August discussion

Posted on July 29, 2010 by Wally Metts.

One theologian described the reformation as "that fire which all the world shall never be able to quench." This theme is explored in The Unquenchable Flame by Michael Reeves, the subject of our August book discussions.

This brief, readable history of the reformation profiles key figures like Luther, Zwingli and Calvin without hiding their flaws or overstating their strengths. We will be talking about chapters 1-3 on August 12 and chapter 4-7 on August 26. The discussion are at the church at 7 p.m. and copies of the book are available at the book table.

Please join us for a lively and frank discussion about church history.

Excerpt—

Some new perspectives on what the apostle Paul meant by justification, especially when they have tended to shift the emphasis away from any need for personal conversion, have, as much as anything, confused people, leaving the article that Luther said cannot be given up or compromised, just that—given up or compromised. And it is not just new readings of the Bible. A culture of positive thinking and self-esteem has wiped away all perceived need for the sinner to be justified.

• Book review