BOOK NOTES

 

The Bible in its Literary Milieu is an interesting, helpful collection of articles by 25 scholars representing all areas of Biblical study. Since the Bible was written in a culture and literary context much different from our own, this book helps one to understand the Bible better by looking at it in the light of that context. There are essays on inspiration, poetry, textual criticism, symbolism, archaeology. Albright’s “The Antiquity of Mosaic Law” and Lambert’s “A New Look at the Babylonian Background of Genesis” are samples of the goodies. If you are willing to work at it and not simply read casually, this book will really teach you something, and at today’s prices its 450 pages are a bargain at 12.95, postpaid.

Lectures in Systematic Theology by Henry C. Thiessen is for the more serious student that likes to delve into weightier theological questions, and this one covers them all, systematically: theism, nature of Scripture, nature of God, angels, man, salvation, church, end time. This book, by one of today’s noted theologians, was tested by 30 years of classroom teaching. So here is your chance to go to seminary at home. 13.95 postpaid.

History is a favorite study of our readers, and A Short History of the Early Church by Harry Boer, which starts with Jesus and goes to the seven ecumenical councils, is a favorite. After describing the world of the early church it goes on to tell of the rise and spread of the church, the persecutions, the heresies like Gnosticism, the formation of canon, Constantine and Augustine, and the great controversies, all quick and to the point. 4.50 postpaid.

If you want the inside story on spiritualism (talking with the dead), then read The Challening Counterfeit, by a former medium, 2.40 postpaid. And if you have not looked into the riches of archaeology, which you should do, then a convenient way to do so is in James Kelso’s An Archaeologist Looks at the Gospels, who puts life into dry bones as he looks at the ministry of Jesus in the light of where he lived and worked, a culture far more advanced than we have supposed. 3.50 postpaid.

Ernie Campbell not only preaches sermons that other preachers would do well to preach, but he inspires anyone with his sharp, resourceful, challenging lessons. We highly recommend Locked in a Room with Open Doors, the title of one of the chapters that will really make you think. But “The Man Who Left Too Soon,” which is about Peter, will do as much. Ernie always relates his message to the now. 3.95 postpaid.

Two of our bound volumes are in short supply, but we can still send you four: The Restoration Mind (1971-72) 4.95; The Word Abused (1975-76) 5.95; Principles of Unity and Fellowship (1977) and The Ancient Order (1978) 5.50 each. We expect the bound volume for last year to be ready anytime.

The pre-publication price on Walter Scott’s Evangelist (10 vols.) for 80.00 ends this summer, so you should reserve your set with us now, but send no money. You will be billed when the set is sent in the fall. Regular price is 100.00.