Monday, December 27, 2010

current state of non-blogging/ Christian History Project

On Facebook I mentioned my grave disappointment with the handling of Luther in the latest installment of the Christian History Project, Volume 9, "A Century of Giants".  I am still reading the book, but find that throughout we are getting something of a character assassination which I find deeply disturbing on many levels. I have protested to Ted Byfield in my payment for the book and alerted him to my intention to critique what has been done in the book.  I could probably use help and anyone who is interested could give a hand. 

7 comments:

Bror Erickson said...

When I was younger I saw a girl wearing a shirt praising Martin Luther King Jr. Malcom X, and Marcus Garvy. I had just read the Autobiography of Malcom X, and so therefore found the shirt to be an expression of ignorance concerning this girls heritage.
The book cover for this volume and the little snippet I read gives me the same reaction. But that is the reformed, dishonest souls each and every one. They like to praise Luther all the while claiming he is a Calvinist. And anyone familiar with Lutheran history knows that Phillip was not Martin's successor, but Martin was. Martin Chemnitz that is. But the reformed would like a person to believe that Phillip was, because he sold us out. And to praise Loyolla in the same breath?!!!
I don't know that I would have paid for the book.

Brigitte said...

The Byfields became Roman Catholic and Orthodox. They are very worthy Albertans. I am shocked at this issue.

My first thought was to return the book. My husband wants to keep it and I want to finish reading it.

Howard said...

Sounds like another attempt to "reform' Luther to a context alien to his own faith and detached from the key matters of his work. Roland Bainton's biography is still one of the best and Gordon Rupp's work is also very good on these matters. It's a great shame that so many in reality skip or re-write the value of his work and thereby miss what genuine Reformation theology is really all about.

Brigitte said...

"It's a great shame that so many in reality skip or re-write the value of his work and thereby miss what genuine Reformation theology is really all about."

Thank you, Howard. I believe that is what happened here, also.

James Swan said...

Is this the same "Christian History" that puts out "Christian History" magazine?

If so, I have many of their old back issues. They did two on Luther about 10 years ago, which weren't bad.

James Swan said...

Roland Bainton's biography is still one of the best and Gordon Rupp's work is also very good on these matters.

I noticed the new volumes of Luther's Works use Brecht's multi- volume bio on Luther for documention, often. It appears to be their bio of choice.

If I recall, Google books has limited previews of these volumes.

Brigitte said...

Thank you for the tips, James. Brecht. I think I have to purchase something authoritative in the way of biography. Mostly, I am into the theological writings.

The Christian History Project I do not believe has anything to do with the magazine you mention.

The Byfields are a well-known family of writers often dealing with Alberta topics in a quite distinctive and conservative way. The magazine was "The Alberta Report", on the far end of the right spectrum, kind of where we often are. :) Ted invited me to come and speak with him. I am looking forward to it.

Bror, I've thought about your comments, too. This thing about Melanchton would have never occured to me, but it's a good point, also.