The Problem of Pain

Title: The Problem of Pain
Author: C. S. Lewis
Publisher: Harper Collins, 1940
Pages: 164
Begun: September 10, 2009
Completed: September 15, 2009

I must confess that this book was a monumental disappointment to me. This was probably partially due to the fact that I had high expectations in approaching this book. Yet it was a good exercise in plowing through to the very end despite the temptation to put the book away a quarter of the way through.

The book, in short, is a collection of philosophical essays and ramblings on the subject of pain, though he does not address the subject until about half-way through. I found it difficult to grasp his train of thought as he was constantly changing courses.

The most problematic chapter was The Fall of Man, where Lewis discusses his belief in theistic evolution. He explains the stages of transformation that man went through to become the "man" he is....."For long centuries God perfected the animal form which was to become the vehicle of humanity and the image of Himself." He goes on later to describe man as the "perfect animal."

Another troubling, yet almost laughable, chapter was Animal Pain. Lewis comes close to suggesting the immortality of the animal kingdom. I suppose this makes sense to Lewis in light of his theistic evolutionistic position. If man is merely a glorified animal, then animals must be made up of basically the same stuff as man (i.e. emotions, conscience, pain, etc.).

The denial of total depravity on page 61 on the grounds that man has the innate ability to do some good was also theologically off course. Lewis also repeatedly stresses the free will of man's conscience, while ignoring the sovereignty of the Almighty.

This was a very interesting, yet disappointing read.

Title: Puritan Profiles

Author: William Barker

Publisher: Mentor, 1996

Pages: 320

Started: September 1

Completed: September 14

This was a monumental blessing to me these past two weeks and was a means of God's grace to humble me and keep me honest about myself and my ineptitude for ministry.

The profiles are of 54 Puritans who were influential in the composing of the Westminster Confession. Actually, 51 of them were part of the famous Westminster Divines and the three others (Richard Baxter, John Owen, and John Bunyan) were included as influential Puritans of the time. There were 120 Divines (theologians), but these 54 stand out as some of the more notable.

William Barker divided his stand-alone profiles into categories: Preachers, Scholars, London Pastors, Scots, etc. Since each profile is a stand-alone report there is some repetition of quotes and facts, but I don't think it distracts from the overall work. I found the overview of these men and their contribution to the great work of the Westminster Confession to be very moving.

Years ago I read B.B. Warfield's account of the Westminster Confession and determined to buy a copy for for my own edification. Our roots being in Baptist anti-intellectualistic populism it was at first hard for me to believe that anyone with more than one degree could actually be a devout servant of God! But these men for the most part were devout and all of them were incredibly intellectual; and many of them paid a heavy price for their convictions.

It was very convicting to me. It inspired me to be more diligent with my time and to give myself wholeheartedly to learning.

Preaching the Cross

Title: Preaching the Cross
Authors: Various (Dever, Duncan, Mohler, Mahaney, Sproul, Piper, and MacArthur)
Publisher: Crossway, 2007
Pages: 168
Begun: August 29, 2009
Completed: September 10, 2009

This work is a compilation of lectures given at the 2006 Together For the Gospel Conference (I believe Bob, Tim, and maybe Daniel were present). A wide array of topics are addressed, but the crucial theme throughout is preaching the gospel of Jesus. It is difficult to review the entire book given its unique format, so a very brief, personal reflection will suffice.

Al Mohler's address on "Preaching with the Culture in View" was perhaps the most thought-provoking for me. Mohler, being well-versed on the subject of culture, provides helpful insights in ministering to and preaching to people giving consideration to the culture. Piper's lecture on expository exultation was the most stimulating. Mahaney's "Watch Your Life and Doctrine" was the most convicting. His emphasis on the need for community was right on.

A good, solid collection of gospel-saturated messages which were delightful to read.