THE GREAT CONTROVERSY THEME IN E. G. WHITE WRITINGS
Joseph Battistone, Andrews University Press, Berrien Springs, Michigan 49104, 1978, 134 pages, $8.95 paper.
Ellen White understood her ministry in connection with the growing needs of the Adventist movement, and wrote under the burning conviction of her divine calling. This book analyzes her writings over a fifty-year period to show how the theme of the great controversy between Christ and Satan is used throughout her writings to interpret hermeneutical principles, exegetical techniques, and homiletical values in her study of the Bible; to interpret history; and to explain her philosophy of education, science, and health.
Joseph Battistone received his doctorate from Duke University and served as an associate professor of religion at Andrews University from 1968 to 1976. He is currently pastor of the Fletcher, North Carolina, Seventh-day Adventist church.
Russell Holt
ANATOMY OF AN EXPLOSION
Kurt E. Marquart, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1977, $3.95.
In this theological analysis of the recent conflict within the Lutheran Church, Missouri Synod, one is able to look over the shoulder of the church leadership and see the elements that have produced a most distressing chapter in their recent history. The book details both the background of the controversy and the serious implications arising from a change in doctrinal emphasis over the past few years.
The book is divided into five sections—Needed: A Realistic "Model" of the Conflict; Background: The Confessional Principle; Background: The Biblical Principle; Foreground: The Counter-Confessional (Ecumenical) Attack; and Center Stage: The Counter-Biblical (Critical) Attack. An epilogue, two appendices dealing with "Church Fellowship," and "Fellowship in Its Necessary Context of the Doctrine of the Church," together with 20 pages of notes, complete the volume.
Without any desire to pass judgment on either side in this conflict, we would urge that this book become required reading for every thoughtful, concerned minister. We need to remember that the factors that contributed to the Lutheran problem as they came face-to-face with the situation and sought a solution are not entirely disassociated from the Seventh-day Adventist Church. There are forces at work among us that would do for us what liberal, historical, critical methodology has done for the Missouri Synod. Let us unite in our determination that their history shall not be repeated in our own church. Let us gather renewed devotion to the faithfulness of our distinctive message and mission, and "stand for the right though the heavens fall."
N. R. Dower
WAS JESUS REALLY LIKE US?
Thomas A. Davis, Review and Herald Publishing Association, Washington, D.C., 1979, 189 pages, $7.95.
In light of the contribution it makes to the current discussion of the implications of the nature of Christ to Christian growth and development, one cannot afford to ignore this thoughtful volume, even though he may not completely agree with the position taken. On the basis of Hebrews 2:17 which states that Christ "had to be made like his brethren in every respect" (R.S.V.), the author concludes that Christ's brethren are those who have been born again and that Christ Himself was "born again," thus having no advantage over Christians living today. When humanity and divinity are combined in our born-again natures, "Christ in us" enables us to "follow His example, living in obedience to every precept of the law" (That I May Know Him, p. 292).
This book helps bridge the gap between those who stress Christ's divinity and those who emphasize His humanity by clearly explaining what humanity and divinity combined can accomplish in us. An unexpected bonus is the interesting discussion in Appendix A entitled "Did Jesus Manifest Anger?"
Leo R. Van Dolson
PREACHING
G. Campbell Morgan, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, reprint 1974, 90 pages, $1.95;
PREACHING FROM THE BIBLE
Andrew W. Blackwood, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, reprint 1974, 247 pages, $2.95.
Here are two paperback reprints on Biblical preaching that many pastors will find of value. Preaching, by Morgan, the prince of expository preachers, consists of lectures delivered to his students during the three years he served as president of Cheshunt College, Cambridge, and repeated at the Biblical Seminary in New York in 1925. The four chapters discuss "The Essentials of a Sermon," "The Text."
"The Central Message," and "The Introduction and Conclusion." The name of the author should be sufficient to recommend this inspiring and instructive work.
Blackwood's book Preaching From the Bible first appeared in 1941. The title indicates its contents clearly and should recommend its use. The book deals in a practical way with the subject, discussing in turn the biographical sermon, preaching from passages, books and chapters of the Bible, Bible reading, the sermon's growth, using imagination, and other helpful aspects.
Both Morgan's and Blackwood's books have blessed thousands of preachers and will continue to do so. Baker Book House should be commended for keeping these volumes alive in these new editions.
Orley M. Berg
