Barrett’s Book Notes: Augustine, Amillennialism, and Scripture

Matthew Levering. Theology of Augustine, The: An Introductory Guide to His Most Important Works. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2013.

Matthew Levering, professor of religious studies at the University of Dayton, has written a concise guide and introduction to some of Augustine’s most important works, including: On Christian Doctrine; Answer to Faustus, a Manichean; Homilies on the First Epistle of John; On the Predestination of the Saints; Confessions; City of God; and On the Trinity. In his review of the book, Carl Trueman commends Levering’s work,

This is a book of immediate relevance to teachers and students of Augustine, as it offers a map of the key pillars of his work and thought. I might add that it should also be read by pastors.  There is no theologian who explores the psychology of love, and thus of humanity, in a more searching way than Augustine.

In my estimation, you are not a theologian until you have read Augustine. So begin with Levering, but don’t stop there. Go read Augustine for yourself.

Sam Storms. Kingdom Come: The Amillennial Alternative. Fearn, Ross-shire: 2013.

Storms’ case for an Amillennial eschatology is out and it deserves to be read and wrestled with by proponents of all views.  Storms is a very sharp theologian and in this book he gives a biblical and theological defense of his position. Here are several commendations for the book, even one from Tom Schreiner who remains a committed historic premillennialist!

“If Christians in the past were guilty of obsessing too much over the end times, evangelicals today may face the opposite problem of caring too little. The writings of Sam Storms are exactly what we need: faithful theology and careful exegesis served with a pastoral spirit and reverent worship. In these pages you will find Dr. Storms’ mature reflections on the end times, honed over decades in the classroom and in the church. There is something in here to challenge and to encourage all of us, no matter our persuasion. I pray this book will help others in the same way it has helped me.”
—Justin Taylor, author and blogger, Between Two Worlds

“Evangelicals continue to be divided over eschatology, and such divisions will likely continue until the eschaton. For some, premillennialism is virtually equivalent to orthodoxy. Sam Storms challenges such a premise with a vigorous defense of amillennialism. Storms marshals exegetical and theological arguments in defense of his view in this wide-ranging work. Even those who remain unconvinced will need to reckon with the powerful case made for an amillennial reading. The author calls us afresh to be Bereans who are summoned to search the scriptures to see if these things are so.”
—Thomas R. Schreiner, James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, Louisville, KY

Steven B. Cowan and Terry L. Wilder, eds. In Defense of the Bible: A Comprehensive Apologetic for the Authority of Scripture. Nashville: B&H Academic, 2013.

It seems that in almost every generation the truthfulness and reliability of Scripture comes under severe attack. Our generation is no different. Cowan and Wilder, therefore, have brought together a host of scholars to defend Scripture’s authority. You can view the TOC here, but some of the contributors include: Paul Wegner, R. Douglas Geivett, Daniel Wallace, Walter Kaiser, Paul Barnett, Douglas Huffman, James Hamilton, William Dembski, among others. The book is also broken down into three parts. Part one: Philosophical and Methodological Challenges. Part two: Textual and Historical Challenges. Part three: Ethical, Scientific, and Theological Challenges.

Matthew Barrett (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at California Baptist University (OPS), as well as the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine. He is the author of The Grace of Godliness: An Introduction to Doctrine and Piety in the Canons of Dort, Salvation by Grace: The Case for Effectual Calling and Regeneration, as well as the coeditor of Four Views on the Historical Adam (Counterpoints: Bible and Theology), and Whomever He Wills: A Surprising Display of Sovereign Mercy. He is the author of several other forthcoming books, which you can read about at matthewmbarrett.com.