The Language of God: A Scientist Presents Evidence for Belief, by Francis S. Collins, Simon & Schuster, 2006. Paperback, 305 pp., $15. Reviewed by Pastor Jared Olivetti.

As the head of the Human Genome Project, Francis Collins oversaw a decade’s worth of work to uncover our DNA sequence. He then stood on stage with President Clinton as he announced that, “Today we are learning the language in which God created life.” Here’s the twist: a scientist committed to Darwinian evolution, Dr. Collins is also a committed, evangelical Christian.

Because so many see this as a dichotomy, Collins set out to write The Language of God. Why does much of Christianity distrust science and much of science disregard Christianity? Why must one choose a side? To answer these questions, he invites others to the intellectual path that has allowed him to live the perceived dichotomy.

The author begins with a well-written testimony of his conversion. After laying the foundation for his book, he then dives into the question of origins—the reason, he argues, science still needs religion. Following is his case for macroevolution. It contains a plea for Christians to be more intellectually honest because “no serious biologist today doubts the theory of evolution to explain the marvelous complexity and diversity of life.” This scientific section is fascinating, at the very least revealing the tension Christians in science face.

Realizing the biblical record of creation must be dealt with somehow, Collins lays out four options for how faith and science relate, opting for his newly phrased BioLogos, defined as science and faith in harmony. But here the real problems surface. Though I cannot judge well the science of the first half of the book, I can say with confidence that Dr. Collins’ Bible study methods leave much to be desired. Because evolution forces him to it, he reads Genesis 1–2 (and, consequently, the Fall in Genesis 3) as a mythical retelling of what happened over millions of years. He fails to comprehend the enormous biblical and theological implications such a reading has. For instance, if our connection to Adam is imagined, how does this impact our understanding of Romans 5, where Paul teaches that our former relationship to Adam is the same type as our current relationship to Jesus?

This is an important book and I’m glad to have read it, especially to understand the plight of Christian friends in science. However, the poor exegesis and theology together with the extolling of the virtue of tolerance in regards to other religions render the book ultimately unsuccessful in achieving its goal of balancing biblical Christianity and science.

Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist’s Journey with the New Calvinists, by Collin Hansen, Crossway, 2008. Paperback, 160 pp., $15. Reviewed by Pastor Charles A. Brown.

“‘Once you start seeing Reformed theology in Scripture, you realize it’s all over the place,’ he said. ‘It’s like there’s a big revolution in your mind. Stuff that didn’t make sense before starts to make sense. It’s been an incredible journey, and it’s increased my passion for God.’”

This anecdote from the book’s epilogue could easily describe my own experience with Calvinism. From the conversations I’ve had with many newer members of the RPCNA, these sentiments would be shared by most of them. In recent decades, the evangelical world has witnessed a mini-Reformation, dramatically impacting the hearts of countless men and women. Collin Hansen, an editor for Christianity Today, has recorded dozens of such stories in this little volume about the lives that have been recently and radically changed by Reformed theology.

Surprisingly, though, for a book about “the New Calvinists,” very few Presbyterians are mentioned. Nearly all of the stories come from Baptist and nondenominational folks who have embraced predestination and God’s sovereignty in salvation. This fact may help to explain why these young Calvinists are restless. They are only partial Calvinists, who need to keep reforming. Perhaps they have not yet read what the Genevan Reformer taught concerning the church and the sacraments.

We should keep a watchful eye on this semi-Calvinism, to see where it leads. Youth and restlessness will not last forever. Where will these people settle when they are old? Will they be Reformed or not? Here is an opportunity for the Reformed Presbyterian Church. An energetic audience waits to hear the doctrines of grace. But will we be ready to help these hungry souls feast on a complete diet of Calvinism?

Why We’re Not Emergent (By Two Guys Who Should Be), by Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck, Moody, 2008. Paperback, 256 pp., $14.99. Reviewed by Nathan Eshelman.

“What is the Emergent Church?” is a question seminarians get a lot. Many have read the books (I even had Rob Bell sign my copy of Velvet Elvis), but it remains difficult to grasp all of the distinctives of this “conversation” due to their claims of being post-evangelical and post-confessional. What should be recommended first? D. A. Carson’s books on the subject are too philosophical for some, and much of the popular stuff does not have loving and critical analysis.

Why We’re Not Emergent will become the first choice in helping people understand the concerns that confessional Christians have with this new movement. DeYoung is a pastor of a university-town church in Michigan, and Kluck is a popular sports columnist. They have teamed up to write a very useful book for those of us who do not hold Ph.D.s in epistemology.

DeYoung writes chapters discussing the theological problems and some of the implications of the emergent church movement. Kluck takes every other chapter to reflect on his reasons for why he likes traditional church and his reasons for not being emergent (despite looking geek-chic, complete with black plastic glasses and faded t-shirts). The two working together is the perfect combination for capturing the attention (and hopefully the hearts) of those who claim to be disillusioned with traditional church and are seeking a more postmodern church experience. This book will help readers to join the emergent conversation while providing critical insight that is both rooted in the Scriptures and done in a Christlike way. Many claim the emergent church and the troubles of postmodernity are the new liberalism. Why We’re Not Emergent will help sort out the pros and cons of the movement and provide a response to emergent criticisms of the traditional church.

Heirs With Christ: The Puritans on Adoption, by Joel Beeke, Reformation Heritage Books, 2008. Hardback, 134 pp., $13. Reviewed by Nathan Eshelman.

The Westminster Confession of Faith was the first church confession to include a chapter on spiritual adoption. This doctrine shaped the way the Puritans lived out their Christian experience. Joel Beeke uncovers the depth of Puritan writing on this important subject. This book is not only a historical analysis of a doctrine, though. Heirs With Christ is filled with practical insight on the heart of Christianity, and also aids the reader in growing in love and devotion to our elder brother, Jesus Christ.

Beeke argues that adoption not only affects our relationship with God, but also transforms our responsibilities. He shows how the Puritans urged the Christian to live out his adoption in ways that transform his relationship to his family, church, and the whole of creation. The Christian’s sonship is one of promise! Beeke says, “Jesus…urges his disciples to let their thoughts and lives be controlled by the conviction that God is now their Father and they are His children, and that He knows all their needs. The child of God is to…live his whole life in relation to his Father, remembering that the Father has promised each child His Kingdom.”

This book is packed with helpful insight on Christian living to be enjoyed by the seasoned saint and new convert alike. It contains many thoughts worthy of meditation and useful for living in closer relationship with God. In expected Beeke style, the weaving of Puritanism with present-day application is a refreshing approach to historical theology.

The Work of the Pastor, by William Still, Paternoster Press/Rutherford House, 1996. Paperback, 144 pp. Reviewed by Pastor Ian Wise.

The front cover of the latest edition of this work carries Sinclair Ferguson’s glowing recommendation: “Every minister should read it once a year—at least!” Though this reviewer hasn’t quite followed that advice, I have found Still’s little book on the pastoral ministry to be a true blessing.

William Still, before passing away several years ago, served the same Church of Scotland congregation in Aberdeen for over 50 years. He was a leading figure in the evangelical wing of the state church, and had a profound impact on the ministries of many men who would go on to serve in various Presbyterian denominations, in the United Kingdom and beyond.

The Work of the Pastor is a pleasure to read. The five chapters are based on talks given to theology students, and it’s clear that Still would have these men enter the ministry with their eyes wide open. He addresses many of the topics we would expect, but also some we wouldn’t—all in a highly entertaining way. Here is no labored piece of literature. His thoughts are pungent, pithy and, above all, challenging for the green and the seasoned alike.

Still’s central message is this: In order for God’s people to grow up in Christ, they need ministers who are serious about the exposition of the whole Word; and underlying any anointed teaching and preaching ministry will be the praying people of God. Far from being a painless calling, there needs to be dying daily to self and sin: “The work is done through a dead man ministering the living Word in the power of the Spirit, wooed into the midst by the prayers of the saints.”

The reader will find warmhearted, searching pastoral counsel for pastors, the kind of stuff that energizes and refocuses. This isn’t to say that one will agree with all that he says—Still was too much the individual for that to ever be—but those few areas are far outweighed by the service he has rendered to the Church in calling her back to apostolic foundations: the Word and prayer (Acts 6:4).

All told, this reviewer can give The Work of the Pastor a hearty recommendation—worth perusing even once a year!