Book Reviews -- By: Anonymous

Journal: Central Bible Quarterly
Volume: CENQ 18:4 (Winter 1975)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous


Book Reviews

The Unbelievable Pre-Trib Origin by Dave MacPherson (Heart of America Bible Society, 1973, 123 pages, $1.50 paper) is an attempt by a journalist to discredit Pretribulationism by means of some historical juggling. His contention is that Pretribulationism originated in a prophetic utterance of a fifteen year old girl in Scotland (Margaret Macdonald) in 1830. The document he produces to prove this thesis (pp. 105-108) reveals nothing of the sort. There is no clear cut pretribulational statement in it. His attempt to show that John Darby borrowed this revelation and incorporated it into his dispensational theology breaks down completely (pp. 93-94). The reader is left with empty (though often breezy) rhetoric and unfulfilled expectations. MacPherson admits that the old innuendo that Pretribulationism began in a tongues utterance at Edward Irving’s Catholic Apostolic Church is false (pp. 32-35). He also has shown, inadvertently perhaps, that it certainly did not arise from the utterances of fifteen year old Margaret Macdonald. Perhaps such historians and journalists will finally believe John Nelson Darby’s own testimony that he came to his view through personal Bible study between 1827 and 1830. It is recommended that one not believe MacPherson’s Unbelievable Pre-Trib Origin.

—Rolland D. McCune

Genesis — A Study Guide by Leon J. Wood (Zondervan, Grand Rapids, 1975, 152 pages, $1.95 paper) adds to a usable “Study Guide” series. Dr. Wood earlier had contributed the Study Guide for Daniel. He is a thorough scholar who writes in a clear, simple style. A complete outline (pp. 13-20) provides an over-view to the development of the book. The author presents a twenty-four hour cycle (p. 24) for the division of day and night of the first day. Reflecting decades of study, this guide will be used by pastors and Sunday School teachers, and will be employed as a text in Bible Institutes and Bible Colleges for decades to come.

—Warren Vanhetloo

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