Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 120:479 (Jul 1963)
Article: Book Notices
Author: Anonymous

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BSac 120:479 (Jul 63) p. 276

Book Notices

The Significance Of Barth’s Theology. By Fred H. Klooster. Baker Book House, Grand Rapids, 1961. 98 pp. $2.95.

The substance of this brief work has come from Professor Klooster’s sabbatical year, spent in Basel, Switzerland, in the study of the theology of the eminent Swiss theologian, Karl Barth. Dr. Klooster is the professor of systematic theology and registrar at Calvin Theological Seminary.

The three chapters deal with Barth’s doctrine of election and reconciliation primarily, the opening chapter providing a simple introduction to the life and thought of Barth. The author is concerned to demonstrate that the theology of Barth is, contrary to Barth’s claims, neither Reformed nor Biblical in the truest sense. He rightly points out that Barth’s doctrine of reconciliation is grounded insufficiently in the cross, and that his doctrine of election logically leads to universalism (although Barth himself denies this).

Klooster’s little book is one of the better introductions to the thought of Barth.

S. L. Johnson, Jr.

Pastoring The Smaller Church. By John C. Thiessen. Zondervan Publishing House, Grand Rapids, 1962. 168 pp. $2.95.

Here is a helpful volume on the subject of pastoral theology that has come from a quarter-century experience in pastoral work from the pen of the professor of pastoral theology at the Detroit Bible College. These classroom lectures smack more of the practical than of the ivory tower theory that so often hibernates in the classroom. Professor Thiessen has covered the main subjects of interest to the pastor in his twenty-three chapters. He offers some especially helpful suggestions in dealing with the pastor’s relation to his brother minister and on the pastor and his field of service. It is regrettable that the author did not see fit to supplement his otherwise fine treatment of the pastor’s intellectual life with a bibliography rather than treating this

BSac 120:479 (Jul 63) p. 277

important subject in general discussion. The spiritual note that underlies all that is written is a most commendable feature of this book. The author is sound in theology and is wise in counsel. Any pastor will find this a worthwhile volume.

J. E. Evans

The Book Of Jeremiah. By H. Cunliffe-Jones. The Macmillan Company, New York, 1961. 287 pp. $3.50.

This is another volume in the series of Torch Bible Commentaries, a British work designed “to provide the general reader with the soundest possible assistance in understanding the message of each book considered as a whole and as a part of the Bible.” It mu...

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