Concoll()ia Theological Monthly JANUARY 1952 I f ARCarv BOOK REVIEW All books reviewed in this periodical may be procured from 01' through Concordia Publishing House, 3558 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis 18, Missouri. DIE HEILIGE SCHRIFT UND IHRE DEUTUNG IN DER THEOLOGIE JOHANN GERHARDS. EINE UNTERSUCHUNG UEBER DAS ALTLUTHERISCHE SCHRIFTVERSTAENDNIS. By Bengt Haegglund. C. W. K. Gleerup, Lund, Sweden. 264 pages, 9Y2 X 6Yz. Price not given. This most absorbing and informative work, a noteworthy Swedish publication of the current year, deserves wide distribution and thorough study by Lutherans in our country. It purposes to illustrate from John Gerhard's Schriftverstaendnis how classic Lutheran Orthodoxy in general conceived of Scripture as the Word of God. It is divided into six major parts: Introduction. The Scientific Background of Gerhard's Scripture Theology (Schrifttheologie): with emphasis on the new scholasticism prevalent at the beginning of the 17th century and the problem of methodology. Part I. Holy Scripture as the Word of God; with emphasis on the equation of Scripture with the Word of God; the problem of Scriptural authority and canonicity; the inspiration of the Bible; the problem of revelation; etc. Part II. Hal')' Scripture as the principium cognoscendi; with emphasis on general prolegomena regarding the Schriftpl·inzip; reason and the Schriftprinzip; tradition and the Schriftprinzip; the regula fidei and the Sch1'iftprinzip; etc. Part III. The Old a 1 ~ d the New T e s t a m e 1 ~ t ; with emphasis on the questions of the content of the two Testaments; their difference and unity; the Law and the Gospel; the Sacraments; Prophecy and Fulfillment; Christ's re demptive work; etc. Part IV. The Interpretation of Holy Scriptures; with emphasis on Scriptural perspicuity; the illuminati a Spiritus Sancti; the self-interpretation of Scrip[ure, etc. Part V. The Word as the Means of Grace; with emphasis on the Word and the Spirit; the efficacy of the divine Word; Gerhard's attitude toward Rahtmann's conception of Scriptural efficacy; etc. This general table of contents, which omits details of secondary importance, gives the student a fair idea of the comprehensiveness and the profundity of this erudite study of classic Lutheran theology. It is impossible, of course, for the reviewer to enter into details in discussing the findings of the author. But a few general observations may orient the reader to his viewpoint. There is evidence everywhere in the work that the author has deeply studied and fully grasped the essentials of Gerhard's theology of Scripture. Gerhard, as also other representatives of Lutheran Orthodoxy, resorted to the scholastic categories for the very practical purpose of setting forth and defending Biblical truth against Romanism and enthusiasm in dialectical forms well known to 72 BOOK REVIEW 73 and widely used by theologians of his age. His use of these categories, however, was purely formal; the contents of his theology he drew from Scripture, which he identified with the Word of God, regarded as divinely inspired, and believed to be the only source and norm of faith and life. Dr. Haegglund exhibits a new appreciation of classic Lutheran Orthodoxy, though the reviewer could not subscribe to every statement in his book. It is certainly an important contribution to modern conservative theological literature and should aid many in their study of Holy Scripture as the Word of God; in particular, of the divine inspiration of this sacred Book. While Gerhard held to the verbal inspiration of Holy Scripture, he evidently, as Dr. Haegglund shows, never taught what has been called a "mechanical inspiration." JOHN THEODORE MUELLER THE TEACHING OF CALVIN. By A. Mitchell Hunter. James Clarke & Co., London. 311 pages, 9 X 6. 15 s. Among the numerous books on Calvin's life and theology published in recent years in Europe and America, the one before us, now appearing in its second edition, approaches the reader with a new appeal. Dr. Hunter, lecturer at New College, Edinburgh, Scotland, endeavors to offer in his work a "modern interpretation" of Calvinism. His representations of Reformed theology are set forth in a clear, masterful style which arrests attention and interest from the very statt. While fully sympathetic toward Calvin's theological fundamentals, the writer nevertheless criticizes the Genevan's actions and teachings wherever in his estimation they deserve censure. Perhaps the most gripping chapter in the book is the one on "The Essence of Calvinism," in which the author seeks to delineate what he calls the "soul" of Calvinism, which, as he says, never dies, even though large portions of Calvinistic dogma should be discarded. Calvinism therefore has a meaning and a message also for liberals. It is his belief that "the surest protection against the paralyzing touch of such a philosophy [materialistic atheism} is the victorious assurance of Calvinism that God is supreme, indisputably Sovereign over all, that His will is done, that His Kingdom will come" (p. 306). In his discussion of Calvin's attitude toward Luther's doctrine of the Lord's Supper the writer shows that he has grasped neither the great Reformer's teaching concerning the Sacrament nor the reason why at Marburg he refused Zwingli's hand of fellowship. Statements such as the following demonstrate his incapability of comprehending the Wittenberg doctrine of the Real Presence: "Luther's doctrine of consubstantiation necessarily involved a view of Christ's glorified humanity which approximated to an assertion of its ubiquity" (p. 179). To the question: "What is wrong with it?" Chemnitz no doubt would have countered: "What is right in it?" Dr. Hunter has actually succeeded in constructing a statement in which practically everything is wrong but the period. JOHN THEODORE MUELLER 74 BOOK REVIEW THE KINGDOM OF GOD. By 1. Berkhof. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, Mich. 1951. 177 pages, 5 X 7112. $2.50. The president emeritus of John Calvin College, Grand Rapids, gives a critical analysis of the chief views concerning the Kingdom of God current in Protestant theology during the past century. He discusses the Ritschlian idea of a moral, ethical, this-worldly kingdom so popular with the American Social Gospelers, the eschatological ideal of the Kingdom as advocated by Johannes Weiss and Albert Schweitzer some fifty years ago and as presently proclaimed by the crisis theologians, and finally the premillennial view. On the whole the author's presentation of the subject matter is satisfactory. We missed a thorough study of the New Testament concept of basileia as the basis for a real critique of the various false views. According to the Preface, the manuscript had been ready for some years. We regret that the author did not revise the text to include a number of recently published relevant articles. The publisher's neglect to add the place and at least the year of publication to the hundreds of titles listed as source material is not only annoying, but actually detracts from the value of a study in the history of dogma. It must also be kept in mind that accuracy and fairness demand that the author inform his readers whether, for example, he is quoting the Barth of 1921 or the Barth of 1951. In the theological development of some theologians twenty or thirty years make quite a difference, as U. Saarnivaara points out in his recent book Lttther Discovers the Gospel. Ignoring this has led to considerable confusion. On p. 35 we found this (anachronistic?) footnote: "Luther, Die Theologie Ritschls, p. 7." F.E.MAYER INFALLIBILITY OF THE CHURCH. By George Salmon. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Mich. XXIX and 479 pages, 5x7%. $3.50. This is a reprint of the second edition of Dr. Salmon's work published in 1890. Though published more than sixty years ago, the work is still recognized as a most careful investigation and devastating refutation of the Roman Church's claim for infallibility. The author shows that the papal system stands and falls with papal infallibility -a fact which several recent authors have apparently overlooked. The volume is a collection of the lectures which Dr. Salmon gave in one of his classes in the Divinity School of Dublin University, and unfortunately the shortcomings of most printed lectures are not absent, one of which is verbosity. F. E. MAYER A PRIMER FOR PROTESTANTS. By J. H. Nichols. The Association Press, New Work. Brochure. 151 pages. 59 cents. Cloth-bound edition, $1.50. This publication is advertised as a "Haddam House Book." "Haddam House" is "a publishing project in the field of religious literature for BOOK REVIEW 75 youth," its special concern being "to deal with moral and religious questions and needs of young men and women." Its present editorial board includes such people as Edwin Aubrey, John C. Bennett, Virginia Corwin, H. B. Ingalls, P. J. Praisted, and other leading liberals. Primer for Protestants appeared first in 1947 and was published in its fourth printing in January of this year. After treating in a bare outline the history of the Church from its beginning to the Reformation, it presents to the reader the five principles of "Modern Protestantism": "The Sole Headship of Jesus Christ"; "God's Redemption and Man's Trust"; "The Protestant Conception of the Church"; "The Bible"; "Ethics and Politics." The purpose of the book is to provide moderns with a Protestant consciousness over against Romanism and traditional orthodox theology. Christ's headship is one merely of ethical superiority. His redemption is such inasmuch as it moves man to his own self-redemption by ethical conduct. The Bible is not God's inspired Word; nevertheless, God reveals Himself in this book through Jesus Christ, and so it remains a religious guide of primary importance. The Primer thus supplies a creed for "Modern Protestantism" which is substantial enough to bear semblance to theology, while at the same iime it is broad enough to accommodate whatever the liberal Protestant cares to believe or not to believe. JOHN THEODORE MUELLER A PROTESTANT DICTIONARY. By Virgilius Ferm. The Philosophical Library, New York. 283 pages, 8Y2x5Y2. $5.00. This book aims to be a handy desk reference for ministers, Sunday school teachers, Bible students, instructors, as well as for all Christian people who desire information on teachings, events, and leaders in the Protestant Church. A glance into it is sufficient to convince one that its purpose is attained. Within its relatively few pages for this type of dictionary there is a wealth of information made available by a careful avoidance of repetition. The author is head of the Department of Philosophy in the College of Wooster. He has edited a number of volumes, including such titles as Contemporary America?] Theology, An Encyclopedia of ReligiolJ, and Religion in the Twentieth Century. The present volume is the kind of book which a student will keep within arm's reach. L. J. SIECK THE CHIEF STEWARD. A Manual on Pastoral Leadership. By J. E. Herrmann. Concordia Publishing House, St. Louis, Mo., c. 1951. 113 pages, 6;4 x9;4. $1.75. This book was prepared for the special use of the clergy of the Missouri Synod in maintaining the annual emphasis upon the royal priesthood of believers. In view of that purpose the concept of "The Pastor as Chief Steward" is possible. The term is expounded in its chapter more adequately than in the title. The chapter on "Pastoral Leadership" is very 76 BOOK REVIEW well done. In the material on the universal priesthood, the New Testament concept of edification of the body of Christ, the fellowship of building each other member up in Christ, might be expanded. The material concerning the ministry, pp. 48-51, might well repeat the accent on the pastor's service laid down p. 32. While it is useful to speak of enlisting the laity for service, namely, special positions of leadership in the congregation, training for "stewardship" in the sense of this book should certainly involve equipment of the Christian in all of his vocations in life. The unhappy by-product of the use of this fine book may unfortunately be that people are stimulated to "stewardship" and find themselves doing little more than giving money. To obviate that difficulty, it will certainly be important to stress not merely stewardship, but the royal priesthood, namely, the personal concern of each Christian to establish and reinforce in his. fellow man the life of God in Christ Jesus. This book can well serve to introduce such an emphasis. RICHARD R. CAEMMER.ER THE WISEST FOOL AND OTHER MEN OF THE BIBLE. 191 pages. 1949. MOUNTAINS AND MOUNTAIN MEN OF THE BIBLE. 188 pages. 1950. CHARIOTS OF FIRE AND OTHER SERMONS ON BIBLE CHARACTERS. 1951. By Clarence E. Macartney. Abingdon-Cokesbury Press, New York and Nashville. 192 pages, 5;4 x7Ys. $2.00 each. Dr. Macartney publishes more than fifty sermons on Bible characters herewith. The first volume concerns men of the Bible; the second, great Biblical events related to mountains; and the third, lesser noted characters of Scripture with important lessons attached. The sermons are attached to brief, sometimes compound texts. They are facile in responding to minute suggestions and will stimulate imaginativeness and resourcefulness of the preachers who read them. Dr. Macartney expects much of his audience by way of interest in the Scriptures and provides much to the thoughtful listener. Application to the hearer is frequently minimal, and the reader can learn much from these sermons for developing variety in his applications and exhortations. Interesting are the methods by which New Testament completions are attached to the Old Testament materials (not always explicitly). RICHARD R. CAEMMERER THE SECRET OF GOD. By Robert D. Hershey. The Muhlenberg Press, Philadelphia, 1951. x and 162 pages, 5;4x7%. $1.75. In this collection of Lenten meditations Dr. Hershey has succeeded in stressing one Christian, Lutheran essential of Gospel preaching, whether it be to the end of faith or of Christian living: God must be the Doer and the Giver. The thought which he makes dominant throughout the volume is that the life of God is God's gift through the living Christ. To the taste of this reviewer the author has been a bit reluctant to give the BOOK REVIEW 77 death of Christ the redemptive value accorded it by Christ and the Apostles; he is anxious to keep the focus trained amply upon the resurrected Christ. Perhaps for this reason the reviewer found the sermon on "The Secret of Forgiveness" most stimulating and "The Secret of the Cross" less so. However, Dr. Hershey's volume has the merit of stimulating the reader not simply to agree, but to sit and think. Pastors seeking to break from a rut of Lenten preaching will find many sterling emphases to re-discover. The style is not always obvious, and the scope of quotation is wide. Unique is Dr. Hershey's accent on sin as separation, and life as relatedness to God. RICHARD R. CAEMMERER CHRIST'S PARABLES FOR TODAY. By William Ward Ayer. Fleming H. Revell Company, New York, 1949. 173 pages, 514 X 71;2. $2.25. The former pastor of Calvary Baptist Church in New York in this volume supplies a series of studies on the parables of Jesus. The chapters employ a sermonic form, but footnotes add a good deal of material from other studies of the parables. The author proposes to go beyond a single point of comparison for each parable and to explore particularly "the religio-social mind of Jesus:' The author's observations shift some· times rapidly between general and non-theological observations to radical and evangelical ones. In his effort to cover his material he ranges beyond the statement of the parable to truths derived elsewhere (d. especially the materials on "the House Built on a Rock"). Some of the chapters close abruptly, and the general effect of the book is that of a series of stimulating notes rather than of finished pulpit messages. RICHARD R. CAEMMERER THE INSPIRATION OF IDEALS. Volume V in the Truett Memorial Series. By George W. Truett. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, Mich., 1950. 195 pages, 51;2x7Ys. $2.50. This fi.fth volume in a memorial series edited by President Powhatan V.T. James of Hopkinsville, Ky., presents special addresses of the late Dr. George W. Truett of First Baptist Church, Dallas, Tex. The first address was delivered at his graduation in 1897 from Baylor University; the most recent date is 1941. The volume is useful for showing the development in style and thought of a man who already in his youth showed his destiny as an orator. The third address appears to be a baccalaureate item rather than for a funeral, as stated in the footnote. Interesting is No. IV, "The Supper of Our Lord." There Dr. Truett defines Baptist close Communion as predicated upon the immersion of those receiving it, and repudiates the significance of the Sacrament for the fellowship of those receiving it. To the Lutheran preacher the volume is significant, despite its emphasis on Gospel and evangelism, for its silence regarding the concept of the for-giveness of sins. RICHARD R. CAEMMERER 78 BOOK REVIEW CHRIST -THE BREAD OF LIFE. The Payton Lectures. By Wm. Childs Robinson. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., Grand Rapids, Mich., 1950. 190 pages, 5 Yz X 8. $2.50. This series of lectures was delivered at Fuller Theological Seminary, Pasadena, Calif., in 1949. The author is a professor at Columbia Theological Seminary, Decatur, Ga. (Presbyterian, U. S.). The emphasis on the Lordship and Saviorhood of Christ is unyielding and the assembly of material from Scripture and theology interesting and fresh. The footnotes reveal a remarkable acquaintance with current theological literature. A number of misprints harm the effectiveness of the volume. The author pays tribute to no one trend of theology, but quotes from Lutheran as well as Reformed theologians of Europe and America. RICHARD R. CAEMMERER PROBLEMS THAT PLAGUE THE SAINTS. By W. A. Poovey. The Wartburg Press, Columbus, Ohio. 181 pages, 71;2 X 5 'W,. $2.00. A refreshing little volume, especially for pastors and church workers. The author presents various false notions with which the Church of today has to deal in seeking to win others and, as a rule, disposes of them in a fine Scriptural manner, though in a few cases the solution is little more than a mere dictum. The chapters "Accept No Substitutes," in which he analyzes and refutes the spurious religionists, and "Relativity," dealing with the warped morality of our day, are particularly rewarding. The chapter on "The New Idolatry" (preacher worship) prompts some earnest heart-searching. O. E. SOHN PASTORAL PSYCHOLOGY. By Goete Bergsten. The Macmillan Company, New York. 227 pages, 81;2x51;2. $3.50. This new book is perhaps the most conservative, interesting, and useful volume we have read on the care of souls, though a few marginal question marks had to be made. The author is superintendent and chaplain of St. Lukasstiftelsens, Institute for Psychology and Spiritual Counsel in Stockholm. Says he: "If this book differs in any way from others that have been written on the subject, it does so in that I have tried to show how the spiritual and psychological aspects of the care of souls are related, so that neither is neglected and both can be used with understanding .... The views I express about the different phases of spiritual growth and the forms of spiritual counsel appropriate to them are the fruits of my own experience in many years of ministerial work and as chaplain in a mental asylum; later on also as superintendent of the Institute, where, in wmpany with a devoted staff of clergymen, doctors, and medical psychologists, I have had opportunity of studying, under clinical conditions, a great variety of cases of spiritual and psychological illness and maladjustment and have developed the methods of treatment this book describes." The BOOK REVIEW 79 language is conservative and Biblical throughout. One might wish, however, that the author had been more explicit in his definitions of the Atonement, of Conversion, and other articles of the Christian faith. Some sections stand out above others, namely, those on pastoral advice, on confession and penance, and on guilt and the fear of punishment. We are certain that a careful perusal of this book -and some portions of it will want to be reread -will be rewarding to the pastor in increased understanding and aptitude in ministering to burdened souls on their sickbed or in the counseling chamber. O. E. SOHN INSPIRATION FOR TODAY. By Amos Lundquist. Augustana Book Con· cern, Rock Island, Ill. 240 pages, 7Yz X 5 Yz. $2.50. Here is an excellent collection of Christian poems, meditations, and pointed sentences for various occasions which should prove very useful to a pastor as illustrative material for sermons as well as church bulletins and bulletin boards. While not all of it impressed us with equal force and some of it, like the material on temperance, is somewhat overdrawn, we are happy to own this book and feel certain that it will be referred to frequently and to good advantage. Complete indexes of authors and titles are appended and enhance the value of the book. O. E. SOHN VICTORY OVER SUFFERING. By William Goulooze, D. D. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, Mich. 150 pages, 7 Yz X 5. $2.00. BLESSINGS OF SUFFERING. Same author and publisher. 173 pages, 7Yz X 5. $2.00. CONSIDER CHRIST JESUS. Same author. The Reformed Church Book Stores, Grand Rapids, Mich. 121 pages, 8X5;4. $1.50. The first two volumes are the outgrowth of the author's own experience in the furnace of affliction and record his own fightings and fears as well as his triumphs and blessings that came to him after the ordeal. A feature of the books are hundreds of statements of fellow sufferers throughout the land which came to the author in response to a four-point questionnaire soliciting their experiences for the general good. Dr. Goulooze is a consecrated and conservative theologian, whose meditations on the subject of suffering could contribute greatly toward the improvement of our ministry to the sick. There is also a wealth of pertinent verse accompanying each meditation. The third volume listed above contains twenty-one radio sermons on the general theme of Jesus Christ and Him Crucified. These are divided into three groups of seven sermons each on the subthemes: Christ's Invitation, Christ's Help, and Christ's Service. Our broadcasting pastors in particular should receive many helpful suggestions from these twelveminute addresses delivered on a small Illinois and Michigan network known as Temple Time. O. E. SOHN 80 BOOK REVIEW STEWARDSHIP ENRICHES LIFE. By C. W. Hatch. The Warner Press, Anderson, Ind. 107 pages, 7 ~ X 5. Cloth, $1.50; paper, 75 cents. A comprehensive and refreshing analysis of Christian Stewardship in all its ramifications. The manner of computing one's tithe, however, appears quite arbitrary and points up the difficulty of embodying a legal requirement in an evangelical stewardship program. O. E. SOHN LITURGY AND SPIRITUAL AWAKENING. By Bo Giertz. Translated by Clifford Ansgar Nelson. Augustana Book Concern, Rock Island, IlL 1950. 32 pages, 4Y2 X 6Y2. 25 cents. The contents of this pamphlet are part of the pastoral letter written by the author at the time he became bishop of the Church of Sweden. The purpose of such a "Herdabrev)) is to offer "a very personal word of encouragement and pastoral counseling which serves to introduce the new bishop to his pastors and people." (Introduction, p.5.) We recommend this little publication to our pastors and to their parishioners. It is very well written, very well translated, and it will stimulate as well as instruct and edify those who are deeply concerned about the corporate worship of God. Congregations will do well to distribute Liturgy and Spiritual Awakening among their people, including people who have not as yet been convinced of the desirability of liturgical worship. WALTER E. BUSZIN WORLD MISSIONS. By Martha L. Moennich, F. R. G. S. 181 pages, 5 ~ by 7Y2. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, Mich. 1950. $2.00. The author is called a missionary at large, having visited more than fifty countries and worked with fifty-three missionary organizations. In her book there is a generous amount of material on some mission fields and a paucity of it on others. The work of some missionaries and mission societies is described at length, for instance, the Russian (now called Slavic) }.fissionary Society. There is no material on Lutheran missions. The Lutheran Hour is warmly commended. E. C. ZIMMERMANN From the Author BOOKS RECEIVED CHRISTIAN COMFORT. By Rev. Joseph T. Larson, Denver, Colo. From W m. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Grand Rapids, Mich.: THE HEIDELBERG CATECHISM (an Exposition). -The Triple Knowledge. Vol. VI. Baptized into Christ. By Rev. Herman Hoeksema. 179 pages, 5 Y2 X 8. $2.50. From Moody Press, Chicago, Ill.: 'VIT ORLD CRISES AND THE PROPHETIC SCRIPTURES. By Wilbur M. Smith. 384 pages, 5 ~ X7%. $3.00.