This Week’s Book Notes

 

 

 

 

 

 

By Matthew Barrett

Redeeming Sociology: A God-Centered Approach. By Vern Sheridan Poythress. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2011.
One scholar I have tremendous respect for is Vern Poythress. When he writes I pay attention. In his most recent book he addresses the discipline of sociology. Too often sociologists ignore the depravity of man and the existence and reality of God. Ignoring man’s sinfulness and God’s supremacy has huge consequences, especially when sociologists are seeking the social welfare around us. Poythress calls for a rethinking of the study of sociology in light of its faulty assumptions. Poythress argues for a sociology grounded upon the biblical witness and the triune God. He argues for a sociology that acknowledges the devastation of sin and our need for the gospel.

Early Christian Thinkers: The Lives and Legacies of Twelve Key Figures. Edited by Paul Foster. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2011.

In case you have not noticed, there is somewhat of a renewed interest in the early church fathers. One new book that contributes towards the discussion is Paul Foster’s Early Christian Thinkers. The book brings together an impressive variety of scholars covering some of the most important fathers, including Justin Martyr, Irenaeus, Clement of Alexandria, Tertullian, Origen, Cyprian, and many others. The chapters provide the reader both with biographical and historical background, as well as insight into each father’s writings, theology, and influence on Christianity. I look forward to seeing what patristic scholars think of this volume.

Christian Apologetics: A Comprehensive Case for Biblical Faith. By Douglas Groothuis. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2011.

It is hard to ignore a book on apologetics over 750 pages long! Douglas Groothuis has written a massive tome that clearly shows off the labor of years of research. Groothuis argues that apologetics is absolutely necessary. Well-reasoned arguments, he says, can play an important role in the presentation of Christianity to unbelievers. In short, he seeks to show that Christianity is true and worth obeying. Whether you are an evidentialist or a presuppositionalist, Groothuis’ volume will be discussed for years to come and apologists will need to interact with Groothuis’ method and argumentation. I personally am looking forward to the January (2012) issue of Credo magazine where Steve Cowan will be reviewing Groothius’ volume.

Matthew Barrett (Ph.D., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine. Barrett has contributed book reviews and articles to various academic journals and he also writes at Blogmatics. He is married to Elizabeth and they have two daughters, Cassandra and Georgia. He is a member of Clifton Baptist Church in Louisville, KY.