William D. Robinson

Book Reviews : Questioning Is the Piety of Thought

average sixth former or undergraduate. The four examples sent to me are attractively, though somewhat wastefully, laid out and are written with an air of authority which will encourage readers to take them seriously. The question is, do they have anything to offer those who do not already share their fundamentalist assumptions? Of Metital Health: a Christian Approach by Mark P. Cosgrove and James D. Mallory (il-95, pp. 85) I would answer ’yes’. It has sensible things to say about Christian psychotherapy, and in particular about the implications of belief in fallen human nature, which are important whatever one’s precise Christian stance. The Essence of Human Nature, also by Cosgrove (£1 ~95, pp. 75) argues the case against materialism and determinism exclusively on scientific grounds and might not at first sight appear to have come out of

Book Reviews : Imagination, the Sacred and Theology

and Reality has been published by Search Press at £4~95 (pp. 138). The essays are on quite specific and preachable topics and admirably illustrate the kind of end-product which emerges from Pannenberg’s theological method. Pannenberg deals first of all with some fundamental doctrines of Christianity interpreted in a modern setting topics such as the providence of God, the doctrine of Man, the doctrine of the Spirit, the historical Jesus. Then he goes on to more specific problems of our time modern historicism, nation and race, Christianity and politics, etc. Despite the fact that Pannenberg is a thoroughly professional theologian, he is often at his best, as in this case, when he is writing for laymen. He has a great gift for clarity without over-simplification. He also has a gift for overcoming the tragic split between biblical insight and modern perspective which has been the ruination of so much modern theology and modern preaching. He brings out the fact that the Bible not only has a timeless modernity but, in its eschatological foresight, is away ahead of us. Small and compact though it is, this book is a veritable mine of fresh and refreshing ideas especially for those who do not wish to engage themselves with Pannenberg’s more weighty volumes.

Book Reviews : Truthful Lies!:

Theologians operate within a social and cultural context which influences both the theology they produce and their ability to communicate. The Social Context of Theology by Robin Gill (Mowbray, f6-50 hard, £3.75 paper) is a careful study of the methodological assumptions of sociology and theology. The author, who is qualified in both disciplines, is surprisingly kind to sociologists in his defence of their ’methodological atheism’ and in his easy tolerance of their competing models, methodological divergences and ideological divisions. With theologians he is much more severe and criticizes such writers as E. L.

The Theology of Only One Earth

as an end in itself is losing something of its appeal and stirs the imagination only if it offers a better means of achieving truly Christian ends in the world. There is a final word about the modem tendency among ministers to dislike anything which makes them ’ ‘ different ’ and to press for a ministry which is relevant, involved, and committed wholly to practical service. The author believes the world still needs men and women whose lives are dedicated

The God Above Morality

There have been many attempts to analyse the reasons for this. That which cites the general climate of pagan opinion as our chief obstacle-a climate generated by the Religion versus Science controversy of the second half of last century and the first half of this-seems to point to one valid reason behind the widespread air of disinterest in religious practice. While, however, the intellectual climate may well be one hindrance to the work of the Church, man is not completely rational, and we may profitably look for some additional explanation of the present state of affairs. Perhaps one reason for the apathy of the general public can be found in that reason or excuse which is actually given so often for not attending church. Naturally, in a current, often repeated phrase we shall not expect to discover any profound truth, but we may learn a great deal from the unconscious assumptions behind it. Most preachers, pastors, and witnessing Christians are more than familiar with the phrase I can be just as good without going to church ’. Again and again it is said by the people we visit in their homes or meet at work. These are those people who have decent homes, lovely families ; people who are interesting, friendly, helpful and attractive in so many ways, yet who seem to have no use

Christian Belief in a Scientific Age

Irr The Truth of the Gospel,’ written by Professor G. B. Caird of McGill University, Montreal, the question of ’ Science-friend or foe ? ’ is discussed. Professor Caird begins by saying, ’ Any one who tells you to-day that there is a dispute between science and religion is behind the times. There have ~been disputes in the past, and the effect of some of them doubtless lingers in the minds of those who are thinking to-day what others were thinking thirty years ago. But religious doctrines and scientific theories alike are constantly being revised, and among the leaders of scientific and Christian thought there is not now any major cause for disagreement.’ In a way, this statement is true, and yet many people will have lingering qualifications they wish to make. They will be remembering the recent broadcast talks of Professor Hoyle of Cambridge,2 2

Reconciliation and Reality: III. The Reconciliation of the Sexes

a perfect confession ’ of our sins. The traditional meaning of these words in theology is one thing ; what the modern analogies here used mean is different. Our difficulty is that in this book there is an over-easy assumption that these meanings confirm each other. In short Professor DILLIsTOrrE’s method is excellent as a preface to theology. The preface, however, will not justify us in taking Aul6n, Anselm, Campbell, Forsyth and building out of certain passages from them a. ’ composite ’ picture which we name the Atonement. This also bears upon the New Testament. There is more there than metaphors ’ which we