What is Calvin doing with his hand?

This was a portrait shown at the John Calvin forum by Dr. Maag. She said many people have asked, "What is Calvin doing with his hand?" She gave us the answer. He's pointing to heaven or to God. In a more amusing note Dr. Wittmer said perhaps we could make it a new Christian greeting but then again we have the fish symbols that we put on our cars.

Tomorrow we are celebrating Calvin's birthday at the store. We will be serving cake and if you come in dressed up like Calvin you'll get 25% off your entire order and we'll put your name in a drawing for a collection of books on/by or influenced by Calvin valued at over $350.00. The books were graciously donated by three publishers: Baker Publishing Group, Westminster John Knox and Zondervan.

John Calvin Forum - Reflections

Well, our fourth forum is done and I was very happy with how well it went. With the absence of Dr. Muller we had an unexpected benefit--each speaker was allotted extra time and that gave each presenter the time to flesh out details they could have never done in a shorter time span. This gives me reason to perhaps limit the number of speakers in future forums.

We planned on 50 people and quickly exceeded that with over 60 in attendance. We were scrambling at the last minute for any chair available. Due to another group's meeting in the store at the same time our normal allotment of chairs had to be split. But when the dust settled most everyone had a seat and the evening was informative and most enjoyable. This was my first exposure to Dr. Maag and I was immediately impressed. Her presentation on Calvin was the best I've ever heard. (I'm so glad we recorded it. CDs should be available as soon as the end of this week.) Dr. Maag addressed four main areas regarding Calvin and misperceptions or misrepresentations as the case may be. 1) Calvin's temperament or personality. 2) Calvin and church discipline. 3) Calvin and predestination. 4) Calvin and Servetus. As Dr. Maag spoke the fallacies fell like apples from a ripe tree. Calvin did not bring the reformation to Geneva. It had already been accepted by the city before he got there. Calvin was not a dictator of Geneva. In fact, he had no voting rights until 1555. He was an influential pastor in the town but not the only pastor in town. Her discussion of Servetus was excellent. She never excused the act but put the entire event in its 16th century context. We are trying to get the video excerpt of that segment for you to see.

Dr. Wittmer was equally impressive. He expressed concern at first at his assigned topic. (I'll admit I was the one who gave it to him.) But he noted on Calvin's 400th birthday the up and rising star was a young theologian named Karl Barth. The thinking of the young liberal was in the air at that time and on this celebration of Calvin's 500th birthday we have the liberal thinking of many in the emergent church. He said that Calvin's 600th birthday was "not his problem." (That got a good laugh!) Wittmer did as I expected and hoped you would. He contrasted the liberal notions of the emergent church with the clear thinking of Calvin. But he emphasized that it is not just Calvin that he spoke for. The historic church (Iranaeus, Augustine, Luther, and many others) stand as a unified witness against the emergent church. The rejection of the cardinal doctrines is fundamentally at odds with historic Christianity. When Wittmer was done I saw Calvin as a pastor with a deep heart for the church and the health that comes with sound doctrine. He told how Warfield said that the number one name for God in Calvin's Institutes is "Father." It is the grace of God that is the shining light for Calvin much more so that his sovereignty. The most shocking thing he said was how some in the emergent movement are now saying that "they don't really believe everything they write!" Can't wait for the CD? His most recent blog post explains what this oddity means. One of Wittmer's main points was that "we have a revelation." That may sound simple but it has profound implications. With a revelation "we can know something about God and ourselves." That is incredibly important. We don't have to live in a world where doubt not only exists (he never denied that people have doubts) but that for some has become a virtue. Revelation makes knowledge possible.

We at Baker Book House have had a wonderful time hosting these forums and I'm already pondering what next year's should be. If you have any suggestions please let me know. For now let me publicly give a hearty thank you to both Dr. Maag and Dr. Wittmer for making our event such a success.

Blog Tour Coming July 14th

On July 14th we will participate in another blog tour. To see a list of participating blogs go here. The tour will be with author Fred von Kamecke and his new book Busted: Exposing Popular Myths about Christianity. Fred is an assistant pastor at The Chapel of Lake County, Illinois. He served as adjunct professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (my own alma mater) where he received his PhD in New Testament. The book has twenty chapters and is divided into four parts: 1) Myths about the Bible, 2) Myths about Jesus, 3) Myths about God and 4) Myths about the Christian Faith. The book is published by Zondervan with 272 pages and retails for $16.99.

John Calvin Forum Update

Tomorrow night is the much awaited forum on John Calvin. I regrettably have to announce that Dr. Muller will be unable to attend due to a family emergency. Dr. Muller informed me today that his mother has become gravely ill and he is traveling to be with her. We sympathize with the Muller family and will keep them in our prayers. The event will proceed as planned and an audio recording will be made. CDs of the event will be for sale at a later date.

A Weekend with Steven James

This past weekend I read the third installment of Steven James' "The Bowers Files." I'll admit at the outset that I don't read a lot of fiction but I love this series. It all started with a simple two minute video presented at a sales conference for the first book in the series--The Pawn. I watched it and thought "If the book is anything like that I've got to try it." If that was the intent of the video it worked on me (great marketing). After reading The Pawn I knew I would finish the series--it was that good. The next in the series was The Rook and I was just as intrigued. Now comes The Knight (if you're thinking chess set you're on the right track) and I keep thinking "he can't keep up this pace and still make a great book" but he does! Now for those of you who read tons of fiction and say "this is nothing new for great fiction writers" I say, indulge me the moment. (Next time you read a commentary and get all excited I'll let you go on and on. But I won't hold my breath. I know, I know. . . it's not the same.) So, anyway, where was I. . .oh yea, I love these books. The main character is an FBI agent, Patrick Bower, who tracks serial killers and in the three books the killers have made Bower a target. Bower uses a fairly new method for finding the killer called geographic profiling. Even this fascinated me since James has done his homework and admirably integrates genuine elements of the field into the book without boring you with unnecessary details. A subplot in the book is his relationship with his stepdaughter (Tessa) which at first I didn't think I would enjoy but with each book I love her more and more (I think they call that "character development" and I like it!). She's sharp, witty, very intelligent and often helps with the case even though more often than not her help is unsolicited. I now can't imagine a book without her.

I'm not going to do a proper review of The Knight because I'm sure I'd give something away and spoil it somehow. My co-worker, Chris (a fiction guru), has promised a review as the release date gets closer which is August. I will say I loved it as much as the first two and I can't wait for The Bishop (summer 2010).

Before I go let me address two things which have been "complaints" about the series. 1) They are too violent or the violence is too graphic. This is probably true for some readers but I never found the violence to be gratuitous. Some of the scenes remind me of Alfred Hitchcock. James will bring you only so far and leave the rest to your imagination. Furthermore, any reader of the Bible will encounter violence--sometimes very graphic. If you find it too violent, that's fine, don't read books about serial killers. (See James' thoughtful response to an Amazon reviewer who gave The Pawn one star because of the violence.) 2) There aren't enough "Christian" themes. You know, frankly this was something I found appealing especially if by "Christian theme" is meant a formal presentation of the gospel. I don't think a great story needs to include a gospel presentation in order to be acceptable to Christians. In The Knight Bower wrestles with some serious ethical issues. The major one being should he tell the truth on the witness stand or perjure himself and ensure that a serial killer is not set free. This is a spin on the old truth telling versus life saving dilemma and James handles it well. Christian themes don't always need to carry a label or be attached to a Bible verse. The depths of evil (read: depravity) capable in the human heart are vividly portrayed in ways prose can never describe. The struggle of a father to connect to his stepdaughter (read: family values) is poignant and real. I contend the themes are there. You may just not recognize them at first.

Does it glamorize violence? Are we being entertained by the macabre? Some will no doubt find entertainment where it doesn't belong but I don't believe that is the intent of the author. The fact of the matter is The Knight forces us to face the reality of evil in ways we don't want to think about. Evil is not just topic for philosophy classes. "Fiction" only means the story is not, in itself, true. It does not mean the realities it describes are not real. (James will sometimes make comments which may seem outlandish but upon investigation are very real. Example, Bowers at one point says, "Besides, killers are a lot more memorable than the guys who catch them. Nobody makes FBI agent or police officer trading cards, but three different companies make them for serial killers." (40) Serial killer trading cards? Really? This is just fiction right? Think again.)

I commend this series to you. You should read them in order. I'll let you know when Chris gives her review. You can find her review of The Rook here.

What about the video that first hooked me? I still love to watch it. Here it is:



The book is due out this August. It will be trade paper $13.99. Price subject to change without notice.

Can You Be "Reformed" and Deny Infant Baptism?

The most recent issue of Modern Reformation (July/August 2009) includes a letter to the editor regarding a book review by R. Scott Clark. The reader, James Balson, Jr., objects that Clark too narrowly defines those who can legitimately claim the title "Reformed" as only those who accept infant baptism. Balson says, "According to Clark, one is Reformed if he practices paedobaptism and is not Reformed if he practices credo-baptism." I found Clark's response very interesting:

"I am grateful to Mr. Balson for raising this important question. I wrote a book to address it, Recovering the Reformed Confession (2008). Evidently, the earliest Baptists did not think it necessary to call themselves "Reformed." They called themselves "General" or "Particular" Baptists. In the Reformation, the Reformed Churches confessed infant baptism as essential to the Reformed faith. In 1530, Zwingli did so in the Diet of Augsburg as did the Tetrapolitan Confession (ch. 18; 1530). The First Confession of Basel (Art. 12; 1534), First Helvetic Confession (Art. 22; 1536), Calvin's cathechisms (1537, 1538, 1545), The Geneva Confession (Art. 15; 1536/1537), and the French Confession (Art. 35; 1559), all confessed the moral necessity of infant baptism. In the Belgic Confession (Art. 34; 1561), the Dutch Reformed Churches confess, ' We detest the error of the Anabaptists,' specifically the practice of re-baptizing believers and denying infant baptism. The Second Helvetic Confession (1561/1566; ch. 20) specifically condemned the denial of paedobaptism. The Heidelberg Catechism (Q. 74; 1563) insisted on infant baptism. The Westminster Confession 28.5 (1647) arguably calls the 'neglect' or condemnation of infant baptism 'a great sin.' In the light of this evidence, it is hard to see how insisting on it is anything but consistent with confession of the Reformed churches in which one finds not only a soteriology but also an ecclesiology and doctrine of the Sacraments."

In light of this response we might ask should the "Reformed Baptists" change their name or has the term "reformed" taken on a broader meaning than it did during the 16th and 17th centuries?

Update: July 6 - I found this blog post by Michael Bird who defends the use of "reformed" with reference to John Piper and N. T. Wright against Clark. Bird says, "I think that "Reformed" has three primary usages: (1) it can be used historically to signify those Christian groups that emerged during or from the Reformation (Lutheran, Anabaptist, Presbyterian, Anglican, etc.), (2) it can be used theologically to describe those who hold to a Calvinistic and Covenantal theology (though we could ask which part of Calvin is essential and whose covenant theology - e.g. Kline or Murray - is pristine?); and (3) it can be used ecclesiologically to describe those churches that stand in the Continental/Scottish Presbyterian tradition. To say that Piper is "Reformed" it is to mean it in the sense of (2) not (3)."

I'm inclined to agree with Bird.

German New Testament Scholar Martin Hengel Dies at 82

The world of New Testament scholarship has suffered a great loss today. I've just read that Martin Hengel died today. He was 82 years old. It is fair to say that when Hengel spoke people listened--liberals and conservatives alike. Darrell Bock gave credit to Hengel in the development of his commentary on Acts in the Baker Exegetical Commentary Series. He said, "Doctor Martin Hengel of the University of Tubingen hosted me on a 2004-5 Humboldt Stiftung scholarship, which allowed me to complete this work. It was my third opportunity to spend a year in a place that has become a second Heimat. Our numerous conversations about the early church and its history, held in his home provided a wealth of insight and wisdom for which I am grateful." (Author's Preface) His legacy will live on not only in his own works but as we can see from Bock from those who had the pleasure to benefit more closely from him. Rightly Dividing has some helpful links on some of his works and online articles.

What Can We Gain From Calvin Today?

Desiring God Ministries asked this question of Mark Talbot, Sam Storms, John Piper, Doug Wilson and Marvin Olasky. All of them are speakers at the Desiring God 2009 National Conference this year called "With Calvin in the Theater of God." Their answers are quite varied but very interesting.

What did they say? In a sentence here it is but you should listen to them. None are longer than three minutes. It will be time well spent.

Talbot: "We can gain an awareness that the best theology comes from ministering to people."

Storms: "We can gain a deep appreciation for the Lord's Supper."

Piper: "We can gain an orientation on the majesty and holiness of God."

Wilson: "We can gain a rock solid, absolute confidence in the Bible."

Olasky: "We can gain an understanding that it's important to write clearly without losing depth."

Paul Helm starts series on N.T. Wright's Justification

Philosopher Paul Helm will be starting a series of posts on N. T. Wright's book Justification. Helm is Professor of Theology at Highland Theological College and a premier philosopher from a Calvinistic perspective. The series will be most interesting. Also, my friend Paul Adams is continuing his list of other online resources that interact or review Wright's book. Paul has assembled a good list to start the curious reader who wants to know what the fuss is all about. Also see the handy primer compiled by Trevin Wax on the differences between Wright and John Piper. A brave endeavor indeed to try to summarize the two of them on one sheet!

Church: Love it, Don't Leave it

Kevin DeYoung and Ted Kluck have landed on the Washington Post with a great article which hopefully will lead many to read their new book Why We Love the Church. By the way our shipment has arrived in the store. If you don't need more than 75 copies we have a copy for you. The first paragraph of the Washington Post article is vintage DeYoung and Kluck:

"Here's what Bono, Oprah, and the guru speakers on PBS won't tell you: Jesus believed in organized religion and he founded an institution. Of course, Jesus had no patience for religious hacks and self-righteous wannabes, but he was still Jewish. And as Jew, he read the Holy Book, worshiped in the synagogue, and kept Torah. He did not start a movement of latte-drinking disciples who excelled in spiritual conversations. He founded the church (Matt. 16:18) and commissioned the apostles to proclaim the good news that Israel's Messiah had come and the sins of the world could be forgiven through his death on the cross (Matt. 28:18-20; Acts 2:14-36)."

I'm pleased to announce that Kevin and Ted will be our guest speakers at this year's Youth Pastor's Breakfast. It is scheduled for Friday, September 18th at Kentwood Community Church. As in year's past after the speaker and a hearty breakfast we will be highlighting new product of interest to those involved in Youth Ministry. And, yes, there will be lots of freebies. For those who are in the area you won't want to miss it. Contact the store to sign up - local is 616-957-3110 or toll free 866-241-6733.

Blog Tours - Some Reflections

Yesterday this blog participated in a blog tour hosted by Zondervan with author Latayne Scott and her book The Mormon Mirage. This has been my third blog tour and I thought it would be nice to reflect on why I do them and how they benefit those involved.

First, let's be honest every blogger wants as much traffic as he/she can get. I'm no exception. It is a nice way to reach new people and have them spend just a little time on your blog. But with that out of the way I find there are other reasons.

How about the author? Well, without leaving their home or office they can cross the countryside in a day and visit a number of venues where they can interact with those who have taken the time to read and ask questions about their book. As a bookstore I've witnessed more than one "author signing" where very few people showed up. Though some bloggers who originally signed up for yesterday's tour did not post anything there is virtually no loss of time or resources for the author, publisher or a bookstore when there is no post (although the publisher does provide a free copy of the book to those bloggers who sign up).

How about the publisher? The more attention the book gets the better the sales will be. (This will also help the author too!) Also, potential authors watch how publishers handle books and sometimes will be drawn to a publisher who is serious and innovative about getting the word out about a new book. Thus the publisher is indirectly drawing fresh new authors or authors who are unhappy with their current publisher.

The biggest winner, I think, is the reader. For anyone interested in the book or author they have an opportunity to read a number a reviews and to see interaction with the author. They can also ask questions of their own and have the author respond. No books will get signed but that can wait for another day.

Any disappointments? My biggest disappointment is visiting a blog that is listed as participating and finding nothing there. Now this could be due to any number of reasons and I'm not trying to find fault. I suspect one of the biggest reasons for this is people sign up and then forget when the day rolls by. I know I almost did and had to remind myself several times of the day of the tour. (Mental note: the next blog tour for me is July 14th.) But people are busy and a blog is a voluntary luxury that is often last on the list of priorities. By the way a few of my favorites that did participate in yesterday's tour can be found here, here, here, and here. Visit them and see what a tour is all about.

The tours have been fun. If you are a blogger I encourage you to participate in one. Zondervan announces their tours through their blog Koinonia. Visit it regularly to see what's coming. Not to mention it's just an amazing blog in its own right. So, many thanks to the folks at Zondervan who put these together and I, for one, say keep them coming!