Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 135:539 (Jul 1978)
Article: Book Notices
Author: Anonymous

BSac 135:539 (Jul 78) p. 276

Book Notices

The Christian Faith: An Introduction to Christian Thought. By Dallas M. Roark. Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1977. 350 PD. Paper. $4.95.

This book, intended as a preliminary survey of Christian truth, is well titled. In fourteen chapters the author discusses all the major areas normally included in a study of doctrine.

Documentation abounds throughout the volume. The uninformed reader, however, may not be able to distinguish the evangelical from the liberal sources that are frequently cited. In each of the chapters Roark presents various interpretational options and often lets the reader choose the one he prefers. With proper instructional assistance, this book could be used on the college level as an introduction to theological study.

R. P. Lightner

Every Man a Bible Student: A Handbook of Basic Bible Doctrines. By J. E. Church. Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House, 1977. 127 pp. Paper, $2.95.

The first edition of this work appeared in 1938. The present publisher felt Church’s attempt to direct man to the Bible itself for answers to life’s perplexing problems is sorely needed today. Forty-seven doctrinal themes are presented in as many chapters. Throughout each chapter, many passages of Scripture related to the subject discussed are quoted. Very little comment is given on the verses; the reader is left on his own to discover the Bible’s teaching from the verses quoted. The approach has merit, but it is deficient in that no consideration is given to context, problem areas, or the progress of revelation.

R. P. Lightner

BSac 135:539 (Jul 78) p. 277

The Apostles’ Creed: Do You Really Believe It? By D. Bruce Lockerbie. Wheaton, IL: SP Publications, Victor Books, 1977. 143 pp. Paper, $1.95.

Recently the Apostles’ Creed has come in for its share of attention. Lockerbie, chairman of the Fine Arts department at the Stoneybrook School, has written a phrase-by-phrase interpretation of the ancient creed.

But why should a book on the Apostles’ Creed be needed? The author’s purpose in writing the volume has been summarized on the book’s back cover: “I have written this study in the hope that Christians—young people in particular—will come to understand something of the rich Christian heritage belonging to us…and the reasons for doctrinal differences…. Most important, I would like to think that a renewed awareness of the Apostles’ Creed might remind us of the beliefs we share—the many reasons for our Christian unity.”

R. P. Lightner

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