
Barrett’s Book Notes: Natural Theology, Active Obedience, and Contemplating God
While it may be true that “of the making of books there is no end” (Ecclesiastes 12:12), at Credo we are thankful for the publishing of many good books. Without the tireless efforts of authors who research and write and publishers who bring those words to life, the church would be missing out on a vital ministry opportunity. Below you will find a few recent titles with endorsements Dr. Matthew Barrett, executive editor of Credo Magazine, wrote for the publisher.
Natural Theology: A Biblical and Historical Introduction and Defense (Davenant Press, 2021) by David Haines
Protestants—especially evangelicals—need to read this book not once, but twice. For all of church history Christians have taught the validity of natural theology on the basis of God’s revelation of himself in the book of nature. During the confessional age, the reformers and their heirs considered natural theology a basic and indispensable component of Christian orthodoxy. Enter the twentieth century and theologians—from Barth to Van Til—dispensed with natural theology and with notable vitriol. Yet David Haines demonstrates that these hasty objections to natural theology are based on serious exegetical and historical misconceptions. Summoning scripture’s own testimony, Haines shows that God has not left himself without witness, but he intends those made in his image to use reasonable observation to perceive his existence, divine attributes, and divine providence in the universe. Creation is a theater of God’s glory, and this book is your ticket to a front row seat.
Why Did Jesus Live a Perfect Life? The Necessity of Christ’s Obedience for Our Salvation (Baker, 2021) by Brandon D. Crowe
Many Christians today understand Christ had to suffer on our behalf and bear the penalty for our sin, but they have no idea why Jesus also had to live a perfect life. Yet without the active obedience of Christ, how can we be justified before God? With profound biblical and theological insight, Brandon Crowe teaches us that we not only need our sins forgiven but we also need the spotless righteousness of our Savior. Apart from the imputation of Christ’s righteousness our salvation is incomplete! Here is a book that is not only accessible but timely: in a day when imputation is often rejected, Crowe reveals just how critical Christ’s entire life is to our union with Christ. No hope without it.
Contemplating God with the Great Tradition: Recovering Trinitarian Classical Theism (Baker, 2021) by Craig A. Carter
For decades now evangelicals have absorbed relational theism, assuming it is consistent with the biblical witness. But Craig Carter exposes this faulty assumption, revealing social trinitarianism’s radical inconsistency with scripture’s own presentation of the triune God. Carter’s work is genius, revealing evangelicalism’s ongoing debt to modern theology. Thankfully, Carter knows the antidote and summons evangelicals back to classical Christianity. Evangelicals will only escape the captivity of modern manipulations of the Trinity when they start taking ressourcement seriously and sit at the feet of the Great Tradition with hermeneutical humility.