Amazon.com
The mystery and seeming paradox between evangelism and God's sovereignty has been causing disagreements and confusion among Christians since the beginning of the 20th century. In Evangelism & the Sovereignty of God, J.I. Packer reveals that a faulty understanding of the Bible leads to the assessment that these doctrines are foes rather than friends. By debunking the erroneous view that "robust faith in the absolute sovereignty of God is bound to undermine any adequate sense of human responsibility" toward evangelism, the author adeptly moves through the obstacle course of tricky theology with ease and grace, allowing the reader a more complete understanding of the mystery of salvation. Packer manages to tackle an overwhelming piece of doctrinal truth and contain it within the subject of evangelism by concisely determining what evangelism is and what it is not. "It is our widespread and persistent habit of defining evangelism in terms, not of a message delivered, but of an effect produced in our hearers." This error is corrected when one is renewed in his or her knowledge of the sovereignty of God. Of course, fault is found on the other side as well, with those who so heavily rely on God's sovereignty to save the lost that they are lazy in obeying God's command to share the Gospel. Packer insists that love for God, at the very least, should draw one out of this stagnation and that the coupling of these seemingly diabolical doctrines will make one bold in speech, patient in God's timing, and prayerful for the salvation of others. --Jill Heatherly
Book Description
If God is in control of everything, can Christians sit back and not bother to evangelize? Or does active evangelism imply that God is not really sovereign at all?J.I. Packer shows in this classic study how both of these attitudes are false. In a careful review of the biblical evidence, he shows how a right understanding of God's sovereignty is not so much a barrier to evangelism as an incentive and powerful support for it.
Customer Reviews:
Another great book by Packer.......2007-10-09
Packer has written an excellent text on evangelism alone in this book. That he deals with the intersection of the practice of evangelism with the concept of a completely sovereign God is a bonus.
Though he's not a C.S. Lewis, Packer does write very well and is very readable, though sometimes his notations and quotations seem more along the style of a half-century ago. But the issues and mindsets which he is addressing are active and attractive to many in this day, and thusly this work is very relevant.
I recommend this to all Christians, but especially pastors and those who have any questions about evangelism. This isn't a 'how to' book, and it doesn't really have a practical application section - but what Packer is dealing with here is more theological than anything else.
And it is a great encouragement and challenge to spread the Gospel. It's not too long and the reading isn't too heavy, so it is accessible and understandable by most anyone.
The Lord of the Harvest and His Workers! .......2007-08-10
What does a Christian believe about evangelism if one adheres to Reformed doctrine of God's sovereignty? Dr. Packer answers this question fully and concisely in this work, and his points are well made and are scripturally based. The book brings up many fine points regarding how we need o and are ordered to evangelize but on the firm foundation that God is Supreme. Dr. Packer begins by speaking of the antinomy of God's complete sovereignty over all creation and our responsibility to obey Him. Dr. Packer is well aware that his readers will be non Calvinists and from the onset of the book, seeks to bridge the gap between those with opposing viewpoints. He cites the historical dialogue between to preachers, Charles Simeon and Charles Wesley to portray the areas of common ground that we share rather than the differences the two groups face. From the Reformed theological base, he addresses a number of topics, such as how the Christian should boldly and accurately present Christ as Lord and Savior bearing in mind the importance of not mis-representing the Gospel. Another responsibility that is presented is the responsibility of the hearer of the Gospel, who must also turn from sin, receive forgiveness, and surrender to Christ.
Packer criticizes those who hold confidence in evangelistic techniques and methods rather in the Lord of the Harvest. He promotes that long term relationships where the Christian shares the Word of God and seeks to genuinely love others as a more costly, but also a more effective form of ministering to others. Furthermore, the truism that God calls us to pray for this world and those who are lost is written as the most essential element in succeeding in evangelism. Thereby, whether one is reformed in their doctrine or Arminian, Dr. Packer proclaims that without us trusting in the sovereignty of God that our best efforts would be wasted, since apart from Him we can do nothing.
This is a great book that can be a great source of encouragement for those who seek to share Christ with others.
Pressing Into God.......2006-11-05
This is a remarkable and thought-provoking volume. Prof. Packer develops the view that there is an antinomy between human responsibility and the sovereignty of God. These understandings do not contradict each other and in fact exist alongside each other. We need to hold both ideas in our minds as we consider Holy Scripture and reflect on the truths of God's reality.
The work also discusses evangelism in light of this "double" understanding. The sovereignty of God in no way detracts from the need for evangelism. In fact, he makes a beautiful point in noting that were in not for God's sovereignty (and limited atonement) our evangelistic efforts would always fail. No one would come to God if it were just up to the evangelist's human zeal to win souls. A heavenly intervention is needed for souls to be saved. Because we know that Almighty God through His Son Jesus Christ is effectually calling souls to Him, we can have no crisis of doubt that our efforts are in vain.
While he does not wish to discount the modern semi-Pelagian or Pelagian approach to evangelism as being totally unworthy, at the same time, he is clearly pointing to the reformed understanding as the better of the two evangelistic understandings. Thus, I would have wished for a little less diplomatic language when expositing the two views of evangelism. He clearly does not like evangelistic services that pump up people to answer an altar call or charismatic approaches that are even more emotional, even feverish. Yet, he doesn't come out and say so. I wish he had.
Also, I very much doubt if most readers will be able to hold the ideas of God's sovereignty and unconditional election in their minds alongside the equally true and cogent thought of moral responsibility. Ultimately, one side of the antinomy or the other will be weighted more heavily. Yet, at the theoretical or conceptual level, Prof. Packer's attempt is true and even noble.
His reticence notwithstanding the book is a marvelous reflection on the issues of responsibility, God's sovereignty, and the need for evangelism. I recommend that all Christians read it, and believe everyone will be wiser for the time spent.
126 pages of the best stuff I've read.......2006-09-18
Wow! What a great book. Currently struggling with a rejection when I applied for a minsitry position in our church I began looking for books to help me deal with my feelings (imagine, because I'm a Calvinist, I am unsuitable to serve in what is viewed as a "leadership" position in my church...backup guitar player). I found this book in my search for understanding and I think I see a little clearer why I have been tried by God. He obviously wanted me to study and get a better understanding of His word and my beliefs. Well, this book really helped! I can much better answer the naysayers that accuse Calvinists of not being evangelical (as I am). I have a much clearer perspective on what evangelizing is meant to do, and what God wants from us when we witness for Christ. If you're reading this review, then quit wasting your time reading me, and read J.I Packer! You will not be sorry!
Extremely helpful book for putting God's sovereignty into perspective........2006-08-04
This book has been around quite along time (I recall reading it in college in the late '70's) and decided to pick up a newer edition and read it again. The book does a great job defining man's role in God's sovereign plan. I know that Jim Packer is a Calvinist and this book minimizes the conflicting viewpoints between Calvinists and Armenians regarding monergism and synergism in the context of conversion and salvation. To Packer's credit, he does a great job finding a common ground between the two mindsets and goes from there stating man's responsibility in God's eternal plan. My favorite part of the book was Packer's overview of what are good ways and bad ways of evangelizing.
I highly recommend this book because of the invaluable message, but my only minor critism is the way that the topics are presented. There are only three chapters in this 126 page book. Some of the chapters should have been divided up into additional chapters so that it would be easier to reference certain ideas and concepts.
Book Description
In the last few years, 9/11, a tsunami, Hurricane Katrina, and many other tragedies have shown us that the vision of God in today’s churches in relation to evil and suffering is often frivolous. Against the overwhelming weight and seriousness of the Bible, many Christians are choosing to become more shallow, more entertainment-oriented, and therefore irrelevant in the face of massive suffering.
In
Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, contributors John Piper, Joni Eareckson Tada, Steve Saint, Carl Ellis, David Powlison, Dustin Shramek, and Mark Talbot explore the many categories of God’s sovereignty as evidenced in his Word. They urge readers to look to Christ, even in suffering, to find the greatest confidence, deepest comfort, and sweetest fellowship they have ever known.
“John Piper and friends tackle some of the hardest and most significant issues of Christian concern, producing one of the most honest, faithful, and helpful volumes ever made available to thinking Christians. It is filled with pastoral wisdom, theological conviction, biblical insight, and spiritual counsel. This book answers one of the greatest needs of our times—to affirm the sovereignty of God and to ponder the meaning of human suffering. We need this book.”
—
R. Albert Mohler, Jr., President, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, Kentucky
“For all who don’t live a charmed life, for all who have given themselves to the point of exhaustion, for all who have been betrayed by pious backstabbers, for all who wonder if they can even go on,
Suffering and the Sovereignty of God will be green pastures and deep, still waters.”
—
Raymond C. Ortlund, Jr., Senior Pastor, Christ Presbyterian Church, Nashville, Tennessee
“This is not another theological volume that complicates what appears to be an irreconcilable paradox; it is a book that grows out of practical experience and applies Scripture to a realistic world where we all live.”
—
Jerry Rankin, President, Southern Baptist International Mission Board
“This book will challenge you to believe that God is truly sovereign, not just in the safe haven of theological inquiry, but also in the painful messiness of real life. You will be encouraged to live more consistently by God’s grace and for his glory.”
—
Mark D. Roberts, Senior Pastor, Irvine Presbyterian Church, Irvine, California
Customer Reviews:
A BLESSING!!!!!.......2007-08-03
I think this is such a hard topic for many of us who personally have gone through difficult times. I know the theology, but it didn't make my heart feel any better. I have three special needs children and I have never been able to really understand our suffering within our family. I know God is wonderful and works all things for good for those who love him. I believe in Romans 8:28, but my heart had moments where life felt so difficult for my husband and me. This book has been a real blessing to me and has really given me hope while raising these babies. I realize that God has called me to raise these children for a purpose higher than i really know here on earth. I needed this book at just this time in my walk. I pray that whoever reads this book will be as blessed as I have been. If God led you to read these reviews, i say buy this book and let God speak to you through it. God bless~
Humbling Essays.......2007-02-05
This book has some great essays. It provides a great mix of theology, and personal testimony, and narratives of how God uses suffering to progress the gospel. The question of suffering is very complex so having a variety of writers from diverse backgrounds attacking the issue from slightly different perspectives helps the reader to understand how God uses suffering to glorify Himself, to mature us in Christ, and to progress the gospel. Suffering can not always be explained, but we have a God who has suffered through his Son and that should bring great comfort to us. The most poignant essays were by Piper and Joni. Another good essay was Suffering and Missinaries. The book starts off with essays by Piper and Taylor putting suffering within the framework of God's sovereignty.
I haven't suffered much. I was humbled by stories of suffering in this book. The book was very encouraging because the authors of these essays were very honest in their struggles, but yet praised God for the suffering. Their endurance was not their effort, but God's strength working through them.
Suffering and yet Sovereignty.......2006-12-06
In Piper's book, Suffering and the Sovereignty of God, he makes a clear distinction at the very beginning of Chapter 1 that the reasoning behind his book stems from the ultimate reality that God is the supreme value in and above the universe. I found that comforting, knowing that this book was going to focus on suffering without giving God the easy way out. After reading through it, I realized that this is exactly the focus that Piper intended to convey in his writing. It gives a very heartfelt and sincere, yet firm message that the Lord allows all things according to His will and purpose.
Throughout scripture we are reminded of God's purposes in suffering and the vital role that it plays in strengthening our faith and dependency on God. I had not yet come to grasp however, (until reading this book) that many times suffering is the cost of obedience. I think too often we are told that obedience leads to greater fulfillment and contentment in Christ. Ultimately, yes, but there is definitely something to be said for individuals that choose to be obedient, knowing full well that the road is paved with suffering.
I also found it interesting that this type of suffering leads not only to greater obedience but also to greater compassion. This wouldn't have been my natural inclination. I don't usually think about the Apostle Paul, Jeremiah the Prophet, or King David as being very compassionate. Perhaps this is due to their human perspective in relation to their sufferings and the call on their lives. However, you can not read the words of Christ and not sense the compassion that he has for us.
I would and have been recommending this book to a number of my friends. Excellent read!
Excellent Book!.......2006-12-01
When the condition of suffering is brought up in today's society, relatively few people can identify with. The modern world, more specifically Western society in all its affluence, is populated with denizens that spend most of their brief lives attempting to avoid suffering. People look to various techniques or goods in their quest to minimize any type of suffering for a mere hint of such a condition is undesirable. From drugs, money, sex, food, entertainment, religion and so on are being utilized for escapism as the reality of suffering becomes too much. As Christians, how are we to endure suffering or even explain it? All too often I hear Christians ask the question of why bad things happen to good people?
The recently released book Suffering and the Sovereignty of God edited by John Piper and Justin Taylor aim to answer the question of suffering from a biblical basis. Based on the 2005 Desiring God National Conference of the same name, the editors have assembled the speakers from that event to put to paper the content of their sessions. If you attended the conference, the book's editors have arranged the various essays by themes instead of the actual order of each session and included additional material outside the conference relating to suffering.
The heart of the book is divided into three parts:
1. The Sovereignty of God in Suffering
2. The Purposes of God in Suffering
3. The Grace of God in Suffering
Part one contains two essays - one written by Pastor Piper and the other by Mark R Talbot. - that tackle the role of God's sovereignty in our suffering. Part two considers the "why" of suffering in four essays - two by Piper, one by Steve Saint, and one by Carl Ellis Jr. Part three closes out the book looking at grace in suffering with writings by David Powlison, Dustin Shramek, and Joni Eareckson Tada. The last part of the book contains appendices of Don't Waste Your Cancer by John Piper and David Powlison as well as a transcript of the Q&A session with Piper and Justin Taylor from the conference.
The arrangement of the chapters is purposeful, attempting to let each chapter build upon themes and concepts addressed. Even so, the chapters do not have to be read in order to benefit from the writings. In part one Piper shows how God is sovereign over the various methods Satan uses to cause suffering. As humans we all too easily attribute suffering to the Enemy and leave God out of the picture. Mark Talbot, in his essay, reiterates God's sovereignty and goodness through suffering and simultaneously engages the errant view of open theism. Then in part two the book covers the reason of "why" suffering exists. Here in this section Piper explains the ultimate reason for suffering is to "display the greatness of the glory of the grace of God." The second essay is based on a chapter from another of Piper's books Let the Nations Be Glad and works out some reasons how suffering affects a Christian. Steve Saint then further extends this line of thinking into relationships in missions and relates it to his own personal experiences. The final essay of the section by Carl Ellis Jr. parallels Saint's in some ways as he examines suffering in a horizontal sense of one human to another. Part three then engages how God's grace in suffering. David Powlison's essay helps to demonstrate how God meets us in our personal sufferings. There is no quick and easy answer as Dr Powlison aptly points out but he guides us through some biblical principles to help us out. Dustin Shramek reminds us of the immense pain that suffering produces. Though Christians may know the theologically correct answers to suffering, as humans the emotional and physical pain of suffering still exists and does not usually quickly pass. Closing out this final part of the book, Joni Eareckson Tada shows us how we are to place our hope and joy in God and not our own circumstances. Suffering tends to draw our gazes inward and on the Self which is our naturally sinful tendency instead of looking to God. The appendices serve as a coda for a few months after the conference both John Piper and David Powlison were diagnosed with prostate cancer. Don't Waste Your Cancer is Dr. Piper's pre-surgery meditation on his condition that God purposed in his life; Dr Powlison added his own thoughts to this writing shortly after being diagnosed himself. The Q&A portion gives Piper an opportunity to address some corollary issues tied into suffering as well as some personal insights.
Overall this book is immensely profitable whether you read it from cover to cover or skip around. The writers all engaged suffering horizontally while at the same time vertically. Despite the brevity of each chapter for a collaborative work such as this, the topics were handled with conciseness and depth. Suffering is an immensely personal condition that creates more difficulty in our already difficult human lives. Suffering and the Sovereignty of God helps guide us in the biblical truth Christians have that answer the hard questions when such circumstances arise and how we should bring this Truth to a dying world.
A Blessing from Audio to Print.......2006-11-04
This topic could be no more relevant for the church. It's not a question of modern days, but one that has continued long throughout the history of Christianity. Maybe, however, no other group of gifted men have come together, as one, to put together such a gem of all books.
I am thankful for such a book. You will find it honest, true, straighforward, and absolutely and purely Biblical. If you're wanting a read that will make you feel perky, good about yourself, and inward focused, than don't read this. If you're ready for a heart-wrenching, long-enduring read, than pick this up (and be sure you can sit for a while).
This book will bring to the front of your heart one of the issues that you have just bumped down to the bottom of the priority list. Get it. Read it. Pray through it. Cry through it. Live with the truth of it.
Book Description
Arthur W. Pink Pink (d. 1953) is noted for his independent thinking. He was so well read, and had such a photographic memory, that he could give you the page and column in a host of reference works and commentaries. This book shocked the Christian world in 1919 when he first published it. He fiercely defends the sovereignty of God, and all the cognate doctrines such as the Doctrines of Grace. It is THE book to give to those just after conversion, and a prime book to give to anyone who defends the free will of man. Pink was a Baptist preacher who held pulpits in England, America, and Australia. His early training was in scientology. His conversion was instant, and complete dedication to the cause of God and truth quickly became evident. This early book by Pink lays Scripture end to end to prove God's control over all persons and events. It is uncompromising, and as such it raises the hackles on the necks of many new students of this doctrine. Persons who knew Pink seldom objected to anything he taught, because he could literally quote hundreds of verses of Scripture verbatim on the subject under discussion. This book may be overwhelming, but it is certain that its many printings have been used of God to convince people of His sovereignty. His doctrinal belief is that that God both elects and reprobates, as Romans 9:21-23 clearly teaches. It is an important stone to guide the steps of those who are not yet convinced of God's absolute sovereignty over all persons and events.
Customer Reviews:
The Lord of My Destiny.......2007-08-10
The reformed doctrines as presented by the divines of Dort to refute the Arminians' Remonstrance, which Pastor Pink covered in this book, are a sweet affirmation, a humbling, comforting, glorious, robust, impregnable, formidable, human-pride-demolishing, biblical defense of the absolute sovereignty of God where the doctrine of unconditional election exalts in the sovereignty of God the Father in salvation, the doctrine of limited atonement exalts in the sovereignty of God the Son in salvation, and the doctrine of irresistible grace exalts in the sovereignty of God the Holy Spirit in salvation. The blessed Trinity then works in unity to preserve the elects to be faithful to the end, hence the doctrine of perseverance of the saints. Moreover, St. Paul certainly had in mind the deceitful heart of men when he wrote the third chapter of the epistle to the Romans, as well as the beginning of the second chapter of the epistle to the Ephesians, to deliver a crushing blow to all vain human boastings of their free-will, by hammering on the utter inability of the fatally-corrupted will of men to do any good in the sight of God in and by themselves, so that "every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God", hence the doctrine of total depravity, which, though discussed in this book, but not as comprehensively as in Martin Luther's "De Servo Arbitrio", a.k.a., "The Bondage of the Will". To deny all these, as Pastor Pink puts it, is "to undeify" or "to unGod" God of his God-ness because two essential must-have attributes of God's God-ness for him to be God are his omnipotence and omniscience. Embracing Arminianism also dangerously elevates men to the level of the sovereignty of God; a realm where if men insist to enter, would render them blasphemous to God. Finally, in my view, Pastor Pink, though he did a marvelous job in distinguishing between natural and moral ability, might have a done a little too much in attempting to explain the missing link between the sovereignty of God and human responsibility, as well as other objections, to the point that it sounds like he ended up begging the questions. Perhaps there is indeed no humanly answer to this great mystery, which then all we can do is to affirm, adore and rejoice in its truth. "The secret things belong unto the LORD our God."
As a related side comment, I would like to add the following thoughts. Prof. Mark Talbot points out during his address at 2005 Desiring God National Conference in Minneapolis, MN, (he explains it in the context of Opentheism, but I believe it is applicable here as well) that the doctrine of autonomous-self teaches that God values man's free-will so much that he is willing to pay any price. God is really good in cleaning things up to the point that the alternative plan B that he executes looks even better, more perfect than the botched plan A that man has frustrated. So in a way, the doctrine of autonomous-self treats God like a lackey or a genie in a bottle whom man can stir as he wills. I regard this Arminian stand on the free agency of man and God as the most self-centered among man-centered doctrines, even more man-centered than opentheism. Opentheism at least admits the future is unknown, even God has no control over it and anybody could change it. The Arminian doctrine in regard to the free-agency of men, particularly as stated in the first article of Remonstrance, that faith is the condition of election, is worse than open-theism because it teaches the future is already known, at least in regard to salvation, who is saved and who is not, and who makes this decision before the foundations of the world is men. Then God responds to each individual decision either by saving or condemning. Everything God does is for the benefits of man, and here is man, the center of the universe and God's idol. This, I fear, may God forbid, is the desire behind those who embrace the doctrine of autonomous-self which is nothing but the very ambition of Lucifer to be exalted above God (Isa 14:13-14) because the resemblance between the two is striking.
If it is to be inquired how the Arminian doctrine of autonomous-self or free-will could exist and what the spirit behind it is, where men insist on being the captain of their destiny, it is helpful to study the account of the fall of Lucifer from grace whose account was given in the fourteenth chapter of Isaiah, "Thy pomp is brought down to the grave, and the noise of thy viols: the worm is spread under thee, and the worms cover thee. How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High. Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit." (Isaiah 14:11-15)
We learn the cause of him being eternally condemned by God from v.13 and 14 is that he is so filled with pride and self-adoration that he declares himself to be worthy to ascend into heaven and be exalted above the stars of God. He considers himself to be as equally valuable, as equally worthy, if not more valuable and more worthy than God himself that he should be like the Most High. In response, God removed him from his original state and declares that his splendor be nullified and brought down to shame, and he himself be brought down to hell, to a place of eternal torment which is the lake of fire (Rev 20:10) forever as his eternal destiny. When Lucifer was removed from heaven, his name became Satan, and was cast to the earth.
In the account of the Fall in Gen 3, after which God offered the promise of deliverance through the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ on the cross implied in v. 15, we may observe a correlation between Satan's sinful ambition to what he tempted Adam and Eve with, which eventually led the couple to sin against God and caused the entire humanity to be totally and hopelessly depraved under the same condemnation that Lucifer has as a result. The correlation is clearly seen in Gen 3:5, when Satan, disguised as a serpent, said to Eve, "For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." Here are the double lies offered to Eve springing out of the same principle behind his botched coup attempt; first, that she would be like gods, and thus independent, able to rule over herself apart from God, and secondly, there is not one God, but many gods; each is sovereign over himself or herself.
From this train of thoughts, we may observe that first; the doctrine of autonomous-self, or often referred to as "free-will", whether it be "Christian" or non-Christian one, though may not appear explicitly, originates from the same spirit by which Lucifer rebels against God, that is, the spirit of self-idolatry. Secondly, the doctrine of autonomous-self is indeed a non-Christian doctrine because there is nowhere in the Bible that teaches such a doctrine and therefore, should be rejected by all true Christians, as Pastor Pink affirms in this book.
A classic.......2007-05-17
When studying the sovereignty of God, this book is a must read. Pink write in easy to understand terms that aids in the often misunderstood doctrine of God's sovereignty. He takes on the controversial subject without apology.
MUST READ! Even if youre predisposed to hate it..........2006-12-11
I read this book in the last year of my undergraduate education (last year, 2005). I wish I had read it earlier - there is absolutely no doctrine of Christianity that causes one to be at peace quite like the Sovereignty of God! I picked it up while doing a study on various attributes of God and, thankfully, it became one of my favorite books. It goes well hand in hand with his "Attributes of God", even comparing it with A.W.Tozer's "Knowledge of the Holy"; in fact, I would suggest you read those two, especially Pinks book, before you begin this one, it only helps...
Many people hate Pink because of this book. It was the "famous" chapter on "The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation" that gave many Arminians and some Calvinists that twitch that is associated when his name is mentioned. Be careful what edition you buy, avoid the Banner of Truth copy because they deliberately omit that chapter (and a couple others), claiming that Pink abandoned his veiws regarding that chapter. Whether he did or not is irrelevant; you should get your moneys worth - what he wrote is what you should get, not what other poeple think he believed and would have taken out. I have the Sovereign Grace Publishers copy, its a good copy, complete. I like the ample space they leave for margins, great for note-takers like me.
The first few chapters are a little slow going but necessary, I must admit. The exciting part really starts at chapter 4: "The Sovereignty of God in Salvation". He splits up the chapter into three parts, each three devoted to how the Father, the Son, and the Spirit are Sov. in Salvation. Its got one of the better defenses I have seen for a strictly limited atonement. One thing I loved about this chapter is that Pink made sure he always brought the attention back to God; in fact, this is typical of Pink in almost everything he writes!
The next chapter, "The Sovereignty of God in Reprobation" is one that was, for me, the 'life changer', in the word of one of the commenters below. From my understanding (im not an educated theologian, yet), this is one of the greatest defenses for a supralapsarian position I have ever read. He also calls to mind many Scriptures to point out that God is sovereign even over the death of an unbeliever, and that "The Lord hath made all things for Himself; yea, even the wicked for the day of evil." (Prov. 16:4). He says (p. 105) " In the Day of Judgement the Lord will say unto many, "I never knew you". Note, it is more than simply "I knew you not". His solemn declaration will be, "I NEVER knew you" - you were never the objects of My approbation. Contrast this with "I KNOW (love) My sheep, and am known (loved) of Mine" (John 10:14). The "sheep", His elect, the "few", He DOES "know"; but the reprobate, the non-elect, the "many" He knows NOT - no, not even before the foundation of the world did He know them - He "NEVER" knew them!" This is difficult stuff for people to swallow, but it clearly is what Scripture teaches in Romans 9 (for example, where Pink leads us to immediately after that quote). It is certainly an eye-opener, to say the least! At this point, youre either going to love him or hate him, this is usually when you make up your mind. Either way, you really should hang in there and be honest with yourself and God; ask yourself the question "could Pink possibly be right? Is this what Scripture says?" One has to ask that because if he is, many of us, like me before reading this, would be commiting Idolatry: worshipping a kindly old man rather than the roaring lion of Judah, the God of the living and the dead. The scary thing is, I dont know of a singlle person who's found mistakes with his exegesis. Whether they agree with the final result or not, the man is right in his analysis. Thats why many love him.
Chapters 8 and 9 do a great job at reconciling the Sov. of God and the Human Will and Responsibility. He contains a typical response but spelled out with many Scriptures, examples, and images - almost reminds me of Thomas Watson in the use of his imagery. It also contains some paragraphs that, to me, are worth the price of the book. These four chapters (4, 5, 8, and 9) are gold mines in and of themselves! Whether or not God is Sovereign over every aspect of our lives we are very clearly commanded to "preach the Gospel to every creature" as Pink points out. Whether or not we understand every nuance of God's plan of redemption, we MUST obey and preach the Gospel. To neglect this duty is to miss the point incredibly. Not only does he emphasize this point but he goes on to make a very needed explanation of what freedom truly is: "...the holding in check of sin, the preventing of the exercize of the carnal mind ... was not a DESTROYING of their 'freedom,' rather was it the inducting of them into real freedom" (p 184), ... WOW! (p. 185) "True liberty is not the power to live as we please, but to live as we ought! Hence, the only One Who has ever trod this earth since Adam's fall that has enjoyed perfect freedom was the Man Christ Jesus, the Holy Servant of God, Whose meat it ever was to do the will of the Father." That concept is liberating! When you realize what freedom truly is you, naturally, become humble and suddenly dont have a problem with God electing you! You might wonder "why me, why not the next guy?" Pink would tell us, "The secret things belong to the Lord..." (Deut, 29:29) redirecting our attention back to God, where it belongs, dwelling on ourselves is pride - an act of "unfreedom". We would be instructed to say "even so, Father, for it seemed good in Your sight" (Matthew 11:26).
Anyway, I just thought I'd put out a couple of bits of this book out there. Its beautifully written with many many Scriptures. Almost every single paragraph of the book has a verse, many have more. The appendices in the end are VERY useful. I whole-heartedly recommend this book, buy it and be nourished!
If you want more resources for studying free-will, responsibility, and the sovereignty of God, I would like to direct you to "Bondage of the Will" by Martin Luther (the one translated by JI Packer and OR Johnston) - and if youre really into hurting your self mentally and training your soul hard - "Freedom of the Will" by Jonathan Edwards. Classics ... very hard-core. The second book is so good, but only if youre prepared for a bit of slow and difficult reading (its worth it). If you want a rather simplistic, yet thorough, introduction to Calvinism and the Reformed Faith before tackling any of these books, might I suggest "Putting Amazing Back Into Grace" by Michael Horton.
Understanding the full scope and implication of 'sovereignty'........2006-08-15
Excellent! Such a clear explanation of sovereignty and the doctrines of grace. This is a 'life-changer'. I read it along with the bible and saw that every doctrine he explainded was clearly validated with scripture! Every christian reading this book will see their understanding deepen and their priorities change as they see God's plan with greater light!
Awesome book.......2006-07-11
I have studied this book twice so far, almost 15 years apart. Both readings strengthened my faith in God and encouraged me through tough times. It was written for tough times, when people are struggling with pain and suffering, fear and doubts about God's role on earth. It's not so much written about us, it's written about God, and it convicts us and reminds us of who God is and has to be, or He wouldn't be God, someone or something else would be. It can be a hard truth, but it is a neccesary truth for His own to gain strength and security. Read the book if you need help or want to help someone else.
Book Description
If God is in control, are people really free?This questions has bothered Christians for centuries. And answers have covered a wide spectrum. Today Christians still disagree.Those who emphasize human freedom view it as a reflection of God's self-limited power. Others look at human freedom in the corder of God's overall control.David and Randall Basinger have put this age-old question to four scholars trained in theology and philosophy. John Feinberg of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School and Norman Geisler of Dallas Theological Seminary focus on God's specific sovereignty. Bruce Reichenbach of Augsburg College and Clark Pinnock of McMaster Divinnity College insist that God must limit his control to ensure our freedom. Each writer argues for his perspective and applies his theory to two practical case studies. Then the other writers respond to each of the major essays, exposing what they see as fallacies and hidden assumptions.A lively and provocative volume.
Customer Reviews:
Lots of Philosophy and Little Scripture.......2007-07-26
Some pretty dense reading, may take twice for you to fully understand the arguments. However, much of what passes for theological debate between Calvinists and Arminians is really rooted in whatever philosophical construct has been erected to reconcile free-will and soveriegnty, so this book is important in that respect.
I was disappointed with the book for not dealing with such passages as Rom 9:19, Luk 7:30, the unpardonable sin, etc. I am having to look elsewhere for discussions on many key passages.
Incomplete and Basic; Long on Assertions, Short on Arguments.......2007-07-25
I have read several books in the "multiple viewpoint" series. I have been very impressed with the three or four I've read thus far--they have all been at a post-layman level with some interesting back and forth, and more complex argumentation. And, initially, I was excited to see this book was next in my pile of books to read. However, having just completed it I was disappointed on a whole and found the book offered no new insights.
CRITIQUES: First, I want to not that this book is incomplete, it does not have a selection for the Molinist perspective. There are several notable Molinist in contemporary philosophy/theology--Alvin Plantinga, Tom Flint, William Lane Craig--were none of them available for a selection? (Furthermore, the doctrine of middle knowledge was first offered as a solutions to the problems this book presents...) Second, the book was very basic. This, in and of itself, is not a bad thing. Everyone needs to start somewhere. But the result is that I felt as if each contributor explained or discussed their position, but did not ARGUE for it. For example, both John Feinberg (Calvinist perspective) and Clark Pinnock (Open Theism) both think that libertarian freedom is incompatible with divine foreknowledge. But neither give an argument for this conclusion--or even reference an argument. There are no foot notes to other papers, articles, or books (though Pinnock gives a hint of the type of argument he would use). I have read other books by this contributors in which they argue rigorously, why are they timid here? Third, and minimally, this book is over 20 years old now, and I think that there have been many good contributions to this field since then. Perhaps a reissue of some sort could see a better volume.
POSITIVE ELEMENTS: My criticisms aside, there were some good things about this book. John Feinberg's essay is a good example of a Calvinist perspective as any you'll find. Feinberg is inconsistent at times, for example concerning freedom. He attributes libertarian freedom to God, but then claims that libertarian freedom is impossible--a point Geisler brings to light.
Geisler's essay was by far the least helpful. After reading his essay, and rereading portions, I can still make no sense of it. Is he a soft determinist or a libertarian? For example, he says, "Hence, there are truly free action, and God determined they would be such" (71). But the problem is not that God somehow (opps!) forgot to determine acts as free, but that prima facie, a determined act is not free. Furthermore, Geisler falls to the logically howler of sleigh's fallacy on pgs 71-72.
I don't have much to say about Bruce Reichenbach's essay. It is a good example of a textbook style Arminian answer--which is where it merit lies. Finally, I found Clark Pinnock to shine throughout this volume more than any other contributor. His analysis of other views was always quick and penetrating. I also found his essay to be the more cogent of all four. I don't agree with Pinnock, but found his presentation to be the best and clearest. However, Pinnock's quasi-argument for the conclusion that God does not know the future was muddled. It has something to do with the fact that the future is not real and therefore cannot be known (157). But if this is in fact the case, then God cannot know the past for it does not exist either.
Overall, this is a solid layman's introduction to this particular issue. Perhaps best given to a HS student curious in these issues. (Also: note that the subject of this book has more to do with God's governing with the world and libertarianism/soft determinism than with salvation per say, though the two obviously overlap.)
If you are looking for a place to start to develop your view on this, start here........2007-04-30
Years ago when I was struggling with the issues of election, freedom, Calvinism, Arminianism, I read this book. The four people they chose make solid arguments for their individual views. That is the right way to approach it. There are no "straw men" here. This is not going to present you with major treatises on the views. It is not intended to. This will give you a place to start if you feel like digging in deeper. Just remember, the single most important doctrine is one that all of the authors hold in common. You can have eternal life by trusting in Christ. Ultimately, that is what matters most.
Superb book discussing a key issue in theology.......2005-10-29
The issue of predestination and free will rests at the base of many theological interpretations of all subjects. To understand God's Word correctly, this is one of the first issues that must be tackled because of other theologies' reliance on this. There is a perceived conflict, but it can be resolved through Scriptural reading and through guiding commentaries such as this one that discusses the meaning of the key Scriptures.
The Bassinger brothers begin with a general discussion of the perceived contradiction regarding our freedom and God's sovereignty. Then each writer proposes their viewpoint in an essay, which is immediately responded to by the other 3 contributors.
The first author, Dr. Feinberg, begins with a moderate Calvinistic viewpoint. He uses much Scripture and presents a good idea that our freedom is not inhibited by God's Sovereignty. God knows what will happen prior and directs His will. Our freedom is limited.
The second author, Dr. Geisler, writes from a different moderate Calvinistic viewpoint. He too uses Scripture profusely, and states that God's work through sovereignty does not affect our freedom, and that they can coexist. This is because God limits His sovereignty to allow free will. His knowledge beforehand of our actions does not affect our freedom to choose.
The third author, Dr. Reichenbach, writes from an Arminian standpoint and uses Scripture profusely as well. He states that the issue of Predestination and Free Will outlined in Scripture is a mystery that cannot yet be known. He states that we are completely free and God is completely sovereign.
The fourth author, Dr Pinnock, writes from an Open Theism standpoint and uses little Scripture in his writing compared to the other writers. He states that God does not know how things will work out exactly. He knows the end-result, and knows all the possibilities in the middle (scientia media), but doesn't know exactly what path we will take. This is because Scripture's statement of God being "almighty" has been traditionally misinterpreted.
Of the 4 positions, the last is the only one that I did not think belonged. I would have much liked to have seen a strong Calvinistic viewpoint, even though it is not as widely believed as the first 3 authors' writings.
This book helped me to understand free will and predestination in a much grander scheme. One issue I had with the book was that each author tried to pin God into a neatly labeled box in which He acts in every situation, whether it be choosing a flavor of ice-cream or choosing whether to follow the left fork or right in a big life-changing decision. I believe God acts differently in different situations and that He is more flexible than is provided by any of these 4 interpretations.
A superb reading regarding this key issue in theology. Of course, the first place to start is Scripture, but this is a good second read regarding this perceived conflict.
All sides presented in a clear format........2004-05-28
This book's method of delivery has to be the best way to explore such difficult issues. Although the reader will disagree with one or more of the contributors of the book, regardless of their position, a clear understanding of just how much can be discovered through other's point of view will be obtained.
This book will further develop your own position on the issue, and give you "something to chew on."
Customer Reviews:
History Facts , $$ Making Fiction or a Religious Missionary?.......2005-01-26
After reading books such as The Name of War by Jill Lepore and Dawnland Encounters by Colin Callaway, I am a bit skeptical of Mary's intentions for writing this piece.
The name of war has a section of how much press that King Philip's War received. It was astounding. In only a two-year period, there were 18+ books written on the war. Everyone with a press was trying to cash in with Europe so interested in the outcome.
Combining this information from Lepore with Colin Callaway's, I have come to doubt the information she gives. Callaway's book tries to escape the typical Euro-indian encounters, by discussing how they co-existed in economical, religious, and ecological terms. His studies on Native Americans taking prisoners, tellsa different story. In most cases, Native Americans from the North East tried to assimilate their captives into their own society to replace brethren lost in war. Though this did not always happen, it was more often than not. Callaway happens to be the leading authority on Native American studies.
Mary's description of her captivity tells a different story of threats, hunger, and slavery, in captivity while God and bible scriptures gave her hope. Having been the wife of a preacher, her words of God could be her attempt to fill reader's minds with religious beliefs in hopes of a conversion. I think it is a combination of all three.
Though she did have reason to hate the Native Americans which gives plausibility to her story, I still feel it is more fact than fiction. They did murder much of her family, including her 6-year old daughter which gave reasons of hate. But what other reason to actually write such a story but for the reason's aforementioned?
great history and great literature, too.......2002-02-12
Interestingly enough, I read this for a course on early American literature. But as a history major, I can say that it would have served equally well in a course on, say, Colonial New England or Social Life in Colonial America. It provides fascinating insights into Puritan life--especially into its religious beliefs and practices and the huge role they played in the life of a Puritan. Moreover, it chronicles the contact of two societies at odds: Puritans and Native Americans. Rowlandson's descriptions of her captors are exceedingly interesting and give depth to any consideration of life in early America. Salisbury's notes and introduction are also quite helpful. Read as a piece of literature, moreover, The Sovereignty and Goodness of God proves to be a fruitful topic for study, as well as a great complement to its function as an historical document. Considering my English course included some rather unsavory texts, this one was much appreciated and quite refreshing, too.
A fascinating historic document.......2001-09-30
"The Sovereignty and Goodness of God, Together with the Faithfulness of His Promises Displayed," by Mary Rowlandson, is a compelling piece of colonial American literature. First published in 1682, this autobiographical text represents a genre of literature known as the "captivity narrative": a first-person account of a white settler who was held as a hostage or prisoner by Native Americans. In Rowlandson's case, she was taken captive during Metacom's War (also known as King Philip's War), which took place in 1675-1676.
The edition of Rowlandson's book edited by Neal Salisbury is excellent. This edition contains Rowlandson's text, together with a wealth of other materials: a thorough introduction, many maps, a chronology, a bibliography, and other historic documents from Rowlandson's era. The many illustrations include photographs of the title pages of earlier editions.
Rowlandson's captivity narrative is a significant milestone in American literature; the introduction to the Salisbury edition notes that the text "has been almost continually in print since 1770." Since the text itself is relatively short, it has appeared in anthologies (see, for example, "The Harper Single Volume American Literature," third edition). But the many "extras" in the Salisbury edition definitely make it a book worth buying, even if you have an anthology already containing the Rowlandson text.
Rowlandson's memoir itself is not great literature stylistically. But it is a fascinating text with some really striking passages. Rowlandson's extreme evangelical Puritanism will likely alienate or bewilder some modern readers, but her religious attitude should be read in historic and cultural context. Similarly, her extremely racist descriptions of Indians ("merciless Heathen," "ravenous Beasts," etc.) should to be read in context (but should not be trivialized, especially in multiethnic classrooms where this text might be taught).
This book is a significant document of contact between cultures in times of extreme crisis. It is an especially intriguing text for those careful readers who really try to read "between the lines." Recommended as companion texts: William Apess' "A Son of the Forest and Other Writings" (Apess was a pioneer Native American writer) and James Fenimore Cooper's novel "The Last of the Mohicans."
Religious devotion in Indian captivity.......1999-03-03
Modern feminists who claim Rowlandson as a progenitor are sorely mistaken. Rowlandson, in fact, ascribed to those same conservative, religious values that today's society lacks.
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The Crook in the Lot: Or the Sovereignty and Wisdom of God Displayed in the Afflictions of Men (Puritan Writings)
Thomas Boston , and
Maureen L. Bradley
Manufacturer: Soli Deo Gloria Ministries
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ASIN: 1573581372 |
Book Description
When calamity and disaster strike as it did on September 11th, many people begin to ask, "Where is God?" and "Why did God allow this to happen?" These are the very questions Thomas Boston addresses in this timeless book. This book includes an introduction and a study guide to maximize the impact of this classic work.
Book Description
“The Reformed Free Publishing Association has accomplished a breakthrough. For the first time, with the possible exception of Kuyper's work on the Holy Spirit, the Kuyper of sound Reformed doctrine and church reformation is presented to the English reading public…
The book is biblical, deliberately and pervasively so…
The book is controversial. It was controversial when it was written. It is still controversial in Reformed churches...
By no means is the book only controversy. There is lively, warm explanation and development of the glorious gospel of salvation by the grace of God in Jesus Christ. Kuyper is fresh. Kuyper is fervent. Kuyper storms the heart of the believer.”—Standard Bearer
Book Description
We live in an atmosphere in which many people feel that intellectual integrity demands that one give up many elements in the biblical story. Not only evolution, but engineering, psychology, medicine, sociology, linguistics, anthropology, historiography, archaeology, art, music, and philosophy are all summoned to the task of undermining biblical teaching.
Rather than responding to "problems" posed by secular culture, Vern Poythress set on in this, his first book, "to concentrate… on the positive task of uncovering some biblical foundations for science and the philosophy of science."
Poythress continues: "Most of what I say is more an introduction to philosophy of science than a treatment of special problems in philosophy of science. The question of basic orientation is at stake."
"Because of sin, people still have trouble understandin the Bible and seeing the implications of the Bible for science. This book is intended to jar them into a better understanding and to provide some tools for seeing how to begin reforming science."
Book Description
In recent years an increasing number of evangelical thinkers have called for a reevaluation of our understanding of God, making a case for what has variously been called "freewill theism" or the "open view" of God. R. K. McGregor Wright sees their efforts not as something radically new, but a contemporary reaffirmation of Arminianism.Concerned that evangelicals may soon find no place for sovereignty in their thinking, Wright sets out to show what's wrong--biblically, theologically and philosophically--with freewill theory in its ancient form. Along the way, he provides a short course in historical theology, making a fresh, powerful case for the Reformed emphasis on God's sovereign grace. Wright also meets challenges head-on with a discussion of the Arminian position and a chapter on the problem of evil. Finally, he subjects to close scrutiny the recent work of Clark Pinnock, a contemporary advocate of freewill theism.Regardless of where readers' sympathies lie, they will want to hear, think through and respond for themselves to the arguments Wright makes on behalf of the Reformed understanding of God.
Customer Reviews:
Not Convincing.......2007-04-12
I read this book in the hope that it would provide a better understanding of predistination. I came away shaking my head at some of the logic contained therein. It seems that Wright has a lot of personal issues, as well as polarized thinking that leaves him little alternative but to take potshots and lump everyone who disagrees with him (including prominent Calvinists like Francis Shaeffer) into the same boat.
His chapter on supposed Arminian verses is somewhat predictable, in that he makes claims like "all" doesn't mean "all" but merely "some" or "from all types." However, he also claims that all that the Calvinist needs to do is cast doubt on the interpretation of supposed Arminian verses and he "effectively removes them from the Arminian arsenal." Well, turnabout is fair play and the Arminian can cast doubt on the supposedly Calvinist verses and then what are we left with but a Bible filled with holes?
He doesn't give a good answer to the problem of evil, either. His entire argument in the book is that we are all prisoners to causality - either the chain of events begun with the creation of the world or God's interference with that chain. Either way, when we are faced with a "choice", the decision has already been made by all the past events and inputs we've had. When he says that "God is not the author of sin" just as a father is not the author of his son's book, I think he's made a critical error. If the father pushed the son into a stack of books such that they fell, who is really the cause of the books falling? The son who actually struck the books, making them fall or the father who pushed him into the books to begin with? Such is what we're left with in Wright's causality; God has caused all the evil in the world, but he punishes sinners for doing what He caused them to do.
In another chapter, he deals with the definition of Good, and ultimately determines that whatever God does is Good by definition. In other words, Jesus didn't sin because he *couldn't*. Anything he chose to do, including drowning his disciples and burning Jerusalem would have been good because Jesus was God and whatever God does is good. We're left to look at verses that say, "Should we go on sinning that grace may abound" which roughly means, Let's do evil so good will result... and we have to say that it's not okay for us, but that's what God is allowed to do. Wright categorically rejects the idea that we can know what good outside of God's revelation of such.
Frankly, I came away from this book saying, "If this is true, what kind of God is this?" Maybe Wright is correct, and the image he presents of God is correct - that God is basically capricious, random (which is what Wright calles "free will" something he agrees God has), and omnipotent.
Many gold nuggets found.......2007-03-22
I read this book a number of years ago during the "formative" years of my theological understanding. This book helped to strengthen and solidify my views in favor of a reformed anthropology. I have read several other books on this same topic sense that time but I still believe that this is one of the best if not the best I've read (especially among contemporary treatments of this topic). Sure it is technical and challenging throughout, but for the patient reader who is willing to put in the time and effort required to mine the rich gold found here, it will be well worth your endeavor. It is biblically founded and philosophically sophisticated and sound.
Still the best.......2004-10-27
Published in 1996: Eight years later, this is still the best book on the subject, and will continue to be for a very long time.
This book is excellent. Regarding the final two chapters, that some find out of place and rushed, I have to disagree: it is the only place in the literature where I found a meaningful and reasonable explanation of the questions of evil and ultimacy, which are the essential issues where the debate ends up every time.
Of course, anyone opposed to the concept of being under God's sovereignty will find this book abhorrent.
Some Pros and Cons.......2002-07-31
There are both some strong points and weak points to this book. The author excels in reviewing the historic origins of libertarian free. His historic and philosophical overviews are very informative and helpful. Yet, his review of biblical Calvinistic position is lacking and incomplete. He fails to mention some essential points in presenting the 5 points of Calvinism and is not written in a very understandable style. Overall, the author's writing is somewhat choppy and lacking cohesiveness. The last chapter seems out of place and rushed, not giving clear explanations of the issues raised. It appears as if the author was attempting to fit another book into one chapter. If a reader desires a good historic overview of the Armenian/Calvinism debate, this book is a good choice. If the reader is looking for a well written presentation and defense of the 5 points of Calvinism, I recommend "The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination" by Loraine Boettner.
Well Written.......2001-12-23
Wright's book can be misleading by the title. Unfortunately, many people from the Reformed camps run around saying "we have no freewill." Wright's book may lead someone to do just that, but Wright isn't denying all forms of freewill, he is denying libertarian free will specifically. Towards the end of his book, he explains what it is for a Calvinist to say someone freely chooses something; but you have to be alert, it comes up in a sentence or two.
His book is composed from two different styles: philosophy and theology (via scripture). He looks at some of the issues such as prophecy, God's knowledge, character, etc. Keep in mind though, Wright is not a professional philosopher. That is not to say his arguments are no good, but may be countered by molinism. Beyond that, the meat of his book is scriptural, and perhaps what is persuasive about his case. The book chapters are as follows:
1. An Ancient & Continuing Controversy
2. The Incoherence of the Freewill Theory
3. What Makes Us Human? Humanism and Christianity
4. Apostate Autonomism: The Fall & the Autonomist Theoria
5. Salvation as God's Choice to Save: All is of Grace
6. Depravity & Election: Spiritual Incompetence & Divine Sovereignty.
7. Grace & Perserverance: Salvation & Its Security
8. An Effective Atonement
9. Are There Any "Arminian Verses" in the Bible?
10. The Problem of Evil: The Final Stronghold of Unbelief?
11. The Location of Ultimacy & the Attributes of God: A Current Debate.
I highly recommend this book for a beginner-moderate reading level.
(...)
Book Description
Among maternal deities of the Greek pantheon, the Mother of the Gods was a paradox. She is variously described as a devoted mother, a chaste wife, an impassioned lover, and a virgin daughter; she is said to be both foreign and familiar to the Greeks. In this erudite and absorbing study, Mark Munn examines how the cult of Mother of the Gods came from Phrygia and Lydia, where she was the mother of tyrants, to Athens, where she protected the laws of the Athenian democracy. Analyzing the divergence of Greek and Asiatic culture at the beginning of the classical era, Munn describes how Kybebe, the Lydian goddess who signified fertility and sovereignty, assumed a different aspect to the Greeks when Lydia became part of the Persian empire. Conflict and resolution were played out symbolically, he shows, and the goddess of Lydian tyranny was eventually accepted by the Athenians as the Mother of the Gods, and as a symbol of their own sovereignty.
This book elegantly illustrates how ancient divinities were not static types, but rather expressions of cultural systems that responded to historical change. Presenting a new perspective on the context in which the Homeric and Hesiodic epics were composed, Munn traces the transformation of the Asiatic deity who was the goddess of Sacred Marriage among the Assyrians and Babylonians, equivalent to Ishtar. Among the Lydians, she was the bride to tyrants and the mother of tyrants. To the Greeks, she was Aphrodite. An original and compelling consideration of the relations between the Greeks and the dominant powers of western Asia, The Mother of the Gods, Athens, and the Tyranny of Asia is the first thorough examination of the way that religious cult practice and thought influenced political activities during and after the sixth and fifth centuries B.C.
Books:
- Everything Belongs: The Gift of Contemplative Prayer
- Father God: Co-creator to Mother God
- Free at Last: Breaking the Cycle of Family Curses
- Healing Your Aloneness: Finding Love and Wholeness Through Your Inner Child
- Healthy Cooking for Two (or Just You): Low-Fat Recipes with Half the Fuss and Double the Taste
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
- History: Fiction or Science? (Chronology, No. 1)
Books Index
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