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Rating: 
Summary: Evangelical Christians Would Do Well to Read This
Review: A fascinating and disturbing account of how several well-meaning evangelical leaders in Britain and America have attempted to gain "respectability" for the church in the world - either by forming ecumenical coalitions with mainline denominations, or adapting the mindset of the academic arena. In the process, Murray argues, the authority of Scripture and the gospel message have been greatly compromised. Some will be greatly perturbed by many of Murray's conclusions, but they mustn't dismiss them without coming to terms with his forceful, well-researched arguments.
Rating:
Summary: Want to know about unity...?
Review: Considers the last 50 years of Anglican and Evangelical history. A bold book which speaks out against unity for the sake of unity, upholding instead unity around Biblical truth. The surprise lay in how fundamental to the Christian faith were the issues skirted over by some evangelicals in pursuing this compromising unity - what is a Christian and how are we saved? Frustratingly short on Bible references in the first half of the book, this improves as Murray considers the Biblical view of unity in the latter half of the text.
Rating:
Summary: A Record of Good Intentions and Sad Results
Review: Iain Murray's history of the change within evangelicalism over the last 50 years is both impressive and frightening. He shows how decisions by some noted evangelical leaders in Britain and the U.S. for the sake of "unity" or "results" have compromised the church and watered down the message of the Gospel. This helps us see why so many claim to be beleivers in Christ, and yet there is so little impact on lives and on our culture(s).In one insightful passage, he asks, "If the evangelical belief that it is faith in the gospel which brings spiritual unity is true, then it follows that where the gospel ceases to be believed there unity ceases to exist. Therein lay a long-standing problem for evangelicals who found themselves in denominations where many ministers and people did not believe that gospel. In such circumstances, how could they give the commitment to denominational unity which Scripture gives to the unity of Christians?" (p. 83). While Murray points out failures of certain well-known leaders, he does not throw stones, nor does he assault character or motives of these men. He is charitible and gracious even when he disagrees, which I found very refreshing compared to many "critiques" that people write. As he writes, "Like the Corinthian Christians we are prone either to idolize men or to be unduly critical. We too readily form parties behind men in forgetfulness of the direction, 'One is your teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren' (Matt. 23:8). Because an eminent Christian is evidently right in some things, or owned of God in his work, we are liable to take him as a leader in all things and to treat any who disagree as opponents." (p. 308) He also moves beyond simply the history and focuses on practical lessons to be learned from the last fifty years. He also reminds us that our true hope is in the Lord Jesus Christ and His Gospel of Grace. "At almost all times in history the kingdom of God has appeared to be in confusion to the outward eye. It is faith in the promises of God which provides a different perspective. The Holy Spirit assures us that infinite wisdom and love are presently directing the life of the church and that eternity will be witness to their success when a multitude which no man can number will be glorified with Christ. What we see now is but the beginning." (p. 317). All in all, a helpful perspective and a firm corrective for all of us who seek unity and truth in the church.
Rating:
Summary: Shockingly Provacative
Review: It has been said that only fools rush in where angels fear to tread. Well, I do not believe Mr. Murray is a fool, and he certainly is no coward. Undoubtedly he is unafraid to write what he believes to be the truth regardless of the repercussions. Such is the case with Evangelicalism Divided. This book may be more than many American readers care to digest, especially since it delves into the polity of the Church of England. Yet this book demands a wide and careful reading due to its grave implications, specifically in that it addresses the idea of what constitutes a genuine Christian. Not to mention issues that should concern American Evangelicalism, most notably, Billy Graham. Mr. Murray provides thorough references to back up his claims. Should his position indeed prove to be valid, the following statement may in deed be true: "In our generation, other than the Pope, no individual has done more to lift up the name of Jesus than has Billy Graham. Conversely however, no one individual, other than the Pope, has done more to eviscerate the actual power of the gospel message, than has Mr. Graham." Such are the implications of Evangelicalism Divided. Lines will be drawn in the sand and taking sides will be unavoidable. However this book does not deserve to be passed over. It must either be soundly refuted or widely distributed for all those concerned with true reformation and the biblical gospel.
Rating:
Summary: A Mighty Blast Against Modern Evangelism
Review: Since Jesus saved me in 1992 I have struggled with much of modern evangelism and the evangelical church at large. Many of the books, methods, and ideas of the modern evangelical church just did not line up with Scripture. My first reaction was that I was simply theological ignorant and once I went through Bible college I might could define and defend modern evangelical practices such as altar calls, the "sinner's prayer," and many other modern tools of evangelism. However, four years of Bible college did nothing to change my mind. Iain Murray gives us a book that speaks directly to these problems. Just where did modern altar calls, the "sinner's prayer," decisions for Christ, and other forms of evangelism come from. They most surely did not come from the New Testament. So Murray traces their history and shows the compromise of the evangelical church. Charles Spurgeon fought the Down-Grade Controversey and now the Church is full of down-graders like Billy Graham, Bill Hybels, and the entire Campus Crusade For Christ. In fact, go into most evangelical churches and preach against altar calls and you will be stoned before you can reach the door. Read this book and repent for not giving all credit and all glory unto God alone, the author and finisher of our faith (Jonah 2:9; John 6:44; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31; Hebrews 12:2).
Rating:
Summary: A Mighty Blast Against Modern Evangelism
Review: Since Jesus saved me in 1992 I have struggled with much of modern evangelism and the evangelical church at large. Many of the books, methods, and ideas of the modern evangelical church just did not line up with Scripture. My first reaction was that I was simply theological ignorant and once I went through Bible college I might could define and defend modern evangelical practices such as altar calls, the "sinner's prayer," and many other modern tools of evangelism. However, four years of Bible college did nothing to change my mind. Iain Murray gives us a book that speaks directly to these problems. Just where did modern altar calls, the "sinner's prayer," decisions for Christ, and other forms of evangelism come from. They most surely did not come from the New Testament. So Murray traces their history and shows the compromise of the evangelical church. Charles Spurgeon fought the Down-Grade Controversey and now the Church is full of down-graders like Billy Graham, Bill Hybels, and the entire Campus Crusade For Christ. In fact, go into most evangelical churches and preach against altar calls and you will be stoned before you can reach the door. Read this book and repent for not giving all credit and all glory unto God alone, the author and finisher of our faith (Jonah 2:9; John 6:44; 1 Corinthians 1:30-31; Hebrews 12:2).
Rating:
Summary: It's about time!
Review: The only words that Mr. Murray could have added would be
"manipulation" and "brain washing". Jesus says in the Bible that
He never fails to save His sheep. Why is anyone proud of 25% results that only go-to-church.
Rating:
Summary: Closer to God
Review: This is in my current list of Top 10 Christian books. Will it stay there? Fairly good chance. I first heard of it on a tape-of-the-month from RC Sproul, who highly praised the book several times. I ordered it and read it. I agree with him. It outlines how we have gotten away from being Godly and have become focused on growth and other worldly ideals. There is much to cover and, yes, some of it is hard to digest. But, there is no ignoring that the author is hitting the nail on the head. Sometimes we all need a wake-up call.
Rating:
Summary: I would give it one hundred stars if I could
Review: This is one of the most powerful, compelling, stunning, and significant books written in the past decade. In these pages, Murray chronicles the fall of evangelicalism in the late 20th Century. Murray begins by telling his reader of Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) and his brand of theology. In an effort to defend Christianity from the higher criticism of his contemporaries, Schleiermacher made a great distinction between the mind and the heart, the objective thought and the subjective passions. He rejected the objective and taught that true Christianity was solely subjective, thus unassailable by higher criticism. After his description of Schleiermacher, Murray shifts gears to the earlier half of the 20th Century and describes the events that transpired from that time to the present day. While careful not to slander anyone, he names names and gives example after example of a shift in attitude and approach from standing upon truth to compromise in the name of proclaiming the gospel. As one reads through this book, at some point or another Murray's connection will strike him: modern evangelicalism has fallen into Scheiermacher-like beliefs, and most of its leaders don't even realize it. It's shocking and its implications hit very close to home, but Murray's conclusions are true. After reading this book, I was grieved by some of the compromises I had made in the past. It permanently altered my perspective, and I am thankful I read it. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any Christian who is interested in learning from the past, and I implore pastors and church leaders everywhere to read it so that the listing evangelical church might be righted again.
Rating:
Summary: I would give it one hundred stars if I could
Review: This is one of the most powerful, compelling, stunning, and significant books written in the past decade. In these pages, Murray chronicles the fall of evangelicalism in the late 20th Century. Murray begins by telling his reader of Friedrich Schleiermacher (1768-1834) and his brand of theology. In an effort to defend Christianity from the higher criticism of his contemporaries, Schleiermacher made a great distinction between the mind and the heart, the objective thought and the subjective passions. He rejected the objective and taught that true Christianity was solely subjective, thus unassailable by higher criticism. After his description of Schleiermacher, Murray shifts gears to the earlier half of the 20th Century and describes the events that transpired from that time to the present day. While careful not to slander anyone, he names names and gives example after example of a shift in attitude and approach from standing upon truth to compromise in the name of proclaiming the gospel. As one reads through this book, at some point or another Murray's connection will strike him: modern evangelicalism has fallen into Scheiermacher-like beliefs, and most of its leaders don't even realize it. It's shocking and its implications hit very close to home, but Murray's conclusions are true. After reading this book, I was grieved by some of the compromises I had made in the past. It permanently altered my perspective, and I am thankful I read it. I wholeheartedly recommend this book to any Christian who is interested in learning from the past, and I implore pastors and church leaders everywhere to read it so that the listing evangelical church might be righted again.
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