Faith in Action, Theodore H. Epp, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids 6, Michigan, 1958, 183 pages, $2.95.
Dr. Epp is the founder and director of the Back to the Bible broadcast originating in Lincoln, Nebraska. He presented a series of radio messages around the lives and experiences of the worthies recorded in the album of faith, Hebrew 11, where we see faith demonstrated in action. These messages were heard over a network of more than 1,100 outlets. The requests for these talks were so numerous that the Zondervan Publishing House published them in book form.
The title "Faith in Action" is descriptive of the book's content. The author draws practical lessons and applications as he examines the testing experiences of these Bible characters. Occasionally it would seem that he reaches a little far and wide to make an interpretation or an application of a particular incident, yet generally he has suggested valuable spiritual analogies.
Dr. Epp uses the Scriptures freely, calling our attention to the many New Testament passages that parallel the Old Testiment, allowing the gospel to shine radiantly in the lives of these Bible men and women. Lessons gleaned from the lives of Jochebed and Amram, the parents of Moses, would be worth while for all mothers and fathers to study. Such chapters as "Joseph Tested and Triumphant," "Razing the Walls of Jericho by Eaith," "Ordinary Persons With Extraordinary Faith," and "Sufferings of Faith" will suggest many seed thoughts and ideas for further study. This is true, more or less, of the whole book.
The author concludes his picture of faith in action with a chapter discussing Hebrews 12:1, 2, where he appeals to the reader to lay aside all unnecessary weights, the sins that so easily beset. Then through faith he will have the God-given power that enables one to be the man he aspires to be as the new life of Christ is developed within.
A. C. F.
The Christian Nurture of Youth, Ada Z. Brunk and Ethel Y. Metzler, Herald Press, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, 1960, 158 pages, $3.00.
The senior author, Ada Brunk, was for many years a teacher of psychology at Eastern Mennonite College. She served also as personnel dean. Death interrupted the completion of this book, and Ethel Yake Metzler, representing the succeeding generation, and in direct youth leadership, then edited and revised the materials, adding parts of her own. The publishers have suggested that "these two authors make a happy combination of matured wisdom and contemporary sensitivity."
There are chapters on early, middle, and late adolescence, written with professional understanding. But the book's value is in its sound guidance for Christian workers. Representing a group of Christians admired for their Bible ideals, this not too technical book can be recommended to SDA church school, academy, and college teachers, pastors, and other youth leaders. The authors have stressed separation from worldliness, and the principles of truth and integrity here shine forth with Christian conviction. Adventism, in harmony with these ideals, will receive a new challenge for maintaining its high standards. Later adolescence, with its courtship and marriage periods, is here treated with enviable dignity and respect. The book has value for dormitory deans and personnel workers. Missionary Volunteer leaders also will appreciate its sound information and guidance on youth activities.
Louise C. Kleuser
