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 PrintableVersion What a friend we have in JesusIntroducing us?WHAT A FRIEND WE HAVE IN JESUS This book is one of a series which seeks to introduce the spiritual values of different Christian groups to a wider audience, including Carmelites, Anabaptists, Lutherans, Orthodox, Dominican, Augustinian and so on. Therefore Ian Randall is not primarily writing about evangelicals for evangelicals, but to explain to other traditions what evangelicals hold dear. It is ‘an ideal introduction for readers of every background to a vital tradition of spirituality not confined to one country or one denomination.’ The author is the Deputy Principal and Lecturer in Church History at Spurgeon’s College, London. He uses David Bebbington’s definition of evangelicalism as ‘a movement comprising all those who stress the Bible, the cross, conversion and activism’. On this he builds David Gillett’s ‘major features of evangelical spirituality — conversion, assurance, the cross of Christ, the Bible, holiness, active service and prayer’. Drawing from the riches of writings and hymns from the 18th century onwards he briefly introduces in each chapter one aspect of evangelical spirituality often using lines from hymns as his chapter titles. He deliberately chooses examples from various backgrounds to illustrate the fact that evangelicalism is pan-denominational and not restricted to only one period of church history. A general introduction is followed by chapters on conversion — ‘Amazing grace’, the Bible — ‘Give me that book’, and the sacraments. The author investigates evangelical approaches and beliefs concerning prayer, holiness, the fellowship of believers, missionary outreach and the second coming of Christ. Because of the very breadth of the areas covered, of necessity none of them are dealt with in any great depth. Nevertheless, it is a very helpful overview. Well-read readers of EN will find nothing new here, though they will be very helpful to younger believers in providing a basis for further specialised reading. Ken Morey, © Evangelicals Now - October 2005 |
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