What are the First Principles?

Bro. Booker has provided this work as a companion piece to his previous book entitled Biblical Fellowship.

As a preface to the second edition of his book on fellowship, he raised two probing questions on the concept of first principles:

“What precisely are the first prin­ciples?”

“How can they be biblically deter­mined?”

In this latest endeavor, he has ful­filled a commitment to address these questions along with a consideration of the application of the principles in­volved. In so doing, the author pro­vides a thorough and analytical com­parison of the BASF with apostolic statements on this subject, as well as with an early Christadelphian state­ment of faith. Additionally, he has examined these statements against a Gospel and scriptural test.

There is a great deal of discussion within the brotherhood these days about the unity of the body of Christ. In contrast to the doctrinal error that exists in orthodox Church denomina­tions, there is a solid base of common doctrinal truth among the Christadelphian fellowships. Building upon this base to properly achieve a union among the fellowships is a desirable goal. Bro. Booker has endeavored to point all readers in the direction of a biblical approach to the question of unity in first principles. In so doing, he provides a thoughtful work from which to proceed in personal study and dialogue with others. He realizes, of course, that this is not, nor should it be, the last word on the subject. This is not his intention.

In a recent statement regarding this publication, Bro. Booker com­mented: “I would hope that my book would contribute something construc­tive to all the discussions, thoughts, etc., regarding unity in the body.”

Many of those who have read it suggest that in this regard he has achieved his hope. To quote one reader:

“This is one of the most thought provoking, concise and clear biblical presentations on first principles I have ever read.”

At least one Ecclesia has pur­chased copies for distribution to every family in the meeting.

Regardless of one’s views on re­union, this book can be recommended as a valuable study aid on this impor­tant subject.