Book Review: The Trials of Theology

A caution light is not what one might expect to see as they begin to journey down the path of theological study.  Yet there are many dangers and stumbling blocks lurking for those who immerse themselves into a study of God and His relation to the world.  Pride, theology as an idol and heresy, just to name a few.

The Trials of Theology contains words of advice and warning by theologians of the past, such as Spurgeon, Luther and Augustine, and  theologians in our present age:   D.A. Carson, Carl Trueman, John Woodhouse and others.  Andrew Cameron and Brian Rosner compiled this book using selections based on those who helped them study "theology well."  The two themes of the book is protecting our affectionate attachment to Christ and continuing our participation in a loving community of others.  (pg. 10)  Our affectionate attachment to Christ seems most difficult to maintain when embarking on a study of theology.  It's too easy to forget why we are studying in the first place and some are prompted by motives that are not entirely God-centered.

Here is a sample of what is shared in the book: 

• Use prayer as a tool to understand difficult passages.  (Spurgeon.  Pg. 41)
• Those who challenge what you believe can make you a better theologian. (Luther.  Pg. 29)
• The more you learn about God and His ways, the more you realize how little you truly know. (Luther. Pg. 29)
• Don't be inconsistent;  live what you teach, preach or write.  (Spurgeon.  Pg. 37)
• Do not allow what is holy to become common.  (Warfield. Pg. 59)
• Do not "turn black into white, but call truth, truth, and heresy, heresy."  (Bonhoeffer. Pg. 73)
• Do not pursue acceptance by anyone, but God.  "Until you conquer the fear of being an outsider, an outsider you will remain."  (C.S. Lewis Pg. 87)
• Knowing God should be linked with loving God:  "we seek the kind of knowledge here that changes our affections."  (Warfield. Pg. 100)
• Christian ethics must be based on the fact that our human nature is "wonderfully made and terribly fallen." (Hollinger.  Pg. 183) 

As I read through this book I was reminded of II Timothy 2:15 The ESV reads:  "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved,* a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth."  The footnote reads:  "That is, one approved after being tested"  May we be able to stand before God without approved, not with a counterfeit faith.  John Woodhouse notes that "the distortion and perversion of the Word of God, the teaching of error as though it were truth, is what the human mind tends to do naturally."  (pg. 106)

This book also brought the parable of the talent's to mind.  What we learn about God in our study should be shared with others through teaching, preaching, or writing.   If God has blessed us with the time and ability to learn more about His ways (our talent), then we should not bury it in the ground, but invest it in others.  (Matthew 25:15)  Involvement in a local church body makes this investment possible.

The book is only 191 pages long and the short chapters make for excellent readability.  Some of the idioms and wording found in the first section are a bit more challenging, since language has changed over the last several hundred years.   My attention was captured and I would have certainly enjoyed a lengthier book.  After reading this I am interested in reading Cameron and Rosner's previous work, The Consolations of Theology.  I would recommend this book to anyone pursuing a formal or informal study of theology. 

Disclaimer: "Christian Focus Publishers provided a complimentary copy of this book to me.  I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.   I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255:“Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Spiritual Manna

In the busyness of daily living and raising a child, it's so easy to set aside the need for spiritual food.  This morning Abby was a fussy and in need of our weathered porch swing. I was able to take my Bible out and read a couple of chapters in Hebrews before she demanded 100% of my attention.  Hebrews 10:14 really caught my attention and I am feebly attempting to memorize it:  "For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified."

In reading the book Feminine Threads I came across this quote by Dorothy Leigh, a Puritan who wrote a 1616 bestseller, The Mother's Blessing:

"For as the children of Israel must needs starve, except they gath'red every day in the wilderness and fed of it, so must your souls, except you gather the spiritual Manna out of the word every day, and feed of it continually:  for as they by this Manna comforted their lives; so by this heavenly Word of God, you shall comfort your souls, make them strong in Faith, and grow in true godliness, and finally preserve them with great joy, to everlasting life, through Faith in Christ; whereas, if you desire any food for your souls, that is not in the written Word of God, your soul die with it even in your hearts and mouths; even as they, that desired other food, died with it in their mouths [Num. 11:33] were it never so dainty:  so shall you, and there is no recovery for you."

Excerpt from Feminine Threads by Diana Lynn Severance and published by Christian Focus Publications.  Page 180.

May the Lord keep me from filling my belly with corn husks when I could be feasting daily at the King's table.

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In Need of a Sermon

We are once again searching for a local church to join.  When I say "local" I mean a church within 75 miles.  Yes, that's considered local here.  We learned this is the definition of local when we purchased a washer/dryer set from Lowe's and they offered free local delivery and it included us way out here in Beloit.  Of course I joked about trying to order a pizza to be delivered here from Salina.

I struggle at times with the feeling of an empty stomach spiritually speaking.  Today was one of those days.  It's so hard when you have a baby who doesn't like to be away from mom for any length of time.  I'm always grateful for those churches that have a speaker for video system for those in the nursery.  I like to listen to God's Word being preached even if I'm not up in the auditorium.  Abby enjoys the music and sometimes sings along in her own little way, but has not learned to be quiet during the preaching.  She thinks it's time for her to get a few words in too.  Where can I order a "cone of silence" for a baby?

Needless to say, I missed the teaching during Sunday School and the preaching in the morning worship.  Due to the miles and lunch and other logistics we were not able to attend an evening service.  So I turned on one of my favorite live webcasts of a church service and enjoyed good singing and testimonies, but no preaching!!! God had worked in the lives of many young people and they wanted to share what God had done so that was a blessing.  It's just that it feels like it's been so long since I've been able to enjoy one good sermon.  

You know a sermon delivery service wouldn't be too bad.  I would pay to have a good preacher show up at my house during the week and preach a couple of good sermons.   I would cover his mileage and maybe give him a big glass of sweet tea and a slice of pie or even a full meal.  All of this to take place out on the front porch so as to prevent any appearance of evil.   The neighbors could probably use a little preaching too.  I think a tip should be based on how good the sermon is and I expect doctrinally sound expository preaching that lasts well over 45 minutes.  None of the namby-pamby feel-good fluff with a sprinkling of humorous illustrations throughout.  So is there a Christian Craigslist out there where I can post my wanted ad?