This
volume is a collection of biographical studies, each one of which considers the
contribution of a prominent church leader. The individuals selected are drawn
from different periods of church history. We are introduced to the life and
thought of Athanasius, Gregory and Augustine from the early centuries, of
Charles the Great, Anselm and Aquinas from the medieval church, of Luther,
Bullinger and Calvin from the time of the Reformation, and of Wesley, Nevin and
Barth from later on. The chapters were originally delivered as lectures the
author gave to a Christian Studies Forum between 1996 and 2006 when he was a
pastor in Delaware.
As the
title indicates, the individuals mentioned changed the church in one or more
ways during their lifetimes and subsequently. We are introduced to their
strengths and weaknesses and are given details for further reading. No doubt we
are familiar with some names more than others, but it is good for us to discover
that individuals can influence the future through ideas connected to their
understanding of God and his grace.
Although
the ideas presented by the gamechangers could be complicated, the author takes
us through their contributions in a clear and interesting way. The book gives
insights into how the doctrine of the Trinity was formulated, as well as the
church’s understanding of the person and work of Jesus. Other chapters consider
the meaning of salvation and of sanctification.
I was
interested in the assessment of Nevin because he understood that there is more
to the Lord’s Supper than meets the eye and wanted to bring the church back to
the position of Calvin regarding the sacraments and other aspects of the life
of the church which he thought had descended into individualism. Whether he
managed to do so without verging into error regarding other doctrines is
discussed by the author, who now lectures in Systematic and Historical Theology
at the Wales Evangelical School of Theology.
This is
an interesting volume and should whet the appetite of theological readers
(Christians, in a word) to read more about those who have influenced what they
believe.
This review appeared in the November 2015
issue of the Record of the Free Church of Scotland.
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