The Secular Saint: A Case for Evangelical Social Responsibility
Robert E. Webber, Zondzrvan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1979, 219 pages, $7.95. Reviewed by Dennis W. Radford, assistant professor of English, Atlantic Union College.
Two thousand years ago Jesus set up the paradoxical tension between the community of faith and the community at large. Since then Christians have struggled with being in the world, but not of the world. Many have responded by withdrawing from society. Others have attacked and denigrated culture. But a few Christians have chosen to remain within the structure of society in order to influence and change culture.
In The Secular Saint, Robert E. Webber makes a case for Christian—especially evangelical—involvement in society. It is Webber's stated hope to "provide a theology for social concern." Because he sees the issue as one of confusion over the Christian's proper response to society, he attempts to give a clear historical-Biblical perspective on the question of Christianity and culture. And this he does with remarkably clear vision. In an orderly and easily understood manner, Webber establishes a solid Biblical foundation for Christian social concern.
In examining the traditional models used to discuss Christianity and culture, Webber looks at the separational, identificational, and transformational models. Though each of these has a Biblical basis, Webber believes they are inadequate to outline the Christian's relationship to society. Therefore, he develops the incarnational model, which combines Biblical and historical evidence from all the other models, to place the Christian within culture.
Each chapter includes a carefully organized summary, as well as suggested questions for discussion and books for further reading. The Secular Saint, because of its format, would make an excellent study guide or manual for a series of meetings— such as prayer meetings—where Christian responsibility to society and culture might be examined and discussed. The Secular Saint is recommended reading for any Christian seeking a Biblical basis for social concern.
The Best of John Calvin
Samuel Dunn, compiler, Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 1981, 412 pages, $4- 95. Reviewed by Wayne Wilky, pastor, New London, Connecticut.
Periodically an out-of-print volume is discovered that merits reprinting. This is one. Dunn has provided a well-written introduction to the life of Calvin in a sixty-five-page biographical section. He examines the influence upon Calvin's spiritual life and theology of such Bible scholars/translators as Robert Estienne (to whom we are indebted for the present verse divisions of the Bible) and Lefevre, and Olivetan (translators of the Bible into French). We become privy to correspondence between Calvin, Luther, and Melanchthon, and begin to understand Calvin's unfortunate involvement in the trial and execution of Michael Servetus.
Two interesting features are the extracts from the registers of the council of Geneva and the chronological list of Calvin's works. But the real usefulness of this book is its synthesis of Calvin's theological views. It is here that Dunn's skill as a compiler becomes apparent. Selections from Calvin's writings on thirty-eight topics are presented in readable form, yet the vigor and clarity of his theology are maintained.
Creating Children's Sermons
Bucky Dann, Westminster Press, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 1981, 132 pages, $7.95, paper. Reviewed by Bobbie jane Van Dolson, associate book editor, Review and Herald Publishing Association.
Realizing that spirituality begins in childhood, the author has prepared fifty-one mini-sermons for children, each illustrated with an easy-to-get visual aid (e.g., a yardstick, flashlight, chair). Rather than dealing with peripheral topics, he zeros in on the basics of theology—the nature of God, evil, atonement, discipleship, et cetera. Carefully organized as to theme, scripture, device, goals, and techniques, the plans are easy to follow and allow for the individuality of the person presenting the material.
Pastoral Care and Counseling
William E. Hulme, Augsburg Publishing House, Minneapolis, Minnesota, 1981, 176 pages, $6.50, paper. Reviewed by Dick Tibbits, youth director, Southern New Eng land Conference of Seventh-day Adventists.
The main part of this book deals in introductory ways with the role of the pastor as a counselor. The book's value lies in the last chapter, which deals with the congregation as a healing community. Here the author explores ways the congregation can be supportive to the needs of individuals, an area that has not been touched in pastoral counseling.
Dwell In Peace
Ronald C. Amett, The Brethren Press, Elgin, Illinois, 1980, 156 pages, $5.95, paper. Reviewed by John W. McGraw, pastor, Wheaton, Maryland.
The central theme of this well-written book is that human beings can be violated without their lives being taken by another. Not only will it help the reader understand the peace churches' position on nonviolence but it applies nonviolence to every day relationships and contains thoughtful suggestions on how individuals can deal with their conflicts.
