As the subtitle states, this is a "review of the principal doctrinal discussions in the Christian Church since the Apostolic Age." What the title does not tell you is that the book is a theological treasure.
Beginning with the Jerusalem Council, William Cunningham works his way down through church history until he comes to the Reformation and the Council of Trent. Also included are those doctrinal issues which were subsequent to the Reformation and Counter-Reformation, and which flowed naturally from them.
Included are discussions of church government, the views of the apostolic and post-apostolic fathers, the doctrine of the Trinity, the Pelagian controversy, the idolatry of image worship, the Socinian controversy, and the Arminian controversy. Of particular interest to Christians involved in politics is his discussion of Erastianism and church/state relations.
But the value of this work is not exegetical. The task that Cunningham has undertaken is simply to set forth the state of the various controversies, show what must be proven on both sides, demonstrate what is at stake in each dispute, and analyze the validity of the arguments that historically have been presented.
This work has great value for modern Christians. We have been pleased to think that many of the controversies that have swirled around the Christian church are nothing more than theological arcana -- do we make the sign of the cross with two fingers or three? Baptize with heads upstream or downstream?
Here Cunningham is a master. He shows that the great theological controversies were not about a bunch of nothing, but rather, in many cases, the faith that was entrusted to the saints once for all was in grave danger. At the same time, Cunningham even-handedly shows us the blind spots of the orthodox as well.
It is not overstatement to say that the history of the world is the history of ideas. In the same way, the history of the Christian church is the history of theological ideas. In Historical Theology, we see the importance of intellectual obedience in how we think about God and His revelation, and we see the consequences of refusal to bring every thought captive to Christ. These two volumes would be a fine addition to any library.
The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination
I have read this book twice -- once before I was Reformed and once after. Not surprisingly, my attitude toward the book was different in the second reading, but the nature of change was instructive to me. The first time I read the book, I remember being hungry for a biblical perspective on the subject of chance. Consequently, there was much in the book that was food for me, and which I appreciated very much.
I had begun my reluctant pilgrimage into the mysteries of grace. I did not like it at all, and had no intention of becoming a "Calvinist," but then, no one had asked me for my approval. The problem for me was the "limited" atonement which was stuck in my throat sideways and would not go down.
Consequently, Boettner's chapter on the atonement was weak, I thought. I remember telling people that he only quoted two verses in the entire chapter, and those were not developed. Imagine my surprise when I re-read the book. In the meantime, I had finally learned that Jesus did not die to purchase redeemability. He died to redeem or purchase His people. This time Boettner's chapter on the atonement was a real delight, and firmly rooted in Scripture.
The incident was a real lesson to me on the power of theological blinders. Unless God gives us eyes to see, we do not see. Unless God enlightens the eyes of His people, they will not understand the heighth and breadth and depth of Christ's love. Consequently, in all our theological discussions and disputes, we should endeavor to submit humbly to Christ, and ask Him to teach us.
A careful reading of this book is a good place to start your study of this issue. The book is divided into six sections. The first contains a general introduction to the issues involved, an establishment of the final authority of Scripture in the discussion, and a warning against undue speculation.
The second section is an exposition of what has been called the "five points." In this section, Boettner covers total inability, unconditional election, limited atonement, efficacious grace, and the perseverance of the saints. In the third section, he answers the most common objections urged against these truths. Section four addresses subjects like personal assurance and God's control over the physical world. In the fifth section he shows the practical importance of the doctrine, and in the last section, he shows the influence of "Calvinism" in history. For those who are beginning to study grace, this book is a good starting point.
Steve Wilkins begins this history tape series by quoting from Psalm 78. This is used as a backdrop to stress the importance of teaching an accurate and God-honoring view of history to ourselves and our children. This must be done so that we might not forget His works, but put our hope in Him rather than in the vain and futile devisings of man.
In thirty-two lessons, we are taken through a fascinating survey of our nation's history. From the early explorers through the period of Radical Reconstruction imposed on the southern Confederacy, we are shown how our religious views concerning God's sovereignty have affected our political views with respect to the role of civil government.
Wilkins contends that most of us find the study of history uninteresting because it has been presented from the perspective of modern, unbelieving historians, whom he calls "historical Canaanites." To become significant and interesting, history must be studied as a record of God's mighty works in the earth, an account of the success and victory of Christ's redemptive purpose, and an outworking of God's sovereign will.
A Jewish historian is quoted as saying, "A nation's past history governs its present actions, but only in terms of what its citizens believe their past history to have been." If this is true, then we must not allow the our modern Canaanites to continue teaching our children, or all our future actions as a nation will be based on lies. This is why we have so many current problems -- we have forgotten what God has done for us as a nation in the course of our history, and we are paying for our ignorance.
Indeed it is impossible for men who lack a Reformed and covenantal view of God and man to assign a correct meaning to history, because, as has been well said, "Men cannot give a meaning to history which they themselves lack, nor can they honor a past which indicts them for their present failures."
In this tape series, Wilkins masterfully combines the teaching of history with the art of enthusiastic storytelling. His subjects come alive. Much of what he says will provoke, surprise, and challenge most Christians' current assumptions. This is especially the case on his last three tapes concerning the reasons for the War Between the States, and the subsequent treatment of the former Confederacy.
The series sells for $69.95, and includes sixteen tapes in a nice case, an exceptional notebook with complete outlines, a comprehensive bibliography, an index, study guide, and timeline, all in an attractive binder. The tapes can be purchased separately for $49.95.
My only complaint is with the recording quality of a few of the tapes. Although you could always hear his voice clearly, at times there are some distracting background noises. Even so, the listening is well worth it.
The series contains a bountiful supply of source quotes and many references to other material for continued study. This fine series will definitely whet your appetite for the diligent study of more God-centered history.
I highly recommend this series of tapes.
A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, but the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. (Prov. 13:22).
Unfortunately, too many Christians act more like the sinner, leaving their children and their children's children a hole of debt rather than a pile of gold. It is this problem which Mr. Burkett addresses in his latest effort to provide Christians with biblical guidance on how to handle the wealth which the Lord has entrusted to them.
I picked up this book expecting investment advice for the future, based upon the economic outlook described in The Coming Economic Earthquake. What I found, first of all, was not advice, but counsel. Mr. Burkett states several times that he is not an investment advisor, and he has no desire to be one. As a financial counselor, however, he has seen people invest their money wisely and foolishly, in both good investments and bad. He has watched the economy long enough to know how certain investments work and why. Most importantly, he has obviously studied the Bible on the subject of wealth and has gained valuable insight as a result of his study.
The second thing I found is that his counsel was not based on speculation about the future, but on the experience of history. While he is unequivocal in his belief that there are some future certainties (like death, taxes, and a U.S. economic collapse at the end of the debt-paved road we presently travel), he repeatedly states that the only way to judge a sound investment is to evaluate its performance in the past. Thus, this book contains lessons in basic economic history as well as counsel on how to prepare for the future.
The historical elements of this book are contained in chapters on the economy, how investments work, and what the best and worst investments have been. The biblical elements cover principles of investing, developing a strategy for investing, and where to go for investment advice. The practical element is found in chapters on the three financial seasons of life and evaluating various investments. All are informative and worthwhile, and are written in a style for the financial layman.
I had only one objection: Mr. Burkett gives too much integrity to government securities as an investment. While these have historically been very secure, I can't help wondering how wise it is to continue to loan money to an entity whose ability to repay depends entirely on its power to either confiscate money or print it.
On the whole, Mr. Burkett's counsel is biblical and informative. This book is worthwhile reading for those who have questions about their financial future.
