BATTLE OVER GENESIS
Harold W. Clark, Review and Herald Publishing Assn., Washington, D.C. 20012, 1977, 239 pages, $6.95.
The theory of progression of the species (evolutionism) has had an evolutionary history itself. It did not come full-blown with Darwin's Origin of the Species. And it is not the same today as it was when Darwin made his voyage on the Beagle.
What contribution did the ancient Greeks make to the theory of evolution? What effects did encounters with Biblical creationism have on the evolutionary world by storm? What are the problem areas today in the creationism v. evolutionism controversy? The Battle Over Genesis, a well-documented yet highly readable book, gives a historical perspective to this key conflict.
Harold W. Clark has had many years of experience of science teaching, both in the classroom and in the field. He is the author of numerous books, including Back to Creation, The New Diluvialism, Crusader for Creation, and Genesis and Science. He has written science articles for fifty years.
THOSE PHARISEES
William L. Coleman, Hawthorn Books, Inc., New York, New York, 1977, 147 pages, $3.95.
In this volume William Coleman discusses the origins of the Pharisees, their beliefs, their religious strengths and weaknesses, their fiery piety, and their departures from the teachings of Jesus. It gives clearer insight into the encounters that Jesus had with them, then traces their counterparts in the pharisaic thought and behavior among contemporary Christians.
Written in a very readable style, it 6ffers excellent sermon material. The comparisons with the twentieth-century Christians are at times overdrawn so that the reader will need to use well-balanced judgment in making applications. However, the dangers and warnings against modern Pharisaism are timely and appropriate. This is a book that, once you begin reading, you will not want to put down.
Orley Berg
FOUNDATIONS OF THE SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST MESSAGE AND MISSION
P. Gerard Damsteegt, Win. B. Eerdman's Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1977, 348 pages, $7.95.
Perhaps for the first time in the history of the Seventh-day Adventist Church a study has been made of the development of its theology of mission. The history out of which it came and the principles of prophetic interpretation that nurtured its development are dealt with by Dr. P. Gerard Damsteegt in a fully documented and indexed study based on a doctoral dissertation presented to the Free University of Amsterdam.
In the process of tracing Adventist theology of mission, from the Millerite movement down to 1874, Damsteegt deals with most of the interpretational and doctrinal positions that give the Seventh-day Adventist Church its reason for existence. In treating its place in the history of the Christian Church, its concepts of the church, of interchurch relationships, of salvation history, of end-time prophecies, and of health, the Sabbath, and the nature of Christ's high-priestly ministry in relation to His imminent return* Damsteegt provides responses to some of the recent critiques of Adventist positions. This should prove an invaluable source and reference for ministers, teachers, historians, concerned lay workers, researchers, and apologists.
Dr. Damsteegt is under appointment for health-oriented pastoral evangelism in the Potomac Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. He and his wife are currently completing the Master in Public Health program at Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California.
G. M. Hyde
