Veritas et Lux

The Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind – Carl Trueman (2011)

In 1994, Mark Noll dropped a land mine on the ecclesiastical world with his excellent work, The Scandal of the Evangelical Mind. Noll argued persuasively that “the scandal of the evangelical mind is that there is not much of an evangelical mind.” Noll’s conclusion appears to be in agreement with the thesis of Harry Blamires who said, “There is no longer a Christian mind.” Carl Trueman picks up where Noll and Blamires left off with the publication of his little book, The Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind.

Trueman questions the functionality of the term “evangelical” which according to David Bebbington is marked by four characteristics:

A high regard for the Bible as the primary source of truth
A focus on the cross work of Christ
A belief in the necessity of personal conversion
A public display of the gospel

Trueman is rightly concerned that the doctrinal boundaries which define an evangelical are too broad. He wisely states, “Ironically, the minimal doctrinal confessions of some evangelical institutions can exacerbate, rather than mitigate the problem of boundary drawing.” Trueman continues, “A movement that cannot or will not draw boundaries, or that allows the modern cultural fear of exclusion to set its theological agenda, is doomed to lose its doctrinal identity.” Indeed, the propensity of evangelicals to be inclusive and draw blurry boundaries will in the final analysis, harm the evangelical mind. Ignoring Trueman’s counsel will prove detrimental to evangelicalism as a movement.

The author identifies a trend in the evangelical world that is growing increasingly more tolerant with subjects such as universalism or homosexuality. Some might agree that this broadens the appeal but this brazen compromise does not come without a steep price. Truly, this is weak-kneed, spineless, and tepid. And it bears no resemblance to the robust faith of the Puritans and Protestant Reformers. This is not a “faith” to die for. This is a “faith” that is marginalized and ineffective.Trueman argues that the net result of this theological compromise will come under “huge strain” in the days ahead. The author posits, “The impact of this wider cultural shift on evangelical institutions and organizations will be dramatic.” Simply put, Christ-followers who stand for the truth will not be tolerated. Christ-followers who think Christianly (to borrow Schaeffer’s language) will be marginalized. Christ-followers who refuse to compromise the truth will pay a heavy price in the marketplace of ideas.

Trueman gives a brilliant example of where the scandal of the evangelical mind is heading. He challenges evangelical leaders to weigh in on the matter of homosexuality. Is it a legitimate lifestyle or not? “All Christians,” says Trueman, “evangelical and otherwise, will face the question, and their answer to it will determine whether they have credibility in the wider culture.” Evangelicals have not and will not be unified in answering this question because the evangelical world is not “defined by doctrinal commitments.” One recalls the strong and vigorous challenges of the 20th century from Carl Henry and Francis Schaeffer; calls to maintain fidelity to biblical authority. Since those calls have gone largely unheeded, the evangelical mind is in trouble.

Here is the rub: “Do we want to be culturally credible, and how much ground are we willing to surrender in order to do so?” The author reminds anyone tempted by such a tantalizing thought, “Cultural relevance can be a cruel mistress.” So will Christians leaders stand up and risk being marginalized at best and scorned and persecuted at worst. That remains a question that has yet to be answered.

Trueman goes one step beyond Mark Noll and his conclusion is not as half-baked as it appears on the surface. He maintains, “It is not that there is no mind, but rather that there is no evangelical.” He predicts that Christianity will be viewed as a cult, much like the 1st-century believers in Rome.

The cure, according to Trueman comes not in cultural concession or compromise but in narrowing the boundaries and refining our doctrinal distinctives. A return to the historic creeds (what the author refers to in another work as the Creedal Imperative) may be in order. Minimizing doctrine never helps combat theological error – it only exacerbates it!

Trueman concludes on a somber note: “The real scandal of the evangelical mind currently is not that it lacks a mind, but that it lacks any agreed-upon evangel.” The Real Scandal of the Evangelical Mind is a timely book that should be placed in the hands of as many Christ-followers as possible. It is a warning; it is a call to arms; it is a wake-up call! May this book spur church leaders to refuse to loosen up (which is the trend in so many circles today). The real call is to tighten up! The real call involves courage in order to rebuild the Christian mind that values orthodoxy, cherishes the historic creeds and confessions, and elevates the gospel in a way that magnifies and glorifies Christ.

Semper Reformanda!

5 stars

TO TRY MEN’S SOULS – Newt Gingrich and William R. Forstchen (2009)

“Victory or Death …” General George Washington made these words famous in the famous campaign to overtake Trenton on December 26, 1776. Former Speaker of the House, Newt Gingrich and William Forstchen combine forces in their historical thriller, To Try Men’s Souls.

Washington combines a mixture of stealth, wisdom, and careful military strategy as they overran British forces at Trenton. Gingrich and Forstchen make the story come alive with vivid detail and rich storytelling. To Try Men’s Souls is a fresh reminder that freedom is not free. It tells the tale of a tattered army on the verge of extinction. It virtually shouts at present day Americans; especially Americans who are ignorant of our nations history. But most of all, this is a story about leadership. The courage and bravery of General Washington is unsurpassed. His bold leadership in the face of adversity will inspire the downtrodden and lift the spirits of the discouraged.

Indeed, it is a tragedy that so few Americans can stand alongside men like George Washington. Perhaps a man like Washington is exactly what this nation needs, which totters on the edge of the precipice.

4 stars

THE HEROIC BOLDNESS OF MARTIN LUTHER – Steven J. Lawson (2013)

Dr. Steven Lawson has done it again. The Heroic Boldness of Martin Luther is the fifth installment of the excellent series, edited by Dr. Lawson, A Long Line of Godly Men. The series reaches back into the halls of church history and unearths the great heroes of the Christian faith, men who have faithfully served God and proclaimed the truth of God – John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, John Knox, and Charles Haddon Spurgeon. The newest offering is a riveting account of the life and legacy of the great Protestant Reformer, Martin Luther.

Chapter one surveys Luther’s pilgrimage from spiritual death to spiritual life and his ascent to the pulpit. Readers familiar with Roland Bainton’s classic work, Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther will appreciate Lawson’s approach here. They will certainly appreciate Lawson’s unique ability to weave many details of Luther’s life into a few short pages.

The remaining chapters which comprise the core of the book focus on Luther’s preaching. The author examines Luther’s deep conviction concerning God’s Word, his commitment to toiling hard in the study, his commitment to the text of Scripture, his passion in the pulpit, and his fearless approach to preaching God’s Word.

Once again, Steve Lawson has done a great service for the church. This short volume will no doubt awaken a sleeping church. It will alert them to indispensable need for expository preaching; preaching that is faithful to Scripture. Faithful preaching, of course always magnifies the doctrines of grace, which is to exalt the Lord Jesus Christ – so that nations will treasure him above all.

5 stars

STOP ASKING JESUS INTO YOUR HEART – J.D. Greear (2013)

Ask any Christian if he or she has ever wrestled with the idea of assurance of salvation. You will find that a majority have at some point or still do struggle with assurance. J.D. Greear’s latest offering, Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart not only addresses the question; it goes to the heart of the issue by dealing with:

1) Converted people who doubt their salvation (and shouldn’t)

2) Unconverted people who don’t question their standing with God (and should)

Paige Patterson writes the forward and truly does the book a disservice by confessing his chagrin over the title of the book and by going so far to say that he “might disagree with some interpretations here or there.” But once the reader is through the starting gate, the rest of the book is a true feast for the soul.

Greear attacks the problem of assurance with witty doctrinal precision and humor. But make no mistake, this book contains serious theological assertions that will drive readers to the cross and stay there for the rest of their lives. Greear does a magnificent of job of cutting through the lies of religion (especially Roman Catholic soteriology) and straight to the gospel.

Here is what I really appreciate about J.D. Greear’s approach – and I offer this as the highest of compliments. While he writes in a popular style (some might even consider his style somewhat akin to a hipster pastor meets theologian), I hear the great heroes of the faith cheering him on. As he stands at the center of the stage, I see the nodding head of Jonathan Edwards. I see the approval of John Bunyan. I see the grin of John Calvin. And I see the God-centered resolve of Luther. These are the kinds of theologians that fuel the fire for Stop Asking Jesus Into Your Heart. This is the kind of book that needs to be passed out like candy in youth groups. This is the kind of book that needs to be read by new believers. My prayer is that Greear’s book will sell like wildfire. May God use this little book to fuel the Reformation fire that has been set ablaze by the Reformers and the English Puritans!

5 stars

EMBRACING OBSCURITY – Anonymous (2012)

Embracing Obscurity is written by a nameless author. That’s right, the author is anonymous. And while “anonymous” must ultimately lift the veil for the IRS and reveal a name in order to “donate” a portion of his/her royalties, this clever ploy, is in the final analysis, an ingenious move – a move that reveals a heart of humility, which goes to the core of the book’s purpose.

I must admit, I was skeptical when I approached this book. I read with an extra dose of discernment. After all, it would be just like a liberal to worm his way into the Christian publishing industry and import a host of heretical musings to deceive the faithful.

But the more I read, the more I was impressed. Several highlights stand out that make the book noteworthy. First, the author writes in a popular style that is in touch with contemporary culture. The book does not come across as a theological treatise but has the feel of a devotional book with strong challenges at the end of each chapter.

Second, the author does a good job at introducing Christian theology in a way that is understandable and appealing. While it is certainly not to be confused with a theological diatribe; make no mistake – this author has his theological head screwed on correctly. I hear strong statements that concern the person and work of Christ; clear statements that mark the ministry of the Holy Spirit – in drawing the elect to God, and sanctifying the elect to the glory of God.

Third, the author consciously directs the attention of the reader to the kingdom of God – which is the true barometer of success: “One of the beauties of focusing our priority energies on kingdom work is that we don’t have much to lose if our earthly pursuits don’t turn out the way we hope … Live your life worthy of the gospel of Christ. This is true success.”

Embracing Obscurity is a call to radical discipleship; it is as the title suggests, a call to obscurity. In the event that God should extend the influence of a person who accepts this call, the author notes, “The purpose of my influential position is to make God’s name great, to advance His kingdom on earth, and to serve others.” Embracing Obscurity is a call to a life of humble service; service that is patterned after Christ’s example.

“Let’s allow the profound simplicity of Christ’s godly ambitions to overshadow our worldly dreams and desires. Let’s daily incinerate our pride on the altar. As we learn to embrace our humble King, we might just come to appreciate our true and right place in the world.” – Anonymous

“Living for an audience of One is at the heart of embracing obscurity.” – Anonymous

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THOUGHT: A Philosophical Guide to Living – Luc Ferry (2011)

A Brief History of Thought by Luc Ferry is a fascinating account of the history of western thought. Ferry begins by answering the thorny question, “What is philosophy?” One of the answers that emerges has to do with the so-called quest for salvation. Ferry brilliantly surveys the history of philosophy and presents various answers to the question from the ancient Greeks to the Renaissance and Enlightenment thinkers, and concludes by examining the thought of Nietzsche and Heidegger. Ferry demonstrates how Christianity dominated and displaced Greco-Roman pagan thought and played a key role in the history of ideas.

While Ferry does not accept the conclusion of historic Christianity at the end of the day, his honest and open-minded treatment of the dominant philosophical questions is commendable and encouraging. Strawman arguments are nowhere to be found in this work. At play is an author who is honestly wrestling with ideas and assessing the facts as he sees them. The broad sweep of historical thought that he presents is very helpful.

DANGEROUS CALLING – Paul David Tripp (2012)

Paul David Tripp’s book has been titled incorrectly. Dangerous Calling should be titled, Lessons in the Woodshed. The author guides pastors to the woodshed again and again and again. While this is clearly not the most glowing and winsome way to begin a book review, readers will see firsthand that the author is committed to telling pastors the truth and leading them out of the desert of sin and into the high places of victory.

Part One:

In the opening section, Tripp explores pastoral culture and expresses deep concern from the start. His primary argument: Many pastors are headed in the wrong direction – and fast! The author draws the reader in by using his own life and ministry as an example of one who was headed for disaster – both in his ministry and in his marriage. Evidently, pastors around the country are in a similar situation. Some pastors are ignoring the need for biblical community, neglecting personal worship and devotional priorities, and carry the attitude that they have “arrived.”

Part Two:

Next, Tripp uncovers a problem among pastors that appears to be somewhat of an epidemic, namely – the danger of forgetting the majesty of God: “It is that familiarity with the things of God will cause you to lose your awe. You’ve spent so much time in Scripture that its grand redemptive narrative, with its expansive wisdom, doesn’t excite you anymore.”

Tripp reminds pastors to regain their sense of awe by cultivating humility, tenderness, passion for the gospel, confidence, discipline, and rest. He urges pastors, “… Run now, run quickly to your Father of awesome glory. Confess the offense of your boredom. Plead for eyes that are open to the 360-degree, 24/7 display of glory to which you have been blind … And remind yourself to be thankful for Jesus, who offers you his grace even at those moments when that grace isn’t nearly as valuable to you as it should be.”

Part Three:

Finally, Tripp warns pastors of the danger of “arrival.” He confronts the propensity of pastors who falsely assume that they have nothing more to learn, what he refers to as “self-glory.” His challenge is bold and timely: “You and I must not become pastors who are all too aware of our positions. We must not give way to protecting and polishing our power and prominence. We must resist feeling privileged, special, or in a different category. We must not think of ourselves as deserving or entitled. We must not demand to be treated differently or put on some ministry pedestal. We must not minister from above but from alongside.” Challenges and admonition like this appear throughout the book; challenges that call pastors to be servant leaders.

Each page is filled with sobering challenges for men who call themselves a pastor/shepherd/elder. Indeed, there are many “lessons in the woodshed” but the author does not leave pastors in a hopeless condition. Rather, he applies the gospel to pastors who have been wounded in light of unconfessed sin, pride, and arrogance. I believe that Paul David Tripp has accurately accessed the condition of pastoral ministry. But the assessment is not the most important observation. What stands at the center of this discussion is the gospel. Pastors must return again and again to the gospel. It is true that pastors must deliver the message of the gospel from the pulpit each week. But pastors must also preach the gospel to themselves. They must see themselves as recipients of grace; sinners in need of grace; sinners in need of forgiveness. May God raise up a new generation of pastors who are humble, contrite, and tremble at God’s Word (Isa. 66:2b).

5 stars

LIT: A CHRISTIAN GUIDE TO READING BOOKS – Tony Reinke (2012)

Several years ago I read, How to Read a Book by Mortimier Adler, a classic in its own right. Lit: A Christian Guide to Reading Books by Tony Reinke picks up where Adler left off. The biggest difference – Reinke writes from a uniquely Christian angle.

In part one, the author articulates a theology of books. Chapter five proves to be particularly helpful, as Reinke lists several benefits of reading non-Christian books:

1. Non-Christian literature can describe the world, how it functions, and how to subdue it

2. Non-Christian books highlight common life experiences

3. Non-Christian books can expose the human heart

4. Non-Christian books can teach us wisdom and valuable moral lessons

5. Non-Christian books can capture beauty

6. Non-Christian literature begs questions that can only be resolved in Christ

7. Non-Christian books can echo spiritual truth and edify the soul.

Of course, all truth is God’s truth. Therefore readers should not shy away from benefitting from good writing that comes from the pen of one who has been endowed with common grace.

Part two surfaces practical advice on book reading. While part one worked hard to set forth the author’s philosophical foundations for reading, part two provides help for efficient and skillful reading habits. Readers would do well to dig into Reinke’s book and surface these helpful principles.

4.5 stars

GOSPEL DEEPS: Reveling in the Excellencies of Jesus – Jared Wilson (2012)

Jared Wilson continues to swing for the fences in his latest book, Gospel Deeps. Wilson adds yet another chapter to the growing list of books that focus on the gospel. Indeed, his thesis is: “the gospel is deep with grace abounding because Jesus is deep with grace abounding.”

In many ways, Gospel Deeps in the natural (or supernatural) extensive of his previous release Gospel Wakefulness, a book that in my mind was one of the most important releases of 2012.

In Gospel Deeps, the author skillfully weaves the realities of the gospel into the fabric of the book. He glories in the penal substitutionary death of Christ and his glorious resurrection. He delights in sin that is forgiven all because of Christ’s work on the cross. And he celebrates the gospel that has both personal and cosmic dimensions.

Gospel Deeps will remind readers that Jonathan Edwards, John Calvin, and John Bunyan were really onto something. It will remind readers that the gospel is not only for the unconverted; it is also for the convinced. And this gospel has the power to change and transform lives. It will alert readers to this fact: the gospel is deeper than we ever imagined. Gospel Deeps should be read, shared, celebrated, and re-read – all to the glory of God!

4.5 stars

“I’M BETTER THAN LANCE ARMSTRONG”

Lance Armstrong’s recent admission of using performance enhancing drugs has led to an all out assault on the most famous cyclist in the world. Armstrong not only violated the rules, he lied repeatedly, and some would say even betrayed his country. This high profile case has emerged as the most talked about scandal in sport’s history. Talk around the “water cooler” is brutal. His fans feel betrayed. His competitors are outraged. And the media is ruthlessly attacking a man who is struggling to regain some sense of composure as he confesses his sins.

As I listen to people weigh in on the Armstrong confession, I hear the gavel slamming relentlessly on the bench. I hear the drone of a prosecuting attorney who seeks to cross-examine a defendant into the corner until he breaks. I see the executioner who prepares the “rope” which will execute final justice on an unrepentant miscreant. However, today it struck me: Each time one of these well meaning people casts a vote of no-confidence for Armstrong, they are in the final analysis making a proclamation: “I am better than Lance Armstrong.” Bottom line: “My righteousness surpasses Lance Armstrong.” Or does it?

There is no question, that the man who founded Livestrong should be held accountable. The more important matter, however, concerns his position before a holy God. The God of the universe is holy and righteous. As such, he demands his creatures be holy in their behavior: “As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, ‘You shall be holy, for I am holy.'” (1 Peter 1:14-16, ESV). Jesus says, “You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect” (Matthew 5:48, ESV).

But Jesus gets to the heart of the matter when he tells his disciples, “For I tell you, unless your righteousness exceeds that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:20). How can anyone exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees? Lance Armstrong has proved that he can’t do it. He has failed the test. But here’s the rub. I have failed the test. You have failed the test. Each of us has failed the test. We have all lied like Lance Armstrong. In fact, Scripture says that even if we keep the whole law, yet fail at one point, we become accountable for breaking all of it (James 2:10). Each of us are sinners by nature and choice. Jonathan Edwards said that “sinners would kill God” if given an opportunity. Scripture is clear on this matter. Apart from grace, we have no righteousness. Apart from grace, we would freely lie, cheat, and steal. And we would enjoy it. Listen to the prophet Isaiah:

“All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Isa. 53:6, ESV).

“We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away” (Isa. 64:6, ESV).

If we are to think clearly about Lance Armstrong, we must remember that we too are sinners. We are totally depraved. Apart from grace, we are lost without hope and without God. The Westminster Larger Catechism rightly refers to sin as, “that corruption whereby man is utterly indisposed, disabled, and made opposite to all that is spiritually good.” Think Saul of Tarsus – a murderer. Think Aurelius Augustine – a fornicator. Or what about C.S. Lewis – an atheist. Think about a vile sinner and stand in awe of this fact: God is in the business of transforming liars and cheaters (people like Saul, Augustine, and C.S. Lewis) into worshippers; worshippers who are forgiven of all their sins; people who delight in God and make Jesus their highest treasure. Jesus died on a cross and bore the wrath of God for everyone who would ever believe. He endured the wrath that we rightly deserve. And he rose again on the third day to secure eternal life for everyone who believes. Jesus came to set sinners free; to liberate them of all their sin; to forgive them. He came to offer hope for the hopeless and a new life for the desperate.

Here’s the problem. Somewhere along the way, Christians began to think that the gospel is for the unconverted. But nothing could be further from the truth. The gospel is for not only for the unconverted. It is for the follower of Christ. This gospel has the power to transform lives and marriages and businesses and churches. This gospel is the only hope for lives and marriages and businesses and churches. When we buy the lie that the gospel is only for the unconvinced, we embrace a small gospel, a weak gospel, a comfortable American gospel. This is not the gospel that Jesus proclaims!

So followers of Christ: Let’s give Lance Armstrong a break. Better yet, let’s extend some grace. Instead of casting stones, let us share the love of Christ. Here’s the reason why. When you judge Lance from afar at the office, imagine an executive who is stealing money from the company. Imagine a young secretary who is tangled up in an immoral relationship. Imagine an attorney who cheats on her taxes. When we play judge and jury with Lance Armstrong, we play judge and jury with every other sinner. And these people hear the message loud and clear: “I am better than Lance Armstrong” – which is to say, “I am better than you; you have no right to the grace of God. You deserve to go to hell!” May we root out this Pharisee-mindset. May we freely extend the grace of God to sinners like Lance Armstrong. Perhaps God will use this horrible situation for good. Perhaps God will extend grace to Lance Armstrong like he extended grace to this man – for I am not better than Lance Armstrong and neither are you!