“This 384 page book is arranged as a Study Manual made up of eleven studies, each supported by a number of digressions. Featuring questions at the end of each study, it is designed for use either as a correspondence course, or for a straight read through. It provides a totally comprehensive study of all the doctrines which make up the one faith, as well as discussing difficult texts and tackling practical issues. As such, it’s a valuable reference work too.”
This quote from Bro. Heaster’s ad sheet gives an accurate picture of his book. We found it to be a comprehensive coverage of the principles of the Truth and very effectively presented. All the first principles are dealt with in a clear and understandable way. It is obviously intended as a preaching tool, but it is suitable for everyone. We enjoyed reading the book and found it a thorough review of the basics.
The format helps to keep the reader’s interest. The book is divided into two familiar parts: “The things concerning the Kingdom of God” and “…the name of Jesus Christ.” There are eleven studies plus four appendices. Following each of the study topics are “digressions” offering helpful sidelights to the subjects addressed. Each chapter is followed by a list of questions, so the book is well suited for study classes or as a correspondence course.
Concerning God and His kingdom
The first study subject is “God,” and deals with (1) the existence of God, (2) His personality, (3) His name and character and (4) the angels. The views expressed on such subjects as the name of God and God-manifestation follow traditional Christadelphian teaching and include helpful observations. There is a solemn warning about using the name of God lightly, while, on the other hand, we are warned against “those who insist that unless we constantly use the Hebrew words Yahweh or Jehovah (different ways of pronouncing the same word)…we are seriously astray…such people are using God’s holy and marvelous Name to fuel a kind of spiritual elitism, whereby they despise other people merely over the pronunciation or use of one word…This is not to say that the use of God’s memorial Name is wrong; it is especially suited to our personal prayers once we are properly baptized into the Name.”
The sections on the “Spirit of God” and “Holy Spirit Gifts” are helpful. The arguments on these and other hard-to-deal-with subjects are convincing. They also provide some pointers for us in our discussions with non-Christadelphians. There is even a “digression” on the subject of Calvinism (predestination).
The “Promises of God” are adequately dealt with, and the digressions include sections on “The Destruction of Heavens and Earth” and “The Claims of ‘British Israelism.’ ” Bro. Heaster has been active in the missionary field for some time (in Africa and now in eastern Europe), and he knows how to present the Truth to others. That is one of his strong points, and it contributes to the effectiveness of this book.
The subject of “The Nature of Man” is set forth with clarity and an avoidance of misleading terminology. There is a well-worded section on “Responsibility to God.” And again there are some interesting digressions on “Purgatory,” “Ghosts and Reincarnation,” “With what Nature are we Resurrected?” and “The Rapture.”
After a good discussion of “The Kingdom of God,” there is a section on “God and Evil,” and again Bro. Heaster clearly addresses the difficulties associated with the subject. Following a discussion of the devil and demons, there are digressions on “Witchcraft,” “What Happened in Eden?” and “Lucifer.” Then there is an interesting consideration of the wilderness temptation of Jesus, and finally “War in Heaven.”
The name of Jesus Christ
This second half of the book begins with a study of “The Origin of Jesus.” It starts with the Old Testament prophecies of Jesus, followed by a discussion of the Virgin Birth and Christ’s place in God’s plan. The opening verses of John 1 are fully explained. Digressions include discussions of the phrases “I came down from heaven” and “Before Abraham was, I am,” and the question, “Did Jesus Create the Earth?” is addressed.
The nature of Jesus is treated in clear terms. The digression here deals with the expression, “Being in the form of God.” Next is a chapter on “The Work of Jesus” with further enlightenment on the nature and sacrifice of Christ. The book ends with studies on baptism and “Life in Christ.”
The latter includes discussions of ecclesial life and practical considerations of discipleship. It includes a section on marriage and one on fellowship, and both subjects are dealt with scripturally and in the moderation characteristic of the book.
A summary of basic doctrines
The first appendix is a summary of basic Bible doctrines. It serves well for summing up the first principles. There are three others, including one on the nearness of Christ’s return. This one (Appendix 3) is brief. There are some short general statements, but most of the section deals with the revival of Israel. About the only prophetic reference that is dealt with is Psalm 83, and that is applied to an invasion of Israel by the Arabs just prior to the return of Christ. This section is the book’s weakest presentation. We can understand that the author wanted to avoid the pitfalls of prophetic prediction, but there are so many prophecies that could have been usefully referred to. A good opportunity for sparking the interest of the reader in Bible prophecy is missed.
Comments
This book is the kind of work that can always be put to good use. In preaching the Truth, we face a diverse audience, and having a wide range of material is useful. Bible Basics is a well written, unambiguous presentation, which offers a thorough treatment of the first principles.
If our enthusiasm for the work is dampened, it is for the following reasons. We see the need for better editing in a few of the studies, and, as we have stated, we felt the section on the signs of Christ’s coming was inadequate. The fact that the book is a “Dawn” publication might present a problem, not because of its content, but because contacts put in touch with the publishers might be confused by the Dawn’s restrictive views on fellowship.
A digression
In spite of nearly 70 years of separation1 the Central and the Dawn fellowships continue to teach the exact same truths. We find it remarkable that the division continues where there is no visible variance in teaching.
Of course there are differences which do not appear in the book before us. But the very fact that they are not discussed raises the question of their importance. Surely maintaining the unity of the body of Christ must be at least as important as those issues.
It was also interesting to notice that the Dawn conservatism has not remained altogether static. The author may be the exception in his view of prophecy, but The Dawn publishers have been willing to print and distribute his work.
- The London (Clapham) ecclesia was active in the formation of the “Berean” fellowship in 1923. In 1941 they led a division in the Berean community, mandating a position on the question of divorce and remarriage. The “Dawn” fellowship in the UK resulted (so-called from the name of their fraternal magazine). Few Berean ecclesias in North America accepted the Clapham ultimatum, and most of them reunited with the Central fellowship in 1953.
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One