A Nation of Nations, by Louis Adam Puritanism and Democracy which re ic. New York : Harper and Broth echoes the slogan in the following ers, 1945. 3:99 pp., p.50. words : "The essential faith of America came into being in the cold, clear The book offers a ringing challenge headed, spacious world of Puritan New to some of our traditional theories England." concerning the origins of America. As a matter of fact, the present-day The particular theory which has population of America is more than aroused the author is the one which one-third non-Anglo- Saxon stock of the holds that this is a white-Protestant- first, second and third generations. country whose main Anglo-Saxon Thus, instead of there being one is infiltration stniggle against by "essential faith" of America, according "hordes of foreigners" and negroes to Perry, the author believes there are who persistently threaten to adulter a dozen essential faiths. "Diversity" is ate the stock and spirit. original the pattern of America and this has The author's plea is for a revision made her great. and rethinking of much of our history. It is the author's belief-his effort his contention that there is "an It is supporting it-that we are beginning to enormous mass of American history" "sense the distortions, the omissions, which has been suppressed. He sees the departure from reality, the chasm of the British in this an early scheme between what we think America is and American and to give ideology polity what it actually is." Increasingly we an and English aspect pro-English are realizing that the White-Anglo- direction. This became especially de Saxon-Protestant myth is not ade sirable after the colonies became free quate, is not true, and it is a prolific and independent. cause of frictions and strains in our There are two ways of looking at body politic. American history. The first has been He then proceeds in case-study indicated ; it is the view which regards fashion to recount the valuable services this country as Anglo-Saxon in origin, and contributions of many diverse institutions, culture and character. racial groups to the making of The second view holds that the coun America. It is an imposing list of men try is not essentially Anglo-Saxon in and heroic deeds which he gives in pattern even though the language is thirteen chapters, dealing with the English. It is rather a blend of cul significant contributions of non-Anglo- tures from many lands. The result is Saxons from earliest colonial days to that ours is a new civilization, owing the present. The list includes Ameri much to the Anglo-Saxons but owing cans from Italy, Spain, Mexico, much to other racial stocks as well. France, Holland, Sweden, Russia, Ger The author points out that nearly all many, Yugoslavia, Norway, Greece, our "historians, essayists, novelists, Poland, Ireland, and the negroes. short-story writers, and our editors" "Sir. Marcus Nalley of Tacoma, magnify the Anglo-Saxon heritage to Washington generously sent gift copies the dispargement or suppression of the of the book to many teachers in our other contributions. As a sample he colleges and other institutions. He quotes Ralph Barton Perry's book quotes with approval the wish of an- BOOK REVIEWS 35 other that the book might become gles and phases of personal psychology required reading in every high school. in the life of David that only the most It could as well be required reading deeply spiritual and penetrating stu for the clergy, social workers and dent of the things of God can observe. journalists, for it deals in a forth-right In one of his chapter divisions Dr. manner with a grave sociological pro Blackwood uses as a topic "The blem. Revival That May Follow War." In WILDER R. REYNOLDS this study the reader can see that Is Professor of Church History rael was ready for a revival of Jehovah Asbury Theological Seminary worship after the chastenings and pri vations of the i)eriod of war with the Preaching From Samuel, by Andrew Philistines. With prophetic and ac W. Blackwood. New York : Abing curate challenge Dr. Blackwood calls don Cokesbury, 1946. 256 pp. us to believe that the minds and hearts f2.00. of men today are ready for revival. He that these are in which Dr. Andrew W. Blackwood has been suggests days to expect a return to and a professor of homiletics at Princeton religion, period of spiritual awakening. Seminary for sixteen years. His book. From Samuel is divided From Samuel will interest Preaching Preaching into three sections. The first he calls every lover of great Bible teaching, but "The Pastor Who Guides in Rebuild it should be particularly instructive ing." In this division he deals with and inspiring to ministers because Dr. the leadership of the great prophet Blackwood is both a specialist in the during the judgeship of Eli, during the presentation of the Word, and an ex period of the misrule of his and cellent teacher in Biblical exposition. sons, the end of the period of the One is impressed with the of judges. accuracy Part Two he calls "The Ruler Who his scholarship and with the vividness Failed in Rebuilding." This section is of his spiritual imagination. a of the and shadows in ministers from the study lights Many preaching the of Saul the first of Old Testament take their audiences reign king Israel. In the third division Dr. back into the early bible times, and Blackwood presents David as the after certain textual and historical "Man Who Leads in observations leave them there. Dr. Rebuilding." David possesses the true "Spirit of Blackwood with dramatic ac presents Reconstruction." He becomes the ideal curacy the life of the ancient prophet leader, the anointed of the God's Samuel and the turbulent times that Lord, chosen one. Much in the life and mark the end of the of the spirit period of David is made to show us the judges and the reigns of Saul and nature of true spiritual leadership in David ; and then he lifts up before our this age, and in every age. eyes a certain timeless and timely To a person who believes that God trutlis that reveal the nature of is speaking to us today, in the Old similarly dangerous and disturbing Testament as well as the New; who conditions in our modern society. believes that "all scripture is . . . Dr. Blackwood shows us in the profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for of Samuel characteristics leadership correction, for instruction in right of the and successful man good pastor eousness," this book will not only of God. He sees in the character and confirm that faith, but will be useful l>ehavior of King Saul certain prin enlightenment to his total sense of that to ciples might apply leadership divine truth and teaching. in our He makes David age. King JAMES FLINT BOUGHTON seem to be a We are contemporary. Professor of Philosophy and Religion given insight into some of the strug Asbury College 36 BOOK REVIEWS

Revelation and Reason, by Emil Brun system is, Dr. Clark contends, its ner (translated by Olive Wyon inability to come to grips with man's from the German edition of moral situation. This grows out of 1941). Philadelphia: The West the fact that in the Judeo-Chiistian minster Press, 1946. xii, 440 ethic springs from a positive belief in pages. $4.50. an eternal Lawgiver, with respect to whose mandates acts are or This volume is reviewed editorially right wrong. in this issue. See pages 3 and follow ing. It is probable that most of the readers of this review would be in agreement with our author at these A Christian Philosophy of Edwation, points. It is difficult to avoid the feel by Gordon H. Clark. Grand Rap ing, however, that he promises much ids : Eerdmans, 1946. 217 pp. |3. more in the fir-st half of the volume than he succeeds in in the From the time of Plato until uow delivering latter part. While he makes thoughtful men have pondered the many pertinent observations in the second relation of education to the pre-sup- half at the of the weaknesses of positions basic to human culture. Dr. point American he seems Clark, professor of Philosophy in But public education, to succeed in offeriu" as a solution ler University, has reopened the little more than a renewed stress question, this time by route of an upon the 'Three a depreciation (doubt examination of our Zeitgeist done in R's,' less of mixed academic and the light of historic orthodoxy. deserved) vocational and a defense of Welcome of Professor Clark's in training, the of Christian to sistence, all too seldom made since right people pro vide and James Orr's Christian View of God separate primary secondary for their children. and the World, that Christianity in schooling The under title "The volves a distinctive manner of viewing chapter, Chris tian of Education" the whole range of human investiga Philosophy prom ises at last to us we so tion. In the light of newer trends, he give what need. While it is no means assays to state the characteristically sorely by Christian understanding view of God, trivial, it seems inconclusive. The deal of man, and of human destiny. This thirty pages sketchily with Chris is made instrumental to a treatment of tian Apologetics, the place of reason the larger question of the "religious in education, the question of aims in neutrality" of our secular educational education, the relation of emotion to system. reason, and the tendencies to skep Under the headings: "Is Neutrality ticism latent in the Romantic move Possible?" "Is Neutrality Actual?" ment. It seems to the reviewer that none of are and "Neutrality in Ethics" our author these treated adequately, that develops the thesis that a religiously and the conclusion reached, that neutral position in education is not education needs a body of positive and revealed content which possible. In consequence, a system of (with many of education which seeks to take no sides us would agree) is a non sequitur at the point of religious belief lends with respect to much of the material itself admirably to the propagation of of the Chapter. no beliefs whatsoever, and by almost The title of the concluding chapter, imperceptible stages to the propaga "Kindergarten to University" leads us tion of pure paganism. to expect a a igorous plea for a system Outstanding among the weaknesses of education, specifically and char of a supposedly neutral educational acteristically Christian, which shall BOOK REVIEWS

embrace the entire range of formal are so many parallels between our schooling. :Much of the material is civilization and that of Rome that we peripheral to this real purpose; the need to be conversant with its story. chief merit of the chapter is its insist The author aptly says, "There in the ence that Christian primary and struggle of Roman civilization against secondary schools are no more inimical barbarism within and without, is our to democratic society than are Chris struggle; through Rome's problem of tian colleges. One could wish that this biological and moral decadence sign subject had been treated with more posts rise on our road today ; the class

thoroughness. war ... is the war that consumes our The most general criticism of the interludes of peace; ... Of ourselves volume is that it stakes out too much this Roman story is told." territory, and fails to treat its subjects CcBsar and Christ is primarily a cul with sufficient thoroughness. Many of tural history. The author defines his the author's points are well taken, and method as synthetic history, which is are worth pondering. Some of our the presentation of a people's life, readers will consider that Dr. Clark's work and culture in their simultan statement that Arminianism is a theo eous operation. The work is encyclo logical road "that leads to modernism pedic in its magnitude, leaving, it and beyond" reflects not doctrinal would seem, no considerable person or malice, but theological provincialism, significant trend unreported. HAROLD B. KUHN The Church is, as might be expect Professor of Philosophy of Religion ed, viewed the eyes of a Asbury Theological Seminary through thorough-going naturalism. And yet the treatment is very friendly. The Cfvsar and Christ, by Will Durant, author strives for scientific objectivity New York : Simon & Schuster, in reporting his facts. For instance, 1944. 752 pp. 15.00. he is willing to allow that the apostles were honest in that Cfrsar and Christ is the third vol entirely believing Jesus had risen from the dead and ume in the author's distinguished ascended into Heaven. He refrains projected five volume work on The from expressing his own opinion on Story of Civilization. The present that subject. volume is a history of Roman civiliza His account of the conversion of tion and of Christianity from their be Paul is a dressed version of the old ginnings to A. D. 325. Competent up and somewhat that this critics have compared this work with moldy theory event in the of civiliza the greatest histories of mankind, and mighty history tion was the result of an fit they give the author a place along epileptic and a thunderstorm. He "The with Montesquieu, Gibbon, Mommsen, says, of a the Macaulay and Ferrero. fatigue long journey, strength of the desert a stroke of Those who have read other volumes sun, perhaps heat in the from this author's facile pen will lightning sky, acting by accumulation a frail and know what to expect. He writes with upon pos epileptic body, and a mind a lucidity and vigor that makes the sibly tortured doubt and made dry-as-dust facts of history read like by guilt" Paul the ablest of a romance. In this volume he re preacher Stephen's Christ. interprets and synthesizes the vast culture of this most important civili So far as the objective facts of the zation of the ancient period with a early Church are concerned, the view to the illumination of some of author deals with them with penetrat the problems of the present. There ing insight and an interesting sense of S8 BOOK REVIEWS proportion. He recounts witli moving final chapter shows the pertinence of detail the faith and perseverance of their message to our time. the terribly persecuted Church. "There As a realist the prophet is a man of is no greater drama in human record deep spiritual insight grappling with than the sight of a few Christians, the moral and social evils of his day scorned or oppressed by a succession and impelled by an inner voice to of emperors, bearing all trials with a warn men of God's impending judg fierce tenacity, multiplying quietly, ments. But the prophet is also an building order while their enemies oracle of hope; he does not leave man generated chaos, fighting the sword comfortless. The "second Isaiah" is with the Word, brutality with hope, the author of the most numerous and and at last defeating the strongest most beautiful of the "hope oracles," state that history has known. Caesar typical of which is the well-known and Christ had met in the arena, and passage beginning, "Comfort ye, com Christ had won." fort ye my people, saith your God." Every volume which is part of a (Isa. 40:1-11) The prophet as con projected series deserves to be consid fessor sometimes laments for the na ered in the context of the larger study tion; sometimes he confesses a per in which the author is engaged. This sonal experience or a personal sin. work promises to make its contribu Examples of lamentation are Jeremiah tion to "The Story of Civilization" 14:7-9 and Ezekiel 19:10-14; of per while standing in its own right as SL sonal confession, Jeremiah 15:15-18 fairly objective treatment of the per and Habbakuk 3:17-19. Both types are iod in which the Church first went regularly in poetic form, as though forth conquering and to conquer, only the exalted rhythm of poetry was WILDER R. REYNOLDS adeiquate to confessional expression. Professor of Church History The lamentations are usually in the Asbury Theological Seminary "qinah" or dirge meter, which consists of three beats followed by two beats. In describing the prophets as men of The Genim of the by W- Prophets, vision the author two Arthur Fans. Abingdon-Cokes- distinguishes kinds of prophetic vision, both for him bury Press, 1946. 190 pp. $1.75. valid so far as they apply to the an This slender volume comes from the cient Hebrews: the calm, meditative pen of the pastor of Emmanuel Meth vision, and the trance, or hallucina odist Church, Clearfield, Pennsylvania, tion. The series of short visions in a man well able to discuss the pro Amos 7:1-9 are representative of the phetic message. The book will serve first variety while Isaiah's call illus to introduce the novice to the study trates the second. Although the author of the Hebrew sages; moreover, its in discussing trance phenomena does special emphasis on the literary tex not hesitate to use the language of ture of the prophetic writings will win modem psychology he fully recognizes the experienced bible student to a the presence of the supernatural in the deeper appreciation of their message. trance experience; as, for instance, Some new light, too, is shed on the when he says, "The prophet at such a prophets by the relating of them to time [during the trance] seemed to their historical, psychological, and have another ego within himself, a biographical backgrounds. A chapter counterpart or double, which was the each is devoted to the prophets as real Spirit of God." (p. 107) Lest we think ists, as men of hope, as confessors, as that these trance visions are peculiar men of vision, and as preachers. A to the ancient Hebrews he cites some BOOK REVIEWS 39 unusual mystical and ecstatic ex for this reviewer lies in its author's periences that attended Christians in appreciation of the literary excellenc medieval and modem times. ies of the prophetic message, an The prophet as preacher is shown appreciation which unfortunately is delivering his message in both poetic lacking among Bible students and prose styles, using any of the four generally today. different preaching forms: exhorta JAMES D. ROBERTSON Associate Professor of Theology tion, exposition, parable, or allegory. Applied Asbury Theological Seminary Because at many points there is striking similarity between our own times and those of the prophets Dr. Light From the Ancient Past, by Jack Faus in the last chapter urges upon Finegan. Princeton, New Jer us the timeliness of the prophetic sey : Princeton University Press, message. Some may disagree with him 1946. xxiv, 500 pp. 55.00. when he says that other than that it One cannot this remarkable was uttered in the midst of social pemse book without thankfully recalling conditions similar to ours, that mes Jesus' words, "Others have labored, sage has no particular relevance and you have entered into their labor." beyond its own to day. According Thanks to the labors of the author the conditions common to indefatigable archaeologists, linguists, philologists, both eras are a general social and geographers, critically equipped his rt'ligious upheaval, the neglect of tme torians, and skilled pur-veyors like religion, and the reliance on material Finegan, we are immeasurably rich in and military might instead of on God. knowledge of the past. For a people living in this state of The author, formerly a student of affairs the prophets, he finds, have Hans Lietzmann at the University of four major preachments: (1) face the Berlin and now director of facts and have religious realistically repent, (2) activities at Iowa State has faith in the wisdom of College, preaching, travelled and studied in the Near East. (3) find the source of spiritual author The scope of his book is It in first-hand staggering. ity religious experience, offers a connected account of the his (4) trust God for the future. tory of the peoples of the Near East It is regrettable in the extreme that and the relation of the Hebrews and our author without accepts, seemingly Christians to them, as it is known criticism, the major conclusions of from archaeology, from about 5000 liberal historical criticism in the field B. C. to 500 A. D. The writer shows of Old Testament. While this volume an amazing command of the literature is not concerned with crit primarily in the field of archaeology and an un ical the writer as matters, accepts usual ability to evaluate the same. closed the case for the author multiple Though he is more at home in the New of and assents to the view ship Isaiah, Testament and early Christian per us that several of (to unnecessary) iods, his coverage is quite satisfactory the other prophetic books have been in the Old Testament and pre-biblical subject to liberal addition and inser periods. tions. Nor is it to hear one reassuring A few examples of what one will in a treat professedly scholarly study find in this book may be in order: the superficially matters of scholarship civilization out of which Abraham and as were authenticity, though they came; the light thrown on the doings unimportant. of the patriarchs by the excavations Among the fine qualities which this of Palestine and Mesopotamia; the book possesses, its special significance character of the culture of Egypt in 40 BOOK REVIEWS the time of Joseph and Moses; the The Idea Of Perfection in the Western nature of the conquest of Palestine as World, by Martin Foss. Prince known from the excavations at ton University Press, 1946. 102 Jericho, Bethel, Lachish, etc.; the pages. $1.50. character of Solomon's enter building The Professor of at and Philosophy prises; Assyrian Babylonian Haverford has addressed records of events narrated in the College himself to an ambitious task, the Bible; of the cities of descriptions correction of the unwholesome condi Jesus and the world of Paul as known tions from the concept of to archaeologist and scientific explor resulting perfection in the realms of art, ethics, er; the character of ancient writing history, and religion. It is difficult materials; light on the vocabulary of to be neutral on the subject of the New Testament from the papyri and the author anticipates of Egypt; the great manuscripts of perfection that his position will be challenged. the Bible and how they are studied by This reviewer confesses to a prejudice scholars; the catacombs, sarcophagi, in favor of the perfection concept and and early Christian churches. The therefore pleads to an inclin book is profusely illustrated with guilty ation to emphasize in this review the maps and pictures. It is difficult to more questionable features of the see how a modern preacher can preach treatise. In favor of the book it may and teach as he ought without some of be out that the the rich information contained in this pointed warning within a closed compendium of archaeological infor against complacency is most wholesome and is need mation. system ed in every generation; also the This book takes a merited place of the is alongside other basic summarizations challenge unconquered humiliating, challenging, and indispen and evaluations of the war years in sable to real the field of archaeology: W. F. Al progress. Mr. Foss states that bright, From the Stone Age to Chris philosophy's task is to remain a constructive link tianity and Archwology and the Reli between the and gion of Israel (Johns Hopkins Press, inorganic living worlds interpreting human values. 1940 and 1942 respectively) ; Millar by It was Socrates who made the the Burrows, What Mean These Stones? good absolute standard of and (American Schools of Oriental Re perfection, ethical systems since have followed search, 1941) ; C. C. McCown, The this cue. We seek in Ladder of Progress in Palestine (Har perfection art, education, beauty, and even in per, 1943) ; and G. E. Wright and religion. and even in F. V. Filson, The Westminster His education, beauty relig ion. Our Mr. is to torical Atlas to the Bible (Westmin task, says Foss, this ideal in the realm of ster, 1945). Finegan and McCown in challenge aesthetics and ethics. the main describe what archaeologists He defines as the con have found, while the others men perfection of execution to or tioned interpret the relevance of these formity purpose, finds for our understanding of the "objective purposiveness" (Kant). There are no in Bible. The older reference books, such perfect men, however, the sense that there be as Barton's Archwology and the Bible, may perfect The more limited the end the must now give way to these up-to-date typists. treatments. Ministers would do well greater the probability of attaining it, i. Animals have to start with this book by Finegan. e., perfection. certain EDWARD P. BLAIR instinctive skills which are perfect Associate Professor of Biblical Literature because restricted. There are no levels Garrett Biblical Institute or degrees of perfection, the author BOOK REVIEWS 41

maintains, because perfection is al (p. 30) "Perfection emphasizes the ways 'perfect perfection'." In the end, excellence the way.'" (p. 33) field of thought 'perfection' as a philo Augustine learned that seeking is the sophical concept, was hypostatized and ideal, not the arrival. Because of this proved "fatal to the religious develop the idea of perfection in art is not jus ment of the Western world." (p. 13) tified. Kant's great service was to The Greeks were repressed and eliminate the concept of perfection limited, except in thought; hence from aesthetics, making progress pos they discovered a spiritual world, a sible. Kant also challenged the idea limited, stable, and perfect cosmos, of perfection in the realm of ethics, like their city-state. The religion demanding that we get "away from which corresponds to this idea of the an ethics of ends." (p. 76) Laws are limited, the complete, the perfect "like all systems of perfection and is pantheism; in fact 'being' is the completeness, merely exclusive, never most imperfect and empty concept. absolute." (p. 84) The danger of the (p. 16) "God is in all philosophies of ideal of perfection, insists Foss, "is perfection a mere thing." Christian that it demands absoluteness and seeks thought followed Greek thought in to dispute the claims of every alter native law." making God a thing and Anslem's ontological argument is based on this In the sphere of ethics Foss' argu perfectionist view of God. The ideal of ment reaches its climax : divine is because perfection imperfect For ethical perfection is a danger to men : not exclusively intellectual; it is abtrac- only because it turns, as we have seen, man tion and omission, based upon the against man in his claim for absolute possession metaphysical principle of identity. All of the good, but also because it develops an unbearable pride in the members of every ethical efforts to prove God's existence clan. Whoever belongs to such a group and have been based on the idea of logically possesses the perfect system of rules can in ful perfection. filling these rules be a 'perfectly good' person and enjoy thoroughly his own perfection. In ful In the Old Testament God is not a filling the law and every letter of the law he will i. not a One who perfect God, e., thing. be the 'righteous' man, the just, the pharisee, he in a perfect way fulfills his end. will be the one whom the Gospel despises and to the he ( p. 26 ) The word which best expresses compares unfavorably penitent sinner, will be the ethical the virtuoso of the innermost nature of Jehovah is perfectionist, virtue, the man without defects, self-sure and or a kahod, (force, will, heart, soul), proud of himself, (p. 86) creative or destructive force. The Greek translators rendered this by Philosophy's task, Foss concludes, is to unite faith and doxa (honor or glory), a term mean knowledge (p. 99) ingless when applied to God. The New and to do so must dispel the outmoded Testament, under Greek influence, and fallacious concept of absolute per which and stifles. frequently uses "perfection" as an fection, binds, limits, attribute of the divine Person. Matt. One suspects in this "criticism" a recurrence of old 5 :48 ("be ye therefore perfect") cannot the feud between mean absolutely perfect but means "be Parmenides and Heraclitus, between :36. the and the ye therefore merciful" as in Lu. 6 "being" "becoming," per Originally perfection meant comple- manent and the transient, the absolute excellence, a relative thing. "This and the relative. One wishes that the tion; now it has come to mean author has learned from Socrates (or comparative use of the term 'perfec Plato) the importance of defining tion' is by no means justifiable; it is his terms. He refuses to admit any new definition of simply an old word used for a perfection except that of meaning for which it is not suitable." absolute perfection, though tacitly 42 BOOK REVIEWS

tliat a relative recognizing perfection interpretation sufficiently compre is possible, (pp. 30-39) Like all pleas hensive to afford a key to the under for his whole "imperfection" argument standing of the Scriptures as a whole. hinges on this narrow definition. The volume is at the same time inter Would anyone deny that Matt. 5:48, pretative and apologetic. for does not mean "absolute instance, The sympathetic reader can hardly In the realm of aesthet perfection"? avoid appreciating the author's aware ics it is diflflcult to see how one can ness of the problems implied by his with fixed norms dispense without task. He does, it is true, dogmatize degenerating to an uncharted subjec at points, but not without at least tivism � impressionistic art. Was indicating the points of tension be Michael Angelo pleading for this when tween himself and his opponents. Best he "trifles said, make perfection, and of all, he selects real opponents, not perfection is no trifle"? In the realm straw men. of law the trend toward relativism is The body of the work is an exposi not to be viewed without considerable tion of the locus classicus for the doc Is the moral law a misgiving. only trine of biblical inspiration Tim convention? (II othy 3 :16, 17 ) . His exposition is both In the realm of ethics Foss' chal exegetical and contextual, and will be lenge is most dangerous. Does man's welcomed by many a layman as well quest for the best inevitably make one as by the student in the process of jealous and proud? The dangers of finding his way about in the world of Pharisaism are to be admitted and biblical controversy. This is not to guarded against, but it is doubtful if say that the volume is in any sense they are worse than the temptations to complete as an apologetic; but there antinomianism which pure relativism is ground for believing that the con encourages. Let it be admitted that clusions reached and put forward are the temptation of is self- puritanism permanently tenable. righteousness and the tendency of Underlying the entire lectures is a relativism is lawlessness ; the ideal lies warm pastoral note: the writer mani between these extremes, yet perfection fests a warm sympathy with the remains an essential, stable, and stim Christian who desires at the ulating ideal. The dangers inherent deeply same time to the Christian in a philosophy of imperfection are not exemplify Gospel and also to secure a firm work less than those in one of perfection. Faith. the note GEORGE A. TURNER ing Perhaps strongest in this Professor of English Bible connection is his insistence Asbury Theological Seminary upon the motif of "profitable" as an evidence of the validity of Scripture. This, taken together with his emphasis The Christian Use of the Bible, by upon the major objective of the giving Frank E. Gaebelein. Chicago: of the Scriptures as consisting of the The 1946. 124 pages. Moody iPress, production of the "new man in Christ 11.50. Jesus" adds up to a vindication of the By invitation of the faculty of historic claims of the Christian Gospel Dallas Theological Seminary, Dr. Gae which should be appealing to the sym belein, headmaster of The Stony pathetic reader. Brook School, delivered the Griflftth Many will appreciate his discussion Thomas Memorial Lectures for 1944, of the place of "good works" in the which are here published. The writer life of the Christian. It is clear that has set himself to the task of discover Dr. Gaebelein senses the latent ten ing and clarifying a principle of dency toward antinomianism in the BOOK REVIEWS 43

Reformed position. And his treat stance, characters such as Joshua and ment of the question of perfectionism, Solomon are dealt with in a single briefly done, is moderate: it seems paragraph each. The greatest interest likely that he envisions the larger pub centers in poetry, wisdom literature, lic to which his volume will come, and the Apocrypha, and the New Testa seeks to avoid controversy in the inter ment. The aim is to help the reader est of elevating into prominence the find and understand the portions function of the Word in the life of the which will challenge his attention. believer. The total impression given is that If one were to seek a term which the Bible is a remarkable collection of would characterize the book as a literature, "the religious treasure whole, it would probably be the word house of mankind" (p. 238), rather 'wholesome.' The earnest Christian, than God's saving message to man. whether of Calvinistic or Arminian Jesus is "its last great Hero" (p. viii). persuasion, will find repeated occasion In matters of dating and authorship to turn to 2%e Christian Use of the (implied if not stated) the positions Bible. In so doing, he may at times taken are unsatisfactory to this re the more carry away impression that a viewer at many points and unconvinc fitting title might have been "The Pur ing at others�for it is not the main of in pose the Bible the Life of Man." purpose of this book to give reasons. Here is a volume which, though not The book is therefore not recommend large, has a useful and well-prepared ed for use by those who are not index and bibliography. equipped to balance its statements HAROLD B. KUHN with other points of view and to judge of of Professor Philosophy Religion for themselves. Nevertheless, the stu Asbury Theological Seminary dent may find its brief interpretations of Biblical literature very suggestive How To Read the Bible, by Edgar J. and helpful. For one who has lost Goodspeed. Philadelphia : The sight of the wealth and variety of the John C. Winston Co., 1946. 244 Scriptures, this book might be a good pp. 12.50. tonic and a useful reference work. In the last chapter, the history of Eng It is natural that the keen mind of lish Bibles is summarized. a scholar such as should Goodspeed C. ELVAN OLMSTEAD turn to the formulation of a guide to Assistant Professor of Christian Edu the whole range of Scripture, present cation, Asbury Theological Seminary ed in concise form such as a layman might use. This book is, as it were, The Rebirth of the German Churoh, by a series of one to signposts pointing Stewart W. Herman. New York: the reading of the Bible itself. The Harper & Bros., 1946. xix, 297 orientation given (presented as a mat pages. $2.50. ter of fact, for the most part) is based on the conclusions of liberal critical Written by an American whose scholarship. The book is a good ex term as pastor of the American Church pression of views held about various in Berlin terminated with the attack parts of the Bible in circles such as upon Pearl Harbor, this volume Goodspeed is at home in, though the affords us with the clearest picture of mode of statement is somewhat tem the religious situation in Germany pered by the appeal to a wider public that has been drawn since that provi which is intended. Due to the nature ded by Adolf Keller in his Lowell of the work, the treatment of some Lectures. The author takes the reader subjects seems rather slight. For in into his confidence in the Preface, and BOOK REVIEWS strives (succcessfuUy, we tliink) to feel that there is an element in Ger keep that confidence intact throughout many's church life which might well be the book. more largely utilized in the process of Foremost among the questions which reconstruction. Pastor Herman seeks to answer is that Much praise is given to the churches concerning the manner in which the for their effectiveness in cleansing several groups of Christians in Ger their own ranks of Nazis and Nazi- many resisted the National Socialist sympathizers. Concerning the inter regime. He confirms the opinions of play of the Church and the victorious earlier writers, such as Walter Mar armies. Pastor Herman is penetrating shall Horton and Adolf Keller, to the in his observation that the principles effect that it was the Confessional of the Barmen Confession involve the Church which most effectively opposed right of independence from civil power the leaders of the Third Reich. He which might affect the relation of the deals with some care with the question churches to the Allied Control Coun of the relation of Martin Niemoller to cils no less than that to the Party this movement, and concludes that the during the war. pastor of Dahlem deserves his reputa The author's treatment of the vexed tion as the living symbol of Christian question of the German Church's resistance to Nazi power. acknowledgment of guilt in connection Our author has not neglected the with the rise and onward march of question which has been raised since National Socialism leaves the impres sion that he is satisfied more with the the war, whether the principles upon which the Confessing Churches based action of the Church than he could be of their protest during the war are prin with vocal acknowledgments guilt. It is clear that he is the ciples upon the basis of which the impressed by same Churches can serve as a center outcome of the synod of Treysa, where for the rebuilding of the religious life the spirit of Barmen was extended by means of of Germany. His answer is to the ef the organization of the EKID fect that while some of the machinery (Evangelical Church in Ger by which the Confessional Church many ) . exerted its influence will prove tem Much might be said for the breadth porary, the same spirit will find other of the author's treatment of the and more effective methods by which problems arising from Germany's sit to re-infuse life into the spiritual uation. It is too early to know whether rubble of the land. his hopes for a rebirth of vital Chris Enlightening is the observation that tianity will follow Germany's recovery through the maintenance of secret from the initial shock of defeat. seminaries, the Confessional Church Probably, however, he is correct in his that maintained a ministry which will opinion the Church in Germany will be rebuilt probably will serve to bridge the chasm upon Confessional lines. between the older Germany and the Quite apart from the value of the Nazi-corrupted German youth. The book as predictive prophecy�and this author is not, however, optimistic con element is treated with restraint�it cerning the general prospects for is by far the most readable and inform Germany's future. He makes clear ative which has appeared since the that the end of the war found most termination of hostilities in Germany. Germans stunned and relieved�but Pastor Herman has rendered the unprepared for the full realities of English-speaking world a distinct blanket approval to the total policies service in interpreting the German re of the occupation powers; he seems to ligious situation. It goes without say- BOOK REVIEWS 45 ing that the reader who expects to tion. Whom had John in mind when he find 'all the answers' concerning the spoke of the anti-Christ? our writer religious picture will be disappointed seems to favor that given by the theory in the book. Its writer is none too of "Nero redivivus" � an idea which clear at the point of the relation of some will be inclined to question. Catholics to Protestants in Germany, The book contains some uniquely nor concerning the attitude of the inspirational touches. In speaking of EKID toward a democratic recon Luke, Dr. Hunter says: (page 40) struction of Germany. Most will "What is certain is that he was a agree that the democratic world has Gentile by birth, a physician by pro been as short sighted as the German fession, a Christian by conversion, and church in the matter of making con a friend of Paul's by choice. For the structive plans beyond the overthrow rest, if we ask what manner of man he of the Third Reich. It is too early to was, the answer is, 'By his books ye know whether the Confessing Church shall know him'." We read again on will be a center for a genuine recon page 42, "If St. Mark is 'one of those struction of the deeper phases of people who simply cannot tell a story German life. badly,' St. Luke is one who can tell a HAROLD B. KUHN story to perfection." Professor of Philosophy of Religion It is the opinion of this reviewer Seminary Asbury Theological that this book, though inexpensive, is worth its weight in gold. It is, on the Introducing the New Testament, by whole, excellent, not necessarily be Archibald M. Hunter. Philadel cause it follows the general line of phia: The Westminster Press, conservative scholarship, but because of the manner in which it combines 1946. 123 pages. $1.00. spirituality and unanswerable logic. Here is a splendid little book in the Dr. Hunter's book is, as has been field of New Testament, written by a already suggested, highly valuable to man well for his task. The qualified students in seminaries. To professors volume is, in addition to being an giving courses in New Testament In excellent factual of the presentation troduction in colleges and Bible subject, stimulating and suggestive. It schools we say, this is your text. We deserves first the newer place among commend the Westminster Press for books in New Testament Introduction. publishing this volume. students will find that a Theological PETER WISEMAN of this work will prior careful study Pastor, The Holiness Tabernacle assist them in avoiding the bewilder Detroit, Michigan ment which may come from the study of similar volumes written from the and Sanctification : A Study in liberal viewpoint. Wesley the Doctrine Har The writer of this valuable study of Salvation, by ald Lindstrdm. Stockholm: Nya of course, raise questions upon does, 1946. which there is difference of opinion. Bokfdrlags Aktiebolaget, 228 $2.00 Such differences he recognizes and pp. (?). entertains. For instance, in reply to An interesting characteristic of re the question, Who wrote the Epistle to cent studies of early Methodism is the the Hebrews? he replies that whoever warm appreciation of Wesley by those wrote it did so under the inspiration outside of 3Iethodist tradition. A of the Holy Spirit. This is much more Swedish scholar has now made a sig important than the precise identity of nificant contribution to the study of the author. Again in reply to the ques John Wosley as a theologian. It is 46 BOOK REVIEWS published in Sweden, in English as cates of the Wesleyan emphasis, as a translated by H. S. Harvey, but a guide, as a systematization of AVesley's large American book concern is now doctrine of "full-salvation," and as an considering publishing it in this interpretation, for it does contain an country. occasional concise and stimulating in The work is a solid piece of thor sight. and research. Like most ough objective Only rarely does he reflect a view Teutonic works on theology this one point at variance with that held by is the footnotes profusely documented, Wesley. In commenting on a conver occupying nearly as much space as the sation between Wesley and Zinzendorf, text. This is commendable in a serious the author correctly defends the latter of as it affords the study Wesley against a report obviously "polemic reader opportunity to turn to the ally sharpened," but seems not to sources in without waste of Wesley sense the import of Wesley's conten time. Moreover, the documentation is tion, (p. 138). He seems to prefer, skill in distin judicious, exhibiting with Zinzendorf, an emphasis on im guishing the important from the less puted holiness and faith, rather than relevant. As such the book may well Wesley's insistence on an actual im serve as a manual of introduction to parted holiness. In this he stands the study of Wesley's doctrine of per with the Reformed tradition while fection. Wesley is with the Anglican tradition. Unlike most continental studies of Perhaps the most valuable feature the this author knows the dif subject of the present study is the placing of and ference between sanctification the doctrine of sanctification in the not regeneration and does persistently context of the whole scheme of salva "fuse and confuse" the two. Unlike tion, including its eschatological students of he does not many Wesley aspect. He states that Wesley's main content himself with acquaintance concern was salvation and that sanc with a few of but Wesley's writings, tification was the most important with a learned doubtless thoroughness, element in it; it received more stress, from his German-trained he teachers, for instance, than justification. With brings into the horizon of his research this Wesley himself and his followers all of nearly Wesley's important would probably agree. Some studies works. of Wesleyan theology consider sancti This study is descriptive rather fication from the standpoint of sin, than interpretative, which is quite some from the standpoint of the pos understandable, coming as it does itive aspect of love, others from the from one in a different theological standpoint of his total theological out environment and one who has not yet look, but this is concerned with had time to envisage the subject in its sanctification from the perspective of wider associations. This again is com present and final salvation. This van mendable, for observation should pre tage-point together with a familiarity cede interpretation. The subject is with continental theology results in a therefore handled in a matter-of-fact stimulating and often illuminating manner, with little imagination or presentation. This thorough, judi fresh and original insights. It must be cious, and competent study will be recognized, however, that the author welcomed and consulted with profit does understand John Wesley�much by all interested in Wesleyana. better than many English-speaking GEORGE A. TURNER "authorities" on Wesley. This study Professor of English Bible will therefore be welcomed by advo Asbury Theological Seminary BOOK REVIEWS 47

Christian Ethics, by Warner Monroe. and conscience in this light. There are Anderson, Ind. : Tbe Warner three chapters on the Virtues. He calls Press, 1947. vii+260 pages. |2.95. them General Nature, Christian, and Classical. He concludes his book with There is a tendency among us to a convincing justification of the Chris make much intellectual ado over books tian point of view. that show some startling or radical JAMES F. BOUGHTON we incline to be all and tendency ; eyes Professor of Philosophy and Religion ears for something new. On the other Asbury College hand the old truth, though it be beau tiful and cleverly presented, leaves us What New Doctrine Is This? Rob somewhat silent. This may not be due by ert P. Shuler. Nashville: to a lack of appreciation for such old Abing- Press, 1946. 192 and eternal truth, it may be that we don-Cokesbury fl.75. make our loud noises at the circus, pages, and stand all but speechless, and deep The author. Dr. R. P. (Bob) Shuler, ly moved before the Babe of Bethle is the famous pastor-evangelist of the hem. great Trinity Methodist Church, Los Dr. Monroe has not tried to pay too Angeles, California. His pastorate of much attention to our current scepti over a quarter of a century has attract cism upon the low levels of philosophy ed nation-wide attention because of its and ethics. He is much very up to date preachments on civic and individual in his psychological foundationsi, and righteousness. The preaching em in his acquaintance with ethical sys phasis continues unabated in its fiery tems and Christian progress. His book denunciations and prophetic procla stimulates our best ethical idealism mations of Gospel truth. and confirms us in our acceptance of There is no neutral attitude toward the of Christian be general pattern Dr. Shuler. Here is a pastor who lives havior. in the mid-stream of human events. He Christian Ethics is not technically is either loved or hated with equal pas profound, though the writer seems sion. His friends love him for the thoroughly conversant with the field particular enemies that he has made. of ethical Chris thought. Thoughtful This volume is comprised of a series tians read it with may understanding of evangelistic sermons. "Fighting and Dr. Monroe a new profit. brings Bob" Shuler, as he is fondly called, to the traditional spiritual insight writes as he preaches. The style of Christian ethics. He seeks to re writing is gripping. The author makes inforce the old and enduring prin use of strong words and the reader's ciples with new and more convincing attention is retained to the last sen evidences. tence of the volume. In referring to In the first part of his book Dr. Dr. Shuler's writing someone has said, Monroe sets forth some of the out "I have just read a sermon of Dr. standing ethical approaches. He gives Shuler's that is twenty years old. It special attention to hedonism, to still breathes fire and thunder. It rationalism, and to the Christian rule reads as though it were written yes of life. He sets forth a point of view terday." that he calls the "Right" of righteous This volume of sermons sounds an ness, and says there are three neces uncompromising evangelistic note. The sary conditions of right. They are appeal is to historic Christianity, freedom, truth, and cooperation. Dr. Jesus Christ the Savior of the world. Monroe asserts the spiritual nature of The author insists that salvation in man and evaluates progress, altruism. Jesus Christ is conditioned by repent- 48 BOOK REVIEWS ance of sin and an acceptance of the not a history, not a theology. It is shed blood of Christ as the only pos rather a combination of these. sible way of salvation. Dr. Shuler In his Introduction Dr. Sloan indi does not hesitate to make use of the cates the purpose of his book as historic are doctrinal terms which follows: "This work is intended as a To accuse him of Biblically grounded. swift sur-vey of the supreme movement a traditional vocabulary is to speak of history. That movement began with the truth. The author, however, is Abraham; became the Hebrew people careful to make clear that his termi and the Old Testament Scriptures; nology is Biblical, evangelistic, and of became the Christian Church and the a that connotes definite- phraseology New Testament Scriptures; has as its ness of Salvation. There is no soft center the incomparable personality of at the of contro pedaling point any Jesus Messiah -God and man, crucified versial or uncomfortable doctrine. for sin, risen and ascended; and is There is a fearless presentation that directed by the self-revealing God to sin is terribly real. It is a conviction disciple the whole world." From this of Dr. Shuler that a faithful presenta it will appear that the author has tion of Gospel truth can once again elected a sizeable task. save Church and state from the yawn The student will read the book with chasm toward which ing contempor both appreciation and criticism. civilization is now ary moving. Attempting to mediate between the This volume will have no for appeal historic doctrine of Revelation and the liberal theologian who repudiates more 'modern' views, the writer of the Jesus as the Way, the Truth, the work before us says : "St. Matthew may the Savior of the nor will Light, world, have taken down notes of the dis this volume to the com appeal smug, courses of Jesus at the time He was placent person. These sermons plead delivering them. St. Luke had a for a verdict. They demand action; natural capacity for historical investi hence the lazy mind and the indiffer gation and writing ; and it may be that ent individual will pass it by. This the Spirit's part in these revelational book is It seeks to stir up disturbing. works amounted to little more than a the nest. guiding and assisting of men in the B. JOSEPH MARTIN use of their natural Vice-President and Professor of Christian powers." (Page Education, Asbury Theological Seminary 15) This statement may well be ques tioned, to a degree at least, in view of the experience of the man mentioned One For One Har Gospel World, by and the time of their writing. old Paul Sloan. Philadelphia: Further evidences of a somewhat Wharton Memorial Methodist disturbing concessiveness are to be Church, copyright owner, (pub found in such statements as these: lisher unspecified), 1946. 312 pp. "Manifestly God had taken the cur 12.00. rent old world traditions and purified The publication of this volume them [in Genesis] to His use." One is marks a new approach to the 'one tempted to ask whence came "the cur world' idea, popularized by Wendell rent old world traditions"? Might the Willkie in One World, and in One Almighty not have given Moses the World or None, a discussion of the divine record without the mediation of problems raised by the atomic bomb, some corrupt traditions? Again, (page conducted by a number of outstanding 33 ) the author says : "Contrary to the scientists. This work is not a science, general impression, the Bible does not BOOK REVIEWS 49 eontain much of the supernatural." It alogous to a mortal thing, had passed does not help matters much that later maturity and was in a state of senility in the same paragraph he cites facts with death just around the corner. which can be accounted for only upon The second World War within a the basis of belief in the supernatural. generation raised Spengler's stock Dr. Sloan's suggestion (page 35) tremendously. Startling new questions that Abraham was not a monotheiet arose. What is the matter with when he left Ur, or his tracing of the Western civilization? Is there going manner in which the "tradition of to be a "Decline of the West"? Dr. Abraham became the Law of Moses" Sorokin of Harvard University vividly may not wholly convince the thought challenged this Spenglerian wave of ful reader. At the same time it is pessimism. to some of heartening read in detail The fact that this book was written the way in which Israel's code was in 1941 does not make it obsolete. to the codes of the radically superior Growing apprehension over post-war nations about her. power tensions in diplomacy with its One is somewhat to find surprised echoes of a possible third war places the author the Two-Docu accepting Dr. Sorokin's analysis in a new ment theory of the Synoptic Gospels, position of relevancy. Although born the more so in the light of his rather out of the initial disillusionment of the his clear statements concerning World War II, the volume propheti of our Lord's toricity supernatural cally asserts that it was not the birth. This points up the observation Hitlers, Stalins, and Mussolinis who to be that Dr. Sloan, while seeking created the crisis; rather, the already conservative distinctively in the camp, existing crisis made them its instru at times seems to lean over backward ments. Even though they may be to reconcile his in his attempt position removed, the crisis will not be with that of liberal thinkers. eliminated nor even appreciably choice The book contains many sug diminished. gestions. It is a challenge to thought. Spengler and our author agree that It is commendable in its apologetic for Western civilization is in a crisis. the of our Lord. The arrange deity Dr. Sorokin admits that we face no ment of the dates of kings and their ordinary economic or political crisis; contemporary secular events is in the but he refuses to accept the view that of the reviewer, helpful. The judgment the death-agony of Western society is author has set forth much excellent upon us. It is, rather, a severe period material concerning the Gospels; his of transition which is producing tragic work ought to be especially helpful to explosions as the fundamental form of the preacher. the culture PETER WISEMAN present disintegrates. Pastor, The HoHness Tabernacle Three types of culture are traced. Detroit, Michigan The ideational of the Medieval period was predominately other-worldly and religious throughout, oriented in the The Crisis of Our Age by Pitirim A. supersensory reality of God. In the Sorokin. New York : E. P. Dutton thirteenth and fourteenth centuries & Inc., 1943. 338 pp. $3.50 Co., the idealistic culture emerged which Several years ago the German was partly other-worldly and religious, specialist in civilization cycles, and partly this-worldly and secular. Oswald Spengler, upset the pro Finally, the present sensate culture ponents of inevitable progress by emerged, which is altogether this- saying that civilization, which is an worldly, secular, and utilitarian. This 50 BOOK REVIEWS dominant integrative pattern affects form is eternal. Whichever reigns at philosophy, art, ethics, religion, the moment will eventually lose its political science, economics, and law. creativity and decline. The fundamen During the ideational period truth tal pattern must then give way to an was the above, plus the truth accepted emerging now one wherein creativity through the senses and synthesized by again functions. Thus the world of reason. Sensate culture accepts as true reality and value will be expand true only that which is Obtained ed, "making man again an image of through the senses. The imperfect the Absolute on this planet, spiritual human organs of sense are the highest izing culture, ennobling society and tribunal in the judgment of truth. bringing man nearer to the ever- This results in (1) an impoverishment creative and ever-perfect Absolute." of the infinity of true reality since it Later on, a different culture will again is reduced to only one of its aspects; emerge; and this "creative 'eternal (2) a tragic dualism which is cycle' will persist, as long as human simultaneously a culture of man's history endures." glorification and of man's degrada The transition follows a neat pat tion; (S) a chaotic syncretism which tern : crisis�ordeal�catharsis�char attempts to digest an impossible isma�resurrection. We are experienc amount of heterogeneous elements; ing the crisis and ordeal. What can and (4) a quantitative colossalism, re we do about it? By comprehending placing the lack of qualitative values. the situation, we can better bear the None of these culture-forms can ex ordeal and actively participate in the clude the others and survive. By process by making a fundamental refusing to accept supersensory and change in our premises and values. superrational reality, sensate culture When such a catharsis becomes uni "represents an internal and sponta versal, charisma or grace will shine neous development of poisonous virus" forth in a glorious neo-ideational or which spells its inevitable doom. neo-idealistic culture which will Dr. Sorokin commands deep respect emerge in the resurrection. for his insight and evaluation of exist Any reference to sin and selfishness ing conditions. The contemporary as defects in human nature which problem is well stated, but in handling might be basic to present conditions is its basic causes and in formulating an totally lacking. The only redemption adequate solution, our author forces necessary is a "complete change of the those adhering to a conservative contemporary mentality, a funda Christian view to take radical excep mental transformation of our system tion. He refers to the Christian ethic of values, and the profoundest modifi and the Sermon on the Mount as the cation of our conduct." To those of us nearest thing to perfection, and makes who feel that the Bible can better ex room for supersensory and superra plain man's dilemma, its cure and tional reality; yet fails to give a truly future prospects than does the dy Christian interpretation. namics of sociology, this theory is The author calls himself an "inte- disappointing. gralist" who believes that science, The CHsis of Our Age contains, philosophy, ethics, and art are all one nevertheless, a refreshing frankness and serve one purpose: "the unfolding and fearless condemnation which goes of the Absolute in the relative empir to the heart of present conditions. ical world." The theory of emergent Without mincing words. Dr. Sorokin evolution underlies the whole system. hurls invectives at the sore spots in Neither the idealistic nor the sensate our decadent civilization. Every as- BOOK REVIEWS 51 pect comes in for a keen analysis and removing the smoke screen from the rebuke. From this standpoint the human scene Dr. Sperling faces the book is unexcelled and well worth facts realistically but, one feels, all too reading. comfortably. Surely one can write up PAUL F. ABEL the seamy side of the record and at the Student same time escape the abhorred charge Asbury Theological Seminary of pur-itanism. This author rightly pronounces against the "hush-hush" Psychology for the Millions, by Abra policy in regards to sex but in so doing ham P. Sperling. New York: he swings to the other extreme, show Frederick Fell, Inc., 1946. xiv, ing throughout the book his aversion 397 pp. 13.00. for the language of restraint. For this reason I do not recommend the The caption, "Read all about it," text for adolescents. except for its commonplaceness, would Undoubtedly a large public au be a fit title to Dr. Sperling's dience, attracted by its title and by Psychology for the Millions, an the catchy chapter headings will here eminently readable book and a fine attempt a first acquaintance with piece of reporting on the present state psychology. Some of these will not get of human nature. The author pro beyond the first chapter entitled, poses "to give you a mature under "America bares its body and soul." standing of life and people and by it Nor will all of them be related to Mrs. to help you enjoy this serious business Grundy. In spite of these of living." After examining the volume criticisms, I should not hesitate recom one feels that this statement of however, mending Psychology for the Millions purpose might more aptly have as a text for the employed the word "endure" rather browsing emotionally- mature adult who is too busy otherwise than "enjoy." For a psychological to time treatise loaded with spend studying psychology. heavily personal JAMES D. ROBERTSON weaknesses and ity diseases, whatever Associate Professor of AppHed Theology insight it furnishes into causes, Asbury Theological Seminary usually affords small comfort in cures for the mature man or woman, for From Scenes Like Ethel whom this handbook is intended. These, by AVallace. Philadelphia : Hatha- Like all other publications for wav and Brothers, 1945. 223 pp. popular consumption this book has a f2.bo. flare for the sensational. A major pitfall here is the temptation, notwith More amusement may be had by standing perhaps the author's caution, reading certain recent books on life in to inveigle the uncritical reader into preachers' families, but for genuine generalizing from the startling appreciation of a Christian family. exception, to accept as universally From Scenes Like These will be more valid, bits of findings from inadequate satisfactory. Get Thee Behind Me, samplings. The author himself, in my Papa Was A Preacher and others pro opinion, could exercise a little more vided considerable entertainment, but care in this matter of generalization. they left those who cling to the "faith It is not unalterably fixed, for of their fathers" with a hurt because instance, that all children in a of the sly jibes, the amused superiority particular family shall have a big ear of the new generation at the naivete of lobe simply because big ear lobes run that faith. As one review says con in that family, (p. 35) One other cerning the book under consideration, major criticism I Avish to voice: In "Here are children who did not become 52 BOOK REVIEWS

'�ick of religion because they had too fects on her family of two world wars, much.' They liked it and kept it." quoting several letters from her broth The author, who uses her maiden er who was in both wars, and from name, is the wife of a Presbyterian his son who was in the second. In clergyman and one-time director of dealing with things of today she tells Princeton Theological Seminary, Dr. of her work in army camp hospitals. Samuel G. Craig. She is a graduate of She is outspoken in her denunciation the University of Pennsylvania and of pacificism, claiming that it is un- has studied at other colleges, and is a Scriptural and contrar-y to the spirit member of the National League of of both Testaments. The book express American Pen Women and of the Na es patriotic fervor that glories in those tional Federation of Press Women. who go to fight for their country. Yet her "Life in a Christian Family," the she questions concerning nephew, subtitle of the book, is presented by "Is he ready for life or for death? Is character sketches of the grown-ups of he trusting his salvation not on what the Wallace family, as well as of its he will do to win the war but on the dogs, and by incidents amusing, pa work of Christ? Are these boys who thetic, joyous and tragic, that took have grown up in an age of self grati place in the home and on travels. fication and worship of pleasure ready "Things of yesterday," which the au to be offered?" thor looks back to with fond recollec For those who remember the happy of to tions, are balanced by "things days when family life was not dis day," which show how the training in rupted by automobiles and the quest the a Christian atmosphere prepared for excitement at the movies, but cen members of the family to meet life. tered in the united activities of all the In contrast to the average modern household, this book will afford pleas family of three and one-half persons, ure and perhaps produce a bit of this Christian family of a generation nostalgia for the "good old days." For ago had beside the parents five chil those who are seeking amid difficulties dren, a grandmother, a great aunt, and to maintain an "old fashioned" Chris two older cousins. In commenting on tian home with standards of righteous this household the author says, "In ness and faith, this may give encour spite of their size, families then agement by showing that in this seemed to get along better than they family the grace which sustained the do now. . . . Nearly all of our little older generation was held to by the friends had grandmas and grandpas younger and was sufficient to sustain living with them � indeed a family them under vastly different circum without one didn't seem complete at stances of life. It is to be recommend all." The respect which these five chil ed for pleasant, wholesome, and easy dren were taught for all the older reading. members was probably a large factor ELIZABETH W. WARNER in this harmony. Instructor in Social Studies The author deals briefly with the ef Asbury College