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 PrintableVersion Risking the truthHandling error in the churchContending for the faith once delivered to the saints RISKING THE TRUTH This is a collection of interviews on handling truth and error in the church. Contributors reflect on this issue in relation to the minister’s own life, pulpit ministry, local church leadership, seminary training, denominations and the impact of the academy. There are 20 interviews covering the whole range of heresies and errors that threaten the church. 16 contributors are from the USA, one from England, one from Wales, one from Scotland and one from Zambia. In a short review I can only refer to a few of the contributors. Penal substitutionCarl Trueman affirms: ‘In practice, the theologies of Barth and Berkouwer have really proved sterile as ecclesiastical programmes.’ Tom Schreiner ably defends the doctrine of penal substitution and recommends the best books on that subject. Mark Dever: ‘The main theological danger I see confronting us today is the practical rejection of the authority of God’s Word even by those who theoretically submit to it..’ R. Scott Clark warns against continuing revelation as dangerous. Iain D. Campbell of the Isle of Lewis laments the neglect of God’s law and, in particular, the abiding relevance of the Ten Commandments. ‘Whereas before it was a given that the law was the believer’s rule of life, that is now characterised as legalism.’ Campbell declares: ‘The New Perspective on Paul has done untold damage to the cause of the gospel, by de-emphasising our individual responsibility and recasting justification which is our cardinal doctrine’. Kim Riddlebarger, in a truly gripping chapter, describes how he was extricated from dispensationalism. Those who wish to know about the controversy surrounding Norman Shepherd will be fully informed by Gary Johnson who also explains the meaning of Federal Vision (all baptised people are actually saved until they fall away — held by N.T. Wright and John Armstrong). Conrad Mbewe reminds us that Africa is plagued by extreme forms of Arminianism and the health and wealth prosperity which is a false gospel. Worth the priceLigon Duncan provides a brilliant explanation of the New Perspective on Paul. He refutes and buries it. He then explains Federal Vision, which leads to the practice of paedocommunion (see the extract in this issue of EN). Ligon’s contribution is worth the price of the book. Chapter 20 by Robert Peterson has the apt title, ‘The annihilation of hell’. The last chapter, ‘The Word of Truth’, is an interview with Greg Beale, professor of New Testament at Wheaton College, Illinois. This work is important because it deals with contemporary trends, history, creeds and confessions, and doctrines that are currently under attack. There is personal reflection on these matters, lessons drawn from experience, and practical advice. I found it an easy read. Erroll Hulse,
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