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Short Notes

By Paul Beasley-Murray and Alun Brookfield.

The Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible, first published in 1964, is in the process of being totally rewritten, with 7,100 fresh, original articles in the five volumes.  The New Interpreters Dictionary of the Bible (Abingdon, Nashville. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) is edited by Katharine Sakenfeld together with others. The latest volume to appear is Volume 4: Me-R (2009; 950pp; ?56.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 687 33375 2) is a magnificent production. Sadly the total price for all five volumes is beyond most pastors, and will therefore be found mostly in libraries.

The UBS Greek New Testament: A Reader?s Edition (Hendrickson 2009; 704pp; ?23.99; ISBN 978 3 438 051509), was first published by the German Bible Society in 2007, and is distributed in the UK through Alban Books. This edition is different from previous editions of the Greek New Testament in that on every page there is a running Greek-English Dictionary, compiled by Barclay M Newman, for the benefit of those with limited knowledge of New Testament Greek.  The translation of all vocabulary words which occur thirty times or less in the New Testament are found at the bottom of the page and all difficult verb forms are parsed. These features will undoubtedly be welcomed by those whose Greek has become a little rusty ? and more than justify the price.  

Baptist readers of Ministry Today will be grateful to Paternoster for their series of Studies in Baptist History and Thought. Two recent books in this series are Pulpit and People: Studies in 18th Century Baptist Life and Thought (Milton Keynes 2009; 208pp; ?24.99; ISBN 978 1 84227 403 3) edited by John H Y Briggs, a distinguished Baptist historian who held a chair at Birmingham University, and The European Baptist Federation: A Case Study in European Baptist Interdependency 1950-2006 (Milton Keynes 2009; 319pp; ?24.99; ISBN 978 1 84227 639 6) by Keith Jones, Rector of the International Baptist Theological Seminary in Prague. The former consists of nine case studies and is introduced by a helpful chapter on ?The changing pattern of Baptist life in the 18th century? by the editor.  The latter is of interest for it portrays the way in which Baptists, for all their emphasis on the local church, have always been willing to associate more broadly with others.

Radiance of his Glory - Prayers for the Church: Years A, B & C (SPCK, London 2009; 480pp; ?16.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06196 9), by David Adam, is a compilation in one volume of his precious three lectionary resource books, Clouds and Glory (1998), Traces of Glory (1999) and Glimpses of Glory (2000). The author has a delightful ?Celtic? turn of phrase, and, as a result, many ministers will be glad to use this material in their prayers.   Another book by David Adam published this year is The Path of Light: Meditations on prayers from the Celtic tradition (SPCK, London 2009; 160pp; ?7.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06070 2) in which he explores some forty classic ?Celtic? prayers. The author writes: ?Come and share with me the mystery and wonder of the presence and love of God?.

First published twelve years ago, Jesus and the Gospels (Apollo, Nottingham, 2nd edition 2009; 500pp; ?21.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 387 2), by Craig Blomberg of Denver Seminary, Colorado, is 15% longer than the first edition, thanks to further revisions and updating of bibliographies.  It is an excellent student introduction to the Gospels.

2159 AD: A History of Christianity (Darton, Longman and Todd, London 2009; 256pp; ?8.95; ISBN 978 0 232 52762 9), by Craig Borlase, is a history of Christianity ?with a twist?, for the author records not just the past, but also speculates on the next 150 years as if writing in 2159 AD. This somewhat provocative history includes the conversion of Richard Dawkins to the ?Jacobite Syrian Christian Church?, and the Pope?s handing back the Vatican state to Italy!

Reconstructing Early Christian Worship (SPCK, London 2009; 192pp; ?16.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06094 8), by Paul Bradshaw, an Anglican liturgist, is for the most part a collection of previously published papers on the Eucharist, baptism, and prayer.  Although a scholarly publication, every chapter ends with a comment on the possible modern application. There is much to provoke thought. For instance, Bradshaw points out that both at the Last Supper as well as at subsequent Eucharistic meals, people would probably have conformed to the cultural norms of their age and would have reclined on couches arranged around three sides of the room and eaten from small tables, with the host placed at one end. The use of a single table probably only arose when the serving of a full meal ceased!

Best Advice: Wisdom on Ministry from 30 Leading Pastors and Preachers (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville 2009; 193pp; ?12.99; ISBN 978 0 664 23243 6. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by William J Carl, President and Professor of Homiletics at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, is a disappointment ? not least because the vast majority of the contributors are not working pastors, but are professors of homiletics and practical theology. Advice on ministry is best given by those engaged in ministry! Here perhaps is a challenge to those of us engaged in ministry to share our own reflections on ministry with others.

Alive! What could Jesus? resurrection mean for you? (IVP, Nottingham 2009; 144pp; ?7.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 408 4), by Dan Clark, is a lively presentation of the case for the resurrection, distinguished from other similar books by the inclusion of a host of ?testimonies? to the difference that Jesus makes today.

New Testament Theology: An Introduction [Library of Biblical Theology] (Abingdon, Nashville, 2009; 232pp; ?11.99; ISBN 978 0 687 34120 7.  Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by New Testament scholar James D G Dunn, is a scholarly introduction, as distinct from a light-weight introduction for lay people. The first two chapters are entitled ?What is New Testament Theology? and ?The Determining Factors? (e.g. the revelation of Jesus Christ and the experience of the Spirit). Dunn then devotes a chapter each to the theology of God, the theology of salvation, the church of God, and the ethical outworkings. In his conclusion, Dunn writes that New Testament theology is a process of theologizing ? it is ?theology in motion?: ?It is not Paul and John who write NT theology, but we do! We theologize in, with, and through the writings of the NT ? a much more engaging and exciting pursuit than simply describing the thought process of some early Christians in antiquity?. It is this emphasis which makes this introduction quite different from many other NT introductions.

Churchmorph: How megatrends are reshaping Christian communities (Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, Michigan 2009; 222pp; ?10.99; ISBN 978 0 8010 3762 7. Available in the UK through Lion Hudson), by Eddie Gibbs, an Anglican who for many years has been on the staff of Fuller Theological Seminary, offers a commentary on the most significant developments in church life in the Western world, namely: post-Christendom churches; Fresh Expressions; megachurches; urban engagement; resurgent monasticism; expanding networks; and the heartbeat of worship. In his introductory chapter on ?megatrends convulsing the western world?, Gibbs notes the unrelenting decline of inherited denominations, and the tarnished image of the church amongst young adults (in the USA, 91% of young non-Christians perceive the church to be homosexual; 87% judgmental; 85% hypocritical; 78% old-fashioned; and 68% boring). Gibbs claims that for the most part, if a church in Europe is experiencing significant growth, it is doing so mainly at the expense of other local churches ? growing churches are making little impact on those who are resistant to institutional religion. A fascinating book!

Great Answers to Difficult Questions about Death: What Children Need To Know (Jessica Kingsley, London 2009; 112pp; ?9.99; ISBN 978 1 84905 805 6), by Linda Goldman, who runs a grief therapy practice in Chevy Chase, Maryland USA, seeks to help adults answer children?s questions such as ?Why did my mom have to die? Is it my fault mom died? What does dead mean? How do people die? Where is heaven? Where was God when I needed him? I?m scared too: what can I do to be safe?? Although not a specifically Christian book (there is no reference to Jesus or to the resurrection), pastors will find that it deals with ?religious? questions in a very helpful way. This is a book to recommend to parents.

Bible Doctrine: Essential teachings of the Christian Faith (IVP, Nottingham 2009; 523pp; ?17.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 84474 281 3), by Wayne Grudem of Phoenix Seminary, Scotsdale, Arizona, has been abridged from the author?s Systematic Theology published in 1994. This condensed version is intended for students in one-semester classes in Christian doctrine. The author suggests it could be used in home Bible studies, but frankly this is not a realistic aim for ordinary groups of Christians, even although each section ends with ?review? questions and questions for personal application. It is, however, a good basic evangelical introduction for thoughtful lay-people.

Joyful Christianity: Finding Jesus in the World (SPCK London 2008; 96pp; ?8.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06087 0), by Cally Hammond, Dean of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, is a series of devotional Advent studies focussing on the nativity. Each study ends with a series of questions for further thought and reflection. The author writes: ?This book is for those who want to under4stand what they believe, and who are also prepared to accept the limitations of human understanding. It is not for those who are seeking straightforward reassurance about the historical events of Jesus? conception and nativity, or his childhood?. This book could be used by a highly literate small group ? otherwise it is best used for personal study.

Making Life Work: Putting God?s Wisdom into Action (IVP, Nottingham 2009; 252pp; ?8.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 401 5), by Bill Hybels, differs only in format from the original 1988 edition of this lively exposition of key principles from the book of Proverbs. Popular in character, the preacher will find here grist for a series of sermons on a God-honouring life-style.

What does the Lord require? A guide for preaching and teaching Biblical Ethics (Baker Academic, Grand Rapids, Michigan 2009; 256pp; ?10.99; ISBN 978 0 8010 3836 1. Available in England through Lion Hudson), by Walter C Kaiser, president emeritus of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, is an excellent resource for preachers. Its 18 biblically-based chapters deal with such issues as racism and human rights; gambling and greed; media, entertainment and pornography; adultery; cohabitation and fornication; divorce; abortion and stem cell research; homosexuality; suicide, infanticide and euthanasia; genetic engineering and ratification reproduction; alcoholism and drugs; war and peace; and care for the environment. Congregations will benefit enormously if their preachers have access to the information and exegesis contained within this most helpful book!

Pentecostalism (SCM, London 2009; 358pp; ?18.99; ISBN 978 0 334 04144 3), by William K Kay, Director of the Centre for Pentecostal and Charismatic Studies at the University of Wales, Bangor, has ? as the publisher?s strap line ?SCM Core Text? indicates ? produced an ideal introductory textbook for undergraduate and postgraduate modules on Pentecostalism. It is intended to be used alongside an earlier SCM publication, Pentecostal & Charismatic Studies: A Reader edited by W K Kay and A E Dyer. In addition, some of the footnotes point to websites and You Tube clips which show Pentecostal meetings live! The book is divided into three main sections: Part I deals with the history of the movement, Part II with the theology, and Part III with the sociology. Every chapter ends with ?questions to think about? as well as a short list of books for ?further reading?. An excellent resource for students, which will be of interest to anyone wanting to know more about the world?s fastest growing religious movement.

An Introduction to the Bible (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan 2009.; 563pp; ?27.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 8028 4636 5. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Robert Kugler and Patrick Hartin, is different from the standard biblical ?introductions?, for instead of focussing on theories about the biblical text, it seeks to introduce the reader to the text itself. It is designed for the student market, but would be of interest to Christians in general wanting to understand the Bible.

Preaching from Memory to Hope (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville 2009; 152pp; ISBN 978 0 664 23422 5. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Thomas Long, Professor of Preaching at Candler School of Theology, Emory University, is an expansion of the 2006 Lyman Beecher Lectures at Yale. Long critiques narrative preaching so popular in the USDA today, but then goes on to defend a chastened form of narrative preaching as essential to the Gospel. If there is one key text, it is Augustine?s definition of the purpose of a sermon ? ?to teach, to delight, and to persuade?. His final chapter entitled ?Preaching in the Future-Perfect Tense: Eschatology and Proclamation? is of particular interest, as he seeks to rescue eschatology from the hands of fundamentalists ? ?preaching eschatologically today means helping our people know that the eschatological and apocalyptic language of the Bible is not about predicting the future; it is primarily a way of seeing the present in the light of hope?.

First published in 1982, Know The Truth: A handbook of Christian belief (IVP, Nottingham 3rd edition 2009; 384pp; ?12.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 84474 395 7), by Bruce Milne, the former pastor of FirstBaptistChurch, Vancouver, has yet again  been revised (primarily in terms of updating the bibliographies).  It is a deservedly popular introduction to biblical theology.

Jerome Murphy O?Connor is a distinguished New Testament professor at the Ecole Biblique et Archeologique Francaise in Jerusalem. Over the years he has written a number of scholarly articles on 1 Corinthians. Fifteen of these articles are republished in Keys to First Corinthians: Revisiting the Major Issues (Oxford University Press, Oxford 2009; 307pp; ?50 hardback; ISBN 978 0 19 956415 6), each of which is then followed by a ?Postscript? in which he engages with those who have subsequently interacted with his ideas. The book is full of fascinating insights ? it is, however, written primarily with scholars and not working ministers in mind!

Revelation Reclaimed: The use and misuse of the Apocalypse (Paternoster, Milton Keynes 2009; 124pp; ISBN 978 1 84227 612 9). by Jon K Newton, Head of Biblical Studies at Harvest Bible College, Melbourne, Australia, is a straightforward guide to Revelation, in course of which the author exposes various ways in which the book has been misinterpreted by the Left Behind novels as well as by Hal Lindsay.

Jesus, The Bible and Homosexuality: Explode the Myths, Heal the Church (Westminster John Knox, Louisville, revised edition with study guide, 2009; 228pp; ?12.99; ISBN 978 0 664 23397 7. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Jack Rogers, a retired Presbyterian professor of theology, is a passionate plea for the ordination of homosexuals. As he draws to his conclusion, he writes: ?The Lazarus Project takes its name from Jesus? call to the dead Lazarus to ?come out? of his tomb. Those who have ?come out? as gay and lesbian people are simply asking the church to let all Christians come in. When we realize how gracious God has been to us, we cannot deny God?s grace to others?. For Jack Rogers, not one biblical passage rules out homosexuality. Alas, I for one find his exegesis unconvincing.

God Seekers: Twenty Centuries of Christian Spiritualities (Eerdmans, Grand Rapids, Michigan 2008; 388pp; ?12.99; ISBN 978 0 8028 2840 8. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh) by Richard H Schmidt focuses on 33 ?spiritual masters?, ranging from Irenaeus to Patrick, from Julian of Norwich to R A Torrey, from Donald Gee to Thomas Merton,  and ending with John Mbiti and Rosemary Radford Ruether. Each chapter consists of an introduction to a spiritual master, followed by quotations from the person concerned, and then a series of questions: for example, the section on John Bunyan ends with the following questions or statements for discussion: ?What does ?salvation? mean to you, and can you be sure of it? What would you say to someone frightened over the fate of his would? Is Christian faith mainly individual or mainly communal?  Recall a time when you were afraid because you didn?t know the lions were chained. Where is Vanity Fair??? Presumably this is aimed at the theological student market? I would find it difficult to use within a church setting. 

Inside Story: The Life of John Stott (IVP, Nottingham 2009; 287pp; ?12.99 hardback; ISBN 978 1 84474 404 6), by Roger Steer, is a biography of the man who was undoubtedly the most influential British evangelical of the 20th century. Thanks to Stott, the British churches were saved from ?the battle for the Bible? which had such a deleterious affect on evangelical churches in North America. Thanks to Stott, the evangelical world has for the most part adopted a holistic approach to mission. Although Roger Steer acknowledges and does pay tribute to Stott?s influence, his concern is much more with the minutiae of Stott?s life ? fascinating, no doubt, to Stott?s wide circle of friends, and in particular perhaps to the congregation of All Souls, Langham Place, but not of particular interest to others.

The Message of the Holy Spirit: The Spirit of Encounter (IVP, Nottingham 2009; 260pp; ?9.99; ISBN 978 1 84474 397 1), by Keith Warrington, a Pentecostal academic, is yet another helpful contribution to the Bible themes section within IVP?s ?The Bible Speaks Today? series. In his introduction, the author makes the interesting comment: ?The Spirit? is more interested in what he can do for us than what he can achieve through us.  His agenda is to affirm our status more than it is to empower us to help him. Although he is pleased to do the latter, it must not be forgotten that his desire is to do us good as well as to do good through us, to the benefit of others?. Preachers will undoubtedly enjoy using this book.

Pauline Parallels: A Comprehensive Guide (Westminster John Knox Press, Louisville 2009; 469pp; ?32.99; ISBN 978 0 664 23120 0. Available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh), by Walter T Wilson, uses the American Standard Bible and covers all thirteen letters attributed to Paul, listing them in their canonical order, and provides parallels both from the letter in question, from Paul in general, from other biblical sources, and occasionally from non-canonical sources too. The result is an extraordinarily ?wooden? list of parallels, all of which would be immediately obvious from using a good commentary. Some students may find this useful, but I cannot see this being relevant to pastors in their work of preaching and teaching.

 Yet more For Everyone Bible Study Guides have been produced this year by SPCK of London to accompany Tom Wright?s excellent For Everyone commentary series: Matthew (128pp; ?4.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06179 2), a series of 25 studies by Tom Wright with Dale and Sandy Larsen; 1 Corinthians (79pp; ?4.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06176 1), a series of 13 studies by Tom Wright with Dale and Sandy Larsen; Ephesians (63pp; ?4.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06177 8), a series of 11 studies by Tom Wright with Lin Johnson; and 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus (80pp; ?4.99 ISBN 978 0 281 06182 2), a series of 12 studies by Tom Wright with Phyllis J Le Peau.   These are all excellent resources for small groups.

In The Beginning Was The Word: Group Bible studies on the Gospel of John (SPCK, London 2009; 128pp; ?9.99; ISBN 978 0 281 06168 8), edited by Gerald West, was originally produced for bishops and their spouses at the Lambeth 2008 Conference. If the truth be told, local churches will find the For Everyone Bible Study Guides a better option.

Two recent additions to the Abingdon Old Testament Commentaries series, both available in the UK through Alban Books of Edinburgh, are Leviticus (Abingdon, Nashville 2009; 241pp; ?23.99; ISBN 978 1 426 70017 0), by Timothy M Willis; and Proverbs (Abingdon, Nashville 2009; 315pp; ?25.99; ISBN 978 1 426 70001 9). by Christine Roy Yoder. Aimed at theological students and pastors, both commentaries reflect scholarship, but are simply written and provide helpful pointers to application today.

Three recent additions to the Westminster John Knox New Testament Library Series, all available through Alban Books of Edinburgh, are Revelation (Louisville, 2009; 462pp; ?32.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 664 22121 8), by Brian K Blount, Professor of New Testament at Union Theological Seminary, Richmond, Virginia; Philippians and Philemon (Louisville 2009; 112pp; ?19.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 664 22122 5) by Charles B Cousar, Emeritus Professor of New Testament at Columbia Theological Seminary; and 1, II and III John (Louisville 2008; 300pp; ?32.99 hardback; ISBN 978 0 664 22098 3), by Judith Lieu, the Lady Margaret Professor of Divinity at the University of Cambridge. All three are represent accessible scholarship from which all thoughtful preachers could benefit ? however, Cousar?s commentary is somewhat disappointing because of its relative brevity.

In Messy Faith - Daring to Live by Grace (Revell, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 2008. Available in the UK from LionHudson; 206pp; £7.99; ISBN 978 0 8007 3284 4), by freelance writer, A J Gregory, we are faced with the reality that being a Christian is a messy, and sometimes chaotic, business, which is perhaps a contemporary way of describing the dark night of the soul. The author digs below the surface of our Christian experience to expose all the stuff we’d probably rather not talk about - our struggles, sins, failures (disasters?), lack of faith, pride, addictions, jealousy - you name it, it’s in this little book. It starts from the reality that there are no perfect Christians, then helps us deal with that reality.

Recent Grove booklets from Cambridge, all 28 pp in length each, and all priced at ?3.50, include:

Taking Risks: Young People and Risk-taking Behaviour (Youth 15, 2009; ISBN 978 1 85174 724 5), by Arthur Brown, a BMS missionary in Lebanon, argues that ?following Jesus involves a spirituality of risk-taking ? a spirituality of fearlessness, that holds onto possessions, lifestyle, security and even safety lightly?; and, although written with young people in mind, is also relevant to older people too! 

Creativity and Ownership in a Digital Age (Ethics 154, 2009; ISBN 978 1 85174 727 6), by Stewart Clark and Mark Howe, suggests that a proper theology of humanity should not treat ideas as ?property? to be owned and sold.  

Betrayals of Trust: Addressing the impact on congregations when leaders abuse their positions (Pastoral 118, 2009; ISBN 978 1 85174 723 8), by Deirdre Offord, is concerned for the after-math of situations where church leaders have been involved in child sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, sexual harassment, adultery, and financial irregularity. 

Inspiring Women: Discovering Biblical role models (Biblical 52, 2009; ISBN 978 1 85174 722 1), by Ruth Perrin, suggests creative ways in which preachers could make more of some of the more minor characters in the Bible.  

Liturgical Formation and Common Worship (Worship 200, 2009; ISBN 978 1 85174 729 0), by Mark Earey and Phillip Tovey, is inevitably narrow in its Anglican focus, and yet raises the more general question of how our acts of worship are forming us in Christlikeness and equipping us for a life of faith and witness.

Nurturing the Spirit of a Child (Spirituality 110; ISBN 978 1 85174 731 3), by Liz Hoare, looks at how children relate to God, and challenges the reader with a thought from Rabbi Jonathan Sacks: ?children grow into the space we create for them, and if we make that space large, they will grow tall?. 

Church Growth through the Full Welcome of Children: The ?Sssh Free Church? (Evangelism 87, 2009; ISBN 978 1 85174 730 6), by Stephen Kuhrt, tells the fascinating story of how one church developed a Sunday worship service with the needs of young families in mind.

While all these booklets have worthwhile things to say, to my mind the booklet which is most significant and deserves the greatest circulation is Renewing Charismatic Worship (Renewal 37, 2009), by John Leach, an Anglican Vicar and a former Director of Anglican Renewal Ministries. Leach begins by stating that the culture of charismatic worship has become profoundly ?boring?, and that it is time for charismatics to learn from the worship of the wider church. In the eleven following chapters, he argues that ?charismatics are ?good at intimacy but not so good at integrity?; they are ?good at the future, but not so good at the past?; ?good at feeling, but not so good at thinking?; ?good at immanence, but not so good at transcendence?; ?good at shared ministry, but not so good at presidency?; ?good at singing, but not so good at speaking or music?; ?good at flexibility, but not so good at shape?; ?good at words, but not so good at action?; ?good at joy, but not so good at lament??; ?good at the highs, but not so good at the lows?; ?good at making it special, but not so good at rhythm or routine?. Analysis is then followed by fascinating suggestions ? ?so what not try?. This is a book to give to every worship leader ? indeed, I am going to make sure that all my key worship people read this stimulating booklet!