OFFICE NOTES

 

Our friend and brother Perry Gresham, 19 years president of Bethany College, has a new book on Campbell and the Colleges, which was first given as lectures at the Disciples of Christ Historical Society in Nashville. It makes for good Restorationana for those who are collectors. Perry talks about all the colleges, whether Independent, Disciple, or Church of Christ, though much of his concern is with Campbell’s philosophy and the emergence of Bethany College. He does, by the way, make a list of all the colleges. He asked me for a list of the Church of Christ institutions, and now that I see it in print, I can think of none that we left out. If you are interested in Campbell and in education among our people, then you’ll appreciate this volume, especially the chapters on “Campbell and Education” and “Campbell’s Bethany.” 3.75.

For .95 we will send you The View from a Hearse by Joseph Bayly, which sets forth the Christian attitude toward death. It is highly worth reading, for it discusses death in its true colors, whether of birds, animals or people. The author lost a five-year-old to leukemia, which he draws upon resourcefully without sentimentality. He talks about what dying is like, how to comfort, prayer and terminal illness (including calling elders to anoint), privacy in death, and in hope “Beyond the Tunnel.”

Gifts and Ministries by Arnold Bittlinger is a highly resourceful little volume that seeks to relate gifts (charismata) to ministries. God has given the church various ministries and he gives individuals various gifts, so the author argues that these must go together if the kingdom is to be spread. To exercise a ministry, such as a teaching pastor, without regard for the gifts that may accompany this, is but to fail. It works the other way too. 1.95. dope, but “The Miracle Tools” really makes the book. 1.95.