N. Smith's profile

Brilliant Work, but Not Perfect, April 21, 2005

Similar to the central themes of the other books in the "Resources for Changing Lives" series, Welch explicitly states the "point" to the book in the preface: "Theology makes a difference" (xvi). With relation to addictions specifically, then, this means that "Addictions are ultimately a disorder of worship." In keeping with this central theme, the first part of the book, "Thinking Theologically" lays the foundation for the approach, while the second part develops specific "Essential Theological Themes."

Welch begins by discussing the very idea of "practical theology." Why is it that a faithful Christian who knows theology well, even teaching it at church, can respond to sin in… Read more

Theologically Insightful, Pastorally Helpful, Not Perfect, April 21, 2005

Welch's book on depression is helpful on a number of levels. It presents both a clear-headed use of descriptive psychology, while providing an instructive example of how to apply biblical teaching about the nature of sin to a particular struggle in the Christian life. The church would do well to learn from his work.

Throughout Chapter 3, Welch makes it clear that we should be willing to learn from psychology at least as a descriptive discipline. This is an important point that we ought to observe and appreciate. The tendency of many in "Christian counseling" circles is to react against the misuse of psychology, claiming that it has no use whatsoever. But Welch clearly… Read more

Insightful and Well-Balanced, February 19, 2004

This work is simply wonderful. Old's treatment of the history of worship is historically illuminating, theologically insightful, and personally edifying. He traces the development of worship from OT Israel to the modern church in terms of various aspects of worship: Baptism, the Lord's Day, the Ministry of Praise, the Ministry of the Word, the Ministry of Prayer, the Lord's Supper, Daily Prayer, and Alms.

He concludes with a short essay on the place of tradition in our theology of worship. The Reformers rightly saw tradition as helpful, even authoritative. But tradition's authority flows from and is subservient to the authority of Scripture.

For those interested in the history of… Read more