History is not a neutral subject. Interpretation is a prerequisite to understanding historical events. The historian's interpretation will be determined by his view of ultimate reality. The modern trend toward "objective" history reveals a belief that there is no right standard by which events should be subjectively measured, and it implies that history written with any sort of prejudice is false a priori.
It would, therefore, be tempting to modern readers to pass off Calvinism In History as too subjective, indeed, too hopelessly biased, to be worthwhile. McFetridge is unabashedly grateful to the Calvinists for the role they have played in shaping the course of civilization, and draws from the past the conclusion that his present blessings are largely due to the singular influence of reformed doctrines and the saints that held them. He goes so far in recognizing John Calvin's influence on the founders of this country as to call him the true father of the United States. In the areas of politics, morals, and evangelism, McFetridge shows that the biblical doctrines of grace, commonly known since the Reformation as Calvinism, have been more powerful and influential toward progress than all the world's vain philosophies.
McFetridge set for himself the goal of examining the subject honestly, his "own peculiar state of mind precluding all controversial designs." He admits that when he began his study, "I hardly knew whether I was a Calvinist or an Arminian, or a nameless compound or both," and that it was in that "state of mind I set myself to a course of reading, doctrinal and historical, as opportunity offered." The result is this compendium of six lectures summarizing the blessings and effects of the victorious gospel.
In such a short space (113 pages), it is, obviously, impossible to give full treatment to such a far-reaching subject. But this volume is certainly sufficient to whet your appetite for the study of history. What was before tiresome dates and data now becomes a testimony of God's sovereignty and providence, as well as an inspiration to persevere in carrying forth the message of God's saving grace. As McFetridge concludes, "It is this, I believe, that the Church needs today more than any other thing - not `rain-doctors,' not religious `diviners,' wandering to and fro, rejoicing in having no dogmatic opinions and no theological preferences; no, it is not these religious ear-ticklers that are needed -- although they may be wanted somewhere -- but, as history teaches us, clear and accurate views of the great fundamental doctrines of sin and grace."
Amen!
Birth control is probably not a hot topic in your church. It is probably safe to say that the idea of family planning through birth control has become the norm, and that if there are any raised eyebrows, they are bent toward the couple who doesn't seem to know when to quit. The reasons for stunting procreation vary, as do the degrees of emphasis placed upon it by various couples. But there is one common problem underlying every Christian's thinking on the subject: the Church has ceased to teach the biblical perspective on children.
Someone will protest that the Bible says absolutely nothing about birth control directly. This is true, but that does not settle the question, and that is why this book is so valuable. Mr. Heine himself has relatively little to say about birth control per se, but much to say about the Bible's teaching on children, procreation, parenting, and what each of these have to do with God's covenant and our obedience to it.
This book is circumspect. Mr. Heine examines the issues, theological and historical, which make up the foundational assumptions brought to the question of whether to beget or not to beget. His purpose is to "magnify God's simple declaration that children are a literal blessing." He does this by examining the Scriptures for God's perspective on children, and by looking critically at the typical arguments against procreation which we have all learned from Time and Newsweek. He argues that the modern view of children as liabilities has led us into a flight from procreation, the consequences of which run the disastrous range from day care kids to abortion and infanticide.
You may not agree with all of Mr. Heine's points and conclusions (I did not), but he asks the right questions. That is much more than most couples have done, and it is what all Christians have a responsibility to do. Is the command to be fruitful and multiply still applicable? Does it matter whether Mom works outside the home and puts the kids in day care? Are there really too many people in the world? Does God care whether or not we have children? Whether you are a young couple newly engaged, a married couple with children already, or a church elder with the responsibility of feeding the flock, this book provides a valuable source of food for thought.
