My ten-year old recently read a John Piper book. “Start ‘em
young” is what I always say. After reading the book my daughter returned it
with the admission that she didn’t understand all of it. My reponse of “Good!”
left her with a puzzled look that required an explanation. I explained that I
was of the opinion that we should regularly be reading books that were a little
bit beyond our reach; books that would stretch our minds and hearts and cause
us to grow. I’m not sure if she will be returning to me for any reading
recommendations, but I hold to this idea of reading materials that seem to be
deeper and more profound than what we think we are able to ingest.
K. Scott Oliphint’s recently released book is just that sort
of book for me. I am a layman. I have no degrees in theology and have never
taken a course at a seminary or any similar institution. I serve on the board
at our church and lead a small group. I like to read and pursue my ‘theological
training’ through reading book and listening to lectures and sermons. There will
be no doctorate or diploma at the end of my course of studies. So, more than
likely, I am a reader just like you. With this in mind, let me declare that God
With Us, subtitled Divine
Condescension and the Attributes of God, is a book that will challenge the
layperson. But it does so in a healthy and beneficial way. In a manner that is accessible
to the lay person and with the glory of God clearly in view, K. Scott Oliphint
has produced a compelling and awe-inspiring exposition of the theological and
apologetical significance of the condescension of God. This late 2011 release
came out just in time to be the best book I read this year!
As mentioned above, it would be inaccurate to suggest I
understood every nuanced argument and followed every intricate assertion in
this book. A few times, sections required a re-read in order for me to grasp
what was being said. A very few times, a reviewing of the ideas still left me a
little short of complete understanding. Nevertheless, this book is written in
an attainable fashion for the average reader. On the back cover, it is clearly
presented that this is a book for both laymen and scholars. It seems to me that
Oliphint has delivered a book that will be successful in that regard. I imagine
that there are issues and ideas that are fodder for theologians. And I know
that the book provided me with ample forage for reflective ruminations.
Oliphint presents the concepts pertaining to God’s attributes and condescension
with an approach that one can follow and in a style that reflects the grandeur
of the topic.
This book was awe-inspiring. It painted a picture of Divine
condescension that brilliantly shone forth the glory of God. Displaying Christ
as the quintessential revelation of God, Oliphint’s Christ-exalting explanation
of how the church might “understand better just who God is, what he has told us
about himself, and how best to think about him” (10) was an exhilarating look
into an area of theology that I had not read much about; the condescension of
God. Oliphint’s book is infused with glimpses of God’s glory that he suggests
are most clearly seen through a proper understanding of the Son of God come in
the flesh. At numerous times throughout this book I found myself contemplating
the mysterious and magnificent attributes of God as admired through a the lens
of Christ’s incarnation. This book is a prime example of how rigorous thinking
can lead to reverent adoration of our God.
From my perspective, this exposition of ideas surrounding the
attributes of God and how his condescension relates to them had a dual purpose.
First, the book is clearly puts forward theology as a principle purpose.
Oliphint goes to great lengths to show how comprehending God’s condescension
sheds light on a proper understanding of theology proper. We can only be
appropriately informed about God’s character if we consider his condescension. This
studious journey walks us through God’s revelation of his own name and the
ramifications of this name on his essential characteristics. It treks through
the distinctions of who God is in himself and how his condescension affects
this. It hikes up to lofty heights in considering Christological concepts and
controversies. It meanders through the mysteries that are unavoidable in
contemplating someone who is far above us.
The second purpose is apologetical. In advancing his ideas
of God’s character seen specifically in his condescension, Oliphint defends many tenets of his Reformed approach. This defense is against a full-spectrum
of allies and antagonists. This book speaks polemically and irenically to
everything from open theism to early heresies to exegetical arguments. And
though there is an argument to be considered, it is delivered with grace and an
obvious humility.
As a book that elevates the exaltation of God in our heads
and hearts through a thorough investigation into the character of God as seen
in his condescension, I strongly recommend this book. If you are a layperson
who wants to be challenged in your thinking about God and enlivened in your
affections for him, this is a book you should read. This volume’s profound effect
on my theological understanding has earned it a place on my bookshelf and its
positive production on my affections for God has earned it a place in my heart.
Someone pointed me to this review and I wanted to thank you for your kind words. It seems "layfolk" get this in a way some "scholars" seem bent on missing. Thank you again.
ReplyDeleteScott, your most welcome. This is a wonderful book that I'll be encouraging others to read. Thanks for your contribution to my 'course of study'.
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