Review: Walk as Jesus Walked

Walk as Jesus Walked

By James E. Hassell (Smyth & Helwys)

What can 21^st century believers learn from a Christian ethicist born in the late 19^th century who spent much of his career throughout the mid-20^th century teaching in a Fort Worth seminary classroom? Plenty, if the teacher in question is T.B. Maston.

One of Maston’s favorite phrases to describe the ethical teachings of Scripture was “abidingly relevant,” and James Hassell finds Maston’s model for Christian decision-making similarly applicable. Hassell, until recently pastor of First Baptist Church in San Angelo, explores Maston’s “both-and framework,” which eschews the “either-or” choice of inflexible fundamentalism or relativistic liberalism. Instead, Maston’s approach to decision-making is built on the dynamics of biblical authority, God’s will and Christian spiritual maturity. Rather than looking to the Bible as a comprehensive rulebook that covers every decision a Christian faces, Maston emphasized timeless principles that must be applied within the context of relationships and the reality of any given day. Using a rubber band to illustrate his point, Maston frequently spoke about the tension created by the space between law and grace, freedom and responsibility, and God’s perfect will and God’s permissive will. Hassell examines how Maston applied his decision-making framework to the most pressing issue of his time—race relations. He also challenges readers to make the application to their own lives and ministries.

One of Maston’s many gifts was his ability to present complex ideas in simple language any layman could understand. Hassell does not always demonstrate that same ability, and some readers may get bogged down in his complicated—but insightful—examination of the influence of W.T. Conner and H. Richard Niebuhr on Maston. Put in the effort needed to plow through a few difficult passages. The overall message of this important book is worth it.

Ken Camp, managing editor

Baptist Standard