When a Pastor Wonders How
Howard F. Sugden and Warren W. Wiersbe, Moody Press, Chicago, 1973.
This clever book, written by two experts in church administration, covers a wide range of common questions asked especially by younger pastors on "What do you do now?" Chapter 3 is worth the price of the entire book in that it lists sixteen rules on what to do and what not to do in a new pastorate.
John D. Rhodes
Ecumenism—Boon or Bane?
Bert Beverly Beach, Review and Herald Publishing Association, 1974, 320 pages, $8.95.
Ecumenism is one of the phenomena of modern times. This movement for worldwide religious unity is one that every Seventh-day Adventist minister and leader should be conversant with. Bert Beach's close contacts with many of the world religious leaders and with the inner workings of the World Council of Churches for many years, uniquely qualifies him to bring us this in-depth analysis and understanding of what ecumenism is all about. In this volume he traces the history and growth of the ecumenical movement, evaluates its mission, and projects its future.
Special features include the answer to the question often asked as to the relationship of the Seventh-day Adventist Church to the World Council of Churches. This volume also contains a very helpful glossary of terms as well as a bibliography and index. The foreword is by Neal C. Wilson. Every preacher of the three angels' messages would do well to read this volume.
O. M. Berg
Baker's Dictionary of Christian Ethics
Edited by Carl F. H. Henry, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 726 pages, hardback, $16.95.
Carl F. H. Henry, former editor of Christianity Today, has succeeded in getting 263 well-known evangelical scholars from all over the world to con tribute meaningful essays on the many aspects of Christian ethics. The result is a dictionary containing hundreds of interesting and up-to-date topics such as abortion, inflation, hijacking, and the generation gap. There is a wealth of other topics, including biographies of certain outstanding theologians and spiritual leaders.
This dictionary has particular value for the Adventist minister and teacher since its approach is authentically evangelical. Many entries are supported with scriptural references that are extremely helpful when thoughts are included in sermons. Some entries are a disappointment in this regard, such as the one on homosexuality. The minister who wishes to keep abreast of the many aspects of twentieth-century Christian ethics would do well to have this volume in his library. Frequent consultation with this source will certainly enrich the minister's knowledge on ethical problems.
J. R. Spangler
Isaac Watts Remembered, 1675-1974
David Fountain, Henry E. Walter Limited, Worthing, England, 75 pages.
No minister who loves the gospel and rejoices in its expression in song will want to overlook this little book. Here, in brief but pithy compass, Isaac Watts is set before us as son, student, tutor, pastor, preacher, evangelist, poet, hymn writer, educationalist, and theologian.
David Fountain, the author, is a non conformist minister in Southampton, Watts's home. He writes as a scholar who is a preacher in love with his subject. His enthusiasm and delight make his work a pleasure to read. His erudition crowds the pages with fascinating insights into the character and genius of Isaac Watts. The author well serves his subject showing something of his extraordinary genius and making plain the incalculable contribution Watts has made to English hymnology. The claim made that Watts's contribution is even greater than that of Charles Wesley appears at first sight extreme. Wesley wrote 7,000 hymns to Watts's 700. However, the author suggests more of Watts's hymns are sung today than Wesley's.
A feature of the book worth the total cost are the five appendixes. Two in particular are of value, Appendix IV containing counsel on preaching relevant to the contemporary pulpit, and Appendix V, which contains a list of 20 of Watts's best-known hymns.
Patrick Boyle
