Reviews: Books on Baptist heritage, Jerusalem and Millennials

Witnesses to the Baptist Heritage

Edited by Michael E. Williams (Mercer University Press)

Michael Williams, professor at Dallas Baptist University, has compiled and edited the ideal Baptist history book for people who don’t think they are interested in Baptist history. He and 25 other historians have crafted concise—typically about seven-pages—and compelling biographical sketches of “Thirty Baptists Every Christian Should Know,” in the words of the book’s subtitle.

Many of the writers—such as Karen O’Dell Bullock from B.H. Carroll Theological Institute, David Holcomb from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, Melody Maxwell from Howard Payne University, Kelly Pigott from Hardin-Simmons University and Doug Weaver from Baylor University—will be familiar to Texas Baptists. So will some of their subjects, such as George W. Truett, T.B. Maston and Herschel Hobbs, along with William Carey, Adoniram Judson and Lottie Moon. Expect to gain new insights about and appreciation for some of these well-known Baptist figures.

Also prepare to learn about other significant Baptists even long-ago graduates of Baptist Training Union may not know well. Get acquainted with women like Anne Dutton, Helen Barrett Montgomery and Nannie Helen Burroughs. If you don’t know them yet, meet Johann Gerhard Oncken, a 19th century European church planting catalyst, and Benjamin Keach, who made congregational hymn-singing a key part of Baptist worship in the 17th century.

Worried you’ll be bored by dry dates and dull doctrine? Don’t be. Well-told stories of compelling characters will capture your attention. Read one biographical sketch a day, and begin the next month with a greater appreciation for Baptist history, heritage and distinctive Baptist principles.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard

A Week in the Fall of Jerusalem

By Ben Witherington (IVP Academic)

Ben Witherington’s A Week in the Fall of Jerusalem is a cross between a New Testament textbook and a novel. The book presents a fictional account of various biblical and extra-biblical characters fleeing Jerusalem during the destruction of the city by the Roman army in A.D. 70. The story is largely incidental, serving as a means to orient readers to the world of the first Christians. Frequent set-apart boxes provide historical and cultural details about Palestine in the first century, often with accompanying pictures.

Witherington’s purpose clearly is to teach about the background of the New Testament in a way that may be more accessible than a traditional history book. This method didn’t quite work for me, but I read very little fiction and am already familiar with the subject matter. For those who are interested in the background of the New Testament but intimidated by the often technical and sometimes difficult books of the subject, A Week in the Fall of Jerusalem will be an accessible introduction.

Jake Raabe, student

Truett Theological Seminary

Waco

Abandoned Faith:

Why Millennials are Walking Away and How You Can Lead Them Home

By Alex McFarland and Jason Jimenez (Focus on the Family)

Apologetics author, speaker and writer Alex McFarland and Stand Strong Ministries founder, pastor and apologist Jason Jimenez collaborated in writing this book for the Focus on the Family parenting series. The book explores reasons why Millennials—young people born between 1980 and 2000—are leaving the church and provides suggestions about how to get them back to worship and fellowship.

Abandoned Faith is exhaustive and highly researched. It begins with “From Christianity to Atheism” and concludes with “Jesus is the Key.” The authors move from “What Went Wrong?” and “Forces Shaping Our Sons and Daughters” to “Steps to Mend and Move Forward” and “Winning Back Your Millennial Child.” 

The book explores how the church is failing in its attempts to reach Millennials. It deals with the struggles Millennials face and how parents can strengthen their relationship in stressful times.

Abandoned Faith closes by emphasizing prayer and a foundation for biblical truth. This book is applicable both for the church and parents, but it also would be a great read for Millennials.

Skip Holman, minister of discipleship

Northeast Baptist Church

San Antonio