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 PrintableVersion Developing a Christian mindMind over mattersDEVELOPING A CHRISTIAN MIND Anything Oliver Barclay writes is worth reading and this is no exception, despite the fact that it is a hugely reduced and revised edition (40%, says the editor!) aimed at ‘pastors in the two-thirds world’. Clearly a simplification like this brings with it certain problems. But in this case the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. The author’s original, 1960, ‘burden’ — the urgent need to develop a Christian mind — remains intact. The argument is lucid and accessible. Dr. Barclay is, as always, measured and helpful: the development of a Christian mind is ‘not primarily an “intellectual affair”’, he says. It is a mind surrendered to God and obedient to God’s written Word. It doesn’t just think about God, it loves him. It faces up to the complexities that are involved when thinking about the bigger picture — the application of God’s truth to issues like work or art, music or education. The better model to apply, he suggests, is a ‘framework’ of teaching from Scripture which can be flexibly applied to varying cultural contexts, rather than a ‘complete system’ with every detail worked out and the ‘right answer’ ready to hand on all intellectual matters. The value of this to two-thirds world pastors is obvious. The author stays close to the text of Scripture and quite unintentionally provides a host of valuable ‘sermon notes’. (In fact, the editor’s last item in a helpful ‘work-book’ appendix says this, ‘..now write a sermon on the author’s concluding verse Romans 12.2 and preach it in your church…’). Secondly, the style is simple and the illustrations universally applicable. For example, he tells of a young engineer in the UK who decides his work is of no value because it isn’t ‘gospel ministry’ — to use the current jargon. Thirdly, it isn’t simplistic. It recognises that there are complex issues to be sorted out which require prayer and wisdom. It also warns of potential pitfalls. Finally, and most helpfully, it affirms in no uncertain terms the value of all culture and the necessity of all Christians to be engaged in it up to the hilt, yet never ignorantly, naively or carelessly. All of which, of course, makes it eminently suitable for ordinary church members and students in the UK! Geoffrey Stonier, the editor, is to be commended for providing so useful a tool. My only regret is that the paperback revision, like its original, is expressed with so little passion when really the subject deserves an organ recital with the stops out and the pedal down! Now, when will we see something like that to accompany Paul’s magisterial words, ‘I am not ashamed of the gospel…..’ for, as the apostle immediately says, the evidence of the whole universe confirms the truth of God’s word — yes intellectually! Some ‘mind’ !! Ranald Macaulay,
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