Book Review- Ancient Words, Modern World

Stephen Nichols has quickly become one of my favorite contemporary authors. Some of my favorites include his biography of Martin Luther, his book on the “American Jesus” (Jesus Made in America), the book on the Reformation- How a Monk and a Mallet Changed the World, and his work on the early church entitled For Us and Our Salvation. Nichols now pipes in with a helpful book on the doctrine of Scripture with a specific emphasis upon our contemporary age.

Ancient Word, Changing Worlds focuses on the contemporary challenges to and defenses of the Bible.  Nichols observes that these challenges have providentially caused a “deeper reflection on and clearer expression of the doctrines of Scripture.” Furthermore the author writes,

These doctrines orbit around three words, words that have received a great deal of attention in the nineteenth, twentieth, and now into the twenty-first centuries.  These three words are inspiration, inerrancy, and interpretation. This book tells the story of these words, and particularly the story of how these words were developed in these last few centuries.  It is the story of how the ancient word of God speaks to and in our changing world.

The format for the book is as simple and informative.  After unpacking each of the three key words listed above in their own chapters the author then compiles a list of writings from folks in the midst of the respective debates over Scripture.  In the midst of these quotations Nichols provides helpful commentary, observation and conclusion.  So for instance, you have quite a bit of quotations from BB Warfield, A.A. Hodge and J. Gresham Machen.  But at the same time we have the other side of the debate from liberals like Harry Emerson Fosdick.  Nichols also takes you back to some of the most important developments of the past couple of hundred years in these battles.  His unpacking of the ‘new evangelicalism’ and the events that surrounding Fuller Seminary’s departure from historic biblical orthodoxy were both riveting and troubling. The reader is reminded afresh of the hot coals that still burn today in this battle and the need to continue to work hard on such important issues.  So in this sense it refreshes you with the doctrines, informs you of the issues, reminds you of the battles, and charges you to be faithful in both understanding and defending inspiration, inerrancy and interpretation.

Overall the book was a very enjoyable read.  It really combined three of Nichols’ strengths as a writer.  He is doctrinally precise, an astute historian, and a terrific writer.  Many people may not get too excited about a book on this subject but Nichols not only makes it informative but quite enjoyable.  In my opinion, at a minimum pastors need to refresh themselves on the doctrine of Scripture at least annually.  Here the author serves you by making it easy.

You can pick it up at Amazon or Westminster Books depending on your preference (both are on sale).

Possibly Related posts:

1. Book Review- The Reformation
2. For Us and For Our Salvation
3. Book Review- Ashamed of the Gospel
4. Book Review: Spirit Empowered Preaching
5. Book Review: Preaching and Teaching from the Old Testament

3 Responses to “Book Review- Ancient Words, Modern World”

1. tom shuck says:

   June 29, 2009 at 6:41 am

   I will have to check this book out. Sounds good. Maybe I can use it for the doctrine of the Word class. Lisa and I are praying for your wife and baby to be!
2. Metalhead says:

   July 2, 2009 at 11:18 am

   Stephen Nichols is rapidly becoming one of my favorite writers. His book on the reformation is excellent, as is his biography of Martin Luther. I’m currently reading his book Pages from Church History which I have not not finished yet but recommend. . Mr Nichols has a talent for making figures in church history highly relevant to the present without trvializing their impact on their day. Thanks for this review, Erik.
3. Erik says:

   July 9, 2009 at 4:56 am

   Tom, I think it would be a good addition. The exposure to the writers who were in the trenches (both positively and negatively) make it unique and worth it!