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J C Ryle: First Bishop of LiverpoolLiverpool's warts and all BishopJ.C. RYLE: FIRST BISHOP OF LIVERPOOL This is a fascinating and fair-minded study of John Charles Ryle. It carries the subtitle 'a study in mission among the masses' and falls neatly into three parts: an account of Ryle's evangelical theology, drawing in detail on his tracts and published sermons; a survey of the problems that confronted him on his arrival in Liverpool; and two closing chapters on how the task of mission was hindered, diverted and obstructed. It is therefore not a biography of Ryle, though it carries a short biographical introduction, as well as a Foreword by the present Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones. Well over a century after Ryle's time. problems of urban regeneration are as topical and urgent as ever, though some of the agenda has changed. 'With Ryle', James Jones writes, 'I am convinced that . . . peace, wholeness and renewal must be more than economic and social. It must be moral and spiritual. With him I believe in the transforming power of Christ to change individuals and communities.' Case studiesIn a series of case-studies (unemployment, education, drink and the like), Dr. Farley demonstrates Ryle's determination and tenacity against overwhelming odds. In the end, many of his highest hopes for the city and diocese were frustrated; but though this is a 'warts and all' study (and Ryle was clearly not without his warts), yet where he failed, it is difficult to believe anyone else could have succeeded. Ryle emerges from these pages (as a brief and very positive conclusion makes clear), as a true evangelical, a principled churchman and a pastorally-hearted bishop, not anxious for controversy but firm in his preaching of the biblical faith: 'He was committed to modernising Anglicanism, working with other churchmen, and proclaiming a gospel of joyful life. Mission flowed out of that joy...' Massive researchThe author is to be commended for the massive research that underpins this study, which is written with an easy style that is reminiscent of Ryle's own writings. It is a sobering book for those who believe that the gospel promises an effortless transformation of society in a fallen world. But Ryle believed that the final outcome is not in doubt: and few readers will disagree with the author's conclusion: 'We could learn much from Ryle'. This book in each of its three main divisions would be a good place to start. Timothy Dudley-Smith, Salisbury© Evangelicals Now - September 2001 |