Customer Reviews (15)

Must-Read
Murray's REDEMPTION ACCOMPLISHED AND APPLIED is worth its weight in gold. A must-read for a serious study of the biblical soteriology.

No One Does It Better
'It belongs to our faith in God to avow that He cannot lie and that He cannot deny Himself. Such divine "cannots" are His glory and for us to refrain from reckoning with such 'impossibilities' would be to deny God's glory and perfection.' pg 13

'Those for whom Christ died are those for whom He rose again and His heavenly saving activity is of equal extent with His once-for-all redemptive accomplishments.' pg 71

'There is only one source from which we can derive a proper conception of Christ's atoning work. That source is the Bible. There is only one norm by which our interpretations and formulations are to be tested. That norm is the Bible. The temptation ever lurks near us to prove unfaithful to this one and only criterion.' pg 76

'..in the New Testament the terms for calling, when used with reference to salvation, are almost uniformly applied, not to the universal call of the Gospel, but to the call that ushers men into a state of salvation and is therefore effectual. There is scarcely an instance where the terms are used to designate the indiscriminate overture of grace in the Gospel of Jesus Christ.' pg 88

'We often fail to grasp the rich meaning of biblical terms because in common usage the same words have suffered a great deal of attrition.' pg 90

'Union with Christ is really the central truth of the whole doctrine of salvation, not only in its application but also in its once-for-all accomplishment in the finished work of Christ.' pg 161

'Union with Christ binds all together and insures that to all for whom Christ has purchased redemption He effectively applies and communicates the same.' pg 165

Biblically Based
I am thoroughly impressed with Murray's reasoning from the Scriptures.His case for effectual calling preceding regeneration is convincing.This is one of the books I will definitely recommend without reservation on soteriology and the questions of redemption (Pt.1 of the book). 5 shining stars!!!!!

Tough But Thorough Understanding of Atonement
Dr. John Murray's classic on the Reformed perspective of the atonement offers insights from the Scriptures that help the reader to better grasp the doctrine of particular redemption (or limited atonement).Murray's writing style is rather technical and the average reader may struggle with some aspects of the book.

If you desire, however, a Reformed perspective on the redemptive work of Christ and for whom did Jesus die on the cross then I would highly recommend this book.Murray, along with John Owen, represent the best Reformed writers on particular redemption.

For an Arminian view see John Goodwin's REDEMPTION REDEEMED: A PURITAN DEFENSE OF UNLIMITED ATONEMENT.

The Best Book on Redemption from the Reformed Perspective
Anyone desiring to know more about what Christ accomplished on the cross and how it is applied to the elect this book should be the first place to start. Though written from a conservative Reformed/Calvinistic perspective, those outside the Reformed/Calvinistic tradition will still benefit from this book significantly. The book is divided into two major parts: 1) Redemption Accomplished (what Christ did on the cross); and 2) Redemption Applied (how that applies to the elect). The first part is a very good articulation of how and why Christ's obedience and death are necessary. Some may find Murray depending a lot on the Anselmian model of the atonement, but he still does a convincing job arguing for this position. Unlike modern views of the atonement (i.e., Christ's death was a mere example), Murray is on target to argue that man's sin is such an offense to God that only a perfect substitutionary sacrifice will satisfy God's holy justice. The second part of the book is more interesting as it pertains to how all of this relates to believers. Murray pretty much lays out the standard Reformed ordo salutis framework (effectual calling....glorification) to discuss the benefits of the cross for believers. Especially good are his chapters on faith and repentance, justification, sanctification, and perseverance. Murray argues for the traditional Protestant view of justification and shows why justification is imputed and not imparted and why it must be received by faith alone (it is too bad that Murray did not live long enough to engage with the many "Protestant" deviations [i.e., the New Perspective, etc.] of this doctrine that are prevalant among Reformed circles today). Overall, this book is one of those "must haves" for any Christian library. I hope and pray that this book will still be in print for generations to come since it is one of the best books one will have on the doctrine of salvation. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

detailed
I enjoy this commentary because I can use it to help with block diagramming and for word by word explanations.It is a bit high level but still usable.

A Classic
Murray's work on Romans may not match the pastoral brilliance of John Stott, or be as up to date in scholarship as Douglas Moo (which replaced this volume in the wonderful NICNT series), but it is a must have.There have been hundreds of commentaries written on Romans over the past few centuries, but Murray's has joined the small cluster at the top of the 'classics'list (with Charles Hodge and Martin Luther, and the less orthodox Barth).All future commentaries will continue to reference Murray, as the standout work of its kind for the mid-20th century.

In addition to its usefulness for preachers and seminary students, it is also a nice window into the kind of teaching that was coming out of Westminster Seminary in a golden period of productivity when that school was THE leading Reformed school of the English speaking world.

Still the Standard Reformed Romans
John Murray is an important figure in the Presbyterian and Reformed faith in the 20th century.His commentary on Romans is thorough and insightful, building on the heritage which he inherited from the great Reformedthinkers from Luther and Calvin to B. B. Warfield and Geerhardus Vos, thelatter under whom he studied at Princeton.Murray shows particularsensitivity to the Old Testament background of Paul's epistle to the Romansand Paul's consciousness of his place in the history of salvation, ahistory which to Paul culminated in the person and death/resurrection ofJesus the Christ.Dr. Murray's admirable treatment of Paul's doctrine ofthe Spirit may only be surpassed by his successor at WestminsterTheological Seminary, Dr. Richard B. Gaffin (and by his professor atPrinceton, Dr. Geerhardus Vos).Murray's work is scholarly but not so thatit would be inaccessible to the intermediate student.Murray does interactwith his contemporaries; but could have taken it a litter further.Theonly criticism against Murray's Romans is his treatment of chps. 9-11 wherehe fails to break out of the dogmatic mould, and thus fails to capture themovement of the epistle from the anteclimax at the end of chp. 8 to theclimax at the end of chp. 11.Overall, however, Murray's is a helpful andinsightful commentary, a must for students and pastors.

The authoritative Reformed commentary
Murray's commentary on Romans is the best 20th century treatment of the work, easily beating Barth's earlier work. Tying in with his "Redemption Accomplished and Applied", Murray seizes the main theme of Romans, our justification, and carefully exegetes the book with a continual thought to the overall theme ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

hit or miss
John Murray's work is a brief, evangelical, reformed articulation of biblical ethics as unified and consistent and specifically following the contours of creation ordinances.Murray finds a great deal of mandate in various aspects of creation, even though these are implicit and not explicit.He is at his best when he synthesizes several biblical passages on a topic, but he bases a bit too much "ought" on vagaries that he fails to demonstrate.For example, he claims that Genesis 2:2-3 "proves that the Sabbath was a creation ordinance and, as such, must have been known to Adam."The text makes no such claim and is at best only consistent with Murray's point.This tendency is by no means constant, but it is frequent enough to make many of his points seem convincing only to those already in agreement with him.Also, while many sound judgments find their way into his text, the general tenor of some of his treatments seem to miss the greater force of biblical direction.Two chapters particularly worth mentioning here are the ones on labor and on truth.

In his chapter on labor, Murray does manage to mention the importance of "justice and equity" in our economic dealings, but he does not sufficiently integrate this or the impact that the fall had on labor, namely in that 1) it (labor) became burdensome and 2) socio-economic relationships have since been plagued with injustice, as is decried time and again by holy scripture, though this does not explicitly fit into Murray's narrow focus of "creation ordinances."Such a focus seems to commit Murray to giving too much legitimacy to the status quo around us, uncritically accepting it as reflecting God's will rather than the product of fallen humans.For example, while he does warn of the trappings and abuses of personal property and wealth, this warning is sandwiched between two lengthy justifications of personal property and wealth as such.This may seem like a minor detail, but for a book on biblical ethics to miss a chance to follow Scripture's lead on urging believers to re-evaluate their relationship with their wealth ultimately has to go down as a major fault.God has had to spend far more time pricking our consciences towards justice and generosity than in convincing us it is ok to have stuff.

However, the chapter on truth is positively disturbing.Murray pays lip service to what seems like the more fundamental biblical admonition against general deceptiveness before going on to place most of his emphasis on the speaking true utterances.He takes up the highly debatable positions that: 1) it is okay to be intentionally misleading as long as your words are not technically false; 2) it is not okay to lie to save lives, etc; and 3) to mistakenly pass on false information, while not lying, is still sin.And he positively tortures the biblical record to deny that God led or approved of specific instances of lying or at least deception.Position #1 is especially dubious and is precisely the kind of legalism Christ denounced.Most of us hopefully did not get away with such truth-twisting as kids!

On a different note, Murray's final chapter on the fear of God is most lucid as he successfully distinguishes between a negative fear of God (fearful anxiety at God's approach due to one's blatant sin) versus a sober, reverent regard for who God is and that his person is owed our total commitment.This chapter, taken by itself, is actually quite excellent and sends the reader off with a roused heart, hopefully to find his/her way to a richer biblical ethic than the one articulated in the rest of the book.

Good book on ethics from a conservative Reformed perspective
Any book by John Murray is a reliable source for sound biblical Reformed theology. In this book, Murray expounds ethics from a conservative evangelical Reformed perspective. Though many postmodern, neo-orthodox, postliberal, or moderate Christians will find Murray's positions outdated he admirably does a good job sticking to Scripture even if the view he expounds is distasteful to modern sensibilities (for instance, Murray's take on slavery). The great thing about this book is that it is not only theological but also practical. He deals with ethical issues that are very pertinant to how Christians are to live in this sinful world. The topics he treats include such things as marriage, work, preservation of life, and speaking the truth. He also give us an explanation of the meaning of the Sermon on the Mount (chap. 7) and how law and grace are related (chap. 8). Many lay Christians will find these chapters very relevant to their Christian existence on earth.

Having said that, Murray's understanding of the relationship between the law and gospel is questionable. It appears that Murray knocks down the wall that divides the law and gospel (a position that has been held by Protestants for the last 500 years). In fact, in one place Murray espouses the traditional Reformed view of the law and gospel: "The simple truth is that if law is conceived of as contributing in the least degree towards our acceptance with God and our justification by him, then the gospel of grace is a nullity" (p. 182). And then he later writes in the same chapter what seems to nullify his previous statement: "In all of this the demand of obedience in the Mosaic covenant is principally identical with the same demand in the new covenant of the gospel economy" (p. 199). For Murray, the new covenant is really no different from the Mosaic covenant because both have areal (not hypothetical) promise-demand structure. Only those who persevere in obedience to the law in both dispensations will inherit the future blessing of eternal life, according to Murray. Another problem is that even though this book was written in the 1950s, Murray writes as if he was writing this book in the 1850s! The language and style of the book will make some people re-read the same paragraph over and over. Murray uses archaic words and phrases that will make it tough to digest in the first reading. Overall, I would recommend this book. Though there are some issues I take with Murray it is much better than a lot of the postmodern, postliberal, and neo-orthodox ethics books that are being published in recent years.

Probably the best book on the subject
This is almost certainly the best book of its kind. It is biblical, logical, and comprehensive. Since the previous reviewer has done a good job in explaining the merits of this book, I will only clarify why this book may be difficult to read for some people.

The previous reviewer points out that this book is not necessarily difficult due to its contents -- I agree. What he fails to mention, although Packer's foreword includes the explanation, is that Murray is difficult to read because his prose is VERY poor. He is a great thinker, and is biblical and logical in his presentation, but he is a VERY bad writer. That is, the Prof. Strunk of "Strunk & White" would have given him an "F" in writing and rebuked him severely.

This is not an unimportant point. As Packer correctly points out, if Murray had the ability to write as clearly as, say, C.S. Lewis, he would be much more widely-read. And really, his materials deserve to be more widely-read than Lewis. So, it is frustrating to see that his bad prose has limited his influence. Hopefully, more and more students will read his works and translate his thoughts into more understandable English for this generation.

Again, my criticism here does not touch in the slightest degree Murray's thoughts, but only his prose. If you want to learn about biblcial ethics, and you should, then do not hesitate to buy this book. Read it slowly if you have problems with the prose, but read it all. It will give you a comprehensive and coherent view of what the Bible has to teach us on the subject.

I would also recommend books by Gordon Clark and Vincent Cheung. Search the web for "trinity foundation" and "vincent cheung", and I think you will find them. Cheung's books are free for download.

Sound Biblical Theology
The biggest problem with books like Principles of Conduct is that they are so good, so full, and so rich, that the each principle written about is so easily forgotten when the next principle is elucidated.I realized that this had happened to me as, when I was almost finished with the book, I skimmed over the pages I had read just days previously and discovered that I wished I had time to read it again.The book is completely biblical.One look at the scripture index will quickly show that Murray's use of scripture is pervasive.This is not a book where Murray expresses his opinion about various topics, but is a book where the issues of biblical ethics are soundly dealt with from the primary source - the Bible itself.In this light I found that (of all the strong aspects of this book) the strongest characteristic to be the sound exegesis of often-mistranslated passages of scripture such as Matthew 5, 1 Corinthians 7 and 9, and Romans 6.

The description on the back of the book mentions, "Though the Ten Commandments furnish the core of the biblical ethic, Murray points the reader again and again to all of Scripture as the basic authority in matters of Christian conduct."The Ten Commandments are not explicitly dealt with in this book, but the ethical considerations that begin in creation and continue through the time of Christ and His church are explained.The methodology of discovering God's continuing revelation to mankind is known as biblical theology and Murray is a model for Christian theologians in this method.Murray is showing that the Ten Commandments were not a new thing God decided to mention at Sinai, but are rooted in the nature of God's creation.The Ten Commandments were neither new at creation, nor did they cease to be valid after the coming of Jesus Christ.Through this understanding of the biblical ethic, we come into a deeper understanding of how we may obey God and how we can love His law (Psalm 119:97) as the ethic that God has given man to live by.

I have always heard that Murray is a difficult read.Even Packer says in his Forward that Murray is considered by many to be "tough sledding."Personally, I did not think this book was that difficult to read.Though the implications are deep, Murray writes in a way that is so logical that it is very easy to understand.More than just logical, Murray is thoroughly biblical.I have found that his exegesis and use of biblical theology is rock solid.He thoroughly explains difficult passages in a way that is in solid agreement with the text itself.

I also found this book to be encouraging and helpful in my walk with God.My mind was just not filled with general facts, but was genuinely spurred on to greater devotion to Christ.It is a motivating book for the Christian who needs to be reminded time and again that he or she has been set free from the bondage of sin and has been resurrected to obedience to Christ.It is helpful for the Christian who is struggling to formulate a biblical ethic on the issues of marriage, capital punishment, and labor.It is helpful for any Christian who wants to know how they can serve God better in their day-to-day life. ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description
John Murray Spear was one of nineteenth-century America's most interesting characters. A leading social agitator against slavery and capital punishment, Spear also became the nation's most flamboyant spiritualist, inventor of "spirit machines," and advocate of free love.

Born in 1804, John Murray Spear started his career as a Universalist minister. Later he was a close colleague of William Lloyd Garrison and Theodore Parker in the abolitionist movement, an operator on the underground railroad in Boston, an influential leader in the effort to end the death penalty and to reform prison conditions, and a public advocate of the causes of pacifism, women's rights, labor reform, and socialism. Buescher chronicles Spear's work as an activist among the New England reformers and Transcendentalists such as Bronson Alcott, Lydia Maria Child, and Dorothea Dix.

In midlife Spear turned to the new revelation of spiritualism and came under the thrall of what he believed were spirit messages. Spear's spirits dictated that he and a small group of associates embark on plans for a perpetual motion machine, an electric ship propelled by psychic batteries, a vehicle that would levitate in the air, and a sewing machine that would work with no hands. As Buescher documents, Spear's spirit-guided efforts to harness technology to human liberation—sexual and otherwise—were far stranger than anyone outside his closest associates imagined, and were aimed at the eventual manufacturing of human beings and the improvement of the race. Buescher also examines the way in which Spear's story was minimized by his embarrassed fellow radicals. In the last years of his life, retired by the spirits and regarded by fellow Gilded Age progressives as a visitor from another age, if not another planet, Spear helped organize support for anarchist, socialist, peace, and labor causes. Spear's life, an odd mixture of comic absurdity and serious foreshadowing of the future, provides us with a unique perspective on nineteenth-century American religious and social life. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

A truly remarkable life...
Dr. Buescher is to be commended for this masterpiece of comprehensive, detailed, richly anecdotal biography of a man so diverse in his passions as to make your head swim.And for this reason perhaps this book may not become as well know as it should- though I certainly hope otherwise.John Murray Spear was an epitome of trying to live so altruistically for his fellow disenfranchied beings that like Ariel he moved on the winds of each social progressive movement that manifested itself in 19th century America.

This book for the first time gives you the entire alternative landscape of fringe religion, social movements and experiments through the almost Baron Munchausen inner adventures of Spear.From passionate Universalist, abolition, prisoner rights, (Spear & his brother should be honored as the father of the parole movement alone), feminism, free love and finally culminating in Spiritualism.Finding a spiritual home at last he becomes an apostle of this new movement and was instrumental as a first generational Spiritualist in taking the new dispensation to England.

Additional fascinating pieces of this superb book includes for the first time a detailed history of the entire "New Motor" experiment.I recall as a child first reading tantalizing tidbits in fortean paperbacks about this Victorian "Frankenchrist" event that boggled my childish mind with gothic pleasure & beginning theology.I also discovered for the first time the Spiritualist/sewing machine connection- you'll have to read the book for this one.And unless one reads a history of the Oneida colony. you'll not find a more comprehensive survey of the free love movement in America.I hope that a copy of this work may find itself falling into the hands of a Tim Burton or Terry Gilliam, no other director could capture the visual sheer surreality of the life of the Reverend Spear.Giddily recommended.

Very highly recommended reading
"The Remarkable Life Of John Murray Spear: Agitator For The Spirit Land" by John Buescher (Chief of the Tibetan Broadcast Service of the Voice of America) is the biography of one of 19th century America's most idiosyncratic and radical religious figures whose flamboyant spiritualist proclivities led him to protest slavery and capital punishment, invent 'spirit machines', and perhaps most surprisingly -- advocate 'free love'. While Spear help organize public support for anarchist, socialist, peace, and labor causes, his personal life was an eccentric mixture of the comic and the profane and provides contemporary readers with a remarkable perspective on 19th century American religious and social life. An impressive body of well research and superbly written detail, "The Remarkable Life Of John Murray Spear" is informative, entertaining, and very highly recommended reading on the life and times of a remarkable distinctive man who helped to shape American history.

John Spear Speaks From the Summerland
This is a proud legacy for John Murray Spear - to have his life and times depicted by John Buescher, someone so devoted to historical fact and sensitive to the motives and paradoxical moments of the pioneer days of Modern Spiritualism.Spear, an early practitioner of that belief, is also one of the 19th century's most colorful characters.He is rendered here with a deft touch and keen perception by scholar and historian Buescher who meticulously researched and wrote an earlier, wide-ranging book featuring Spear, "The Other Side of Salvation: Spiritualism in the Nineteenth-Century Religious Experience."The author's skills truly shine in this immensely readable biography of the magnetic Spear's inventive and eccentric persona -- a healer and medium who attracted a multitude of devoted supporters and endorsed the ambivalent tenets of "Free Love" plus a number of colorful (if not downright crazy) plans for a utopian community at Kiantone, New York (near Jamestown).Spear also possessed a frantic commitment to development of his New Motor Project (near Lynn, Massachusetts) which seemed to cause his nubile assistant, Caroline, to become pregnant with a child that - surprisingly! - strongly resembled the married Spear.John Buescher is the genius behind the wonderfully inclusive [..] and here he has authored an entertaining and illuminating book for anyone with an appetite for nineteenth century religious doctrines and their idiosyncratic practitioners.Spear is depicted as engaging, funny, thoughtful, flamboyant, and true to his convictions.Buescher treats his subject with authority and warmth.It's a great read.I highly recommend it.
... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Religious Liberty and Natural Law
I cannot recommend this book more highly to those interested in church/state relations, especially from a Catholic perspective.John Courtney Murray had a profound influence on the notion of Religious Liberty found in Dignitatis Humanae and in other documents of Vatican II.This work, by Robert W. McElroy, gives a very methodical, broad, and clear review of Murray's social philosophy.It is the only work, to date, that encompasses Murray's whole vision, and explains for the layman some of the more difficult notions of the Natural Law.Since Murray published few books, and wrote articles primarily for periodicals, thisoverview is invaluable.Do not expect to find a liberal or conservative slant, here.Murray's work seems to find a remarkable middle-way that is neither diluted nor duplicitous. ... Read more

Product Description
Green clothbound boards. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Deeply Helpful
I'm a pastor.I've recently been bereaved.This booklet is hugely helpful in both contexts.The author writes as an experienced pastor and as one who lost his own teen-aged daughter to cancer.John J. Murray has been in the crucible.He learned some blessed lessons.What he teaches in this booklet helped me help others in their hard times (not *only* bereavement) and helped me in the death of my dad just a few months ago.I highly recommend this book to you if you're going through darkness. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Very difficult book, maybe the summary below will help
This is an extremely dense book which is definitely worth reading.It contains the standard articulation of the Reformed view of man's relationship to Adam.If you purchase the book, or would just like to read a decent summary instead of buying it, perhaps the review below will be helpful.The paragraph breaks correspond with the chapter breaks.

In the opening pages Murray concerns himself with the parallelism contained in Rom 5:12.He argues that the surrounding section is a sustained argument that draws a strong analogy between the work of Adam and of Christ and the Christian's relationship to each.He begins by discussing the syntactical construction of 5:12 and then surveys and refutes the Pelagian and Roman Catholic views.He also surveys Calvin's view and while Murray agrees with Calvin's general conclusions, he believes Calvin's exegesis is inaccurate.He is critical of the Pelagian and RC views in that they do not seem to reflect the one man and one sin terminology with which Paul connects humanity with the first and second Adam.What Paul is arguing according to Murray is that all of humanity stands with Adam as their representation to the extent that both his guilt and his corruption are imputed to them.And thus those who stand with Christ as their representative receive both forgiveness and righteousness by imputation.

Murray then examines more deeply the nature of man's solidarity with Adam.He interacts with the realist view and the representational view.These two views attempt to explain the specific ground of the imputation of Adam's first sin with humanity that goes beyond the simple fact that there exists genealogical solidarity between Adam and humanity.The realist position, it seems is looking for a way to remove the difficulties regarding the punishment of someone for a sin in which he did not participate.The realist argues that human nature was present in its entirety in Adam and that each person thereafter is an individualization of this human nature and is therefore guilty of Adam's sin.But since they were really present in seed form in Adam, it is just to hold them guilty for there participation in Adam's sin. Adam's sin is therefore imputed to humanity in an immediate way.In the representational view, Adam's sin is imputed to humanity in the very same way (parallelism again) that Christ's righteousness is imputed to the believer.

Murray says that mediate imputation emphasizes the hereditary corruption as the medium or means by which Adam's sin is imputed to his posterity.This is to say that man sins because he is born corrupt, but he is only guilty in that he himself sins as a moral agent.Murray characterizes the immediate position as God looking on posterity as being one with their father Adam and their sin coexisting with his just as if it were theirs. He then argues for immediate imputation in four extended arguments.The first seems to me to be the most compelling and easiest to summarize.Murray's basic exegetical point stemming from Romans 5 has been that Paul's "one sinned" and "all sinned" language refers to the same sin viewed from the participation of Adam and his posterity.In other words, there is exact correlation between the manner and nature of sin of Adam and his posterity.Thus, since there is not any medium between Adam's sin and the death inflicted upon him, neither should we interject any medium between the sin and punishment in the case of Adam's posterity.

Chapter Four is probably one of the more difficult to comprehend and summarize, especially because of his use of Latin terminology which he does not define.But with the use of a Latin dictionary, Murray's critique of Hodge on imputation and his alternative position become clearer.Hodge argues that the imputation of Adam's sin to his posterity consists simply in the obligation to satisfy justice, i.e., the exposure to punishment on account of Adams sin - the reatus poenae. Murray responds that the reatus poenae, may be imputed only if the reatus culpa is also imputed.In other words, the demerit, or guilt of Adam's sin must also be imputed as possession of his posterity before any obligation to satisfy justice can also be imputed.The guilt is the ground of the punishment.So, Murray contends that the biblical teaching on imputation is hung delicately between two poles.On one hand, it is more than judicial liability, but it is less than considering posterity to have eaten the fruit in the same way that Adam did - it was his action not theirs.The biblical position is that in Adam's sin, humanity was constituted sinners in the same manner that the elect are constituted as righteous - parallelism again.

Still nothing but a theory
I know there are many individuals who will disagree with my assessment of Murray's work, but the idea of the imputation of Adam's sin is still a framework constructed to account for humanity's sinfulness, and is one that is not defended by overwhelming amounts of Scripture.That being said, I do agree with Murray on several points.His development of the concept of corporate solidarity is well needed and is a concept that is common to Old Testament Judaism.By examining the books of the Old Testament one will quickly come to realize that Israel was often dealt with as a corporate identity by God;In other words if one individual sinned, then that sin was treated as the sin of the whole nation.The best example I can think of in the Old Testament is the story of Achan's sin that is described in Joshua chapter 7.

That being said, just because the idea of corporate solidarity can be derived from the Old Testament it does not mean that that principle is valid in the case of Adam.I think there are many dissimalarities between the two situations that would mittigate against strictly comparing the two.For instance, Israel was a nation that was called and chosen by God and that contained millions of citizens that defined it's existence as a nation.When Achan sinned against the Lord, it was said that Israel sinned and the whole nation suffered punishment.It was the people contemporaneous with Achan who were treated as trangessors and punished by God.In the case of Adam we are separeted by a vast expanse of time, and yet his sin is still somehow reckoned to be ours.The two situations just aren't similar enough to warrant a strict comparison.

Second, using Romans 5 as a proof text to support the imputation of Adam's sin is interesting, but does suffer from some serious weaknesses.First, Paul's whole insistence on discussing the period from Adam to Moses in vs. 13-14 is unintelligible to Reformed exegetes.This digression from his starting point in verse 12 makes no sense, and the fact that he focuses on this group of people is even more disturbing.Reformed scholars have been unable to deal with Paul's references to sin that is "not like the sin of Adam" and the absence of law in this period.Another point that weakens this view is that Paul is constantly stressing the one act of obedience to the one act of disobedience.Reformed scholars say, well Paul's reference to Christ's obedience and our being made righteous by it must be referring to the imputation of Christ's righteousness to our account;They then say since he is comparing Adam to Christ, Adam's disobedience must be reckoned to our account just like Christ's righteousness.

Yet, they overlook that Paul is referring to Jesus's one act of obedience and not to his lifelong, perfect obedience to the law.The traditional Reformed position is that Christ's perfect, lifelong obedience to the law is reckoned as our righteousness and thus we can stand as sinners justified before God.In Romans 5, Paul isn't speaking about Christ's perfect obedience to the entire law, but his one act of obedience that made the manyrighteous.Therefore, this verse can't be speaking about the imputation of Christ's righteousness in the standard Reformed sense, and thus the idea of the imputation of Adam's unrighteousness falls with it.I think John Chrysostom's view of this passage makes sense, in that he saw Paul trying to defend the effects of Christ's death against Jewish attacks.The Jews would ask, how can one man's obedience upon a tree make anybody righteous?Paul's answer to them was simple;He resorts in this passage by responding with a question to Jewish critics asking, how could one man's disobdience at a tree make many unrighteous.Since the Jewish critic obviously believed in the fall of Adam and it's disastrous effects on humanity, he would then have to recognize that Christ's obedient death on the cross could function in the way Paul said it does.Second, Paul's use of Greek terminology that speaks of being made righteous or made sinners does not facilitate a classic Reformed view.Murray tries to get around this by translating the Greek as constituted, thus playing off the double entendre;Constitute could describe the actual inner condition of something, or say something about how one perceives something to be.Nevertheless, the more accurate Greek rendering is made righteous and made sinners, and therefore Paul seems to be talking about something more than just a legal status.

Lastly, this whole viewpoint stands or falls upon the assumption that Adam and God were both parties in a covenant of works in the Garden of Eden.There is absolutely no Scriptural proof that such a covenant even existed, and to read one into Genesis 2-3 requires some serious eisegesis.If there was no covenant of works than this theory falls flat on it's face.This book is a nice defense of the classic Reformed view of immediate imputation, but when the theory is examined under close scrutiny one discovers that it is nothing more than just that, a theory.

summary of original sin
In some ways one could use the word "transmission" instead of "imputation" for those who can't get their heads around the legal terminology common in Reformed theologians. This book attempts to examine how Adam's sin is credited to the entire human race, thus imputation. The book is dry and a lot of work to read. The theological concepts themselves are not so difficult to grasp as Murray's wooden prose. Unless you're willing to navigate hard-core Reformed theological writings in a stuffy mid-20th century academic style I'd recommend Henri Blocher's scholarly but far more readable Original Sin as a primer for Murray's ideas and for a thoughtful critique of some of their limitations. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Divorce...compels me to love my wife more
This was not a fun read. Reading about divorce is quite depressing to tell the truth. It is always a tragedy and God hates it. My heart breaks over it. It isn't something we celebrate, but grieve over. Divorce is usually the result of many tears, sleepless nights, betrayal, abuse, and such. It is not the result of happiness, peace, and joy.

John Murray spends time in the major passages of Scripture regarding divorce and basically concludes that divorce is allowable in the case of sexual sin and the abandonment of an unbeliever. In both cases, remarriage is allowed.

I will continue to do some more research, but I think that allowances would be made for other situations as well. One such example may be a physically and/or verbally abusive spouse. I would say that it would be right for the victimized spouse to leave (live apart from) the abuser with the hope of reconciliation. The offending party should then be approached lovingly by the church elders with the intent to restore. So long as the offending party repents and abides by stipulations in the desire to rejoin the other spouse, the offended spouse must remain married (legal binding). If the offending party should reject the counsel of the elders, then such would be excommunicated from the church body and basically deemed an "unbeliever". In such a case, would this example constitute the departure of an unbeliever, in which the believer is no longer "bound"? Resulting in the offended party rightly freed from the marital bond?

Murray also deals with the awkward situation where individuals who were wrongly divorced commit adultery by "remarrying" someone else. This is no easy task to deal with pastorally. Murray essentially states that the "act" of adultery in consummating a new relationship breaks the previous bond. The newly consummated marriage isn't to be broken. Instead, such individuals should acknowledge that they sinned in their actions and then proceed with their new partner with an understanding that their marriage is "valid".Murray struggles with what words to use in reference to such remarriages for fear of either condoning it on one hand or outright condemning it on another hand. Murray sees such situations as the "exception"...even though it is increasingly more commonplace.

At the very core of this issue is that God wants marriage to last a lifetime, and any marriage that fails is a tragedy. Adultery is a tragedy, abuse is a tragedy, neglect is a tragedy, lack of intimacy is a tragedy, and on and on with the multitude of reasons why marriages fail. It is all sad.

I hope to research some more into this issue...but realize that the best research is to learn how to love my wife more and more everyday. By God's grace, divorce will never be an issue for us. The whole issue of divorce and remarriage has been a hot issue in the church, I admit, and should be discussed...however, it is my prayer that I spend more time pastorally building marriages up rather than understanding all of the nuances for Scriptural allowances on divorce and remarriage. I will do both, but I will exert all that I am in the domain of my own marriage, seeking to love my wife more and more everyday.

a standard....
a standard long forgotten; especially in conservative churches where the Truth is supposed to be upheld even in the face of cultural pressure.

Must a divorced person attend a liberal church to receive compassion?Must truth be sacrificed for love?

Perish the thought.This book, along with Dr. Adam's book will show that divorce is not a sin; but it is the result of sin:someone's sin; likely both parties sins.But it is a sin that is to be forgiven.The perfect standard remains, even if man breaks it, but once broken, forgiveness and healing may come.

Exegetical - Sound - Insightful
The question of divorce and remarriage regularly comes up in pastoral counseling and local church ministry.With the growning divorce rate, the church is being forced to deal with divorce and remarriage more and more.Sound and clear Biblical thinking is required. This book by John Murray is both.This work is technical, written to deal with the original languages and does not avoid dealing with the hardest of questions concerning divorce and remarriage.It is not a quick read - it takes time and reflection - but it is worth every once of effort.As a supplement work - an more popularly written also consult Jay E. Adams' work "Marriage, Divorce & Remarriage."Murray's work covers the exegetical problems, while Adams' work is more pastoral.The two together will equip the reader with great insight and Biblical knowledge to counsel members of the congregation.

Like on many other issues, Christians are divided on the biblical understanding of divorce and remarriage. Some don't believe in divorce for any reason. Others, while they believe there are grounds for divorce, see no biblical basis for a subsequent remarriage. Others, such as Adams and Murray, hold that there are very limited and specific justifications for divorce and if and only if these are met is there any gournds for remarriage.

If you are still working through what the Bible teaches, Adams' and Murray's works will give you a good apologetic for believing there are limited and specific grounds for biblical divorce and remarriage.

If you have been taught or believe that there are no grounds for remarriage but want to know the arguements of those who do, these two books will be helpful.

You may agree or disagree with Adams or Murray, but you will find excellent development of their position in these books.

This is a very serious subject on a lot of levels. Please handle the subject carefully.

Intense
Mr Murray's text is often quoted by others, which may serve as a recommendation in itself, but it is particularly intense and so other writers often take the opportunity of explaining it to mere mortals such as you and I. He takes the view that Deuteronomy 24 describes divorce rather than instituting it, and goes on to give the standard line that Jesus allowed divorce and remarriage for cases of sexual immorality. In other instances he regards the divorce as ineffective, and so remarriage is adultery. On the one hand he says that Jesus did not abrogate the Old Testament law, but on the other hand he says that Christ changed the penalty for adultery from death to divorce. This latter position is not consistent with the former and the idea that the law skirts around divorce without properly legislating on it is a strange view to entertain. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

New Intro, classic book
Peter Lawler's fascinating and comprehensive to Murray's thought in the context of the American Catholic natural law tradition makes this new edition of WHTT more than worth the money.Someone might quibble with the placement of Lawler's intro, and perhaps the publisher should restore the integrity of Murray's text in the next printing. ... Read more

Book Description

The Word Biblical Commentary delivers the best in biblical scholarship, from the leading scholars of our day who share a commitment to Scripture as divine revelation.This series emphasizes a thorough analysis of textual, linguistic, structural, and theological evidence.The result is judicious and balanced insight into the meanings of the text in the framework of biblical theology.These widely acclaimed commentaries serve as exceptional resources for the professional theologian and instructor, the seminary or university student, the working minister, and everyone concerned with building theological understanding from a solid base of biblical scholarship.

Customer Reviews (3)

Thorough treatment of John's Gospel
Exegetical theologian George Beasley-Murray's commentary on the Gospel According to John is a thorough treatment of John--a commentary in which Beasley-Murray attempts not just to give the reader his own conclusions based on his years of study and denominational affiliation, but he tries to go beyond his conclusions to include the diverse conclusions of other scholars--both more liberal and more conservative.

While such a goal is admirable, and while the resulting book does expand one's knowledge of John, the book does tend to become more drawn-out and confusing than it needs to be at times.Beasley-Murray frequently treats a contriversial portion of the text by explaining (in a sympathetic style) several differing scholars points-of-view on the text only to (in fairly unsympathetic terms) criticize the weaknesses in said scholarly opinions.This reader found Beasley-Murray's writing style confusing in this respect.

I also hold a different exegetical opinion than Beasely-Murray on some key points--the most notable of which is our differing opinions on the author of John and the identity of the "Beloved Disciple."While this reviewer holds to the traditional orthodox view that the Gospel's author and Beloved Disciple are one and the same--John (son of Zebedee and disciple of Christ), Beasley-Murray holds that the two individuals are different people and that neither is the above-mentioned John.It is clear that such an opinion colors what is otherwise a pretty orthodox and conservative commenary.

This volume of the Word Commentary Series does have some excellent points which deserve commendation.Beasley-Murray, gives a fair and thorough treatment to sections of John that the church has traditionally held to have references to the sacraments (Chapter 6, water and blood flowing from Jesus' side, the meal of fish and bread in John 21, etc.).Many other commentators give the sacramentarian view cursory treatment, but Beasley-Murray gives the view respect.In all, Beasley-Murray makes a practice of treating the text and other scholars very thoroughly and respectfully.For the most part, it was an enjoyable commentary to read.

One final negative comment on this volume--one that has to do more with the editor:an extrordinarily frustrating aspect of this book's type-set was the fact that the normally small, closely spaced font was often reduced significantly in size for no apparent reason.While it appeared as if certain paragraphs (or pages) were offset as if to indicate an extended quote, there actually was neither a quote nor a shift in Beasley-Murray's narrative.This both annoyed and distracted this reader.

While I realize that I spent most of this review griping at various aspects of the book, my overall opinion of this commentary on John is positive.I feel that a reader would benefit from reading George Beasley-Murray's treatment of the text.Recommended.

Treasures of modern scholarship
In the Preface Beasley-Murray (B-M) asks why yet another commentary on John's Gospel and answers, "It seemed that there was room for an attempt to pass on some of the treasures of modern study of this Gospel and with them to combine one's own findings and convictions." To this end he remains faithful throughout the Introduction and commentary proper. We are treated to some of the best insights into John's Gospel, both B-M's and many an eminent scholar's. His enthusiasm for the project shows up again when in the Introduction he describes some of the commentaries on the Gospel in the past fifty years as "among the greatest expositions of the Word of God that have ever appeared."

The detailed Introduction is important and rich in theological ideas. B-M tells us it was "as scales falling from the eyes" as he listened to his mentor, C.H. Dodd, explain the structure of the episodes of the Book of Signs (chapters 2-12), each episode consisting of sign plus discourse, and each encapsulating the whole Gospel.He realized that that was probably due to the Evangelist's preaching, as the Evangelist expounded the significance of the traditions in the light of Christ's death and resurrection. Now a familiar observation in Johannine studies, the concept that much of the Fourth Gospel was the product of preaching must have been a creative thought then. New insights continued to flow as scholars delved into the depths of this Gospel. Nowhere is it more apparent than in the discussion of the Gospel's dual nature, simultaneously depicting the historical ministry of Jesus and the situation and faith of the Johannine community some 50(?) years later. "The Evangelist sets the historical ministry of Jesus in Palestine in indissoluble relation to the ministry of the risen Lord in the world."If Luke traces the origins of the Church in two volumes, one [his Gospel] of Jesus and the other [Acts] of the risen Christ acting through his disciples, John presents the historical Jesus and Jesus the risen Lord together in one book and a single perspective. B-M masterfully sketches in succession how each of several scholars has treated this theme, in the process displaying a fascinating interplay of ideas.

Several other important themes that recur in the commentary proper make their first appearance in the Introduction. While the Kingdom of God is scarcely mentioned [only in vv. 3:3,5], "every line of the Fourth Gospel is informed by it."The Paraclete-Spirit actualizes the words and deeds of Jesus in the life of the Church - the Fourth Gospel itself "is a supreme example of the truth and application of the Paraclete doctrine which it contains."The concept of Son of God (closely associated with Son of Man) is the prevailing characteristic of Johannine Christology. The glorification of Jesus coincides with his crucifixion, unlike Isaiah's Servant who is exalted because and after he had suffered (lxxxiv). The realized eschatology of John is not to be divested of its future aspect, contrary to Bultmann (lxxxvi). All these, and more, are elements that B-M uses in the commentary discussions of John's theology, which turns out to be largely Christology. In the end you have to agree with him, "The theme of the Fourth Gospel is Christ."

In common with other scholars, B-M accepts a four-part structure of the Gospel: (A) The Prologue;(B) The Public Ministry of Jesus, otherwise referred to as the Book of Signs (Dodd, Brown);(C) The Passion and Resurrection of Jesus, also known as the Book of the Passion (Dodd) or the Book of Glory (Brown); and (D) Epilogue. He expresses a reservation, though, concerning the nomenclatures "Book of Signs" and "Book of Passion/Glory", since he considers that the WHOLE Gospel may be viewed as a book of signs and as a book of the passion and glory of Jesus. As he interacts with the established figures of Johannine scholarship, B-M does not hesitate to disagree as well as to cite approvingly, for he is a Johannine expert in his own right. He argues his case very well indeed, but to get the benefit of it one has to read thoughtfully. B-M is never shallow and merits careful study. Some knowledge of Greek helps, but you can still gain a great deal without. The commentary follows WBC's usual format. Some find the format "unfriendly", but it is not so. The usual gripe that references are given in line with the text (not in footnotes) should not deter you. As a presentation of modern Johannine study coupled with the author's independent understanding, this is a fine effort that deserves serious consideration by anyone ready to go beyond introductory expositions of the Fourth Gospel.

Revised Edition Misleading
I have both the original 1987 edition and the "revised" 1999 edition. To the publishers credit, the 1999 edition does state flat out that the only thing new is 50 pages of updated bibliography and reviews of major book on the Gospel since the original publication. This is all located in one new section in the introductory material. Otherwise, the two editions are identical page for page (even the numbering). If you have the 1987 edition, don't get the 1999 edition unless you need/want an updated bibliography. ... Read more

Book Description
Originally published by the Sierra Club in 1995, this handbook has already helped thousands of aspiring writers, scholars, and students share their experiences with nature and the outdoors.Using exercises and examples, John Murray covers genres, techniques, and publication issues. He uses examples from such masters as Barry Lopez, Annie Dillard, Larry McMurtry, Edward Abbey, Ernest Hemingway, and Henry David Thoreau. Also included are recommended readings, a directory of creative writing programs, professional organizations for writers, and a directory of environmental organizations. This revised edition includes a new chapter on nature writing and environmental activism.

"Nature is our grandest and oldest home, older than language, grander than consciousness. John Murray knows that in his bones, and he shares his knowledge generously with anyone who opens this book. Whether you write about the earth for publication or only for deepening your perceptions, you will find keen-eyed guidance here."--Scott Russell Sanders, author of Staying Put

Originally published by the Sierra Club in 1995, this handbook covers genres, techniques, and publication issues for aspiring writers, scholars, and students who want to share their experiences in nature and the outdoors. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Not just for writing about nature.
I have the original version of this book and I have carried it all over the country and used like a bible for the last ten years.I have gone back to each chapter at random and repeated his exercises time and time again without feeling like I was returning to the same book.Even if you are just journal writing like me this book is a must have and I will be ordering the new version when I am done writing this.I have only found one other book that works just as well in it's powerful simplicity and that is John E. Schwiebert's "Reading and Writing from Literature".Thanks Mr. Murray for the guidance.

An excellent skill improvement guide
Now in a newly revised and expanded edition, Writing About Nature: A Creative Guide by John A. Murray deftly teaches aspiring nature writers diverse exercises and examples with which to hone the communication skills of anyone who has experienced nature and the outdoors and yearns to share what they have seen. Covering a broad range of genres, and conveying a wealth of tips, tricks, techniques, as well as surveying publication issues, and enhanced with a new chapter about nature writing and environmental activism, Writing About Nature is an original, superbly organized and presented resource. Writing About Nature is an excellent skill improvement guide which is a highly recommended addition to any nature writer's instructional reference shelf or reading list. ... Read more

Book Description
Completely revised, the 4th Edition of this authoritative reference delivers a wealth of new information that enables readers to identify, treat, and manage a full range of respiratory disorders more easily than ever. Edited and written by leaders in the field, the book covers the scientific principles of respiratory medicine; its foundations in basic anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, pathology, and immunology; and its clinical applications. It features a wealth of new chapters * coverage of new modalities in biotechnologic, genomic, and informational sciences * a new 2-color design that makes it easier and quicker to access key information * and complete references for further study. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Top Notch Reference for Pulmonary Medicine
This text is well arranged and written. Touches on every pulmonary topic you can think of. One of the "standard" books used in our division. Great for students, fellows, and attendings alike. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Concretes the abstract
For those of you in your first-year, you have (will have) undoubtedly discovered the abstract nature of contract law.Unsettling for many is the fact that casebooks, while providing application, don't do much for reinforcing the concepts applied in the cases.For assistance, I happily recommend this volume.

Murray on Contracts appears at first glance to be a daunting volume, thick and detailed.It is however very well organized and divided, permitting a student to find more substance in those areas currently causing the student trouble.The volume also thoroughly provides the relevant citations for opinions that apply the concepts Murray explains.Indeed, after some limited review, I was quite happy for the detail that initially scared me.

To provide concrete and articulate discussion to the abstract world of contracts, this is proper volume.I do however encourage students to search it out in their respective law libraries before purchasing it.Again, with limited review, I think you will be pleased, finding a new ally in the seemingly insurmountable first-year war of contracts.

Murray On Contracts:a priceless study of contract law
Professor Murray has created a masterful volume cogently and concisely providing the principles of contract law.Murray on Contracts is a must read for any law student, practitioner, or business person seriouslyinterested in a complete study of contract law.This volume containsabundant citations to case law and legal commentary that is valuable to anypractitioner analyzing the state of a principle of contract law in his orher jurisdiction.In addition, Murray's lucid and facile style allows thelayman and lawyer alike to learn the principles of contract law withpleasure and insight.This is a great contrast to the overly pedanticstyle of many academic commentators in various courses of study.In short,Murray on Contracts does what few other volumes of its kind can do:make avolume of complex and arcane legal principles read like an engrossingnovel. ... Read more