Our books this month consist of two pairs; two that offer a theological overview from giants of modern Reformed theology, and two that give a difficult and emotional insight into the brokenness of human life. All four point to the deep need we have of our Saviour, Jesus. We hope you read them!
BOOK OF THE MONTH: ‘From the Marrow Men to the Moderates’, Donald Macleod (2023)
In ‘From the Marrow Men to the Moderates’, Donald Macleod gives a guided tour through some of the events, characters, and theology central to the development of the Church in Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries. For those with limited knowledge of the period, this volume gives a vivid picture, without assuming too much in terms of prior knowledge. Those with a fuller background in church history will appreciate the clarity and insight, as well as the detailed footnotes and references linking to many other areas for investigation.
However, a major part of Macleod’s genius was connecting the events and discussions of the past with their contemporary relevance for the church today. I was particularly struck by how seriously our spiritual forefathers took investigating, understanding, and defending the gospel doctrines which so many of us take for granted. One particular example which repeatedly raises its head through this period is the free offer of the gospel, i.e. the truth that Jesus really is to be offered to all. In this, as well as a fascinating record of history, the book brings the contemporary church and Christian a challenge: Having had these doctrines defended and passed down to us, we are equally eager to defend, explain, and share them with the world around us?
This book is available from Mound Books
Ali Sewell, Haddington Community Church
‘Hard Sayings: Understanding Difficult Passages of Scripture’, R.C. Sproul (2023)
R. C. Sproul (1939-2017) was a famous pastor, teacher, and Bible College President. His influence on Evangelicalism continues through Ligonier Ministries, which broadcast and publish his sermons and writings. Dr Sproul wrote over a hundred books prior to his passing, with ‘The Holiness of God’ being one of his most famous titles. ‘Hard Sayings’, subtitled Understanding Difficult Passages of Scripture, adapted and edited by Ligonier Ministries, was taken from Dr. Sproul’s materials and published in 2023 and does exactly what it says on the tin. It tackles those Bible verses that have perplexed Christians, created debate and sadly split churches throughout church history.
The book is 165 pages long and consists of 27 chapters of approximately 6 pages in length, making each chapter an easy read without being lightweight. The book starts with the issue of the “gap theory” in the interpretation of verses in Genesis 1 and ends with the question of whether Jesus descended into Hell in the interpretation of 1 Peter 3.
Dr Sproul confronts each issue head on and focusses on the different arguments surrounding the topic without being sidetracked by irrelevant side issues. It is possible the reader will agree with Dr Sproul on some issues while disagreeing on others such as his view that Rahab’s lie was “not only morally acceptable but also heroic” or his view that “Paul is appealing to creation and that Paul is saying that women ought to cover their heads”. Nevertheless, Dr Sproul’s thoughtful and thought-provoking writing encourages the readers to think through these issues for themselves.
This book would be very useful for young people in particular and would be a good basis for group discussions.
This book is available from ICM Books
Jenson Lim, Dunblane Free Church
‘Broken Children, Sovereign God’, Leslie Schmucker (2023)
Books on Christian parenting are many, helpful and important. How parents in the church navigate their calling to raise their children (mind, body and soul) is a task that needs as much help as can be found. What needs even more grace is the gift of children who are neurodiverse, live with disabilities, have experienced trauma or are adopted or fostered. This is the life which Leslie Schmucker’s book speaks to, from the rollercoaster of personal experience.
‘Broken Children, Sovereign God’ is a hard read, but it shines a light on the reality of life for many. As a parent who is walking the adoptive path myself, the stories and advice in Leslie’s book are familiar from the parenting literature and case studies I have read along the way. Her words are heartbreaking but hopeful, placing the reality of the life of struggling children in the context of God’s eternal, loving plan. With God everything is possible, but the truth is that He doesn’t always choose to radically heal broken children from their trauma and burdens. Their loved ones must therefore live this bleak reality with them, and they need the support of the Christian community to endure it. It is vital, however, to keep hope and faith in our Sovereign God alive through the valleys, which this book helps with.
As an aside, I must say that it would be incredibly helpful for the adoptive and fostering community in the UK if more books on this subject were written by UK-based authors. Laws and conventions on significant parenting decisions (eg. physical chastisement, schooling and healthcare) are so fundamentally different on opposite sides of the Atlantic, that some key aspects of books like this one must be ‘culturally translated’ or ignored. This makes sharing or recommending them harder, which is a shame.
I will not understate the difficulty of this book’s subject matter, but if you are living a similar life to Leslie Schmucker, or seek to better support a family that is, then it is well worth exploring.
This book is available from Christian Focus Publications
Miriam Montgomery, Free Church Books
‘Rebel to Your Will’, Sean DeMars (2024)
This is a short book with short chapters giving a snapshot into the author’s childhood of abuse, then his youth filled with anger, crime and self-abuse. As he says, “hurt people, hurt people”. Along with each chapter of his life-story is an up-to-date snapshot of the blessings of the life he is living now, which balances out the horrors of his life before Jesus.
I did pick-up on the fact that after conversion he could really have been helped by a supportive church family and wise counsellors. He was still a young lad, living in poverty with no education or prospects and unfortunately, he got caught up in the ‘Prosperity Gospel’, though he quickly realised, the errors of those beliefs when his life did not match up to that ideal.
There is a snapshot of his conversion and his life following, but I am sure this man has a lot more to say and share from these brief snapshots that he has given us, I read the book in one go. The book gives a glimpse of a life saved from the pits to the glories of grace. It will cause you to wonder at God’s amazing grace and give you hope for all your own rebels out there, trusting that God can do the same for them.
This book is available from Christian Focus
Fiona Talbot, Plockton & Kyle Free Church