David Malcolm Bennett reviews
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT?
David Malcolm Bennett
Camp Hill Publications
Every time we switch on the TV or radio we are attacked by different and conflicting opinions regarding the environment. What is true? What is false?
In his latest well researched book What Does the Bible Say About the Environment? David Malcolm Bennett’s answer is ‘heaps’ and he has some surprising answers. He claims that the Bible has definite ‘green’ tendencies but these are light green rather than the dark green of the more extreme environmentalists. These people often worship creation rather than God who made it.
This well balanced little book would make a great Bible study in church home groups or Christian environmental study groups. We often struggle to come to know and understand what Scripture means when it gives us ‘dominion over’ an increasingly damaged environment. The book can be read in an hour and contains many gems of knowledge and keen observation.
DS
WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT?
David Malcolm Bennett
Camp Hill Publications
A timely little Bible study on environmental issues, which argues for the Christian’s responsibility for good stewardship, without going to the excesses aligned with the Green movement. WN
THE ORIGINS OF LEFT BEHIND ESCHATOLOGY
David Malcolm Bennett
Camp Hill Publications
The books and films of the Left Behind series have been extremely popular. Queensland author Bennett examines the theology of the series. He focuses on eight topics: interpretation of Revelation, the distinction between the Church and Israel as God’s chosen people, Jesus’ imminent return to earth, the rapture, Christ’s two-stage return, a period of tribulation led by an antichrist, a millennium, and the return of the Jews to Palestine. His sources include documents of the early church and the Reformation as well as scholarship of the 18th to 20th centuries. An interesting read with some unexpected ideas. NS
THE ORIGINS OF LEFT BEHIND ESCHATOLOGY
David Malcolm Bennett
Xulon Press
This extended version of Bennett’s thesis for his PhD is a thoroughly researched exploration of the theology behind the immensely popular “Left Behind” series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. Bennett looks at the earliest Christian literature in an attempt to find from where this form of eschatology comes. Although it will be considered controversial in many church circles, it is a scholarly and interesting approach to this subject. WN
THE ORIGINS OF LEFT BEHIND ESCHATOLOGY
David Malcolm Bennett
Xulon Press
If you have ever wondered when and where Left Behind theology began, David Malcolm Bennett’s book, The Origins of Left Behind Eschatology, holds many surprises. This book published by Xulon Press is an enlarged version of Bennett’s PhD dissertation. As expected, Bennett has researched and documented his subject matter in his usual meticulous way.
Bennett clearly shows that in one form or another Left Behind beliefs have been part of the Christian Church from very early days. Documents and sermons given by the Church Fathers along with the teachings of the Church for the first three centuries are thoroughly researched and featured and show that many of the Fathers and teachers were Left Behinders. In addition documents that have evolved since the times of the Reformers have been evaluated. Under the covering of Left Behind theology we find a network of beliefs that are as diverse and complex as the denominations are within Christianity. There is even disagreement as to who is left behind - the Christians or the non-Christians! Be prepared to be surprised.
Any Christian who cares to understand the Middle East situation in greater depth or how Left Behind theology and right wing Christianity impacts what happens in US foreign policy will gain immense understanding from the reading of The Origins of Left Behind Eschatology. Highly recommended!
DS