In our book reviews and articles in
Equip for Ministry, we always stress the importance of having
familiarity, if not in-depth knowledge of church history. If you
are not already aware of this, it is incredible to trace current
teachings and ideas back to their origins. Not only is it
interesting, it also gives us a clearer understanding of the
present and for some ideas about the future.
For those who are tempted to
think that church history is boring or not applicable, you need
to read Word to the World by William Barker. Barker has been a
professor, a seminary president, an editor, and academic dean
and professor of church history at Westminster Theological
Seminary prior to retirement. Currently he is adjunct professor
of church history at Covenant Theological Seminary.
I delighted in reading this book
containing fifteen chapters on a variety of biblical,
theological, and historical topics. I read articles dealing with
everything from the authority of Scripture, Church and State
relations, Puritanism, Doctrinal Subscription within the
Presbyterian Church in America setting, to history’s impact and
insights on what has been controversial in the recent past and
briefs on a number of Puritans. Other topics included are: The
Westminster Assembly on the Days of Creation and Theonomy,
Pluralism, and the Bible. As I read those chapters, I was
reminded once again of the importance of studying our past in
order to gain better understanding and insights for the present.
I have long admired William
Barker for his gracious Christian statesmanship, leadership,
teaching ability, and his ability to link together the past and
present. His comments on the separation of church and state made
me wish every American, and especially those in civil
government, would read and understand the significance of that
basic principle. He develops this at length in the chapter
History of Church and State Relations in Western Christianity
and he also opens up this topic further in his chapter on
Theonomy, Pluralism, and the Bible. One of the helpful things he
addresses is the proper place for pluralism and the improper
place for it. “Is pluralism biblical?” he asks. Pluralism within
the religious belief of Christianity is not, but: “It is my
contention that such religious pluralism within a society is our
Lord’s intention for this time in history and hence is biblical”
(page 133).
He clarifies how the Christian
should relate to the law, as far as living in both the civil and
the church realms. While he underscores the Christian
responsibility to maintain a good witness and even address the
conscience of unbelievers regarding God’s law, he cautions
against the position that civil authorities should enforce or
require a relationship with God. This is an important topic for
kingdom disciples.
Two highlights were his chapters
on Inerrancy and the Role of the Bible’s Authority and the
Authority of Scripture and Assurance of Salvation. In the
chapter on the role of the Bible, Barker builds around a
critique of The Authority and Interpretation of the Bible by
Rogers and McKim. He deals with the differences that surfaced at
Princeton, leading to moving away from the historic position
held by Charles Hodge and B.B. Warfield.
In the chapter on Scripture and
Assurance, he whetted my appetite to learn more about the
Reformer John Bradford. I had known that name from church
history, but I did not realize how significant a role he played.
This book is a demonstration of a
Christian scholar of the highest caliber known for his Christian
character and life, his knowledge of and commitment to the
Reformed tradition, writing about Puritanism. If you have any
question about the importance of history, especially church
history, read this book and you will realize how vital knowledge
in this area really is for Christians.
Back to Equip
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July
2006 Book Review
