Michael Horton introduces his book with, "Welcome to the Reformation: If you are a thinking Christian who is weary of legalism, superficiality, and religious hype, this is your book." He's right. Horton provides a wonderful, easy-to-read introduction to Reformation theology that should be read in every house. After a foreword by J.I. Packer, Horton walks the reader through the major themes of classical Protestantism, beginning with creation, the fall, and election on through justification, preservation, sanctification, and the priesthood of all believers. It is a pleasure to behold.
The book closes with an overwhelming collection of Scripture references on the points addressed and a powerful, brief summary of these points in testimonies from early, medieval, Reformation, and post-Reformation leaders and creeds. Most importantly, Horton emphasizes throughout the book the historical grounding of Reformation theology. It wasn't new. Reformation faith is apostolic faith. Rome, Constantinople, and popular evangelicalism are all aberrations from historic, biblical Christianity.
The weaknesses of the book are minor. Horton at times downplays the radical philosophical division between Christians and non-Christians, and his brief discussion of the Lordship/Salvation dispute is weakened by a rather artificial separation of faith and obedience. But such topics take up very little space in an excellent book. For those looking for a clear and enjoyable introduction to Reformation theology, to classical Protestantism, to apostolic and biblical faith, read this book. First published several years ago by Thomas Nelson, it has just been republished by Baker.
How Can I Be Sure I'm a Christian?
Don Whitney; Colorado Springs: Navpress, 1994
Reviewed by Douglas Jones
You have to read this book! Don Whitney, author of Disciplines for the Christian Life, has once again provided a timely and crucial book subtitled What the Bible Says About Assurance of Salvation . I am usually very disappointed by treatments of these topics, since they almost always rest their case on subjective pop-psychology and speculative biblical exegesis. Not so in this case. Whitney writes in a strong Reformation tradition and carefully opens up the Scriptures on this point in a powerful way.
Whether you are a new or old believer, whether you have assurance or doubts, this book will challenge and convict you. It is about much more than assurance. It is a complete lesson on Christian living. He not only offers solid biblical comfort for those with doubts, he provides a clear challenge to those who thoughtlessly assume they are Christians. This section is worth the price of the book. It is a concise, very readable book with many clear practical suggestions.
Biblical Healing for Modern Medicine
Franklin E. Payne, Jr; Augusta, GA: Covenant Books,1993 [P.O. Box 14488, Augusta,
GA 30919-0488]
Reviewed by Douglas Jones
This book is especially helpful for doctors and medical students, but it would also aid anyone trying to sort through contemporary health care questions. Franklin Payne is himself a Medical Doctor and a thoughtful student of Scripture, who brings many years of experience and insight into his discussions. This text goes beyond just giving biblical answers to questions such as abortion, infertility, death, birth control, etc. and aims to develop a well-rounded grasp of Scriptural teaching on the practice of medicine, medical claims, healing, and the respective duties of individuals, families, churches, and civil governments in health care.
Each chapter is easy to read and ends with a helpful summary and full bibliographical information for further research. Though the cover is ugly, get beyond that to grapple with the arguments.
MTV Examined
Video from Reel to Real Ministries
(Cleveland, OH)
Reviewed by Douglas Wilson
This short video production is not for everyone. If parents exercise their responsibilities with regard to what their children watch, they may want to give this video a pass. But if they do not, or they have friends who do not, this documentary is a "must see." If the children still have access to MTV, this documentary will change all that.
Of course, some of the criticism MTV receives here is not surprising (although still richly deserved). In fact, this particular cable channel has had such an impact on our culture that many of its more carnal sins are notorious and proverbial. As the guy said, money for nothing, and chicks for free.
But this documentary goes beyond a simple expos e ' of the obvious, and unearths some revealing quotes from the people behind the phenomenon of MTV. For example, how many parents would appreciate the sentiment of one of MTV's founders that they do not "shoot for" the fourteen-year-old market. With regard to that age group, he said, "we own them." Parents, it is four in the afternoon; do you know where your children are?
Also pinpointed is the moral relativism preached when MTV is trying to be good with thought-provoking shows. This clearly reveals MTV's hypocrisy/schizophrenia on such things as sexual harassment and mindless violence. On the one hand, such "bad things" are disparaged with all the fervor of a postmodern Jimmy Swaggart, and then, the same people, on the same network, promote violence and abuse of women through a glorification of pathological rap. Some of the misogyny broadcast by these people is simply unbelievable.
This is a valuable resource for parents. Information on the video can be obtained from American Portrait Films at (800) 736-4567.
