The Examination of the New Pentecostalism by Walter J. Chantry. Banner of Truth Trust 25p.
This most readable little book, as indicated in the title, is an examination of the New Pentecostalism. It is, we think, a fair minded able and judicious assessment of the nature, claims and dramatic progress of the charismatic movement, with its strong and definite appeal to many within and without the pale of the church: to Modernists, Roman Catholics and Evangelicals alike. The author does well to place the movement in its historical, ecclesiastical and contemporary setting. In so doing, he makes some very revealing remarks relative to the factors which produce a disposition in evangelical circles to favour, or at least to hesitate to recognise and condemn its unorthodox and anti-biblical character. The problem posed by this movement, the extent and diversity of the interest it has aroused, and the reasons for the variety of attitudes adopted towards it are all stated and co-ordinated in a clear and telling manner. The assertion that student organisations are in special danger of showing more than ordinary interest in the movement, possibly because of youth and inexperience is worthy of note. Further, the fact that on the Mission Front, pressure for unity tends to silence any criticism, should be taken seriously. The exploitation of youth and of that of the difficult circumstances peculiar to a mission field are tactics which rouse a certain degree of suspicion especially in the Ecumenical age.
A most valuable distinction is made by the writer between the claim that God is working miracles, as distinct from the charismatic affirmation that men have power in the 20th century to perform miracles. His comments on the grave aspersion involved in the Pentecostal claim to have the full Gospel, are merited, while his comparison between the so-called present day miracles and those of old and New Testament times are not only fair, but devastating. Another very important point made, is that the charismatic movement undermines confidence in the sufficiency of Scripture. It also emerges from his knowledge and study of the subject that the appeal made to Christians by this movement is carnal, emotional and shot through with sensationalism, and that behind it all, lies the misinterpretation of the Word of God.
While admitting the present relative impotence of the church and the desperate need of the Spirit’s power, he demonstrates that the Pentecostal movement of the Spirit fails to produce a holy, contrite, and humble race.
All in all this is one of the best books I have yet read on the New Pentecostal Movement, and heartily recommend its perusal. I have only to add that the popularity and danger of the Movement explains the rather extended Review I have endeavoured to give. F.M.
Commentary on Philippians by William Hendriksen. Banner of Truth £1.25
The reader of a ‘modernistic’ commentary is liable to have his mind and soul poisoned rather than purified by the perusal of such a work. Within the church, when scholarship is divorced from reverence and devotion, the results are disastrous. Even orthodoxy itself, combined with no ordinary degree of learning, without the secret unction of the Holy Spirit must leave much to be desired in any Commentary on the Scriptures.
In Dr Hendriksen’s volumes we think that we find that experimental and sanctifying knowledge of the Truth without which, neither pastoral, theological nor linguistic ability would equip him for the task of unfolding the treasures of the Word of God. His Commentaries on Paul’s epistles are all modelled more or less according to the same pattern and the Philippian epistle is no exception. Each chapter is prefaced by a synthetical synopsis of its contents and supplemented by a cluster of succinct seed thoughts. The whole volume is characterised by soundness of doctrine, balance of judgment, depth and penetration of thought. The somewhat lengthy footnotes are invaluable and betray no meagre degree of proficiency in the knowledge, character and structure of the original language. At the same time, this book may be profitably read by those who lack the ability to appreciate these. A sample of the author’s capability of putting his knowledge of the original language to its best and highest use is to be found on page 60, and with this quotation I leave you to judge of my warrant for recommending the reading of this Commentary.
“The apostle prays that as a further ingredient of their love the Philippians may have keen discernment; the taste and feeling for that which in any concrete situation is spiritually beautiful, the ‘aesthetic sense’ in the sphere of Christian duty and doctrine (aesthesis is the Greek word, occurring only here in the New Testament). Love, in other words should be judicious. This keen discernment or perception born of experience, is the ability of mind and heart to separate not only the good from the bad, but also the important from the unimportant, in each case choosing the former and rejecting the latter. This is indeed necessary. A person who possesses love but lacks ‘discernment’ may reveal a great deal of eagerness and enthusiasm. He may donate to all kinds of causes. His motives may be worthy and his intentions honourable, yet he may be doing more harm than good.” F.M.