Christian Book Notes

Piper, John, and Wayne Grudem. 50 Crucial Questions: An Overview of Central Concerns about Manhood and Womanhood. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 1992. 67 pp. $5.00. Purchase at Amazon
Introduction

“50 Crucial Questions: An Overview of Central Concerns about Manhood and Womanhood” (50CQ) is an adaptation of the second chapter of “Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: A Response to Evangelical Feminism.” The book in which this adapted from is 566 pages long while the 50CQ booklet is a mere 67 pages. It is believed by the authors of the this booklet, John Piper and Wayne Grudem, that it offers a “cogent summary” of the responses to fifty of the most often asked questions regarding the subject matter.

They state clearly on page 14 that the specific questions asked in the book are not meant to be an exhaustive list. They basically began with one question, “Why do you regard the issue of male and female roles as so important?” and show the most logical next question that would follow from the answer. Their stated purpose of the booklet, and its greater 566-page volume counterpart, is to draw attention to, “the good of the Church, global mission, and the glory of God” (14).

Summary

In answering the first question, they immediately draw the proverbial line in the sand as to what is at stake: “We believe that what is at stake in human sexuality is the very fabric of life as God wills it to be for the holiness of His people and for their saving mission to the world” (14). This intention is seen in their passion throughout to remain true to the clear teachings of Scripture as possible in their handling of each question. One gets the feeling that the psalmist could have been talking of these men when he says, “For zeal for you house has consumed me, and the reproaches of those who reproach you have fallen on me” (PSALM 69:9).

All through the book, Piper and Grudem answer questions based upon an authority of Scripture found in God as well as offer up pastoral advice and counsel when warranted. For example, in question nine they tackle to subject of wife abuse. The second part of the answer is very much pastoral. “We believe that wife (and husband) abuse have some deep roots in the failure of parents to impart to their sons and daughters the meaning of true masculinity and true femininity” (17).

To summarize a book designed to be a didactic question and answer session is extremely difficult without summarizing each answer to its respective question. To best summarize 50CQ without going into so much detail, suffice it to say that every answer is rooted in Scripture and is salted with a passion for God’s mandated roles for men and women.

Critical Evaluation

While it may be difficult to summarize such a book, it is quite easy to demonstrate the strengths and weaknesses found therein. I would like to begin with the strengths of the book for there are many. As I stated above, Piper and Grudem do a masterful job of appealing to the inherent authority found in Scripture. They build their arguments from the Scripture and refuse to use any other outside reference as a basis for why their answer is true.

When dealing with the issue of women having roles of teaching authority over men in the church (questions 19, 20, 21), they are quick to point out that one must assume certain understandings that are not found in the passages in question. For example, some base the order of names, in this case, Priscilla and Aquila, as a way in which the authorial intent was to show a form of headship. Piper and Grudem point out that this is an assumption at best and that it may be that the author, “wanted to give greater honor to the woman by putting her name first (1 Pet. 3:7), or may have had another reason unknown to us” (29). Even in allowing for the debatable point, Piper and Grudem point to Scripture. At the very least, and I believe rightfully so, they claim that we cannot know one way or the other the reason why Priscilla’s name is listed before Acquila’s more often than not. To me, it just sounds better to say it that way!

Another point I briefly touched on above is the pastoral manner in which many of the questions are answered. In answering question 36, they put forth three reasons why a man cannot use his authority over a woman as a means to force her to do what he wants. The first two points are rooted in Scripture. First, there is a, “unique intimacy and union implied in the phrase one flesh” (Eph. 5:29-31) (44). Second, there is a, “special honor commanded in 1 Peter 3:7 as to a joint heir of the grace of life” (44). The third point is an implication of the whole of marriage according to the principles found in Scripture. The third reason is found in the purpose of marriage, “to cultivate shared maturity in Christ” (44). All three points are at the heart of pastoral counseling when dealing with two believers in a possible abusive relationship.

Still another strength is the willingness to tackle a seemingly tough subject matter. It is pretty difficult to stop a runaway freight train dead in its tracks by standing in front of it, but that is just what Grudem and Piper set out to do in this booklet. They understand that this book is not the primary stopping point for the freight train that is evangelical feminism, but that does not deter them from tackling issues head on. In sticking with this analogy, I would say that this book is like a hill that has been strategically placed for runaway trains to slow down with the Recovering Biblical Manhood and Womanhood as the ultimate wall that cannot be penetrated. Obviously, those who call on the name of Christ (whether in truth or not) will always debate this aspect of the Bible. What Piper and Grudem set out to do was offer reasoned answers rooted in Scripture to fifty of the more poignant questions. I believe they succeeded.

As with any writing that is not the Bible itself, there will always be some weaknesses. Some books have fewer than others and some books are full of nothing but weaknesses. This particular booklet has one glaring weakness that I was able to discern. The authors do not always answer the question at hand.
For example, question 33 on page 39 asks, “How is it consistent to forbid the eldership to women in our churches and then send them out as missionaries to do things forbidden at home?” In answering this question, they point to historical figures that have called for women missionaries who agree with the views being espoused of manhood and womanhood. When they appeal to Scripture in the context of this particular question, it is only to say that there are ambiguities. They only affirm that women should go to the mission field if called by God and that their “passion is not to become the watchdogs of where women serve” (41). They simply answer the question by reaffirming that women should go if called. They never answer the seeming problem of consistency that is being asked.

Another question they failed to answer, in my opinion, is question 44 on page 54: “Isn’t giving women access to all offices and roles a simple matter of justice that even our society recognizes?” In trying to answer this question, Piper and Grudem take a side road to a difference in moral demands based upon our gender. After spending a page and a half arguing for differing moral demands and not dealing with the justice (think equal pay), they conclude with a weak tie-in at best to the question: “The point of our book is that Scripture and nature teach that personal manhood and womanhood are indeed relevant in deciding not only whom to marry but also who gives primary leadership in the relationship” (57). I do not believe they ever dealt with the matter of justice, as in equal rights for all. They seemed to twist the question to one of morality that I do not believe was intended in the question.

Regardless of a few weaknesses (I am sure I missed a few others), I believe this booklet containing biblical answers to fifty questions regarding manhood and womanhood is a reasoned apologetic for what the Bible really does say. While it may be a secondary issue in some areas, it has integral doctrinal ramifications at its heart. This issue will not be going away anytime soon. For that reason, I would be curious as to how they would go about updating and revising this booklet. Since it’s publishing in 1992, we have seen the ordination of an openly gay bishop in one denomination and have had other denominations denounce intolerance of homosexuality by churches in the name of Christianity. It does not seem to me that the issues surrounding a biblical understanding of men and women are getting any better. If anything, the wedge is being driven deeper and the gap being widened more and more by the year.

You now have television shows portraying “married” lesbian “Christian ministers” in a positive light while proclaiming “fundamentalists” as being heartless and stuck in prehistoric times. I think a new (or next) fifty questions is necessary to deal with ever evolving argument against clearly delineated roles for men and women in marriage, parenting and church. It is one thing to fight for equal rights (I am all for equal pay for equal work and women’s suffrage). It is something completely different to fight against the clear teachings of Scripture and play word games to violate the obvious intentions found therein.

Conclusion

I believe this book is a wonderful addition to any minister’s library. Although it was written in 1992, I cannot think of a more necessary resource in our church today with all that is happening regarding the issue of gender roles in the church. I would highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to be informed as to what the Bible says about Biblical manhood and womanhood. As a minister, it is a book I would purchase multiple copies of in order to give away to young men and women seeking marriage and/or church membership.

(This was an assignment for a class–I bought the book)

Piper, John.  Filling up the Afflictions of Christ.  Wheaton:  Crossway Books, 2009.  126 pp.  $17.99.  Purchase at Westminster Books for $11.87.

Review

Volume five in The Swans Are Not Silent series, Filling up the Afflictions is a reminder that we indeed stand on the shoulders of giants.  In this book, Piper grants us a peak at three lives that were dedicated to the service of Jesus Christ.  William Tyndale, Adoniram Judson, and John Paton suffered much for what many take for granted today.

William Tyndale was motivated by the pure gospel needing to be made accessible in the language of the everyday person.  In the 16th century, however, this was not acceptable.  The Roman Catholic Church claimed to have the only right to discern what the Bible says.  Tyndale saw this as Pharisaical and set out to rectify the problem amidst much persecution ultimately being martyred for his efforts.

Adinoram Judson felt called to Burma in July 1813 against the wishes of one William Carey (the father of modern missions).  Much like Jeremiah who could not help but preach the Word of God, Judson believed God wanted him to go to the uttermost hostile region in what we might call a “closed country” today.  His faith in a sovereign God drove him and guided each and every step with assurance that he was doing the will of God even though it led to his death as well as the death of his children and wives.

John Paton is perhaps the most well-known of the three men discussed in this book thank in large part to his son’s biography, John G. Paton, Missionary to the New Hebrides.  Piper paints an superb picture of the courage it took Paton to continue on the mission field when the world would readily run the opposite direction.  Perhaps the most impactful section of the book is found in the discussion of the origin of Paton’s courage–his father.  As a father, I found myself praying that I would have merely a fraction of the impact on my children as Paton’s father had on him.

Recommendation

If you have never read a book from The Swans Are Not Silent series, you have no idea what you are missing.  These short, mini-biographies are excellent introductions to the giants of the Christian faith from the past.  I encourage you to not only pick up Filling up the Afflictions of Christ, but to pick up the other books as well.  You will not regret doing so.  Their lives really help us to appreciate not only the freedoms we have today, but also the heritage that is passed on from generation to generation.  Oh that we would drink deeply from our Christian ancestors and live the same faith they had in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

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Piper, John. Velvet Steel: The Joy of Being Married to You. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2009. 80 pp. $14.99. Purchase at Westminster books for $9.89.

Introduction

Velvet Steel is an appendix of sorts to John Piper’s book This Momentary Marriage (review forthcoming).  In Velvet Steel, Piper gives a taste of what he was discussing in This Momenary Marriage. Here we see what true love looks like through the artistic writing of poetry.  Read more…

Piper, John. Spectacular Sins. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008. 121 pp. $15.99. Listen to the Spectacular Sins sermon series at Desiring God.

Have you ever picked up a book thinking it was going to be about one thing and it turns out you were completely wrong? Spectacular Sins and Their Global Purpose in the Glory of Christ is one of those books. I thought it would be a testimony about how God has glorified His Son through men like Hitler and Stalin. I figured it would be about how God can use the major sins in your life to bring glory to His Son. Read more…

Stand: A Call for the Endurance of the Saints, ed. John Piper and Justin Taylor. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2008. 157 pp. $14.99. Buy from Westminster Books or download as free PDF from Desiring God

Introduction

We have come to expect quality work whenever Justin Taylor and John Piper team up to bring Christendom a Christ-centered book. Stand is no different. With contributions from John MacArthur, Randy Alcorn, Jerry Bridges and Helen Roseveare, the rally cry for the troops is loud and clear—we must stand and face the daily challenges of life and the Christian walk if we are to adhere to the biblical principles of trials and tribulations. This is counter-cultural today when most flee the dangers and hardships.

Summary

Taylor defines the biblical precepts of endurance and perseverance and why these to doctrines are important for every person who calls on the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. Jerry Bridges offers four essentials for finishing the Christian race well. None of them are completely new, but everyone can use the reminder every now and then.

Piper offers a chapter on getting old to the glory of God. Although many who read Piper “are not there yet,” they will be soon. This is an excellent chapter to begin meditating on even now. John MacArthur offers up several certainties that drive an enduring ministry. Having been at Grace Community Church since 1969, MacArthur can share with the next generation these certainties from his own personal experience.

Randy Alcorn presents a chapter on the importance of one’s daily decision making. He also speaks to having courage for a call (in his case it is the unborn) and standing resolute by your convictions. Finally, Helen Roseveare offers an encouraging word regarding Christ’s walking with His saints through all of trials and tribulations.

Recommendation

One thing I have learned as a seminary student at SBTS is that to be able to drink from the well of experience that our professor’s possess is one of the greatest “perks” of studying on campus. While not everyone can have a mentoring relationship with the contributors to this book, reading and learning from them is the next best thing. Every Christian could use to read this book—we all struggle with endurance and praising God in all things at all times. Pastors will find that this book will become an excellent resource to give away as they seek to minister to the various needs of the congregation God has entrusted to their care.

Piper, John. Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce. Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2007. 76 pp. $7.99. Purchase at Westminster books for $5.99.

Introduction and Background

John Piper, pastor for preaching and vision at Bethlehem Baptist Church in Minneapolis, has become a noted biographer in recent years because of his 4-volume Swan Series books where he takes a quick look at the lives of some of the saints that have gone before us as well as his more in depth looks at the life of Jonathan Edwards and Andrew Fuller just to name a couple. This book on the life of William Wilberforce is along the lines of the others. It is short and full of information. In no way does John Piper pretend that this is an exhaustive sketch of the life of Wilberforce.

Summary of Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce

Piper introduces this biography by asking the question, “What made him tick?” The answer, “was a profound biblical allegiance to what he called the ‘peculiar doctrines’ of Christianity” (p.20). These peculiar doctrines were so important to Wilberforce that he wrote a book entitled, A Practical View of Christianity, that set forth the necessity of these doctrines for the Christian believer. He then spent the rest of his life and career seeking to establish these as a way in which one should live their life at all times.

Wilberforce’s early life was a bit troubling. He was orphaned at age nine and sent to live with his aunt and uncle. It turned out that God was in this, as Wilberforce would later acknowledge, because one of the family friends wound up being a man they called “Old Newton.” This was none other than John Newton.

The story of how he met his wife is impressive to read because of how fast it happened. He had been a believer for about 12 years when he met a woman named Barbara on 15 April 1797. “He fell immediately in love. Within eight days he proposed to her, and on May 30 they were married, about six weeks after they met” (p.28). They stayed married until William passed away. “In the first eight years of their marriage they had four sons and two daughters” (p.28).

His conversion came about during a time of travel with a friend, Isaac Milner, in 1784. It was at this time that Wilberforce reached a biblical view of man, God and Jesus at an intellectual level. However, his intellectual assent slowly became deep conviction. He later referred to this move from intellectual assent to deep conviction as “the Great Change.” After his conversion, Wilberforce struggled with whether or not he should leave politics altogether and go into the ministry.

A visit to “Old Newton” helped him to see that he was better able to serve God in politics than if he were to leave politics. Through this meeting, Wilberforce began the process of the abolition of slavery in Britain. Though this is what he is most noted for, Wilberforce was involved in much, much more. He was active at one point in his career in sixty-nine different initiatives. He also sought to evangelize his fellow politicians with the gospel.

Getting back to the abolition of slavery, Wilberforce began his quest in 1787. After numerous defeats, he witnessed the abolition of slave trade in 1807. He was able to see a complete abolition of slavery in 1833 just before his death in the British colonies. Thus, William Wilberforce was allowed, by the grace of God, to begin and see the completion of the total abolition of slavery in Britain.

Critique of Amazing Grace in the Life of William Wilberforce

Though this short biography was very informational, I did note two areas that I thought detracted from the book as a whole. First, there is a discrepancy in terms of the timing of the complete abolition of slavery and the death of Wilberforce. Jonathan Aitken, who writes the foreward says that Wilberforce died three months after slavery was outlawed (p. 15). John Piper says that his death took place three days after the abolition of slavery (p. 19).

I do not believe this would have been noticed had it not been for the mere four pages between the two statements. However, since it occurs so close to the beginning of the biography, it can cause a little bit of concern as to the historicity of all the facts presented. This is especially true because Aitken is Wilberforce’s biographer and Piper has become known for his biographies. I was unable to find much resolution as to the date of the abolition of slavery in relation to Wilberforce’s death, but am not too concerned because they all have the same year (1833).

I offer the second critique with the qualifier that I completely agree with the doctrine of Calvinism that John Piper discusses in the context of his biography. However, I do not see why he believed this to be necessary to insert into the biography-especially in the context that he did. In discussing what other people thought about William Wilberforce, John Piper says the following:

Hannah More, his wealthy friend and a co-worker in many of his schemes for doing good, said to him, ‘I declare I think you are serving God by being yourself agreeable…to worldly but well-disposed people, who would never be attracted to religion by grave and severe divines, even if such fell in their way’ (p.61).

Piper continues,

In fact, I think one of the reasons Wilberforce did not like to use the word “Calvinist,” is although the faith and doctrines he expresses seem to line up with the Calvinism of Whitefield and Newton, was this very thing: Calvinists had the reputation of being joyless (p. 61-62).

Piper gives a lengthy footnote as to the use of the word Calvinist as well as to the friends Wilberforce kept. The last sentence of footnote 17 found on page 62 says, “As I completed his book, A Practical View of Christianity, I could not recall a single sentence that a Calvinist like John Newton or George Whitefield or Charles Spurgeon could not agree with” (p. 62).

As I said, I am in complete agreement with these doctrines myself; however, I do not see how this is important to the context of the life of William Wilberforce given that this is only a 76 page introductory biography. It gives an appearance that John Piper wants Wilberforce to be a Calvinist even though he never came out and said as such.

Conclusion

As a short biography of one of the great Christian men in the history of the world, I would recommend this book. It is extremely readable and can be read in one sitting perhaps during an evening. I also think it would serve in a school situation where a student is learning about slavery and/or a history of Britain.

This book has whet my appetite personally to learn more about William Wilberforce and to read his book A Practical View of Christianity. This short biography can also interest the reader into wanting to know more about great men (and women) of the faith throughout history. Piper’s writing style is just conversational enough and full of just enough historical information that you feel as though you are dialoguing with a historian.