Journal: Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society
Volume: JOTGES 34:66 (Spring 2021)
Article: Book Reviews
Author: Anonymous

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Book Reviews

In the last issue of the JOTGES we ran a review of Ron Merryman’s book Understanding Biblical Election. We wrongly indicated that the price of the book is $17.95. Actually, Merryman Ministries has the policy that “All materials are distributed without charge on a grace basis.” They add that, “At the request of a number of constituents, we have included a suggested gift which includes mailing only in the contiguous U.S.” Under the listing of the book they put “Cost basis: $17.95, which includes postage.” We apologize for erroneously indicating that the book sells for $17.95.

Kenneth W. Yates
Editor
Journal of the Grace Evangelical Society

God has Chosen: The Doctrine of Election through Christian History. By Mark R. Lindsay. Downers Grove: IVP Academic, 2020. 235 pp. Softcover, $22.49.

Mark Lindsay is professor of historical theology at Trinity College Theological School at the University of Divinity in Melbourne, Australia. He is an historical theologian, professor, and Anglican priest with research interests and expertise in the historical development and intersection of ecclesiology and election, eschatology, the Holocaust, and the theology of Karl Barth. This Barthian scholar has written several books and articles and in this new book offers a unique approach to election history that diverges from the often-bifurcated discussions on the subject in conservative circles. Lindsay does not have a dog in that fight.

The author admits right away that this book is not in any way a comprehensive treatment or a genealogy of the doctrine, but instead he offers a few “snapshots-in-time” of ways in which notable theologians framed election from Scripture, tradition, and their own unique context. He shows points of similarity and sometimes a radical departure from the norm. Lindsay starts by briefly surveying a handful of key OT and NT texts which have shaped election thought. Chapter 2 begins with election in the patristic period from

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the apostolic fathers to Augustine, stopping along the way to give snapshots from Irenaeus, Origen, and Cyprian. The focus is on the relationship of election to the developing ecclesiology of these early Christians.

Chapter 3 covers the Middle Ages and concerns two men with two very different ideas of election: Thomas Aquinas and Duns Scotus. The Dark Ages, aptly named, sees a complete blurring of the distinction between church and state. Election finds its home in the visible established church/state, with Jews and Muslims playing the role of the reprobates. In chap. 4, the violent rending of the established church wrought by the...