We think that political correctness is a modern phenomenon. The Bible, however, reminds us that “…there is no new thing under the sun.” The trends against God (which is nothing more than sin), Jesus and His people are long-standing in history. The world continues to attempt to infiltrate and contaminate His Kingdom at every level. His power is far more than permitting such corruption to prevail. This material helps the ardent followers of Christ to recognize these matters in their proper order and perspective to fully appreciate, subscribe and follow the teachings and good news which may appear nebulous from God’s Word which became flesh – Jesus Christ. I value great truth and straightforward renditions. This material fits the bill. ( )

For me, this is a book that I will have to come back to from time to time, examining the arguments on various topics addressed. There is so much covered in this book that it’s hard for me to easily come to a clear conviction on a few topics addressed on which I was unsure. There were many times when I heartedly agreed with Miller and there were few times when I either disagreed or questioned his conclusion; however, to be fair, these are also topics in which I’ve done very little study and thinking on.

When reading this book, one thing the reader needs to keep in mind is that Miller is addressing members of this particular movement about how to keep to the “strait” and narrow, not necessarily how to come to it. To those who may read this book who may have never thought of scriptural authority, in the author’s defense, give the author a hearing first before you slam the book down in frustration. I want to say more on that in a moment. In my opinion, this kind of book is not one I would recommend to a new Christian as I think they would get lost on a lot of these issues or arguments that Miller makes here, especially if they knew nothing about the Christian faith. It would appear to them that he was just out to grip and complain (he’s not) and would only serve to cloud their thinking when they need to first learn the fundamentals of the faith.

In chapter 20, Miller seems to indicate a point in church history in the early 19th century where churches of Christ were unified on most, if not all, of these issues that he is discussing in this book. I can’t claim to know a whole lot about church history, especially as it relates to the Stone-Campbell movement, which I intend to correct, but I’m not aware of any time in history at which the church was of one mind on all these points. Of course, I may just be ignorant of that fact if so. If such a thing was possible in the past then Christians everywhere can and should know and work toward this kind of unity.

However, on other points, I had to question if things such as handclapping and church music would send a person to hell or set him or her against God, especially if those were the only issues that divided Christians. These are still issues I’m mulling over in my own mind.

Another issue is whether we truly hold to these principles of authority or do we violate them in our own ways? As I mentioned before, this is a book that I will be referencing often as I encounter these issues again in my studies.

There were also many times in which I agreed with Miller completely. For example, in chapters 12 – 17, he discusses the “new hermeneutic” that many Christians are practicing today. I believe that many who practice this hermeneutic or ways of understanding the Bible are inconsistent and Miller calls them on it. He also makes a good argument in 32 as to why the Holy Spirit baptism was only given to the apostles, not to all Christians. After reading this chapter, I can’t understand why this topic is so misunderstood and so abused in the religious world of “Christendom”. It makes me wonder why people either choose to ignore it or read it so carelessly. (That reason is actually explained at the end of the book.)

I kind of wish the author would have put Part VI in the beginning of the book as Part I to set the stage for a correct understanding to the issues he addresses further in the book. That’s just my opinion, but either way, the section is at least in there, which is important. Topics that I was a little surprised that Miller didn’t cover were that of churches who support colleges, orphan homes and social institutions.

Overall, the book is worth the read and worth taking the necessary time to think over. It’s not a book that I would recommend one read through quickly, especially if you’re looking to argue his points. This is definitely a volume that I will be returning to over and over again. I believe he touches on many important and serious issues facing Christians today. I also commend him on documenting his sources. He does this very well and even includes commentary in with them. ( )