Christ and Culture Revisited
Southwestern Journal of Theology
Volume 64, No. 2 – Spring 2022
Editor: David S. Dockery
Foundational to one’s spiritual formation and ongoing discipleship is the need for some form of regular personal worship or devotional life. While nowhere in Scripture are we commanded to have a daily quiet time, the implications throughout Scripture and the examples of key biblical figures, including our Lord Jesus Christ himself (Mark 1:35) encourage us toward faithfulness in this area of our life. Often, many people look for resources to help guide and shape this practice. Two important resources were published near the end of 2021 that are worthy of serious consideration. Trevin Wax has put together a beautiful book with the title Psalms in 30 Days (Nashville: Holman Bible Publishers). Jonathan Gibson has provided one of the most thoughtful devotional resources that I have seen. Be Thou My Vision (Wheaton: Crossway) includes Scripture readings, ancient prayers, catechisms, and hymns. It is a rich resource that can be used repeatedly.
Crossway continues their excellent theology series with shorter books on vital theological topics and themes. This series, edited by Graham Cole and Oren Martin, recently added two outstanding titles. Glorification: An Introduction, by Graham A. Cole, one of the finest theologians of this generation, is a brilliant overview of the doctrine of glorification. Each one of the thoughtful chapters in this splendid little book is grounded in Scripture and informed by key thinkers, both ancient and modern. Readers will find serious engagement with the questions regarding the doctrine of glorification, including its individual, corporate, and cosmic aspects. Cole offers wise guidance and hopeful encouragement as he contemplates God’s wise and glorious plan regarding the future for the people of God. Another book that also comes highly recommended is The Doctrine of Scripture: An Introduction, by Mark Thompson. Thompson has provided Christ followers with an illuminating and refreshing introduction to holy Scripture. The biblically informed and theologically shaped work unapologetically affirms the Bible’s inspiration, truthfulness, and sufficiency, pointing readers to Christ and faithful Christian discipleship. Simply stated, this substantive, thoughtfully organized, and highly readable volume is an excellent contribution to Crossway’s outstanding series.
An appropriate volume to be noted in this issue of the Southwestern Journal of Theology with its focus on Christ and Culture is a new IVP publication from Jim Belcher titled Cold Civil War: Overcoming Polarization, Discovering Unity, and Healing the Nations. Reflecting both his preparation as a political philosopher and his skills as a theologian, Belcher has given us a timely and insightful proposal to address public square issues by rebuilding a new vital center for America. Examining the ideas, trends, and developments that have brought about the current philosophical, political, and cultural divide, Belcher offers a bold, challenging, and hope-filled framework to move beyond the fragmentation and polarization on the right and the left. Grounded in an appeal to reclaim the place of both special revelation and natural law, and drawing on insights from Tocqueville, this important volume, while not naïve to the difficult road ahead, provides much needed guidance for shaping a public theology, enabling the church to reclaim its mission, overcome cynicism, and take responsibility for helping to bring healing to the nations. Cold Civil War is worthy of serious reflection and engagement by those on all sides of the issues.
The listing of superb books found in the Southwestern Book of the Year awards includes numerous volumes worthy of note (some of which have already been identified in a previous issue), especially the brilliant work on the Pauline materials by Wheaton College professor Douglas J. Moo. This volume will serve scholars, pastors, and students across the global evangelical world for decades to come. A Theology of Paul and His Letters (Zondervan) is certainly Moo’s magnum opus and reflects decades of study and engagement with Paul’s writings. Another fine book on the work of Paul has been offered by Alan Bandy, professor of New Testament at New Orleans Seminary. An Illustrated Guide to the Apostle Paul (Baker) will be especially beneficial to students and church leaders.
I am quite impressed with Nicholas G. Piotrowski’s excellent work on biblical interpretation. Students of Scripture will want to read and learn from In All the Scriptures: The Three Contexts of Biblical Hermeneutics (IVP). Like Doug Moo, Wheaton College Old Testament scholar, Daniel Block has written his magnum opus on Covenant: The Framework of God’s Grand Plan of Redemption (Baker). I have long admired Dan Block and his brilliant insights regarding the Old Testament.
While most think of global Christianity as a somewhat recent development, Donald Fairbairn has offered a well-researched volume on The Global Church: The First Eight Centuries (Zondervan). John Massey, Mike Morris, and Madison Grace, all Southwestern colleagues, have worked to compile what will be recognized as the most complete history of Southern Baptist missions that has been written. Make Disciples of All Nations: A History of Southern Baptist International Missions (Kregel) will be a gift to all interested in the history and the future of global evangelism.
Gavin Ortlund continues to produce some of the most thoughtful and encouraging books for those seeking to follow Christ in a faithful manner. Why God Makes Sense in a World that Doesn’t (Baker) will be particularly beneficial for those interested in Christian worldview formation and discipleship. John D. Basie, and his colleagues at Impact 360, have also produced a wonderful book for the same readership. I highly recommend this volume called Know. Be. Live. A 360-Degree Approach to Discipleship in a Post-Christian Era (Forefront).
Joe Crider’s fine book on Scripture-Guided Worship and Gregg Allison’s book on Embodied should not be missed. Rebecca McLaughlin has put together a book that will be extremely helpful for teens and their parents. I have already given away several copies of 10 Questions Every Teen Should Ask (and Answer) about Christianity (Crossway). One more Forefront book should be noted. Jim Denison’s new work offers hope and guidance for believers struggling to live faithfully in our upside-down secular context. I am sure that The Coming Tsunami: Why Christians Are Labeled Intolerant, Irrelevant, Oppressive, and Dangerous—and How We can Turn the Tide will receive a wide readership.
