Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 144:574 (Apr 1987)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

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BSac 144:574 (Apr 87) p. 224

Book Reviews

Dictionary of Christian Theology. By Peter A. Angeles. San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1985. 211 pp. $17.95.

The author affirms that his work “presents readable and informal definitions of important Christian theological terms for the general reader and students of religion, literature, and philosophy” (p. vii). On the whole this statement is correct, but a number of definitions are quite lengthy and complex. Others define esoteric terms that the “general reader” has never and hopefully never will need defined. Even a casual reading of the dictionary reveals a strong Roman Catholic orientation.

Several factual problems were noticed. Under “adventism” the author said, “Jesus’ victory will establish a kingdom of rightneousness in heaven to last for l,000 years” (p. 4, italics added). Adventists believe the kingdom will be on earth, not in heaven. Similarly, “affusion” is defined as “a method of baptism practiced by early Baptists and other separatists” (p. 5). Yet later under “Baptists” he lists as one of their tenets, “Immersion is the true form of baptism” (p. 28). The author’s “early Baptists” were actually the Reformation era Anabaptists.

Under “Saint James the Great” the author says, “James carried the message of Jesus throughout the Mediterranean world. During his life he was revered in Spain as a saint. He was beheaded in Judea by Herod Agrippa, thus becoming the first apostle to be martyred. His body rests in Compostela, Spain” (p. 178). Since James’ martyrdom is recorded in Acts 12:2, quite early in apostolic history, his ministry “throughout the Mediterranean world” and his internment in Spain represent considerable feats.

Questions can be raised concerning many other discussions throughout the dictionary, giving the impression that the work was hurriedly and somewhat carelessly done. This is seen in the sizable number of typographical errors found in the text, including the statement “Repentance of

BSac 144:574 (Apr 87) p. 225

faith are necessary” (p. 27, italics added). On many definitions the work is helpful, but better ones are available.

John A. Witmer

Jesus Christ: The Witness of History. By Norman Anderson. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1985. 176 pp. Paper, $6.95.

This book is an entirely revised edition of the author’s 1969 work entitled Christianity: The Witness of History. Sir Norman Anderson is the distinguished former professor of oriental laws and director of the Institute of Advanced Legal Studies, University of London, England. His bo...

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