Book Reviews -- By: Anonymous

Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 15:4 (Winter 1972)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous


Book Reviews

Genesis in Space and Time by Francis A. Schaeffer (Inter-Varsity Press, Downers Grove, III., 1972, 167 pages, paper $2.25) is basically an apologetic for the historicity of Genesis 1–11. The approach is said to be exegetical although theological would be a better term. The book is designed to combat liberal and existential approaches to the early chapters of Genesis. The author does not believe in evolution but holds to fiat creation ex nihilo. He further teaches the historicity and theological implications of the Fall, and believes in a universal deluge at the time of Noah.

Schaeffer suffers the fate common to those who wish to popularize and simplify weighty Old Testament truths and make spiritual application to the present day-seeing more than is in the Bible. For example, a homily on faith is drawn from the seven days Noah and the animals were in the ark before the rain fell (7:4); it is highly doubtful if the time was actually spent in the ark. Also the rainbow’s universal message to man is stressed when the Bible says the bow was for God’s benefit (cf. 9:15, 16).

Other quirks appear which neutralize the impact of the book. The author cannot come to a conclusion regarding the length of the creative days, which is strange since he has no trouble making good sense out

of the rest of the creation account. He implies that some forms of death existed before the Fall, which contradicts Romans 5:12. He expounds the covenants of works and grace in Genesis 3 and further has Jesus fulfilling the covenant of works as the second Adam—all without a shred of exegetical support. The book is interesting but needs exegetical improvement.

Rolland D. McCune

Neo-Evangelicalism: An Evaluation Through Its Literature by Victor M. Matthews (Regular Baptist Press, Des Plaines, III., 1971, 35 pages, paper $.95) is a compilation and lengthy quotation of literature pertinent to the New Evangelical movement. The author is not favorable to New Evangelicalism. The booklet is organized around three points: the history, description, and characteristics of New Evangelicalism. The bulk of the work concerns the latter point; and this is divided into material dealing with science, separation, and Biblical inerrancy.

The work is an excellent source book of basic literature on the points discussed. It is hoped that Dr. Matthews will come forth with an enlarged treatise on the subject, handling other crucial areas of New Evangelical deviation.

Rolland D. McCune

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