Bible, Theology & Philosophy

Things that appear to be the same are sometimes quite different in important ways. When judicial activists appeal to the rule of law, for example, they may use exactly the same language as originalists, but their meaning is very different. Discussions of mysticism tend to be like that.

Some fundamentalist leaders have recently and publicly registered their objections to Calvinism, but they prefer not to be called Arminians. They believe that both Calvinism and Arminianism are man-made systems that predetermine one’s interpretation of Scripture. These leaders wish to start at the other end, with Scripture, and to arrive at a conclusion on the basis of the study of the text. Consequently, they prefer to be called Biblicists.

Once upon a time, a band of vigorous tribesmen occupied a high and arid plain. They were surrounded by snow-covered peaks, and what little water they had trickled down from the glaciers and snowfields above. Water was precious to them, for their lives depended upon it. They took care not to waste a drop.

Last time, we heard from Dr. A. Philip Brown, editor of A Reader’s Hebrew Bible (Zondervan, 2008). Now we hear from Dr. Bryan W. Smith, a close friend and collaborator with Phil Brown on this project.

Dispensationalists often dismiss the fourth commandment as an aspect of that Law from which Christians have been set free, reasoning that believers during the church age need not concern themselves with Sabbath observance. Even if they acknowledge that the other nine commandments ought to be observed today, these dispensationalists are quick to note that the Sabbath commandment is never repeated for church saints. For many, that argument is sufficient to settle the matter.

In March of 2008, Zondervan released its publication of A Reader’s Hebrew Bible.

Pentecost, J. Dwight. The Joy of Fellowship: A Study of First John. Grand Rapids: Kregel Publications, 2007. Paperback, 144 pages. $10.99

(Review copy courtesy of Kregel Publications.)

Recently, the Lord called Raymond Buck home to glory. His passing came as no surprise. He had experienced a stroke some weeks ago, and his condition had deteriorated further with pneumonia. Clearly, this was the Lord’s time for Dr. Buck’s homegoing.

Allert, Craig D. A High View of Scripture? The Authority of the Bible and the Formation of the New Testament Canon. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2007. Paperback. 208 pages. $18.99

(Review copy courtesy of Baker Academic.)