Friday, January 8, 2010

Book Review: "Spiritual Companions: An Introduction to the Christian Classics" by Peter Toon, Baker, Grand Rapids, 1990

Overview—Give a brief overview of the book, including its theme, perspective and approach.
In Spiritual Companions, Peter Toon gives a literal A to Z of classic Christian authors from the Church Fathers to contemporary voices. Beginning with Joseph Alleine’s “A Sure Guide to Heaven” and finishing with “The Way of a Pilgrim” (unknown author), Toon directs the reader to Christian literature that will feed the soul and challenge the mind. One hundred short chapters of two pages each acquaint the reader with famous names and not so familiar gems. And in each chapter he lets the reader sample the style and content of the book he is reviewing. Think of Spiritual Companions as a traveler’s guide through great spiritual literature.

Critique—Offer a brief critique of the book, including elements of strength and weakness.
One of Toon’s strength is his positive, even handed assessment of the classics. He is able to find helpful direction in the most obscure authors. I was also impressed by his broadmindedness. Through Toon is a traditional conservative Anglican, he can find value in Catholic and Eastern Orthodox writers. Comprehensiveness would be a strength as well. One would be hard pressed to find any glaring omissions in Spiritual Companions. If a reprint is ever in the works, I would suggest adding a list of what Toon considers as the best editions of the classics he discusses.

Application—Offer some specific application to your own ministry— demonstrating the value and relevance of the material in this book.
Spiritual Companions is helpful if only for the bibliographic value alone. I was introduced to several writers I was unfamiliar with and spurred to put their works on my reading list. Authors such as Thomas Brooks and William Romaine will become new friends. I was also reminded of forgotten classics that I will move to the front of my reading list. I can see myself offering Toon’s book to other bibliophiles to mine.

Best Quote—Be sure to include the page number where the quote can be found.
P. 151 (from Samuel Rutherford) “I know no wholesome fountain but one. I know not a thing worth the buying but heaven; and my own mind is, if comparison were made betwixt Christ and heaven, I would fell heaven with my blessing and buy Christ. O if I could raise the market for Christ, and heighten the market a pound for a penny, and cry up Christ in men’s estimation ten thousand talents more than men think of him!”

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