BOOK NOTES
In some parts of the world, as the church gets pushed more and more to the periphery of society, efforts are being made to find
ways of making the church’s witness more effective. Two recent books by Baptists illustrate this.
The first is Godology: Because Knowing God Changes Everything (Moody Publishers, 2009) by Christian George.
Written for the younger generation, the book seeks to do “God talk” in contemporary language. Hardly can persons unfamiliar
with this language assess the effort the book represents. Yet, it does manage to communicate complex theological ideas in what
may be described as “the language of the new generation.” Furthermore, it encourages practical application of the ideas shared.
Leaders of teenagers and young adults’ groups in the church might want to study this book. Some will want to share it with their
college-age friends and offer it as a gift to the non-churched. No less a person than J. I. Packer, who says that he belongs to “an
older generation that writes a more sober-sided English,” states in the foreword, “If you are not going to appreciate George’s semi-
pop idiom, you had best conclude straightway that this book is not for you…. By writing Godology, Christian George has rendered
significant service for the good of souls and the glory of God.”
The second is Borderland Churches: A Congregation’s Introduction to Missional Living (St. Louis, Missouri: Chalice Press,
2008), written especially for people in the countries of the global north. The book presents a cogent argument for churches being
intentionally missional, moving from “come to” and a “build it and they’ll come” focus to a “go to” one. Canadian author Gary
Nelson makes a passionate call for Christians and churches to take their neighborhoods seriously. Churches must develop a
willingness to be vulnerable, he says, as their members move out into the community strategically in missional efforts. As they
do, they will minister change to their social setting and also become ever-changing communities themselves.
This clearly written book should be read especially by Christians who serve in the secular domain of everyday life. It is
required reading for pastors serving in highly secularized contexts. Yet, other pastors would benefit from reading it as well.
It will reinforce their commitment to the long-respected tradition of churches that have an outstanding record of extensive
engagement in social transformation in the name of the triune God.
BRITISH BAPTISTS continued
faith today because so many before us paid the ultimate price,” she told delegates.
“But now there are at least 250 million Christians around the world who are suffering some kind of persecution. We
cannot afford to forget that when one part of the body of Christ suffers, we all suffer. I am reminded that when we live in our
comfort zones our brothers and sisters are continually enduring their Gethsemanes and their Calvaries,” she added.
British Baptists were reminded of their beginnings as the Assembly examined the question, “Who do we think we
are?”
David Kerrigan, General Director of BMS World Mission, commented that this is an important time for Baptists to
question their identity. “It is not every year we celebrate 400 years of Baptist witness – this will be a special year and has
been a special Assembly. The theme of Baptist identity is not only about looking back. It is important to explore this as we
look to our future as Baptists, both here in the UK and around the world,” he said.
Andy Renshaw is a member of Christchurch Baptist Church, Dorset, England, and was a member of the Baptist
Assembly Media Team.
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