Digging deep into Scripture

Opening the Bible Essays by Howard H. Charles, edited by J. Robert Charles. Co-published by Institute of Mennonite Studies and Herald Press, 2005. 302 pages.

In 50 essays originally distributed as adult Sunday school lesson helps, Howard Charles explores the gamut of biblical topics. Throughout, he speaks directly to the reader as a patient yet firm teacher.

Twelve essays deal with general concerns: how the Bible came to us, how the Testaments relate, and some overarching themes of the biblical story. Eight focus on the Old Testament, including creation, violence, and analyses of Jonah and Esther. The remaining 30 essays dig into the New Testament, examining aspects of Jesus’ ministry and gospel, specific people, and specific books.

Some essays provide a biblical survey of a topic, cataloguing passages throughout the Bible and briefly commenting on whatever tensions or progressions exist between them.

More common are essays that introduce a biblical concern or puzzle, then reveal the wider context through pertinent materials from history, commentators and ancient literature. Finally, often with little space remaining, this information is applied to the thesis. The weight given to the journey over the destination is undoubtedly intentional: the author demonstrates methods of study more than (though not in place of) providing answers. In some cases, I turned the page anticipating more development of an idea only to see the start of a new essay. Other times the reader is equipped by the background material to know how the author would answer the lingering questions.

A few essays cause more confusion than they dispel. A discussion of Pentecost raises questions about tongues and then moves in another direction. Two essays present a view of the Holy Spirit as more of a vehicle or medium for God than a person of the Trinity.

The book is at its most powerful in essays that deal with “the way of love” and what it means to be a peacemaker. The description of spiritual gifts, especially the relation between physical and supernatural gifts, is superb.

Even when this book cannot fully explore a topic, it lays the groundwork that allows the reader to study further in fruitful directions. I recommend it to all who wish to dig deep into Scripture.

Marshall Janzen lives in Regina and attends Parliament Community Church. He is webmaster for the Canadian MB Conference.