A Humanizing Ministry
D. Timothy Estes, Herald Press, Scottdale, Pennsylvania, 1984, 144 pages, $7.95, paper. Reviewed by Althea Buckingham, occupational therapist, Black Mountain Center (for the mentally retarded), Black Mountain, North Carolina.
At first glance the book appeared to be just another written by an idealist on the bandwagon for social justice. But in fact the author not only has a vision of a much needed ministry but also gives much practical how-to advice.
Christ ministered to the outcasts, the dehumanized, the devalued and forgotten people of the world, and the church should do no less. However, the author states that many Christian ministries and social services can be dehumanizing. He points out some of the myths that have arisen regarding the retarded. The myth of dread, for example, which is rooted in fear, causes us to segregate the handicapped; perceiving them as children causes us to deny them opportunities for growth; regarding them as objects of pity or charity makes us feel good about ourselves. The author also states that "unfortunately telethons and charity drives make it appear that persons with handicaps are totally dependent on others, as they can do nothing for themselves. It makes their right to meaningful human existence appear to be a privilege bestowed on them by valued members of society."
The author's suggestions for making the church a caring community are mainly in the area of providing services that involve personal commitment with people rather than only for them. This, he considers, provides a humanizing ministry.
Celebration of Discipline: Paths to Spiritual Growth
Richard J. Foster, Harper & Row, New York, 1978, 184 pages, $10.95. Reviewed by David J. Greer, rector, St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Shreveport, Louisiana.
Foster has asked the right questions and provided realistic ways of living the life of grace. Not only laypeople but also clergy need to be fed, and practicing what this book suggests will be a true boon for you in your work for Christ.
The book's three sections are devoted to the inward disciplines of meditation, prayer, fasting, and study, which enrich the life of grace; the outward disciplines of simplicity, solitude, submission, and service, which clear away obstructions to living a Christian life; and corporate disciplines including confession, worship, spiritual guidance, and celebration of our life in the living Lord.
Foster charts these disciplines in such a way that it will be a rare person who does not find a new avenue of spiritual growth and joy in the Lord.
In addition a separate and helpful Celebration of Discipline Study Guide is available from the same publisher.
What the Bible Says About the Great Tribulation
William R. Kimball, Cottege Press Publishing Company, Joplin, Missouri, 1983, 291 pages, $13.50. Reviewed by Hans K. LaRondelle, professor of theology, Andrews University, Berrien Springs, Michigan.
Kimball's intention is "to present as clear and unbiased an interpretation of Christ's prophetic words as possible." This exegetical study of Matthew 24 and 25 and Luke 21 engages itself with the teachings of dispensationalism that insist on a future observable sign of a seven-year period of tribulation before the final judgment. It also presents a fundamental challenge to Seventh-day Adventist understanding of Matthew 24.
The predicted "great tribulation" is interpreted not as an end-time event, but as the terrible calamity attending the destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. The weak point in Kimball's interpretation is his use of Luke's account to interpret Matthew rather than using Matthew's own context. The problem becomes evident when Kimball spiritualizes the signs in the sun, moon, and stars.
In spite of our criticism we are nevertheless greatly indebted to Kim ball for his challenging and thought-provoking study. Above all, his stress on Christ's warning to be spiritually prepared for His return is extremely beneficial. His focus on a Christ-centered waiting instead of event-centered chronological calculations is a welcome corrective to some modern out lines of Christ's prophetic discourse.
