1. The Deafening Sound of Silent Tears: The Story of Caring for Life by Juliet Barker (Author)
A remarkable account of Christian compassion. Here is vital Christianity in action showing love to those most in need, the abused and unloved young people of Leeds. A small reformed Baptist church has accomplished what the state and others have failed to do and with success against all the odds. This is an honest account of the practical ups and downs of endeavouring to show the love of Christ to those in need without proselytising but sharing the gospel where appropriate. Funding seems mainly to have come through Christian supporters with some amazing commercial sponsorship at times. Government help through the lottery has been refused on moral grounds and official grants not easy to obtain. Royal patronage has helped. Heart warming and challenging
2.A place called Vom: The story of the work of Sudan United Mission in Vom Christian
Hospital, Nigeria by Margaret Moles
I served as pharmacist at this hospital, 1970 to 74 so know many of the people in this book. Some of the early history was not known to me especially the resistance initially of local people to both the gospel and foreign medicine. This is a great history of the progress of the gospel and of medical work. Sadly the Christian witness suffered when the military government took over the hospital and then when handed back to the church (for the mission had merged with the COCIN church) then the three training schools were not taken back under Christian rules. There is one factual error. The accountant was Trevor Wells not Tony.
3. Welcome to the Real World: Collected Poems and Performance Pieces 1980-2000 by Godfrey Rust (Author)
Steve Turner is my favourite contemporary poet but Rust is next in line. Some fine poetry, rhymed and blank. Thought provoking and Christian though probably not my brand of the faith. The Trinity monologue is worth the price of the book. I deduced he is like me an Ealing resident.
4. Last Things First: Unlocking Genesis with the Christ of Eschatology by J. V. Fesko (Author)
Covenant theology applied to Genesis 1-3. His critique of the presuppositions of Morris and his early earth creationism is presuppositional but why does the author give no presuppositional critique of evolutionary cosmology which is falsely called science? However I totally agree with his thesis that Genesis is about origins, not science. His thesis of Eden as a temple, Adam with the threefold office, trees sacramental, covenant in creation and the fulfilment of all things in Christ is enlightening. But why does he consistently call Christ the second Adam. I read last Adam in Scripture. Bur a book to make you see how eschatology is about creation fulfilled in Christ. The best argument for Sunday being the first day of the week sabbath I have ever read. The most original theological study I have read in a long time.
5. This Momentary Marriage by John Piper (Author)
Very helpful for Christians on marriage. He shows that marriage is about keeping covenant promises not keeping up feelings of love. He is strong on marriage being as the relationship of Christ to the church. He is strongly complimentarian and helpful on headship and submission. All very good but he does not show why marriage is covenant not sacrament. he is weak on reasons for divorce and is against a divorcee remarrying while the former spouse is alive. he says his a minority position. It is one i do not share hence four stars.
6. How Sweet the Sound: Absorbing Story of John Newton and William Cowper by Noel Davidson (Author)
The biographies of the two are given then their life together with the composition of the Only Hymns. After 'God moves in a mysterious way' Cowper wrote no more hymns. Newton left to minister in London. Cowper wrote poetry until his death. Their friendship and how it was therapy for the melancholic poet is delineated and there is extensive quotation of hymns and poetry. Their evangelical faith is sympathetically described.
7. Jesus Christ, King of the Church by James Moir Porteus
A prize winning essay on the fundamental principles Presbyterian order and government first published in 1872.. This is before the raise of things Pentecostal and charismatic so the cessation of certain offices and gifts is more assumed than argued. When if comes to elders the writer is happy to assume that though there should be plurality of elders in a congregation and parity in rule of the church, some elders will not teach the word. So teaching elders are different from ruling elders in function. This is more than saying teaching elders labour full time in the ministry of the word. Ruling elders do not teach it seems. This to me neglects the scriptural injunction that all elders be apt to teach. Deacons are only male.
After establishing the biblical principles underpinning Presbyterian church order, other variants are examined. Separatism looks at Quakers and then Brethrenism. It seems that the early Brethren in Scotland were very divisive among themselves and their recruitment was among Christians, not the unevangeklsed.
The book is very much a product of its times in its critique of Brethrenism then of the place of women in the church. This was written when women were not enfranchised and when some.modern arguments for women in the church were unknown.
He refutes Erastianism an that which he calls Libertinism which I assume is Voluntarianism. I think he is for a divine right of Presbytery, an historic position in Scotland. He confutes Independency which manifests as Congregationalism. He shows they have elevated deacons to function as elders while denying them the title. Prelatic episcopacy is refuted. with their view of apostolic succession. Diocesan episcopacy is shown to have church tradition in its favour but not Scripture. The evolution of prelacy is explained. Papacy is explained and rejected.
What Porteus favours is what he calls Presbyterial Episcopacy. He believes universal government by Presbytery is beneficially exemplified by the Council of Nicea, the Synod of Dort and the Westminster Assembly.
8. 2,000 Years of Christ's Power: Part One: The Age of the Early Church Fathers by Needham, Nicholas R.
This is the first of five volumes though when published in 1998 the author only anticipated four volumes. The fish is eagerly anticipated for I started back to front with the fourth part and I confess that there seems to have been
a development in the author's treatment of his subject. He says he started the project as a result of lecturing in Nigeria. This shows at the start of the book where the chapter on dating is not really needed by the average Western reader though Dionysius's
dating system was new to me.
As with the previous volume I read the work is thorough and comprehensive. Original sources are quotes at the end of each chapter. it is a great introduction to the early church, highly recommended, even the icons.
9. Everyone's a Theologian: An Introduction to Systematic Theology by R C Sproul (Author)
If Calvin's Institutes are the acme of systematics they are nor exactly for the beginner. This is. 'An Introduction to Systematic Theology' - yes and the best I have ever read. I cannot recommend it to highly. I had not read Sproul before but will seek out more of his writing now. It has the rare distinction of being a book I wanted to go on and tell me more.
If anything its strength as a profound but simple introduction to systematics is both its strength and its weakness. Some things are notably absent - like the gift of healing. I did want a more comprehensive treatment of spiritual gifts. His explanation of the origins of many words is most helpful.
Like Calvin this is heart warming theology, systemics that can be read devotionally - a spiritual tonic as well as an education.
One thing I would add to his three tests of a true prophet versus a false one. Any new prophecy must be in sympathy with the messages that God has prophetically revealed before. This additional test disqualifies the false prophet of Islam.
10. by E.M. Hicham (Author)
I was given this by a missionary to Muslims who said it was his literature of choice to give to Christians to encourage them to witness to Muslims. The booklet is designed to be given to Muslims to answer their most common objection to their reading the Bible. It is written irenically. When telling you what the Bible is it does not put down the Quran which is not a collection of differing books. It is clearly shown that the Bible cannot have been changed down the centuries. Islamic reasons are given to encourage Bible reading. Each chapter has helpful questions for discussion. Practical objections that Muslims raise are carefully answered.
11. Practical Lessons for Evangelism Among Muslims by Vivienne Stacey (Author)
Vivienne Stacey (1928–2010) was the Principal and overseer United Bible Training Centre (UBTC) in Gujranwala from 1957 to 1982, working as a missionary with the Bible and Medical Missionary Fellowiship (now Interserve). Vivienne Stacey pioneered in Christian missionary work to Muslim women living in Pakistan. This fine booklet shows the prerequisite for evangelism are loving friendship and prayer. People vary and you have to find where they are in their faith. Knowing some common language and customs helps. Be a cultural insider as you are able. Knowing Islam and language and culture are important but primary are loving friendship, prayer and persistence.
12. Being Protestant in Reformation Britain by Alec Ryrie (Author)
If you want to know what it was like to be a Protestant in Britain between the Reformation and the civil war, this is the book. The author understands these people and the theology, usually Calvinistic which shaped their lives. First he deals with the emotions in the light of a predestinarian theology. Did it produce despair? There was the treat of hell but assurance was to be had that one was among the elect. This assurance seemed mainly to be resting on a godly life then the witness of the Spirit. The objective reasoning that Christ has promised salvation to those with faith in him, therefore if I have s sure lively faith I must be saved, does not seem to be a logic to the fore in a reasoned assurance. Mourning for sin is true repentance. There must be a zealous desire for godliness. Joy in one's faith was there but the author seems to accept the gloomy puritan stereotype when surely they were merely serious, not given to frivolity for salvation was serious all encompassing business and entertainments in the modern sense were not as ubiquitous as in the modern age.
What is meant to pray and the centrality of prayer to life. It is interesting to see how difficult private prayer was when only the rich had dwellings where the number of people was not greater than the number of rooms. Also we see private prayer was not done silently. It was usually vocal. The practical issues of times, places, gestures are considered as well as the usual theological aspects, set prayers and extempore.
Reading and literacy are considered. Protestants did use Catholic books sometimes but not vice-versa. Diaries of devotions and of mundane life begin to be kept.
Most fascinating is the practical consideration of what happened in public services which were compulsory, in baptism, the Lord's Supper and listening to sermons. An hour was the expected length.
Household prayer is considered, encouraged but often neglected. The head of the house would preside at family prayer but when it came to table grace, children often led. Godly fellowship beyond the gathering of the church was encouraged.
The final chapters on the stages of life, from childhood through to conversion and death are considered in this most excellent and informative book. A handbook of ordinary Christian belief and life.
13. The Bible and Islam: Sharing God's word with a Muslim : a basic guide by Bassam M Madany (Author)
The author is a reformed Arab Christian in America. He has had a fruitful radio gospel ministry to the Arab world.His advice not to use Isa in reference to Christ is I find surprising. Christians are speaking of the same person but with different import. Allah is fine so why not Isa. One has to put differing content into common words like apostle and prophet where meanings differ. This is very good on how to share the Scriptures. he warns that the essential prerequisite of mission to Muslims is patience. It is a long haul. He is informative on the history of mission to Muslims and the reasons for historic failure.
14. Reaching Muslims Today: A Short Handbook by North Africa Mission (Author)
Primarily to help in witness to Muslims from North Africa. A very comprehensive and practical short guide to witness to Muslims.The beliefs of Islam are listed and contrasted with the Christian faith. The conflicts are described. Islam's view of Christian faith is given - it's misunderstandings. Christian answers to Muslim objections are given. Then simple rules and advice on how to be a witness to Christ are given using Scripture, stories, door to door, on the street and in homes.. Words that differ in meaning and words to avoid are advised. An excellent and irenic approach.
15. Sex Education: The Muslim Perspective by Ghulam Sarwar (Author)
Written in 1989 by the director of the Muslim Educational Trust. I wonder if the law on sex education in schools has now changed from what is portrayed here. The book teaches what Christians will approve of, that the only place for sexual relations is between a man and a woman in marriage. Chastity and fidelity are stressed. Homosexuality is forbidden. Most aspects of sexual etiquette described would be supported by Christians except a woman should be always covered except for face and hands. Contraceptive advice is not needed for good unmarried Muslims. Abortion is wrong. Practical advice is given to parents on how to approach their childrens' schools. There is much here where Christians and Muslims can be co-belligerents against the secular world of modern schooling.
16. Slippery Slope - The Islamisation of the UK by Patrick Sookhdeo (Author)
The author was born a Muslim in Guyana and became a Christian in England. His concern is that the UK is becoming by various means a more Islamic society. In 2001 census, UK Muslims were 1,591,126. Since this booklet was written in 2011, the United Kingdom Census 2011 gives the UK Muslim population in 2011 as 2,786,635, 4.4% of the total population. ONS in 2016 said that in 2014, the total rose to 3,114,992. So the Muslim population is growing rapidly. The major cause apart from immigration is a far higher birth rate among Muslims who are encouraged not to use contraception. Muslims are described as diverse in their approach to integration but in general wanting to see the UK become more Islamic. How this is done is presenting Islam as benign when in fact it teaches that it should be in control. Most Muslims want peaceful change. How should Christians respond? The authors approach is spiritual putting prayer first but it is also politically realistic. I would share all his concerns except that on halal food. Christians must respond positively with friendship, love and evangelism.
17.Total Eclipse of the Sun in Cornwall and South Devon: Wednesday, 11th August 1999 by Pam Hine (Author)
I booklet to keep for 23 September 2090, the next UK total solar eclipse which will have a path very similar to the one detailed here. Poor to 1999 it was 1927 a total solar eclipse was visible here.This leaflet describes what was to happen on 11 August 1999 in great detail. My son went to Cornwall to see it. I was at work n London. Everything stopped as darkness fell and we went out to see 96.6% of the sun eclipsed. Never to be forgotten. A souvenir to keep.
18.CREMATION NOT FOR CHRISTIANS by Alfred J LEVELL (Author)
My copy was published in 1981. I am in agreement with the message of the book. The author wrights for a Strict baptist publisher and it shows when he argues for burial from his views on the proper mode of baptism. I found his historical section on cremation somewhat inadequate. He does not really tie it into Eastern religion and reincarnation. A reverence for the body, the whole man and his unity could be better stated as well as the appropriateness of cremation for non-Christians.
19. Godliness Through Discipline by Jay E. Adams (Author)
My copy was published in 1973. An excellent primer on what today's Christians neglect. There are no instant fixes in the Christian life. It is a long distance race. Endurance is all too often lacking. Instead Christians expect instant change and gratification. This booklet gives sound counsel.
20. 1 Samuel: Looking on the Heart (Focus on the Bible) by Dale Ralph Davis (Author)
Very informative and helpful. The commentary text is better than the questions. They are often closed questions which are not helpful in promoting group discussion. Good covenantal redemptive historical approach.
21. The Life of God in the Soul of Man by Henry Scougal (Author)
My edition was published by IVF in 1961 with a helpful foreword by D J Innes.
Henry Scougal 1650–1678) was the second son of
Patrick Scougal. His father was
Bishop of Aberdeen for more than 20 years.In 1672, Scougal was ordained and appointed minister of a church 20 miles from
Aberdeen, where he served for one year before returning to take the office of professor of divinity at King's College, where he taught for five years.
The Life Of God In The Soul Of Man was originally written to a friend to explain
Christianity and give spiritual counsel. This work was almost universally praised by the leaders of the
Great Awakening, including
George Whitefield, who said he never really understood what true religion was until he had digested Scougal's treatise. The foreword gives other commendations from prominent Christians, many of whom did not share the author's ecclesiology but enthused over his presentation of the gospel in this book.This is a 17th century book written for that time and in its language. It can be read with profit today. I see there are editions in modern English and that would be preferable for today's reader. His message is the true religion is no formal observance but a reception of the divine Christ into the soul of man. His exposition of divine love is very moving. He challenges the difficulties of a Christian life and gives helpful advice on the responsibilities of a Christian.
22. With People of Other Faiths in Britain: A Study Handbook for Christians
Produced by the United Reformed Church in 1980. Subtitled 'A Study Handbook for Christians'. It is solely for liberal Christians who believe in dialogue with other faiths not evangelicals who believe in mission. Biblical Christianity like Islam is a missionary religion. The Christianity portrayed here wants to talk to people of other faiths 'to help protect their own culture from erosion'. This is liberal Christianity as part of the multicultural enterprise. As one who follows the Saviour who said no man comes to the Father but by him, I beg to differ. It is a good handbook on liberal Christianity. One thing surprises me. The URC is against sharing places of worship with other faiths it says. But when our local church wanted to buy a URC property they preferred to sell it to become a Hindu temple.
23. How Our Children Come to Faith (Basics of the Reformed Faith) by Stephen Smallman (Author)
An excellent small primer on covenant children, baptism, regeneration and conversion. The author is a grandfather who has seen his children come to faith. He started as a Baptist as many do but writes now from Presbyterian conviction. He shows how Jesus blessing children is recognised even by those who refuse them baptism. Salvation is the covenant promise to all believers and their children. Of course, children or adults we must be born again. Our children may be regenerate at any time for it is by the Holy Spirit's work. Conversion comes at different times and in different ways but those who believe in baptism as a means of grace can be encouraged to address their infants as the believing children they are.
24. Retelling the story of Harold Shipman by Dr Steve Hyer (Author)
A doctoral thesis by a doctor on why a doctor killed. Shipman remains an enigma after you read this book. Who was to blame for the worst serial killer in England's history. The man himself bears responsibility as do the community around him which failed to investigate the evidence that all was not well in the medical praises of Shipman. I note there is no reference in the book to the local pharmacist being investigated and cleared of not seeing something was wrong. The pharmacist's records would have been routinely examined by the police who had no suspicions.Shipman appear4d to have the reputation of a caring GP. He certainly cared deeply for his family. The author's conclusion is that Shipman simply did not think or care about the consequences of his actions in terms of his victims and their families. A seemingly ordinary person is capable of great evil as in the case of Eichman.
The weakness of this study is that the ethics of morality are not discussed. Who is to say what is evil and why? The author assumes a sort of common sense approach that the reader will know what id good or bad. fair enough but from where do we get our morality. We can see Shipman lacked it, but why? The devil may look like an angel of light, or a bearded, respected elderly doctor.
25. The British in Northern Nigeria by Robert Heussler (Author)
A fascinating account of the British colonial rule of Northern Nigeria from 1900 to independence in 1960. This is a fine history of the British policy of indirect rule through the traditional emirs and chiefs. This is how a very small number of colonial officers ruled millions of Nigerians in a vast undeveloped land. It was a benign partnership, self financing by local taxation. The barriers to government were a deeply traditional and largely Islamic society with endemic nepotism and corruption. District officers had a largely free hand in how they governed but there was always a huge social gulf between the races and usually a strong insistence on protocol. The author confesses there are few Nigerian sources as to how the British were viewed so the book is written almost exclusively from British sources. My one criticism is that there is almost no reference to Christian missions and their exclusion from areas deemed to be under Muslim rule. This exclusion had an adverse effect on the development of the North for schools and hospitals that Christian missions could have brought were excluded from Muslim sensibilities. It is also the case that areas that were hardly Muslim were brought under Muslim rule.
Having now read a second time another shortcoming is no real treatment of slavery. It has been estimated at 30%+ before 1900. A decree finally abolishing slavery was only promulgated in 1936 . There are references to the corruption of officials who were slaves and their unsuitability for office but a chapter on slavery would have been a helpful addition. Were owners compensated in 1936?
26. The Method of Grace by George Whitefield (Author)
My copy was published in 1961 and is receded by an extract from, ' The revivals of the 18th century, particularly Cambuslang'. The sermon was preached at Glasgow 1741. It is a most searching sermon proclaiming the law of God concerning sins actual, original and of unbelief.True faith is a matter of heart reliance on Christ. There is a great force and conviction as he urges sinners to close with Christ and continue walking with Him, looking to Him. Even from the printed text you can sense the force of the preacher's appeal for his hearers to find peace with God in Christ.
27. Turning the Church Inside Out by Harold H. Rowdon (Author)
Published by BMMF (now Interserve) in 1982, an excellent booklet from a senior lecturer at the then London Bible College (now London School of Theology) and the then Home Secretary of BMMF. It is all about the relationship the local church to mission and missionary societies. Biblical and very much needed still today. Missing is the corporate aspect of the church's mission. Individualism is a bugbear. We will never make an impact on Muslims until we show them a better community than theirs. Also we have now moved on to being a country receiving as well as sending missionaries.
28. Forgive!: As the Lord Forgave You by Patrick H. Morison
An excellent and practical primer on the obligation of forgiveness. First you must know you are forgiven by God's grace to you in Christ. Then you must obey Christ's command to forgive. It demands reconciliation too, no retaliation. Ways we retaliate are helpfully delineated. The need for seventy times seven is studied. We are to return blessing for hurt and manifest a loving spirit. The only thing I missed was a consideration of forgiving the unrepentant. First rate teaching.
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