THE SPIRIT OF PROTESTANTISM

by Robert McAfee Brown ‧ RELEASE DATE: April 20, 1961

How grateful we can be to Dr. Brown for writing this book in the present tense and with an irenic and spirit. History appears, to be sure, and theology in large quantities, but only to illuminate the essential and visible Protestantism of today. The book thus acquires a timeliness and a relevance which must have been in the mind of the Union Theological Seminary Professor from the beginning. Dr. Brown is fortunately well versed in the Roman Catholic and Orthodox traditions, and this saves his work from seeming to be written in a vacuum. Rather, by contrasts skilfully drawn, Dr. Brown makes us aware of difference even as he notes the areas where the various approaches have a united voice. The scholars will be grateful for the extensive notes which are appended to the book, whereas the ordinary reader will be glad for the engaging style and close-knit argument. Dr. Brown has written for wide readership. In terms of language and imagery, an intelligent high school graduate can read this gladly; yet a Doctor of Divinity will be intrigued with the freshness and the immediacy of what Dr. Brown has written. Best of all, those readers who grasp what Dr. Brown is saying will be aware not only of the strengths of Protestantism, but also its weakness, inherent dangers and fascinating challenges as it faces its redemptive task in the modern world.

Pub Date: April 20, 1961

ISBN: 0195007247

Page Count: -

Publisher: Oxford

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 1961

Categories: NONFICTION