Orthodoxy & Heresy: A Biblical Guide to Doctrinal Discernment [Paperback]

Robert M., Jr. Bowman (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Baker Pub Group (January 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0801010241
• ISBN-13: 978-0801010248
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,645,045 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Robert M. Bowman, Jr., has a BA from California State University, a master's in Biblical Studies and Theology from Fuller Theological Seminary, and is currently a PhD candidate in biblical studies at South African Theological Seminary. He teaches biblical studies at Cornerstone University and serves full-time as director of research at the Institute for Religious Research, both in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Previously, he taught apologetics, theology, world religions, philosophy, and biblical studies at Luther Rice University and Seminary and at Biola University. He is the author of a dozen books and nearly sixty periodical articles. He and his wife Catherine have two boys and two girls.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent tool for developing biblical/logical discernment, January 24, 2002

By 

Douglas Groothuis "Douglas Groothuis" - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Orthodoxy & Heresy: A Biblical Guide to Doctrinal Discernment (Paperback)

I used this book for an adult education class almost ten years ago and found it to be clearly written, well-argued, and biblically accurate. My class responded well to the material. Bowman has a good knowledge of Scripture, theology, and heretical groups. When he is not arguing against biblical egalitarianism, he is generally a good source to consult. Bowman was a researcher at the Christian Research Institute at the time the book was published, 1992.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Art of Discernment, February 7, 2004

By 

Michael Meiring (Cape Town, WP South Africa) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Orthodoxy & Heresy: A Biblical Guide to Doctrinal Discernment (Paperback)

"Orthodoxy and Heresy" is an excellent and much needed book dealing with doctrinal discernment. Every Christian should be concerned for doctrinal purity in the church (cf. 2 Pet. 2:1).

During my on-going research on various religous groups which claim to be Christian, I've found Robert Bowman (the author) to be a very balanced and sound Christian apologist who has a heart for reaching out to those who are deceived.

In his preface, Bowman outlines the two extreme approaches of biblical discernment. On the one side, you have those discernment ministries which label everybody who disagrees with them (even on minor issues) as "heretics". And on the other side, you have believers who have no discernment whatsoever.

In the first part of the book, Bowman writes on the necessity of doctrinal discernment, and answers those who negatively criticise such a ministry (e.g. "don't judge!"). In chapter 5 Bowman defines orthodoxy and heresy, but in the next chapter, he points out that it isn't always "black and white". Some teachings can be classified, neither as "orthodox" or "heretical", but "aberrant". (At the back of the book there is a glossary).

The second part of the book deals with application: "Guidelines for Doctrinal Discernment".

It must be noted that Bowman doesn't single out any particular heretical group. In fact, he doesn't mention any names so that "it may be read without conflict by persons in religious groups which discourage reading literature that criticizes their beliefs." (p. 10)

Whatever religious affiliation you belong to, I recommend you purchase this book.