Around and About

Around and About

I have a few things to report from around the patch today.

First, it is that time of year again.  Yes, the Banner of Truth Trust once again honours the
Santa Murray.jpgseasonal convictions of one of its early supporters, Professor John Murray, by offering its books at a special discount for Christmas.  The Trust has been producing quality Christian literature for decades and many of us have taken regular advantage of its unwavering commitment to the liturgical calendar in order to stock our shelves with beautifully produced and worthwhile books.   So as you down your Yuletide cognac, make sure to toast the memory of one of the men who made it all possible.

images.jpgSecond, the Boys from Brazil have launched a Portuguese language equivalent of Reformation 21 under the auspices of the Alliance.  It can be found here.   Earlier this year I was in Brazil and met with said boys.  They told me that once upon a time they had wanted to be young, restless and reformed. Oh my. But having read Ref21, they said that they had realized that it is ok to be simply Calvinist cranks.  Praise indeed.  I have a lump in my throat even as I recall the conversation.  Keep up the good work, brothers, and do not let the Top Men buy your souls.  Oh, and while we're at it, boys --- make sure to keep all references to Chelsea FC far, far away from the blog.   Normal Ref21 rules of decency and taste apply, after all.

gatiss.jpgThird, congratulations are (over)due to Lee Gatiss (pictured left at the Church Society's annual Puritans and Prelates Halloween bash.  At least I hope that is what it was.  Otherwise, the spirit of Hooper is clearly dead....).  He has piloted the NIV Proclamation Bible through to publication.  This Bible has helpful introductory essays, concise introductions to each biblical book and decent cross referencing.  With a special focus on helping preachers and Bible study leaders, it strikes a nice balance between the plain text and an overly heavy interpretative apparatus.  I go back and forth on whether I prefer the ESV or the NIV (both having strengths which complement the other's weaknesses) and so this well-bound volume is a welcome addition to the bookshelf.

Finally, Danny 'Jekyll' Hyde's book on infant baptism, which is the one we give away on thejekyll-hyde-243x304.jpg literature table at Cornerstone, is now available in Spanish and can be downloaded for free via his church's website.   One of the best introductions to the subject available.  Readable and accessible (but, in this particular edition, only if you read Spanish, of course.....)