Religion and Politics In America

Frank J. Smith (ed.) | ABC-CLIO, 2016, 968 pp. (2 vol.), $189

This is a mammoth accomplishment from Frank Smith, pastor of the Atlanta, Ga., RP Fellowship. With hundreds of entries from over 100 contributors, this encyclopedia explores the complex relationship between the church and state, spanning from the colonial period to present day.

The encyclopedia begins with a fine introduction by Smith on the philosophical and religious context of the fledgling United States. The author, who is well equipped to defend, asserts that the Christian principles formed the basis of our nation’s common law. Nevertheless, through developing philosophical trends on both sides of the Atlantic (e.g., Hegel, Emerson, Darwin), there has come a great war between religion and politics in our culture. With well-developed reasons, Smith gives an account for why we are where we are.

The rest of the two volumes is an encyclopedia. One might be tempted to think in our internet age of Wikipedia that such a work, while representing the best of scholarship, is somewhat unnecessary. Put such temptations aside. These volumes contain a wealth of information and documentation on a great diversity of subjects relating to the state and church. Perhaps one of the most useful features is the trustworthy guide at the end of each entry directing readers to further study. By including this, the authors have helped to draw lines of contour and connection to people, places, and events that may appear, at first glance, unrelated; but it serves as a reminder of the sophisticated web that connects the movement of history.

The cost of these two volumes will prove to be a burden to many and hinder a wide and popular readership. But for those with the means and will, this encyclopedia will prove to be a great reference.

Cultivating Biblical Godliness Series

Joel Beeke and Ryan McGraw (eds.) | Reformation Heritage Books, 2014-16, 18-36 pp., $3

What is a Christian? How can I remember the Bible? What does it mean to love God? Why is corporate prayer important? How should men lead their families? Why must I forgive? Is church membership biblical? What is repentance? How do I kill remaining sin?

Have you asked these questions or met people who do? Of course! We want to know what the Christian life is all about. That is why readers will definitely want to become familiar with this series on cultivating biblical godliness.

In a day where spiritual practices have largely been reduced to personal devotions, these books—which combine biblical teaching, robust theology, and pastoral concern—will show the breadth and depth of godliness. For instance, in a brief 18-page booklet, Ryan McGraw asks the question: Is the Trinity practical? Digging deep into the Bible’s teaching and relying especially on the Puritans, McGraw shows how the doctrine of the Trinity is applicable to the Christian’s daily life.

Joseph Pipa has done us a favor by contributing a book about the Lord’s Day. He helpfully develops the Reformed understanding of the fourth commandment, addresses weekly practices, and responds to common questions and objections. Likewise, Jeremy Walker provides an examination of biblical repentance and not only illustrates it from the Bible but carefully walks us through the daily practice of it.

These booklets are helpful introductions to the Christian life. They are unassuming and not in the least bit intimidating. They would be a good addition to church book tables, to hand out to inquirers, to use in instructing children, and to answer those questions we are often asking.


Papa Got it Right!

A.J. McFarland and Robert McFarland | Outskirts Press, 2016, 65 pp., $12.95

Often biographies recount the lives and stories of those who, like a comet, blaze through history leaving a visible tail for all to see. Left untold are many accounts of godly men and women who, with a single constancy, shone with spiritual warmth all their lives but were visible only to a few. Their stories are no less important as they, in their own way, impacted generations to come. Only in heaven will we get a fair measure of the lives of many who lived with a quiet and unremarkable faithfulness to Jesus Christ.

On this side of heaven, once in a while we get to hear of their legacy as their story is retold. Such is the case with this three-part book, Papa Got it Right! The first part is a 13-chapter memoir on the life of J. C. McFarland (1862–1948) written by his son, A. J. McFarland (1899–1962). His is a story that spans the breadth of excitement to sorrow as we read of his meeting the notorious Dalton Brothers gang, of the Cherokee Strip Land Run, and later of the tragic and untimely death of his daughter, Vera. Intertwined with his pilgrim-like travels from Oklahoma to Kansas to Florida is the developing history of the Reformed Presbyterian Church.

The second part of the book is a reflective tribute from A. J. to his father that demonstrates the honesty with which J. C. lived before men and God. The final part is another tribute written by A. J.’s son, Robert McFarland (1933–present) about his father’s experiences as a pastor, his prominent role in the Christian Amendment movement, and his character.

Perhaps the best way to summarize this book is to say that it is unspectacularly ordinary. But don’t misunderstand that characterization. For, it is in the ordinary that the provision, faithfulness, mercy, and grace of Jesus Christ burns brighter than any comet. Ultimately, that is what we read of—not simply of J. C. and A. J., but of their witness to the blessings of God.


The Biggest Story

Kevin DeYoung and Don Clark | Crossway, 2015, 128 pp., $17.99

The story of the Bible begins with a garden and ends with a garden. Between these bookends stands a long line of patriarchs, poets, kings, priests, prophets, apostles, and promises. Not one of these details is useless or irrelevant, because by them the Spirit is weaving together the grand story of God’s redemptive plan in Jesus Christ—a plan that will take fallen humanity out of the garden and lead a saved people back to it. But that overall story can be easy to miss! That is why this book, The Biggest Story, by author Kevin DeYoung and illustrated by Don Clark, is a valuable tool aiding young and old alike in the Bible’s big picture.

Children will love this book. It is written with simple and, where appropriate, humorous language. It captures the thrill and excitement of God’s progressive story without missing the overall purpose. The wonderful pictures add a creative element that will satisfy children’s curiosity and animate their imaginations. However, it needs to be noted that Crossway has again published a book that contains three cartoon and artistic images of Jesus. Hopefully readers will find an easy remedy to this great disappointment and value what is valuable about it.

While the book is written and marketed for children, it has, in the mind of this reviewer, wider use. Adults can benefit, especially if they purchase the accompanying DVD material. It would be helpful as an introduction to the Bible, give a springboard from which to further speak and study, and help develop a greater appreciation for the unity of the Scriptures. For young or old, this book is a great addition.

Good and Angry

David Powlison | New Growth Press, 2016, 256 pp., $17.99

David Powlison thinks you have an anger problem, and a serious one at that. It is not because he knows you personally, but because he has long studied the fallen heart. He is also convinced that your anger does not have to be a problem. This book is intended to help redirect us so that we can be both good and angry.

Anger, as Powlison—who is the executive director of CCEF—defines it, is a sense of opposition to something that is both important and wrong. That means it is a moral response. As those who are created in the image of God, we all are wired for the capacity to express anger. But, as Powlison carefully shows, we have a problem. Our anger is misdirected and misguided because of sin, not only in the little daily frustrations and irritations, but also in extremely destructive ways. The goal, according to Powlison, is not to eliminate anger but to have it remade into the image of God by the grace of the gospel. Far from being a therapeutic, self-help book, his concern is that we come to understand how anger can coexist with forgiveness, patience, charity, and constructive displeasure.

Powlison’s book should prove to be an excellent resource. However, if you pick it up with the intention to help someone else—your husband, wife, child, friend, or congregant—be prepared to confront the reality of your own anger first. Powlison has a wonderful way of acutely diagnosing anger as a personal problem for all, even those who do not consider themselves angry. Highlights include his detailed examination of God’s wrath and his showing readers why it is because of God’s wrath that we have hope. His chapters dealing with everyday anger, long-held bitterness, and anger against God also flow from a counselor’s heart as he addresses difficult and awful, painful truths.


The Shoemaker’s Dream

Martin, Kathryn, and Sarah Blocki | 2016, $24.99.

Reviewed by Brad Johnston.

The Shoemaker’s Dream is a wonderful children’s book about God’s love displayed in the selfless service of a simple craftsman.

This modern adaptation of Leo Tolstoy’s 1885 short story features beautiful artwork from Shari Finney that captures the story in simplicity and warmth. The text is laid out skillfully using font changes and shading to feature the message without distracting from the story.

Each book comes with a CD featuring the narration of RP pastor Martin Blocki set to skillful background accompaniment. All this comes together to provide a delightful experience for children and adults.

Perhaps most poignantly, this work is dedicated to the memory of Rev. Dave Long (1955–2016), former pastor of the Lafayette, Ind., RPC whose pastoral ministry touched many lives—including my own. Considering Dave’s passion for missions and his many years of service to RP Global Missions, it is fitting that the proceeds for this enchanting story—which richly illustrates the impact of a life lived in faith for Christ—will be given to RP Global Missions.

I recommend using this picture book and CD as a teaching tool to help children live out in practical ways Christ’s instruction in Matthew 25:40, “The King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”