on Regular Bible Reading

I can think of no better to way to break the long silence on this blog site than to share this helpful 5-minute video produced by Desiring God on the topic of Bible reading: what it is not and what it is.

on Regular Bible Reading

Essays on Theological Interpretation of Scripture

One of my reading projects this year is to work through the entirety of Dictionary for Theological Interpretation of Scripture (Baker Academic, 2005).  Thus far, I have read through Kevin J. Vanhoozer's introductory article on theological interpretation of scripture and all of the articles under the letter A.  At this point I found it necessary to go back and re-read the introductory article to make sure I understood the unique contribution to biblical studies this dictionary is promising to deliver.  I recommend Vanhoozer's article.  I found it to be very helpful and will share highlights in a later post.

Another article that I began reading today and will attempt to finish tonight is one that Andy Nasselli kindly posted on The Gospel Coalition blog: D. A. Carson's evaluation of Theological Interpretation of Scripture.  Andy posted a PDF version of this article along with a distinctly Nassellian-style outlined summary.

Thanks to a post by Rod Decker on February 7, 2012 on his NT Resources Blog, I also found a review of Carson's essay written by Brent Parker for The Credo Magazine blog (2/7/12).

Carson's essay has been published in Theological Commentary: Evangelical Perspectives, edited by R. Michael Allen (T&T Clark Int'l, 2011).  This is my first introduction to this new book.  It looks very interesting and carries some great endorsements, especially from my friend Mark Gignilliat.

R. Michael Allen is Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology, Knox Theological Seminary, Fort Lauderdale, USA.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:

1: Theological Commentary Michael Allen

2: Genesis 1 Ryan S. Peterson

3: Exodus 3 Michael Allen

4: Psalm 22: Forsakenness and the God Who Sings Kelly M. Kapic

5: Proverbs 8: Hearing Lady Wisdom's Offer Again Daniel J. Treier

6: Ezekiel 14: "I, The Lord, Have Deceived That Prophet": Divine Deception, Inception, and Communicative Action Kevin J. Vanhoozer

7: Mark 12: God's Lordly Son and Trinitarian Christology Scott R. Swain

8: John 1: Preexistent Logos and God the Son Henri Blocher

9: Ephesians 4:1-16: The Ascension, the Church, and the Spoils of War Michael Horton

10: Colossians 3: Deification, Theosis, Participation, or Union with Christ? Andrew McGowan

11: What is Theological Commentary? An Old Testament Perspective Walter L. Moberly

12: Theological Interpretation of Scripture: Yes, But... D. A. Carson

ENDORSEMENTS:

'This excellent collection brings together some fine examples of theological interpretation at work on particular biblical texts, along with some sympathetic assessments of the prospects for reading Scripture theologically. Each of the essays demonstrates exegetical finesse, theological alertness, and sensitivity to the spiritual dimensions of study of Scripture; taken together, they deserve a wide and attentive readership.'

JOHN WEBSTER, UNIVERSITY OF ABERDEEN, UK

'Whatever resides at the edges of evangelical identity, the Bible is certainly at the center. This fine collection of essays models theological exegesis across the terrain of the canon. It avoids the pitfall of speaking endlessly about method and turns its attention directly to the Scriptures themselves. This collection inspires hope for those who believe our approach to reading Scripture should reflect a Christian confession regarding its nature and role. The concluding essays by Moberly and Carson throw some spice into the pot as well. To the Bible and this volume I say: Take up and read.'

MARK GIGNILLIAT, SAMFORD UNIVERSITY, USA

'The twofold task skilfully undertaken in this volume should inspire all Christians: first, to practise reading Scripture unabashedly as God's self-revelation with Christ Jesus at its center, while benefiting from historical-critical research; second, to do so from within the (ecclesial) act of faith and thus from a dogmatic perspective - in this case, by and large, Reformed dogmatics. Michael Allen is to be commended for his vision of theological renewal.'

MATTHEW LEVERING, UNIVERSITY OF DAYTON, USA

Essays on Theological Interpretation of Scripture

Resources for New Testament Exegesis: Handy Desktop by Roy Ciampa

While looking for a particular article on the use of the OT in the NT, I came across Dr. Roy Ciampa's handy bibliography on the subject: The Use of the Old Testament in the New (see also here).  Roy Ciampa is currently, Director of the Th.M. program in Biblical Studies, Professor of New Testament, and Chair of the Division of Biblical Studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.  The bibliography I found is located on his website, Resources for New Testament Exegesis, which is a tool made available particularly to students at GCTS, but it may also useful to you.  I will mark it.  Ciampa has also created an even more efficient desktop called DESKTOP TWO.  Check it out.  He has done a GREAT job of providing quick access to a lot of excellent resources from one location.

PS: On the topic of OT in the NT, you can find a brief bibliography supplied by D. A. Carson in the syllabus for the Fall 2011 Ph.D. Seminar at TEDS here.  Take notice of the following advice: "This is only a very small selection, chosen for diversity and usefulness to the assignments of this seminar. There is much more bibliography in Beale/Carson. Do not neglect the very substantial article literature—not least the important essay by Earle Ellis in CRINT."

Resources for New Testament Exegesis: Handy Desktop by Roy Ciampa

Carson's Pastoral Reflections on Suffering & Evil

The following notes are highlights from Carson's chapter 13, "Some Pastoral Reflections," in How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Suffering and Evil (Grand Rapids: Baker Book House, 1990).

When unbelievers grieve, there are opportunities for Christians to help and serve and share the gospel; but in this book I am not specifically addressing that challenge (though of course many of the same things apply).  Here I have the Christian in view.

1. We must recognize that grief normally passes through predictable stages.

 The value of recognizing that stages of grief are common, however, is that the person who is trying to offer comfort will see the telltale signs and respond appropriately.... It would do many would-be comforters good to sit down and read the moving and candidly personal book of Nicholas Wolterstorff, Lament for a Son, written after his twenty-five-year old son was killed in a mountain-climbing accident. 

[Dr. Carson also references C. S. Lewis's A Grief Observed in other parts of this book. Another book along similar lines recommended to me by Michael Howell, our Minister of Pastoral Care at our home church (Trinity), is Benjamin Morgan Palmer's Death in the Home: A Christian Father Responds to Loss. I would also add my recommendation of John Goldingay's Walk On; Layton Talbert's Not By Chance: Learning to Trust a Sovereign God and Beyond Suffering: Discovering the Message of Job; as well as these representative missionary biographies: the two-volume biography of J. Hudson Taylor, and Darlene Deibler Rose's Evidence Not Seen.]

2. Some grief takes a long time to heal.
3. Frequently in the midst of suffering the most comforting "answers" are simple presence, help, silence, tears.
4. Many verbal expressions of encouragement should not be based on the assumption that they must answer an implicit "Why?"
5. When verbalized answers to anguished cries of "Why?" are required, what and how much we provide will depend largely on what might be called our spiritual diagnosis, that tis, our assessment of the needs and capacity of the individual. 

When a Christian I do not know very well asks that sort of question, my response to that question may be, "I cannot give you all the answers to your 'Why?' But you may draw courage from the fact that the one who loves you so much he died for you asked the same question: "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?""

6. There is nothing in Scripture to encourage us to think we should always be free from the vicissitudes that plague a dying world.... But where self-seeking, self-gratifying forms of Western Christianity predominate, it is essential to lay out these truths, loudly and often.
7. For one reason or another, suffering is often associated with guilt feelings.
8. Some forms of suffering require active intervention.

In countless instances, Christians provide—they must provide—more than a counseling service or a shoulder to cry on.

9. It is important to offer hope.
10. It is important to help people to live one day at a time.
11. Above all, we must help people know God better.
12. To this end, we must pray for those who suffer.

Carson's Pastoral Reflections on Suffering & Evil

"Prayer is the measure of the man, spiritually..." Packer

I am posting this primarily for my own exhortation.

One of the foundational steps in knowing God, and one of the basic demonstrations that we know God, is prayer—spiritual, persistent, biblically minded prayer. Writing a century and a half ago, Robert Murray M'Cheyne declared, "What a man is alone on his knees before God, that he is, and no more."

I do not write these things to manipulate you or to be engendering guilty feelings. But what shall we do? Have not many of us tried at one point or another to improve our praying, and floundered so badly that we are more discouraged than we ever were? Do you not sense, with me, the severity of the problem? Granted that most of us know some individuals who are remarkable prayer warriors, is it not nevertheless true that by and large we are better at organizing than agonizing? Better at administering than interceding? Better at fellowship than fasting? Better at entertaining than worship? Better at theological articulation than spiritual adoration? Better—God help us!—at preaching than praying?

What is wrong? Is not this sad state of affairs some sort of index of our knowledge of God? Shall we not agree with J. I. Packer when he writes, "I believe that prayer is the measure of the man, spiritually, in a way that nothing else is, so that how we pray is as important a question as we can face"? (J. I. Packer, in My Path of Prayer)

D. A. Carson, A Call to Spiritual Reformation, Baker, 1992 (my copy courtesy of Mark Gunn a reader of this blog. Thank you, again!)   

"Prayer is the measure of the man, spiritually..." Packer

How Do I Know God Exists? - D. A. Carson

Here's another argument for the practice of theology being a matter of changing hearts and lives rather than merely an "elite exercise" (see my previous post).



HT: Challies.com

How Do I Know God Exists? - D. A. Carson

Zondervan Giveaway

From Zondervan (Koinonia Blog):

Giveaway: A Shorter Introduction to the New Testament:

We're giving away 5 copies of Introducing the New Testament: A Short Guide to Its History and Message. This new abridgement of the classic textbook by D.A. Carson and Douglas J. Moo is perfect for personal study, Bible studies, and small groups. (Enter the Giveaway and Learn more here)

How is this new abridgement different from the textbook?

This abridgement still contains great scholarship, but you won't feel like you're reading a textbook. This is a resource ideal for personal, Sunday school, or small group use; a helpful guide to keep in your backpack, so to speak, whenever you're journeying through the New Testament and seek a deeper understanding.

Each book of the NT receives its own chapter. You will explore each book's historical context, content, and contribution to the canon. You'll also find helpful introductory chapters on the Gospels, the NT letters, and the theology of Paul. Each chapter includes discussion question that will enhance your personal study or help you discuss the content with others. Read a sample.

This book is an excellent resource! The fuller version is fantastic and Naselli has done us a great service in trimming it down for a larger audience.  We recommend this book!

Zondervan Giveaway

D. A. Carson's Endorsement of The Heresy of Orthodoxy

What creativity!  You've gotta love this endorsement for The Heresy of Orthodoxy: How Contemporary Culture's Fascination with Diversity Has Reshaped Our Understanding of Early Christianity (Foreword by I. Howard Marshall) by Andreas J. Kostenberger and Michael Kruger (Crossway, 2010).

"In the beginning was Diversity. And the Diversity was with God, and the Diversity was God. Without Diversity was nothing made that was made. And it came to pass that nasty old 'orthodox' people narrowed down diversity and finally squeezed it out, dismissing it as heresy. But in the fullness of time (which is of course our time), Diversity rose up and smote orthodoxy hip and thigh. Now, praise be, the only heresy is orthodoxy. As widely and as unthinkingly accepted as this reconstruction is, it is historical nonsense: the emperor has no clothes. I am grateful to Andreas Köstenberger and Michael Kruger for patiently, carefully, and politely exposing this shameful nakedness for what it is."
—D. A. Carson, Research Professor of New Testament, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School

---

AUTHORS:
Andreas J. Köstenberger is director of PhD Studies and professor of New Testament at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary in Wake Forest, North Carolina. He is a prolific author, distinguished evangelical scholar, and Editor of the Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society. Dr. Köstenberger and his wife have four children.

Michael J. Kruger (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is associate professor of New Testament and academic dean at Reformed Theological Seminary, and the author of a number of articles and books on early Christianity.

DESCRIPTION:
Evaluating historical evidence, this book defends early Christian orthodoxy from the legacy of New Testament criticism: the modern "orthodoxy of diversity."

Beginning with Walter Bauer in 1934, the denial of clear orthodoxy in early Christianity has shaped and largely defined modern New Testament criticism, recently given new life through the work of spokesmen like Bart Ehrman. Spreading from academia into mainstream media, the suggestion that diversity of doctrine in the early church led to many competing orthodoxies is indicative of today's postmodern relativism. Authors Köstenberger and Kruger engage Ehrman and others in this polemic against a dogged adherence to popular ideals of diversity.


Köstenberger and Kruger's accessible and careful scholarship not only counters the "Bauer Thesis" using its own terms, but also engages overlooked evidence from the New Testament. Their conclusions are drawn from analysis of the evidence of unity in the New Testament, the formation and closing of the canon, and the methodology and integrity of the recording and distribution of religious texts within the early church.

• Format: Trade Paperback
• Pages: 256

• Size: 5.5 x 8.5 inches
• Expected: Jun 30, 2010

D. A. Carson's Endorsement of The Heresy of Orthodoxy

Forthcoming from Crossway Books

I just read a notice from Andy Naselli regarding a new book by D. A. Carson on the doctrine of Scripture.  Here's the title and description:

D. A. Carson. Collected Writings on Scripture. Wheaton: Crossway, 2010.

It reprints and slightly updates five essays and five reviews:

1. Approaching the Bible
   
2. Recent Developments in the Doctrine of Scripture
   
3. Unity and Diversity in the New Testament: The Possibility of Systematic Theology
   
4. Redaction Criticism: On the Legitimacy and Illegitimacy of a Literary Tool
   
5. Is the Doctrine of Claritas Scripturae Still Relevant Today?
   
6. Three Books on the Bible: A Critical Review
   
7. Three More Books on the Bible: A Critical Review
   
8. Review of Jeffrey L. Sheler, Is the Bible True?
   
9. Review of Alan G. Padgett and Patrick R. Keifert, eds., But Is It All True?
   
10. Review of Roland Boer, Rescuing the Bible
    

(HT: Andy Naselli)

I went to the Crossway website to see if they listed any further details, but I could not find any.  I'm sure it will be posted shortly.  However, while I was there I browsed through their list of forthcoming titles and the following books caught my eye:

George Whitefield: God's Anointed Servant in the Great Revival of the Eighteenth Century - Arnold A. Dallimore

This fast-paced, easy-to-read narrative reveals how God used one man of great courage, discipline, and humility to bring countless souls to Christ.

$17.99 Trade Paperback
Available Mar 31, 2010
9781433513411

Note: This is an abridged edition of the classic, larger, two-volume edition published by Banner of Truth.

Surprised by Grace: God's Relentless Pursuit of Rebels - Tullian Tchividjian

As today's Christians struggle to grasp the gospel's true power, Surprised by Grace unfolds a liberating story that helps us come to grips with the shocking extent of God's compassion.

$18.99 Hardcover w/Jacket
Available May 31, 2010
9781433507755

Note: I really appreciated Tchividhian's Unfashionable and expect this to be just as helpful.

God, Marriage, and Family: Rebuilding the Biblical Foundation (Second Edition) - Andreas J. Köstenberger and David W. Jones

This updated edition of Köstenberger and Jones's acclaimed work tackles the latest challenges to God's plan for the home and urges a return to a biblical foundation.

$22.99 Trade Paperback
Available May 31, 2010
9781433503641

Note: Köstenberger is passionate about this subject.

The Heresy of Orthodoxy: How Contemporary Culture's Fascination with Diversity Has Reshaped Our Understanding of Early Christianity (Foreword by I. Howard Marshall) - Andreas J. Köstenberger and Michael Kruger

Evaluating historical evidence, this book defends early Christian orthodoxy from the legacy of New Testament criticism: the modern "orthodoxy of diversity."

$17.99 Trade Paperback
Available Jun 30, 2010
9781433501432

Note: Köstenberger and Kruger are very thoughtful and thorough scholars.  I expect that the product of this joint effort will be excellent.

Crossway ESV Bible Atlas - John D. Currid and David P. Barrett

This groundbreaking, full-color companion to the ESV Bible combines visual appeal with state-of-the-art historical and geographical resources in one user-friendly volume.

$55.00 Hardcover
Available Jun 30, 2010
9781433501920

Evangelicalism: What Is It and Is It Worth Keeping? - D. A. Carson

D.A. Carson presents a biblical/theological definition of evangelicalism that is rooted in the New Testament's description of the gospel and that retains its relevance today.

$14.99 Trade Paperback
Available Sep 30, 2010
9781433511226

Note: Here's another topic about which Carson is passionate.

Forthcoming from Crossway Books

D.A. Carson (December 21, 1946)

Happy birthday to D.A. Carson, born in Ottawa, Canada on this day in 1946. A pastor's son, Dr. Carson is research professor at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, Illinois, where he has been since 1978. From the Gospel Coalition website:

Carson came to Trinity from the faculty of Northwest Baptist Theological Seminary in Vancouver, British Columbia, where he also served for two years as academic dean. He has served as assistant pastor and pastor and has done itinerant ministry in Canada and the United Kingdom.

Carson received the Bachelor of Science in chemistry from McGill University, the Master of Divinity from Central Baptist Seminary in Toronto, and the Doctor of Philosophy in New Testament from the University of Cambridge.

Dr. Carson is a biblical scholar with a pastoral heart. For more reflections on this theme see Jason's article on Carson from last December. I have profited from Carson's technical commentaries and from the more popular-level biblical studies he has written. Quite possibly the most helpful books I've read from him so far have been Exegetical Fallacies and A Call to Spiritual Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers. The former helped me to rightly interpret Scripture better; the latter helped me pray more scripturally-informed prayers.

A bibliography of D.A. Carson's published works can be found here on the Gospel Coalition website. Also available is an extensive collection of mp3 sermons and lectures by Carson, collected by Andy Naselli.

Do you have favorite books or sermons by D.A. Carson? How has he helped you the most? Let us know in the comments.

D.A. Carson (December 21, 1946)

What Remains into Eternity

I've been reading through D.A. Carson's book, Showing the Spirit, as part of my preparation for a Sunday School series I'm teaching on 1 Corinthians 12-14. Carson is very helpful in this passage of Scripture, as he is in other passages he has addressed. The section at the end of his comments on 1 Corinthians 13:13 caught my eye, and I thought I'd share it.

Two centuries ago, Jonathan Edwards probed the question as to what makes the church like heaven. His answer: it is love. The church's manifestation in time of the glories that are yet to come is not accomplished in the gift of tongues, nor even in prophecy, giving, teaching. It is accomplished in love. One day all the charismatics who know the Lord and all the noncharismatics who know the Lord will have nothing to fight over; for the so-called charismatic gifts will have forever passed. At that point, both of these groups of believers will look back and thoughtfully contemplate the fact that what connects them with the world they have left behind is not the gift of tongues, nor animosity toward the gift of tongues, but the love they sometimes managed to display toward each other despite the gift of tongues. The greatest evidence that heaven has invaded our sphere, that the Spirit has been poured out upon us, that we are citizens of a kingdom not yet consummated, is Christian love.

(pp. 75-76)

This reminds me of what our Lord said in John 13:35—"By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." It's easy to allow our gifts or learning to take center stage in our ministries, but the sine qua non is love. Without love we are nothing and our best efforts are meaningless noise. With love we can be a visible connection to eternity.

D.A. Carson. Showing the Spirit: A Theological Exposition of 1 Corinthians 12-14 (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 1987)

What Remains into Eternity

Master Scripture Index for the NSBT Series

Kudos to Andy Naselli for collating the Scripture Indices from one of my favorite evangelical theological series. This is a great tool and another good reason to collect all of the volumes in this series. See my post on this series here.

Master Scripture Index for New Studies in Biblical Theology

I recently prepared a master Scripture index for the New Studies in Biblical Theology series edited by D. A. Carson. I combined the Scripture indexes into a single spreadsheet and placed an asterisk by each page number where there is a discussion rather than merely a reference or brief comment. This is an especially valuable resource for those who are working on individual texts and would like to consult substantive discussions in the NSBT series.

Master Scripture Index for the NSBT Series

D. A. Carson, A Gospel-Centered Man

The second of three children, Donald Arthur Carson was born on December 21, 1946, to Thomas Donald McMillan Carson and his wife Elizabeth Margaret (née Maybury).

(D. A. Carson," by Andreas J. Köstenberger in Bible Interpreters of the 20th Century [Baker Books, 1999], 423)

While many know D. A. Carson for his mind and his impressive scholarly writings, few people know the heart that produces those works. It is especially obvious in How Long, O Lord? Reflections on Suffering an Evil and A Call to Spiritual Reformation: Priorities from Paul and His Prayers, which give evidence of a deeply personal faith.

Though Carson is a very private person, his friends attest to his devotion to family and his true pastor's heart. (ibid, 423)

I would add that Carson's biographical sketch of his father, Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson (Crossway, 2008), naturally opens the veil to understanding more about Carson himself. I began by titling this post, "D. A. Carson, A Gospel-Centered Pastor/Scholar," and while this is true, I think that it falls a bit short. I have been deeply impressed through what I have read and heard that Carson strives to be a well-rounded man: husband, father, friend, pastor, teacher, scholar, etc. That's a goal many tragically loose sight of: striving for faithfulness and balance in each God-given role. I'm sure that he is not a perfect example (who is?), but his testimony in this regard has been encouraging to me.

It has only been during the past few years that I have begun to read some of his works and listen to some of his sermons and lectures. I just recently finished listening to a series of sermons he preached on the Doctrine of the Last Things, a five part series dealing with chapters 4, 5, 12, 13 and 21 of the book of Revelation, and was tremendously blessed by it. I would recommend that you also check out Andy Naselli's theology blog for more links and information about D. A. Carson.

D. A. Carson, A Gospel-Centered Man

Father's Day Book Review: Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by D.A. Carson

Carson, D. A. Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson. Wheaton, ILL: Crossway, 2008. Trade Paperback, 160 pages. $15.99

Purchase: Crossway | WTS | CBD | Amazon

Excerpt: Preface and Chapter 1 - 541K PDF

ISBNs: 1433501996 / 9781433501999

I read this book a few weeks ago and decided to hold off on my review until today, Father’s Day. Over the past few months I have learned a great deal from D. A. Carson regarding fatherhood. These lessons began with my downloading and listening to his three messages delivered at the 2008 Desiring God Conference for Pastors:

1. The Pastor as Son of the Heavenly Father (MP3 audio | MP4 video)
2. The Pastor as Son of an Earthly Father (MP3 audio | MP4 video)
3. The Pastor as Father to His Family and Flock (MP3 audio | MP4 video)

[HT: Andy Naselli]

While addressed to a group of pastors, these messages would be beneficial to any Christian father. At the root level, these messages present a theology of the father/son relationship with special attention given to the Father/Son relationship and how it is a model for pastoral ministry. Sprinkled throughout the messages are anecdotes from Carson’s own experience. Many of the stories shared are elaborated upon in Carson’s memoir of his father, Tom Carson. It was after listening (and re-listening) to these messages that I determined to request a copy of this book so that I could review it here.

Some years ago I asked my pastor about a particular biography and he responded that one ought to be concerned with not only the subject of the biography but also the biographer. A biographer can either make or break your perception of the subject. Normally you want to read about a subject by a biographer who was very close to that subject. For instance, Jill Morgan’s biography of G. Campbell Morgan, her father-in-law, is considered to be the best on his life. Theodore Beza on Calvin is very helpful; Islay Burns on his brother, William C. Burns, is fantastic; Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor on J. Hudson Taylor is a classic; A. T. Robertson on his friend and colleague, John A. Broadus is superb; and S. Pearce Carey on his great-grandfather, William Carey, is not to be passed by. However, some of those who seem to be best-suited to write on a particular subject’s life are not always to be preferred. The temptation is to put the subject into the best light possible diminishing faults and errors.

Over the past year I’ve read a handful of critical biographies by researchers who did not have a prescribed agenda. They didn’t have anything to lose by exposing an area of weakness, nor did they necessarily have anything to gain by inflating the praiseworthy features of their subject. Certainly, every biography leans subjectively toward the biographer’s limited perspective and knowledge of the facts; however allowing “the warts and all” to remain is a benefit to the reader. The biographer’s job is not to campaign for the canonization of his subject as a saint, but rather to display how God selected, taught and used a jar of clay.

I find in D. A. Carson’s biography of his father a respectable balance between a loving memoir of one who was very dear to him, and a careful accounting of the work of a fellow-servant of Christ with respect to his times, place of ministry, giftedness for service, ecclesiastical struggles, display of leadership in the home, and personal battles. In the technical sense, this memoir is not a critical biography, however Carson’s giftedness as a researcher shines through in the way that this biography is outlined and filled out. Carson does use footnotes (not endnotes, Thank you!) but only sparingly.

Carson begins with a historical sketch of Canada, its growth as a nation and the makeup of its people. This is a very important chapter and ought not to be neglected. It sets the stage for a proper understanding of the types of ministries Tom Carson pursued and how the changes that came in the latter part of his ministry were so significantly different from those in the former.

Chapters two and three introduce us to Tom and Marg Carson. Chapter two unwraps Tom’s educational track, his marriage to Marg and the early years of his ministry among both English and French Speaking congregations. Chapter three gives us a glimpse into the tasks of this “ordinary pastor” as he labored to evangelize the residents of Montréal, Canada. Tom was not out for numbers, but for souls. He systematically carried out his missionary calling via door-to-door evangelism, tract distribution and regular mailings. The work was very difficult and it seemed as if the town, being predominantly Catholic, was completely against the simple, Baptist Protestant. Even though the results were few, Tom is shown to have remained persistent in his duties.

Chapter four introduces a major crisis in Tom’s ministry. A promising opportunity presented itself in another city but a division ensued between Tom and the Union of Regular Baptist (of which Tom was a dedicated member). Here the reader is left to rely upon the Carson’s understanding and research into the details of this crisis. I’m not in a position to critique Carson’s account of this incident; however, having been reared in a very similar circle, it all appears to be believable. In fact, Carson is very careful in this section to document his claims by reproducing portions of key letters and documents. He also adds as an Appendix to this book “The Letter of 5 May 1948”. In this letter Tom Carson presents his position and accounts for the way in which he dealt with the crisis over finances for planting the Drummondville church. One further note about this chapter that I cannot pass up is the point Carson makes about Tom not mentioning this issue to his children, and his choice "to accept the loss, speak softly, weep over the deterioration of a great leader, and move on" (p. 58). This is profound wisdom and a powerful display of trust in the sovereign Lord who alone is able to right all wrongs.

The most fascinating portion of chapter five is Carson’s account of family life. After a hilarious story about Carson’s mother counseling his sister, Joyce, to strike back “once, as hard as she could” in an effort to deal with a young tormentor, Carson walks us through some of the things that were most sacred to the family. For instance, Tom and Marg used the mealtimes to feed their children both physically and spiritually. Tom is remembered as being eager and willing to play with his children. Having small children myself, I’m learning how much they need this and was glad for the reminder/instruction found here. Tom, although a studious minister, did not neglect physical exercise either. The family valued music and the children were taught to sing. Discipline was a coordinated effort between the parents, disrespect and bad attitudes were punishable offenses, and whining was not tolerated. The children were taught to respect Tom’s study and prayer times. The image of a praying father is still burnt on Carson’s memory (this is invaluable). And Tom was a man of the Word, having memorized so many texts that he was able to use phrases for his natural responses.

All of these positive features of the Carson home are balanced out by the admission of particular weaknesses. Carson does not dwell long on these things, not that we should desire him to, but he at least mentions them so that the reader might have a more balanced view of the subject of this biography. It is also important to note the fact that Tom was a very private person, one reticent to show outward affection, often overly concerned with details so that we might see more clearly how the Lord caused him to grow and mature.

Chapter six serves as the heart of this memoir. The previous crisis was awful, but this one seemed to be nearly devastating. For me, this was a hard chapter to read and I’m not a pastor. I know a handful of men who have or are struggling in similar situations. In this chapter the reader is introduced to Tom’s journal-keeping exercise. It seems that this exercise stemmed from Tom’s extremely high work-ethic. Tom tended by be very introspective and held himself to rigorous goals. He kept records of what he did, when he preached and how many were present in each of the services.

In this chapter, we also come to the place where Tom decides that it is time for him to resign his ministry. This is a difficult thing to read through, but many circumstances brought Tom and Marg to follow through with this. The work was very difficult, the costs were very great, and the fruit was very small. Tom was burdened to see sinners brought to Jesus and when a long period of barrenness came he became discouraged. This leads into a “must read” section of this memoir where Carson outlines nine reflections intended “not only [to] put some of Tom’s comments into perspective but…[also to] help discouraged ministers of the gospel today” (92). Let me say it this way, these four-plus pages are worth more than the price of the book.

Chapter seven recounts Tom’s transition from full-time sacred service to secular service. This, I’m sure, was a difficult step to take, but this chapter is very encouraging as the reader gets to see how the providence of God worked to continue to allow Tom to be useful and to be able to grow spiritually in new ways. During this period the Lord opened up new doors of “academic” opportunity and leadership within a different local assembly.

Chapter eight brings the story full-swing from the hard, depressing days of the first seven chapters into days of transformation and growth in the Gospel. New leadership had arisen and a new air of openness in the Canadian society was being evidenced. In fact, the Lord was working in ways that men like Tom Carson had prayed for and prepared for throughout the previous decades. This brought about new challenges for Tom as he learned to deal with the success of others, and it also brought about further opportunities of service for the sake of the gospel.

Chapters nine and ten take us into the final days of weakened health for both Marg and then Tom. First we see Marg’s struggle with Alzheimer’s and Tom’s adjustment to the more supportive role up until her death. Then we are taken into the final years of Tom Carson, as he learns to cope with the loss of his life-long friend, and as his body begins to weaken. However, during this period Tom begins to share his theological reflections and meditations more frequently in his journals. During these years he includes many poems and hymns in his entries. I found it interesting that Carson chose to include Tom’s opinion of Graham, regarding his cooperation with Roman Catholics, as “Jehoshaphat with Ahab” (p. 142).

[Interestingly enough, this is the same biblical account that Mark Minnick shared with Mark Dever in a 9Marks interview that touched on the issue of ecclesiastical associations.]

In his final days, Tom was surrounded by family, but when he crossed over Jordan, “there were no crowds outside the hospital, no editorial comments in the papers, no announcements on the television, no mention in Parliament, no attention paid by the nation. In his hospital room there was no one by his bedside” (p. 148). He was an ordinary pastor, who did not seek notoriety, but earnestly sought for the well-being of his family and the cause of gospel of Jesus Christ.

This is a thoroughly engaging book, well-written, well-documented, easy to read, and spiritually encouraging. If I had the means I would send a copy to every pastor I know. In this memoir the reader is caused to reflect upon the mystery of God’s providence. We don’t always have the best perspective on what God is doing, but the ordinary pastor continues to be faithful, committed to Christ, his family and the ministry allotted to him, believing that God is in control and that He alone deserves the glory.

Father's Day Book Review: Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor by D.A. Carson

New Studies in Biblical Theology edited by D. A. Carson

About the Series:

New Studies in Biblical Theology is a series of monographs that address key issues in the discipline of biblical theology. Contributions to this series focus on one or more of three areas: 1. the nature and status of biblical theology, including its relationship to other disciplines (e.g., historical theology, exegesis, systematic theology, historical criticism, narrative theology); 2. the articulation and exposition of the structure of thought from a particular biblical writer or corpus; and 3. the delineation of a biblical theme across the biblical corpora.

Above all, these monographs are creative attempts to help Christians better understand their Bibles better. The series aims simultaneously to instruct and to edify, to interact with current literature, and to point the way ahead. ... While the notes interact with the best of scholarly literature, the text is uncluttered with untransliterated Greek and Hebrew, and tries to avoid too much technical jargon. The volumes are written within the framework of confessional evangelicalism, but there is always an attempt at thoughtful engagement with the sweep of the relevant literature. (From the Series Preface by D. A. Carson)

This is a growing series and not yet complete. More volumes are forthcoming.

Peterson, David. Possessed by God: A New Testament Theology of Sanctification and Holiness. Volume 1. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2001. 192 pages.

Ortlund, Raymond C. God's Unfaithful Wife: A Biblical Theology of Spiritual Adultery. Volume 2. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2003. 200 pages.

Barnett, Paul W. Jesus and the Logic of History. Volume 3. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2001. 182 pages.

Estes, Daniel J. Hear, My Son: Teaching and Learning in Proverbs 1-9. Volume 4. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2000. 174 pages.

Blocher, Henri. Original Sin: Illuminating the Riddle. Volume 5. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2000. 158 pages.

Millar, J. Gary. Now Choose Life: Theology and Ethics in Deuteronomy. Volume 6. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2000. 216 pages.

Blomberg, Craig L. Neither Poverty nor Riches: A Biblical Theology of Possessions. Volume 7. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2000. 300 pages.

Harris, Murray J. Slave of Christ: A New Testament Metaphor for Total Devotion to Christ. Volume 8. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2001. 222 pages.    

Seifrid, Mark A. Christ, Our Righteousness: Paul’s Theology of Justification. Volume 9. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2001. 222 pages.

Webb, Barry G. Five Festal Garments: Christian Reflections on the Song of Songs, Ruth, Lamentations, Ecclesiastes and Esther. Volume 10. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2001. 151 pages.

Köstenberger, Andreas J. and Peter T. O’Brien. Salvation to the Ends of the Earth: A Biblical Theology of Mission. Volume 11. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2001. 352 pages.

Fyall, Robert. Now My Eyes Have Seen You: Images of Creation and Evil in the Book of Job. Volume 12. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2002. 192 pages.

Pao, David W. Thanksgiving: An Investigation of a Pauline Theme. Volume 13. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2002. 204 pages.

Hays, J. Daniel. From Every People and Nation: A Biblical Theology of Race. Volume 14. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2003. 240 pages.

Dempster, Stephen G. Dominion and Dynasty: A Biblical Theology of the Hebrew Bible. Volume 15. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2003. 256 pages.

Adam, Peter. Hearing God's Words: Exploring Biblical Spirituality. Volume 16. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2004. 256 pages.

Beale, G. K. The Temple and the Church's Mission: A Biblical Theology of the Dwelling Place of God. Volume 17. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2004. 432 pages.

Bolt, Peter G. The Cross from a Distance: Atonement in Mark’s Gospel. Volume 18. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2004. 224 pages.

Blomberg, Craig L. Contagious Holiness: Jesus’ Meal with Sinners. Volume 19. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2005. 208 pages.

Laniak, Timothy. Shepherds After My Own Heart: Pastoral Traditions and Leadership in the Bible. Volume 20. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2006. 288 pages.

Thompson, Mark D. A Clear and Present Word: The Clarity of Scripture. Volume 21. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2006. 208 pages.

Burke, Trevor J. Adopted into God's Family: Exploring a Pauline Metaphor. Volume 22. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2006. 256 pages.

Williamson, Paul R. Sealed with an Oath: Covenant in God’s Unfolding Purpose. Volume 23. NSBT. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2007. 256 pages.

Köstenberger, Andreas J. and Scott R. Swain. Father, Son and Spirit: The Trinity and John’s Gospel. Downers Grove, Ill: IVP, 2008. 224 pages.

New Studies in Biblical Theology edited by D. A. Carson