciousness has from biblical accounts that do not his hand-written manuscript of the the feel of a Hegelian dialectic, address the concept of time in any great grammar, the stack of pages was although the authors do not claim this obvious way. Overall, the book is its over three feet tall. Renowned British methodology. weakest in its hermeneutics. Greek scholar, James Hope Moulton, In explicating this thesis, the This is a somewhat uneven book once told G. Campbell Morgan, authors trace the historical develop- that is capable of bouncing from shaky himself a world-famous expository ment of time in human consciousness, exegesis to profound insights. Despite preacher, that A. T. Robertson was one weaving together a tapestry of widely its limitations, however, it provides a of the greatest living Greek scholars, divergent perspectives on time from unique approach to the concept of and that no one on earth exceeded him biology, anthropology, ancient and time that draws together a rich blend in knowledge of the Greek New Tes- medieval history, physics, philosophy, of resources and perspectives. Anyone tament. Morgan wrote to Robertson and theology. This elegant cross- interested in the problem of God and on the occasion of both men’s seven- disciplinary synoptic vision of time time will find this to be a fascinating tieth birthdays that only heaven inclusive of many perspectives and and informative book. would reveal the world-wide impact traditions is the key contribution of Robertson had through his writings this book. As one might expect from Steve W. Lemke and the teaching of Greek to over 6,000 blending so many divergent perspec- New Orleans Baptist students. President L. R. Scarborough tives, at times the logical connection Theological Seminary of Southwestern Seminary wrote to between the views appears to be Robertson’s widow that he was Bap- somewhat forced. Word Pictures in the New Testament, tists’ greatest scholar. Yet, for all his The chapter on the scientific Concise Edition. By A. T. Robertson, scholarship, Robertson was in con- account of time is heavily laden with ed. James A. Swanson. Nashville: stant demand as a preacher and technical material and mathematical Broadman & Holman, 2000, vi + 696 teacher who effectively communi- formulas, and requires of its readers pp., $19.99. cated the Bible to common people. an advanced knowledge of contempo- Robertson said that he had always rary physics. The narrative in this A. T. Robertson was a giant of monu- considered himself as a preacher first. chapter is not as helpful and clear as mental proportions whose shadow The day he died in 1934, Robertson in the other chapters. still lies across the study of the Greek was working on a new translation of The description of the biblical and New Testament. Spending his entire the Greek New Testament, having Hebraic views of time seems to be career at Southern Seminary, he only completed the first few chapters accurate for the most part, but most taught New Testament Greek for of Matthew. evangelicals will be disappointed with forty-six years and in that time pub- In his Word Pictures, Robertson 106 translated his formidable expertise Pictures is highly recommended, but book is designed to be used in con- into such clear language that anyone don’t stop there—get his works from junction with a study tour, it is struc- may easily access some of the riches libraries and used book dealers and tured around individual sites and fea- of the Greek New Testament. Origi- let this master teacher lead you into a tures that a person would commonly nally published in six volumes, Word fuller understanding of God’s Word. visit on a tour of Israel. He uses these Pictures contained clear explanations site discussions as a springboard to of Greek grammar and syntax, as well Charles W. Draper present topics concerning the back- as much biblical background material. ground of the life of Jesus. Stacy is very The six volume set is still available and Where Jesus Walked: A Spiritual Jour- familiar with the background material is highly recommended. For this ney Through the Holy Land. By and he provides a well-balanced abridgment into one manageable vol- R. Wayne Stacy. Valley Forge: Judson narrative. He freely intertwines the ume, James Swanson took out the Press, 2001, xiv + 191 pp., $16.00 biblical text with these discussions. technical discussions and much of the paper. Anne Punton’s book takes a differ- background material, leaving the ent approach as she focuses on intro- essence of the word pictures which The World Jesus Knew: Beliefs and Cus- ducing the Jewish background during help the New Testament come alive toms from the Time of Jesus. By Anne the time of Jesus. This is one of the best for the reader. The book is arranged Punton. Grand Rapids: Monarch introductory books to illustrate the consecutively through the New Tes- Books, 1996, 267 pp., $12.99 paper. Jewish background of Jesus. Punton’s tament, so that one uses it by looking book has two major emphases of dis- up a particular text. Chances are These two publications each provide cussion. One of the themes is to illus- excellent that any significant word is overviews of the Life and Times of trate the Jewish institutions of Jesus addressed. The chapter headings and Jesus. Both volumes are designed for (e.g. the synagogue, the Jewish agri- verse numbers are set in bold type. a lay or undergraduate audience with cultural year, etc). The second is to Those words of the English text the goal of providing a brief synop- provide an overview of the manners quoted are in bold type in brackets, sis of the times of Jesus. Each author and customs during the first century and the Greek words are transliterated has spent many years in the Holy A.D. (e.g., “the education Jesus into English and italicized. Generous Land, and although their topics are Received,” “the clothes Jesus wore”). cross references are given to assist in presented in a basic overview, it is The books will be particularly useful further study. Difficult concepts are clear that their information is but- for Sunday school classes or second- explained and colloquialisms are tressed with a breadth of knowledge ary education. related to help transfer the images to that is based on current research— Both of these books are geared modern culture. A brief, instructive particularly of Second Temple his- toward a general audience. Both are introduction is provided for each New tory, Judaism, and recent archaeologi- well illustrated with black and white Testament book, offering essential cal excavations. These publications photos. Those who have traveled, or information on matters of date, place Jesus within his historical and will be traveling, to Israel on a Holy authorship, occasion and purpose, cultural context. Their strength is that Land or study tour would best utilize and essential content. they provide the reader with how this these books. Due to their specific foci, A. T. Robertson was one of the great knowledge impacts their faith and the books are not comprehensive (e.g., New Testament scholars of his own or also provide clear explanations for neither discusses in detail the trial, any other era. How proud we should the context of the life and message of death, and resurrection of Jesus— be to realize that he was one of ours! Jesus. although Stacy does present an over- Any reissuing of his works is a cause Wayne Stacy’s book is a compan- view of the Garden Tomb and the for celebration, as new generations can ion devotional guide for Christian Church of the Holy Sepulcher). Both sit at his feet. This edition of Word tourists to the Holy Land. Since the books lack appropriate footnotes and 107 bibliographic references to make them The exposition often reads like a light useful for academic use, unless they skim of the commentaries and the use are used in conjunction with a short- of Greek is less than careful. With the term study tour of the Holy Land or way the series is set up, there is sim- as secondary texts to complement a ply not enough space given to exposi- course on the Life of Jesus. tion in order to be sufficient for the sort of grappling with the text required of Steven M. Ortiz preachers. New Orleans Baptist In summary, this series is marketed Theological Seminary as a time-saver. Those whose calling centers on expounding the sacred I & II Thessalonians, I & II Timothy, text ought beware of supposed short- Titus, Philemon. Holman New Testa- cuts (2 Tim 2:6, 15!). Those serving ment Commentary. By Knute Larson. such preachers ought to beware of Nashville: Broadman & Holman, tempting these preachers with such 2000, 421 pp., $19.99. shortcuts. If one is looking for a more popular level commentary to supple- “The more precious your preparation ment one’s study of the more techni- time, the more essential the Holman cal ones, the works of Stott, Towner, New Testament Commentary is to your and Liefeld would be better choices. success. No other reference gets to the heart of the New Testament as effi- Ray Van Neste ciently as the Holman New Testament Union University Commentary.” So says the blurb on the back of this commentary. Sadly, one cannot expect sober self-evaluation even in Christian books. This is an exceedingly lofty claim, and not surprisingly the book fails to live up to it. It is a decent com- mentary for the average layperson for personal study or perhaps in a Sun- day School class. The series intends to walk through a basic Bible lesson on the passage providing introductory stories, summaries of key issues in the passage, a closing story, and some application. This author assesses the key issues of the passages fairly well and does not shy away from difficult theological issues (e.g., election). However, one ought not expect sig- nificant discussion of such issues. They are really just acknowledged. 108