For more than twenty years F.F. Bruce answered questions submitted by readers of "The Harvester," a magazine published by Paternoster Press primarily for members of Brethren assemblies. It was on
For more than twenty years F.F. Bruce answered questions submitted by readers of "The Harvester," a magazine published by Paternoster Press primarily for members of Brethren assemblies. It was one of the magazine's most popular features. The first half of this book covers questions and answers on the biblical text; the second half covers questions and answers on Christian doctrine and the Christian life.
Two indices will help the reader find topics of interest. However, reading through the answers at random will be an experience of delightful discovery of Bruce's comments on issues from singing in worship to eschatology to what it means to be an evangelical. Questions asked to arouse controversy are answered in ways that are pointed, loving, and understanding—a demonstration of J.I. Packer's comment that "No Christian was ever more free of narrow bigotry, prejudice and eccentricity in the views he held and the way he held them; no man did more to demonstrate how evangelical faith and total academic integrity may walk hand in hand."
* Some answers were carefully worded because Bruce knew his opinions differed from normal Brethren thought.
* Some answers avoided giving specific directions because Professor Bruce preferred to discuss options and let the readers make up their own minds.
* Some answers avoided giving advice in specific local situations because it was "not the function of this column to usurp the responsibility of the elders of a particular church."
* Some answers responded to the questioner's hobby horse "with a twinkle in his eye," said reviewer Laurence Porter. For instance, a questioner who wanted to censure "young sisters" who used cosmetics was told that Professor Bruce doubted such censure would be a good idea and he confessed that he himself sometimes used after-shave lotion.
F.F. Bruce answered 2,000 questions in the pages of The Harvester over a period of twenty years. The 800 questions and answers in this book were chosen, classified, and indexed by Rev. Clive L. Rawlins.
