BOOK REVIEW PAGE

 Book Reviews by Gran-Timers reflect views of the writer and not necessarily of The Gran-Timers and the Granny White Church of Christ.

  bound and loosed: Fundamentals of the Christian System

by John Parker

This book attempts to present in a single volume fundamental principles of Christianity taught in the New Testament, including the deity of God, Christ, and the Holy Spirit; the mission of Christ for men's redemption; the authority of the scriptures as delivered by the apostles and prophets; the plan of salvation; and the identity, work, and worship of the church.  The original work appeared in the Gospel Advocate Foundations, 1991-1992.  This book contains 44 chapters in a well designed presentation of basic truths  relative to salvation and the church.  It lends itself well to both private and class study and provides ample material for brief or extended examination of New Testament doctrine. 

John H. Parker serves as an interim minister for congregations with information at www.interimcofc.com.  PowerPoint presentations are available of these lessons; for information call 615.373.4462.  Dr. Parker has taught English and Bible at Freed-Hardeman University and currently is Professor of English at Lipscomb University.  He also serves as an elder for the Granny White church in Nashville.

God's Indwelling Spirit, The Doctrine and History of the Holy Spirit
by F. Furman Kearley Updated by Ernest A. Clevenger, Jr.

Dr. Kearley spoke on the topic of God's Indwelling Spirit at the Alabama Christian College (Faulkner University)  lectureship in 1974 and was urged to make his study available in printed form.  At the time of his death in 2003, he was in the process of enlarging his work to make God's Indwelling Spirit suitable for call and personal study.  This updated edition was completed by Dr. Ernest Clevenger.

What is meant by "The Spirit dwells in us?"  Kearley believes the answer requires three steps:  (1)  an examination of the history of the doctrine of the Holy Spirit, (2) an understanding of the general doctrine of the Holy Spirit; and (3) an analysis of Romans 8 and related scriptures.  All scriptures and sources referenced are well documented.  The book makes an ideal quarter's study for a serious class interested in delving deeply into the teaching of the Word.

SHARING YOUR FAITH WITH A HINDU

By Madasama Thirumalai                     Published by Bethany House Publishers, 2002

            Occasionally a timely book is printed that capitalizes on a real need.  Such a book is Sharing Your Faith With a Hindu, a new work by Madasama Thirumalai, due on bookshelves shortly. 

Following 9/11 people became genuinely interested in Islam and the vast number of people who adhere to that religion.  They bought books, attended lectures and search the internet for information about what Muslims believe and practice in their near east religion.  Another large world religious segment about which people need to know is the Hindu population. 

The country of India reached one billion in population last year.  India is expected to catch and pass China in population within five to eight years.  Eighty-two percent of the people in India are some kind of Hindu.  It is estimated that 1.4 million Indian extract people live in the U.S. and that 85% of them are Hindu. 

Because of the vast differences in Hindu beliefs, practices and traditions a somewhat condensed book orderly explaining the ethnic communities of belief is a welcome research volume.  Written by a former Hindu, the book discusses the rituals, folk religions and intellectual positions of present day adherents in a way to suggest how these people may be reached with the gospel of Christ. 

Thirmalai is not a New Testament Christian but he does have a grasp of basic Christian truths and how they can be used to appeal to the Hindu mind.  It is fascinating to read of the worship objects having Divine Power, of the use of divination and drawing lots, about the role played by astrology, spirit possession, and magic in the life of practicing Hindu.  All this and more is covered in the book including the practice of idolatry and the place of superstition and tradition. 

The best presentation of the gospel to the world is not only to know the Bible, but to also know simple facts about the segment we are trying to reach, what and why they believe like they do.  India is and has been a fertile field for the gospel and local Hindus could be.  A work like this can help prepare us to reach them.   

Ernest Clevenger, preacher, teacher, and author, lives in Nashville, TN.  clevengerea@comcast.net

Books may be ordered from Gospel Advocate, 1006 Elm Hill Pike, Nashville, TN 37210; fax 615-254-7411;  Most books reviewed are also available at Christian bookstores or by calling 1-800-251-8446.