When Terry Hightower directed the Shenandoah lectures, he produced some of the most outstanding, informative books available anywhere. It did not seem likely that very many brethren could continue such a rich tradition, but Don Walker admirably takes up where Terry left off with this year’s book: Balanced Christianity: Maintaining Biblical Balance.
In an age of Extremism (politically, socially, and spiritually), there is a need to emphasize “balance,” to which the first chapter of this book calls people. As pertains to some of the “issues” that brethren love to discuss, the question is asked, “Are you balanced in your approach to this topic, or toward those with whom you disagree?” (14). Certainly it is the case that sometimes our zeal for truth can outstrip our love for our adversaries and our sense of fairness in dealing with the topic.
The second chapter makes a distinction between “balance” and “compromise.” Os Guiness’ four steps toward compromise are recounted. Illustrations are given of Jesus achieving balance without compromising. This good article is followed by one that demonstrates various ways in which God calls for balance.
Next is “Spiritual Balance: The Whole Truth of God,” which was prepared by brother Troy Cummings. He takes issue with those popular “evangelists” who do not preach the whole counsel of God with respect to salvation. He also imagines how today’s “doves” would react to the boldness of the apostle Paul when he rebuked Peter. Undoubtedly, those who possess the irenic (or is that anemic?) spirit today would be miffed at Paul for washing the church’s “dirty linen” in public. He also envisions some of our liberal brethren asking Paul, “Do you think that you are the only good apostle?” (58). Brother Cummings follows up these matters with an astute observation undoubtedly aimed at those who have been traveling down Compromise Alley. He cited a Scripture that has been all but forgotten.
We must remember that Jesus Himself was (is) not only “a chief corner stone elect, precious” for our salvation, but also He was (is) “a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offense” to many people, because they will not believe and obey Him, but being disobedient they use Jesus as an excuse or stumblingblock for not doing God’s will! (Read 1 Pet. 2:6-8.) (59).
Succeeding chapters include “Biblical Balance Demands Proper Attitudes,” a concept which cannot be promoted too often, “A Balanced View of God,” which devotes itself to a discussion of His attributes (including His goodness and severity), “A Balanced View of Christ,” which discusses His Godhood and His Manhood, as well the balance suggested in the images of His being a Lion and a Lamb, “Christ Was Balanced in His Growth” (based on Luke 2:52), and “A Balanced View of Man.”
These are followed by Johnny Ramsey’s excellent “New Testament Survey,” which summarizes each New Testament book, but also details some of the key events that occurred in the interval between the Old and New Testaments.
In the chapter, “A Balanced View of the Old and New Testaments,” there is an interesting section which begins with: “Logic demands the inspiration of the Scriptures” (203-204). The analysis that follows should prove useful to every child of God.
Two chapters follow which are devoted to balanced preaching and presenting the whole counsel of God. All preachers would benefit from a periodic review of these chapters. Next is “Paul’s Balanced Answer in 1 Corinthians 8,” a look at the way Paul dealt with two opposing views within the congregation.
Darrell Conley writes a long exhortation, entitled “Balancing Knowledge and Action.” Every Christian ought to study this chapter from time to time, so good is it at reminding us of our God-given responsibilities to put into practice the precepts of Christianity that we continually study.
The next two chapters, “A Balanced View of Grace” and “A Balanced View of Faith and Works,” are necessary because of the imbalance in the religious world that exists at this time regarding these concepts. Unfortunately, there are some “brethren” that have dived head first into the sea of religious error and emerged dripping Calvinism.
Always needed in the church are men who are qualified to be elders and who will do the work which God requires of elders. Two chapters are devoted to this important subject area. Imagine the Herculean effort there would be in answering this question: “What Is Christianity?” In only a few pages attention is focused on concepts such as “Successful Christianity,” “Balanced Christianity,” “What It Means to be a Christian,” “What Makes Christianity the New and Living Way?” and “A Christian Is. . . .” (324-46). This material could easily be the springboard for a number of sermons.
This lectureship book also contains “A Balanced View of Discipline,” which is surely one of the most comprehensive looks at the subject that could fit into a mere seventeen pages. Also receiving thorough treatment is “A Balanced View of Judging.”
“Fellowship” has been and continues to be a subject of importance to all members of the body of Christ, and a great deal of confusion exists in the minds of many. The material the reader finds here may not solve every problem, but it will get one down the road a piece.
Another realm in which balance is needed is in the home. Besides an excellent example of the problems of no discipline (409), there are keen observations, such as: “Some husbands have developed the ‘King of the Castle’ attitude when it comes to demanding their way, but have abdicated when it comes to being the moral and spiritual leader in the home” (408). Perhaps women would be content to be women if men were truly men.
“A Balanced View of Sex,” “A Balanced View of Love,” and “A Balanced view of Anger” follow next. The last of these three deals with justified anger, a concept that has nearly become extinct in the world’s unbalanced pursuit of love. Readers are called back to a Biblical perspective of anger.
Balancing one’s priorities may be of interest to many who have experienced problems along these lines. Some have also struggled to overcome the past or are pessimistic about the future. Particularly valuable will be the material on “A Balanced View of the Past, Present, and Future.” Applications may be made to individuals and congregations. The exhortations made here are sensible, sound, and Scriptural; they can help keep us from becoming our own worst enemies.
One of the most unusual (but fascinating) chapters, written by Carl Garner, is “A Balance Between the House of Mourning and the House of Feasting,” based on Ecclesiastes 7:1-6. Two questions receive attention: “Why Must We Experience the ‘House of Mourning’?” and “Could God Remove Pain and Sorrow From Our Lives?” Epicurus’ “Problem of Evil” is effectively answered, and the reader will delight in a number of the author’s insights.
The book contains 519 pages of useful, practical, and Biblical information, and may be obtained from the Shenandoah Church of Christ, 11026 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio, TX 78230 (or Valid Publications) for $15.00.