ON GLOBAL WIZARDRY – Peter Jones, Ed. (2010)

Peter Jones understands postmodern culture and has a particular interest in warning the church about the pernicious influence of neo-paganism.  His newest book, On Global Wizardry, continues to alert Christ-followers and equips them to respond in a biblically appropriate way.

Jones edits this work and relies on a host of experts to assist him in confronting and responding to neo-paganism.  Jones sets forth the thesis: “If, as contemporary thought contends, all religions are the same, then the spirituality of all those religions is also essentially the same, whether in its Easter or ‘primitive’ versions or in its Western ‘interfaith version.”  Therefore, the reader must ask himself, “Will we worship Nature or the God who created nature?”

The topics include a description and response to a host of worldviews including Witchcraft, Chinese spirituality, Syncretism, Gnosticism, Kabbalah, Astrology, Shamanism, and more.

Andrew Young is a fine example of a Christian responding appropriately to neo-paganism:  He writes, “Mystical techniques and the inward journey have no place in true biblical spirituality.  If there is reality experienced in such things, it is a reality other than that promised in the gospel … Christian spirituality, consequently does not journey inward in search of an immediate experience of oneness with God.  Instead, through the indwelling Holy Spirit it looks toward Christ and through him to the Father.  Contemplative mysticism is not the path of biblical spirituality; faith-based relationship with the Triune God is.”

The final chapter by Jones is very helpful.  Dr. Jones  invites readers to discern truth from error by setting up an antithesis.  He illustrates by pointing to the apostle Paul who declares an antithesis in 2 Corinthians:

  • “What partnership has righteousness with lawlessness?”
  • “What fellowship has light with darkness?”
  • “What accord has Christ with Belial?”
  • “What portion does a believer share with an unbeliever?”
  • “What agreement has the temple of God with idols?”

Jones adds, “Human thinking is idolatrous or autonomous because it raises itself to the level of ultimate truth, a place only the mind of God can occupy.  As creatures, we see a miniscule piece of the cosmos.  Of God, we see nothing, except what God chooses to reveal.”

Every parent should read this book.  It steers clear from legalism.  It educates and informs.  It encourages cultural engagement.  And it challenges neo-paganism from many angles.  On Global Wizardry is a call for Christ-followers to reclaim lost ground.  It is time for the people of God to affirm and defend the Creator-creature distinction and penetrate a lost world with the saving message of the gospel.

4.5 stars

MANAGING PEOPLE IS LIKE HERDING CATS – Warren Bennis (1999)

Managing People is Like Herding Cats is a book that explores the principles of effective leadership at all levels.  Renowned leadership scholar and USC professor Warren Bennis writes, “Be humble.  Stop trying to ‘herd cats’ and start building trust and mutual respect.  Your ‘cats’ will respond.  They will sense your purpose, keep your business purring, and even kill your rats.”

The book contains three sections.  The first section explains the leadership crisis in America.  The author maintains that true leaders are a rare find today.  Leaders who stand on principle and cast vision are few and far between.  Central to this section is issue of trust.  The primary proposition is that leadership cannot exist in an environment of “non-trust.”  The author insists that leaders are highly focused, able to inspire trust and bring hope to a given organization.  They listen deeply to constituents which builds trust.  “Effective leaders put words to the formless longings and deeply felt needs of others.”  The essence of the first section is that America presently faces a leadership crisis.  Someone must stand in this leadership gap or the decline will continue.

Section two details the qualities of the kind of leader that is needed in this generation.  Bennis makes a sharp distinction between a leader and a manager.  The manager does things right; the leader does the right things.  The manager administers; the leader innovates.  The manager maintains; the leader develops.  The manager relies on control; the leader inspires trust.  The manager accepts the status quo; the leader challenges it.  Bennis maintains that our country needs a new generation of leaders, not managers if we have any hope of surviving.  He discusses four things people look for in a leader including 1) purpose, direction or meaning, 2) trust, 3) a sense of we-can-do-it optimism; and 4) results.  Further, he lists the four competencies of leaders including management of attention (they get everyone on the same page and working together) , management of meaning (they communicate the vision), management of trust and management of self (they are aware of their strengths and nurture them).  Finally, in a broad stroke of the pen, Bennis adds ten vital traits of dynamic leaders.  They include 1) self-knowledge, 2) openness to feedback, 3) eager to learn and improve, 4) curious, risk takers, 5) concentration at work, 6) learn from adversity, 7) balance tradition and change, 8) open style, 9) work well with systems, and 10) serve as models and mentors.

Section three is about change and leadership.  The author discusses how to avoid disaster during change.  Central to the discussion is transforming culture which is a key challenge that every leader faces.  Bennis adds, “Management is getting people to do what needs to be done.  Leadership is getting people to want to do what needs to be done.  Managers push.  Leaders pull.  Managers command.  Leaders communicate.”

Bennis has written a thought-provoking and challenging book.  While he writes from the perspective of a secular business professor, many of the principles can be directly applied to the church.  The distinction between a manager and a leader is very helpful.  His advice should be utilized in today’s over managed and under-led church.  Indeed, a leadership crisis not only exists on a national scale but in the local church as well.

4 stars

GOSPEL TRUTH, PAGAN LIES – Peter Jones (1999)

A few days ago as my family entered a bookstore, my eight year old son shocked and thrilled me when he asked, “Hey Dad, where can I find the Peter Jones books?”  My son is asking the question that scores of Christians should be asking.  Enter Gospel Truth, Pagan Lies by Peter Jones.

It is not trendy.  It never made the New York Times best sellers list.  It is probably not on the shelf of your local Christian book store.  (It wasn’t available at the store I was in). In fact, most people have probably never heard about Gospel Truth, Pagan Lies.  But this is a very important book that needs to be read.

Dr. Jones clearly unfolds the differences between biblical Christianity and paganism and calls Christ-followers to spiritual discernment: “We need to wake up.  Anti-Christian but very spiritual paganism is flooding our land.”  Jones notes, “There are only two kinds of spirituality – Christian or pagan.  The two systems have nothing in common, and are as different as the truth and the lie.  But paganism loves to disguise itself in Christian clothes.”

Jones unpacks the five tenets of monism and contrasts these erroneous components with a Christ-centered and biblically informed worldview.  I am intentionally omitting the specific points in this review in order to lure readers to Jones’ excellent work.

Gospel Truths, Pagan Lies should be required Christian reading.  Parents need to read it for the sake of their children.  Young people need to read it in order to recognize the errors of monism and how these lies have infiltrated their culture.  Jones reminds us, “Paganism is like a downward spiral.  In the vortex at the bottom is Satan and the worship of evil … Biblical theism is like an upward spiral that brings us into the light of God’s presence.”

5 stars

TRUE BIBLICAL SPIRITUALITY

“Mystical techniques and the inward journey have no place in true biblical spirituality.  If there is reality experienced in such things, it is a reality other than that promised in the gospel … Christian spirituality, consequently does not journey inward in search of an immediate experience of oneness with God.  Instead, through the indwelling Holy Spirit it looks toward Christ and through him to the Father.  Contemplative mysticism is not the path of biblical spirituality; faith-based relationship with the Triune God is.”

– Andrew Young, Cited in On Global Wizardry: Techniques of Pagan Spirituality and a Christian Response, Peter Jones, Editor

THE DOCTRINE OF THE CHRISTIAN LIFE – John Frame (2008)

The Doctrine of the Christian Life by John Frame is the third installment in his Lordship series.  The preceding work, The Doctrine of God is the most influential book I have read to date, outside the Bible.  Every seminary student and pastor should carefully read The Doctrine of God.  The contents are sure to revolutionize one’s life and ministry.

The Doctrine of the Christian Life is a superb addition to the Lordship series.  Since the book is nearly 1000 pages, this format makes it impossible to review this work in a comprehensive way.  Hopefully, a few highlights will lure some prospective readers in.

Dr. Frame’s book may be considered an extended meditation on ethics.  Frame utilizes his well-known triperspectival framework.  Ethics is viewed through three lenses, namely, the situational (the history of ethics), existential (Christian ethics), and normative (the ethical pattern of the ten commandments).

The author links ethics with divine lordship in keeping with the overall tenor of the series.  The Lordship attributes are control, authority, and presence.  Our God controls and accomplishes all that he intends.  Everything he ordains come to pass. Frame argues, “Control means that God makes everything happen.”

God’s authority is “his right to tell his creatures what they must do … authority means that God has the right to be obeyed, and that therefore we have the obligation to obey him.”  Additionally, “God’s authority is absolute.  That means, first, that we shouldn’t doubt or question it … The absoluteness of God’s authority means that his lordship transcends all our other loyalties … God’s authority covers all areas of human life.”

God’s presence is the profound reality that he promises to be with his people.  Frame adds, “When God takes us to be his people, he fights our battles, blesses us, loves us, and sometimes gives us special judgments because of our sins.”

These lordship attributes govern the ethical life of a Christ-follower:

  • “By his control, God plans and rules nature and history, so that certain human acts are conducive to his glory and others are not.”
  • “By his authority, he speaks to us clearly, telling us what norms govern our behavior.”
  • “By his covenant presence he commits himself to be with us in our ethical walk, blessing our obedience and punishing our disobedience.”

Dr. Frame adds, “Three lordship attributes, three mandatory responses: faith, obedience, worship.  These responses are the foundation of our ethical life.  Faith corresponds to control, obedience to authority, and worship to presence.”

In part two, the author reviews non-Christian ethical frameworks.  Perhaps most helpful is the section describing how unregenerate people are both rational and irrational at the same time.  Arguing with Cornelius Van Til, the author writes, “They [unconverted people] claim that their own reason has ultimate authority (rationalism), but they acknowledge nothing that will connect human reason with objective truth (irrationalism).”

Part three summarizes Christian ethical methodology in a very comprehensive fashion.  Dr. Frame utilizes the normative, situational,  and existential perspectives to drive home the basis for Christian ethics.

Part four is an excellent summary of the ten commandments that readers should turn to again and again for fresh perspective on the decalogue.  Perhaps most helpful here is the assertion that “grace precedes and motivates works.”

Part five is a section on Christ and Culture.  The author defines culture and answers the question, “What role (if any) should a Christian have in culture?”  Dr. Frame’s answers are illuminating and motivating.  His answers are worth the price of the book in my estimation.

Finally, Dr. Frame ends on a practical note.  Part six focuses on personal spiritual maturity and includes a helpful section on progressive sanctification.

The Doctrine of the Christian Life is not for the faint at heart.  But it is highly recommended.  I will utilize this resource for many years to come.  And I can’t wait for the final installment of the Lordship series, The Doctrine of the Word of God.

5 stars

WHAT IS SPIRITUAL WARFARE?

Do a quick search on any online bookseller or browse the shelves at a large bookstore and you will undoubtedly be confronted with a plethora of books on spiritual warfare.  Unfortunately, many of the popular books being published on this subject are unhelpful at best and unbiblical at worst.

What is Spiritual Warfare? by Stanley D. Gale rises above the ridiculous and introduces readers to a basic biblical framework for understanding spiritual warfare.  Gale rightly acknowledged the existence of an unseen realm by making an appeal to the Nicene Creed.

The author introduces our archenemy, the devil and makes it clear that he appeals to “remaining sin in our flesh through the trappings of a falling world.  His battle rages for our mind, heart, and will, and the frontlines of spiritual battle.”  The enemy  seeks to deceive, tempt, and accuse believers.  Gale’s treatment of Satan’s goals and objectives is noteworthy.  Unlike many works on spiritual warfare, Stanley Gale refuses to give Satan center stage.

Significantly, Jesus Christ receives center stage in this short treatment  on spiritual warfare.  The author focuses on the promise of a Redeemer in Genesis 3:15 and unpacks his unique mission, namely, to “destroy the works of the devil” (1 John 3:8).  The author walks the reader through redemptive history and showcases the role that Christ plays as our prophet, priest, and king.

Gale turns the attention of the reader to the battle plan.  The essence of that plan is the pursuit of holiness.  Believers pursue holiness by practicing progressive sanctification and keeping in step with the Spirit.  Gale clearly sets forth the position of every believer.  We must stand.  We must not stand by in a passive fashion.  Rather, we choose to abide in Christ and claim his promises in the heat of battle.  The author adds, “Much of spiritual warfare simply involves living out that gospel of the kingdom against the efforts of our enemy the devil, with the goal of growing in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.”

The author continues by unpacking the spiritual weaponry of every believer.  We have revealed truth.  “Spiritual warfare involves not being taken captive by the teachings of this world or distortions of God’s Word but instead taking captive every thought to the obedience of our Lord Jesus.”  Therefore, we must live in obedience to God’s Word and the lordship of Christ.

The second spiritual weapon is prayer.  Prayer expresses our allegiance to the king and his kingdom.  The author writes, “Prayer is a staple of spiritual warfare to enable us to abide in Christ, that we might stand firm and be strong and lay siege.”

The third spiritual weapon is covenant community.  We are not left alone to fend for ourselves.  Rather, we stand arm to arm with the people of God.  We purpose to obey the king and glorify our great God in heaven.

Stanley Gale has written an extremely helpful booklet.  Again, the focus is never on Satan.  The supreme focus is on Christ and his redemptive work on the cross for sinners.  Gale’s work would be of value in a small group setting or personal discipleship.

4.5 stars

WHAT IS VOCATION? – Stephen J. Nichols

What is Vocation? This question is rarely asked anymore and Stephen J. Nichols laments this reality in the latest installment of the Basics of the Faith Series by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing.

Nichols begins by alerting readers to the definition of vocation: “The English word vocation comes from the Latin word vocatio or, in the verb form, vocare.  Its root means “calling.”  Early in church history most applied the word in an exclusive sense which was confined to church work.  Others in medieval culture simply worked.

Luther gave new meaning to the idea of vocation and held that each person should embrace his or her calling – all to the glory of God (soli deo gloria).  Nichols adds, “All work – all types of work, not just work done in the service of the church – was a calling.”

Nichols points out that some evangelicals are still stuck in medieval culture by insisting that the idea of “calling” is limited exclusively to church, a trend that needs to be reversed if we are to embrace the biblical notion of vocation.

The next section includes a helpful discussion that develops a biblical and theological framework for work.  The story begins in the garden where we come face to face with what theologians refer to as the cultural mandate (Gen. 1:26-28).  Here we are called to have dominion over and subdue the earth.

The fall distorts the original intention in the creation mandate and the promised seed (protoevangelium) emerges in Genesis 3:15 where Christ “undoes what Adam did and reunites us to God and brings in the kingdom, the consummation of which is portrayed in Revelation 22:1-5.”

Nichols takes a clear position on the whole idea of vocation as defined by the biblical plot line: “The biblical story line of creation, fall, and redemption – is the theological framework in which we begin to understand our purpose in life.  It is also the context through which we understand work as vocation.  Without it, work is just work – just putting in time.”

The author includes a helpful section concerning rest which is the final component in the theological framework for the biblical idea of work or vocation.  God presents the proper pattern of work and rest and he works for six days to create the universe and rests on the seventh.  “We need to pay attention,” Nichols writes, “to the boundaries that God has ordained for us.  We need to be attuned to the healthy rhythms of work and rest.”

Nichols discusses “how not to work” versus “how to work.”  In a discussion on Ephesians 6:5-9, he writes, “We are to render ‘service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man’ (v. 7).  This relates directly to calling.  When work  is understood as a calling, it is understood as a calling from  God.  He is ultimately the One we work for.”

The author has done a fine job explaining vocation from a biblical perspective.  He alerts the reader to the importance of doing everything to the glory of God.  Highly recommended!

5 stars

WHAT IS A TRUE CALVINIST?

Philip Graham Ryken continues the Basics of the Reformed Faith Series with his excellent work, What is a True Calvinist?

Ryken does not rehash the traditional five points of Calvinism as formulated at the Synod of Dort.  Rather, he seeks to set forth a “practical introduction to Reformed spirituality.”

Six pillars comprise the edifice of a true Calvinist.  First, a true Calvinist has a God-centered mind.  “What is most on the Calvinist’s mind is the glory of God.”  The great Princeton theology, B.B. Warfield held firmly to this principle.  Indeed, “Evangelicalism stands or falls with Calvinism.”

The author points to Isaiah as one who properly fell silent before the holiness of God is Isaiah 6.  Ryken maintains, “What Isaiah saw, therefore, was a vision of God’s sovereignty.  The God enthroned in heaven is the God who rules.  From his throne he issues his royal decrees, including his sovereign decree of election, and also executes his plan of salvation, drawing sinners to himself by his efficacious, persevering grace.”

Second, a true Calvinist has a penitent spirit.  There is no room for arrogance among the Reformed.  A haughty spirit, in fact, is diametrically opposed to a Calvinistic worldview.  “It is important,” Ryken adds, “to understand  that Calvinism is not a set of doctrines but a whole way of life.  God has revealed the doctrine of grace not simply for the instruction of our minds but ultimately for the transformation of our lives.”

Third, a true Calvinist has a grateful heart.  Ryken again points to Isaiah as a model that exemplifies this characteristic:  “Isaiah did nothing to remove his own guilt or to pay for his own sins.  He was the object of sovereign grace, for God both accomplished and applied his redemption.”

Fourth, a true Calvinist has a submissive will.  Isaiah demonstrates no reluctance when God called him into service.  His will was totally surrendered to God’s sovereign purposes.  Ryken cites Al Martin: “This is how God makes a Calvinist.  In one way or another he gives him such a sight of his own majesty and sovereignty and holiness as the high and the lofty One, that it brings with it a deep, experimental acquaintance with human sinfulness personally and in terms of our own generation.  It brings experimental acquaintance with the grace of God, an intimate acquaintance with the voice of God, an utter resignation to the will and the ways of God.”

Fifth, a true Calvinist pursues holiness of life.  This holiness is always mingled with grace.  Indeed, a Calvinism that lacks grace is a contradiction at best.  Ryken adds, “A graceless Calvinism is thoroughly repugnant to the gospel, for unless the pursuit of holiness is motivated by an ever-deepening love for God and his grace, it quickly becomes joyless and fruitless.”

Finally, a true Calvinist has a glorious purpose, namely, the glory of God.  The true Calvinist embraces the answer to the first question in the catechism: “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.”  Ryken continues, “The true Calvinist embraces the eternal purpose of the sovereign God by living for his glory.”

What is a True Calvinist? is a valuable piece of work.  Ryken has hit the capstone of Reformed theology in a winsome way.   His work is a necessary antidote in a culture where Calvinism is often unfairly maligned and caricatured.

I would argue that in order for the new resurgence in Calvinism to be fruitful and honor God there must be a humble, joy-filled, Christ-saturated mindset that accompanies the doctrinal foundations of Reformed theology.  This will involve a rigorous rejection of hyper-Calvinism and a Spirit-filled approach to the Christian life.

5 stars

WHAT IS PERSEVERANCE OF THE SAINTS?

What is the Perseverance of the Saints? Michael A. Milton does an exceptional job in his attempt to answer the question.  Milton’s tackles this important topic by considering four aspects:

Defining the Doctrine

The author cites Berkhof – “Perseverance may be defined as that continuous operation of the Holy Spirit in the believer, by which the work of divine grace that is begun in the heart, is continued and brought to completion.”

Distortions of the Doctrine

Milton wisely uncovers some of the prominent distortions of perseverance of the saints.  Most notable is the popular notion, “once saved, always saved.”  This idea, while correct in principle, does not tell the whole story.  “It does not,” Milton writes, “address the believers progression in holiness, which is sanctification.”  The author points to the dual reality of God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility, a key truth that emerges when unpacking this weighty doctrine.

Defense of the Doctrine

Milton’s defense of perseverance of the saints is not comprehensive, nor is intended to be comprehensive.  Rather, he seeks to provide a basic biblical and theological framework that demonstrates the truthfulness of this doctrine.  His arguments are clear and compelling.  They are an excellent introduction for Christians uncovering this doctrine for the first time.

Delight in the Doctrine

Finally, the author discusses the benefits of embracing perseverance of the saints.  He includes encouraging principles that flow directly from the fountainhead of this precious doctrine.

4.5 stars

WHAT IS BIBLICAL PREACHING?

Eric J. Alexander has hit the bulls-eye in his little book, What is Biblical Preaching? While not designed to be a textbook on the subject, it adequately describes the preaching task.

Alexander maintains that biblical preaching can be boiled down to eight key propositions:

1. Biblical preaching is fundamental in its importance.

2. Biblical preaching is spiritual in its essence.

3. Biblical preaching is didactic in its nature.

4. Biblical preaching is expository in its form.

5. Biblical preaching is systematic in its form.

6. Biblical preaching is pastoral in its concern.

7. Biblical preaching is clear in its structure.

8. Biblical preaching is relevant in its application.

The author unpacks each proposition as he carefully builds a case for biblical preaching.

One note about the final proposition, the point concerning relevance.  The battle cry I repeatedly hear from professing evangelicals is, “We need relevance.”  I am personally convinced of the importance of relevance.  After all, if a ministry is not relevant, needs are probably not being met, the people of God are probably not being fed properly, and the culture is probably not being impacted by the people of God.  However, if the battle cry for relevance drowns out the other seven propositions that the author rightly promotes, that approach in itself may initially appear relevant, but in the final analysis will only result in a compromised ministry that caters to carnality and leaves the people of God hungry for the truth of God’s Word.  In short, irrelevant “relevance.”  May God have mercy on the church that clamors for relevance but leaves the flock in a malnourished condition!  Nothing could be more irrelevant than a watered down ministry.

Alexander has done a tremendous job compiling the key priorities of biblical preaching.  His work is highly recommended.

5 stars