A Theology of Christian Education, Lawrence O. Richards, Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1975, 324 pages, $8.95.
The title does not refer directly to the teaching of the three R's in a school system. Dr. Richards uses the term "Christian education" to include all religious instruction, especially out of school, both formal and informal. He outlines con tent and methods by which Biblical principles basic to the education of church children, youth, and older people may be come a vital process of their spiritual growth and continual renewal.
He urges that a new concept of educational effort be introduced into the church; that the present formal systems of Sunday schools, preaching services, evangelistic efforts, et cetera, be rethought and restructured, moving away from one-way instruction by a leader to the involvement of all members in religious studies and activities.
He does refer to the seminary preparation of the ministry, and relates the educational process directly to disciplining, but feels that more emphasis should be given to instruction in the field by internships. As to the instruction of children in the faith, he urges that parental instruction be the primary consideration rather than formal group instruction. This implies shifting the focus of the church to the qualifying of parents to carry on such a program.
Dr. Richards does not promote the elimination of schools, even Sunday schools, believing that they still have their place in teaching facts and providing knowledge through an organized curriculum. The church itself, in its organization, should endeavor more to involve the laity through its officers and church members with the minister.
Throughout this very helpful and stimulating volume Dr. Richards gives the highest priority to the Bible, and centers all activities, formal or informal, in Christ, the Saviour.
Walton J. Brown
Unfolding Daniel's Prophecies, R. A. Anderson, Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain View, California, 1975, 192 pages, $2.95.
The appearance of this book is extremely important since it deals with the very fundamentals of the worldwide Adventist Movement. When the publishers of the paperback volume on prophecy Unfolding the Revelation invited the author to write a companion volume on the book of Daniel, it was certainly a sobering challenge. While Dr. R. A. Anderson, longtime editor of THE MINISTRY, has for half a century taught the book of Daniel in colleges, Semi nary, and large public evangelistic classes around the world, yet to prepare studies that would appeal to Seminary and college Bible teachers, as well as to students and the general public, called for much research and prayer. Now we can be thankful that he has succeeded. No previous work from his pen equals, in this reviewer's judgment, this, his latest book, either in content or in literary style. And certainly no study in the field of Bible prophecy is more timely than this work.
Readers of THE MINISTRY will appreciate the thorough research the author has made into the historical background of the prophet himself. Anderson opens up an area not often dealt with by those of us who preach from this book. Daniel's early training prepared him educationally, administratively, and spiritually to be come the prime minister of two world empires—Babylon and Medo-Persia. How inspiring and encouraging it must have been to those Jewish exiles to know that one of their own fellow captives was at the empire's headquarters.
Throughout this book the author lays a firm foundation in fascinating history, and every reader will be gripped by a scholarly handling of the great prophecies. Chapters eight and nine come in for special emphasis as key chapters in the book. Here it is shown that Daniel places the Messiah in a prophetic setting different from all other Biblical writers. Following principles of sound exegesis, Anderson shows the 70 weeks, or 490 years, in the ninth chapter, as a part of the larger prophecy of the 2300 days, or years, introduced in chapter eight. He also shows the fallacy of Futurism's attempt to separate the last week of the seventy from the first sixty- nine weeks, placing it after the second advent of Christ.
Anderson's handling of Daniel 9:27 is superb and demands special attention. In a fearless, but kindly way this renowned teacher of prophecy moves into that much- discussed and perhaps little-understood portion of this great book —Daniel 11:36-45. He suggests that it seems to this reviewer to prove that the prophet was visioning a much wider movement than is usually presented.
Anderson sees in the worldwide movements of our day a remark able suggestion of the fulfillment of both Daniel 11 and Revelation 17. The dissolute "woman" riding the "scarlet-coloured beast" might certainly have a wider meaning than is sometimes given—perhaps a prophetic picture of coming world government and its ultimate collapse? The angel Gabriel told Daniel, "He shall come to his end, and none shall help him," at which time Michael stands up for His people.
Many new facts of prophecy being fulfilled in current history come to sharp focus in this appealing and informative book. The author wisely urges that we tread softly in all areas of unfulfilled prophecy, yet he stresses the importance of a deeper study of these great prophecies which throw so much light on today's world. I highly recommend Unfolding Daniel's Prophecies as a truly up- to-date and scholarly analysis.
H. M. S. Richards
