Evangelicalism Divided: A Record of Crucial Change in the Years 1950 to 2000 [Hardcover]

Iain H. Murray (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 2000

Why has Christian unity proved to be such a divisive topic? In the 1950s two movements- evangelicalism and ecumenism- offered differing paths to unity in the church. But as the decades have passed the influence of ecumenism has exposed a fault line in evangelicalism. Questions of critical importance have been brought to the surface: Is the gospel broader than evangelicals have historically insisted? Can there be unity with non-evangelicals in evangelism and church leadership? Does the gospel have priority over denominational loyalty? These gained high profile in the crusades led by Dr. Billy Graham on both sides of the Atlantic, and in the subsequent interaction among evangelicals in North America and Europe. At first a new policy of 'co-operation without compromise' promised an 'evangelical renaissance'. Those who feared an inevitable devalutation of the gospel were viewed as destined for the kind of isolation to which fundamentalism had been consigned earlier in the century. Evangelicalism Divided traces the fascinating saga of the personalities, institutions and publications involved in this fifty-year period. Iain Murray's account is not simply a black and white narrative. But using the mass of sources now available he shows how the new policy ivolved concessions which seriously weakened biblical Christianity. The first and greatest need, he argues, is to answer the most fundamental and divisive question of all: What is a Christian? - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Iain Murray's historical overview of the fortunes and misfortunes of evangelical Christianity, especially in England, between 1950 and the century's end-time, will stir up both an approving and a dissenting readership. But no one can contend that it ignores some of the most vital theological issues of the time and the conflicts surrounding them. The narrative is well documented, and it details not only conflicts of perspective but inconsistencies and alterations of views by some of the leading participants in the events of the day. The names best known to Americans - Billy Graham, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, James Packer, John Stott among them - are evaluated, commended and critiqued as contributory to the present-day evangelical outlook and predicament.
Carl F.H. Henry

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Iain H. Murray, born in Lancashire, England, in 1931, was educated in the Isle of Man and at the University of Durham and entered the Christian ministry in 1955. He served as assistant to Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones at Westminster Chapel (1956-59) and subsequently at Grove Chapel, London (1961-69) and St. Giles Presbyterian Church, Sydney (1981-84). Although remaining a minister of the Presbyterian Church of Australia, he currently lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, where the Banner of Truth Trust (of which he is a founding trustee) has its main office.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 342 pages
• Publisher: Banner of Truth (December 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0851517838
• ISBN-13: 978-0851517834
• Product Dimensions: 1.1 x 5.6 x 8.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #535,950 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Most Helpful Customer Reviews

76 of 78 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A Record of Good Intentions and Sad Results May 24, 2001

By David A. Vosseller VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

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.

48 of 48 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I would give it one hundred stars if I could March 18, 2003

By Brian Douglas

Format:Hardcover

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.

41 of 41 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Shockingly Provacative October 20, 2001

By Kenneth B Pagano

Format:Hardcover

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.