Catch the Vision: Roots of the Reformed Recovery

by John J. Murray

It is the belief of the author that a significant change came about in the history of the church in the United Kingdom in the middle decades of the 20th century. It was by and large a recovery of something that had been a reality in the church in past generations. Step by step men were led to see what was missing in the type of Christianity that prevailed for the first half of the century and began to direct their minds back to the glories of past eras.It is instructive to trace the various strands which were woven together in the providence of God to bring about the recovery. In most cases it was the discovery of some treasure of Christian literature from a spiritually-favoured age that set the person on the course he took. We find in the unfolding of history how the flame that burned in the heart of a man of God at one time is years later re-kindled in another — as happened in the case of George Whitefield being directed to Scougal’s Life of God in the Soul of Man, and in the life of the young C. H. Spurgeon to the writings of the Puritans.The purpose of this work is to trace these providential links in the men and in the books that set in motion a recovery of the vision — looking at figures such as W. J. Grier, A. W. Pink and E. J. Poole-Connor. The central place is given to the influences that shaped the message and ministry of the leading figure in the recovery, Dr Martyn Lloyd-Jones.

191 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2007

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 3 out of 5]

his is a look at the "rediscovery" of Reformed theology in Britain during the mid-twentieth century. It is very accessible and readable. It is however, rather a selective view. It is a hero view of history. There are a number of 'heroes' that are honoured. Most notably, Dr Martin Lloyd Jones, others that get honourable mentions are Jim Packer, Geoffrey Williams and the Evangelical Library, Iain Murray and the Banner of Truth and surprisingly, John Murray (not the author of the book), who was a Brit but who spent most of his time in the USA at Westminster Seminary. Others have bit parts: notably: E. J. Poole-Connor, A. W. Pink, W. J. Grier and J. Elwyn Davies.

The emphasis here is on the Calvinism that stems from the Puritans. No mention is made of Kuyperian Calvinism. Murray, the author (not the WTS Murray), held pastorates in Oban and Edinburgh, so one would have thought the Scottish influence would be to the fore, but that is not so. The part played by the Free Churches in Scotland seems to be minimised. Others absent are the Sovereign Grace Union and the Strict and Particular Baptists.

The roles of the English and the Welsh are well documented here and it provides a good overview of the roles played by Lloyd Jones, the Evangelical Library and the Banner of Truth. There is a useful timeline stretching from 1899 (the birth of DMLJ) to 1981 (the death of DMLJ) and a chronology of John Murray.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book tracing the revival of interest in the Reformed faith during the 20th Century (particularly the revivalistic stream). Murray was one of the leading figures in the UK and so has more than a little right to speak on the subject. (He's also an extremely nice man! and full of infectious warmth for sound doctrine and holy living.)

That initial recovery is well worth celebrating and has led on to a fuller recovery of the reformed faith by some. But sadly some of those involved in the initial and second-generation recovery seem highly opposed to any continued recovering if it doesn't fit in with their revivalistic assumptions about the faith.

Let this book inspire us to be always reforming!

Enjoyed it.

[Kyle · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book provides a great overview of the reawakening of Reformed Theology within Great Britain during the early and mid 20th century. While there is some mention of the US, the focus is primarily upon England. The reader will meet well known figures such as A.W. Pink and Martyn Lloyd-Jones and "lesser" known figures such as E.J. Poole-Conner and Geoffrey Williams who started the Evangelical Library in London. Some will find the chapter on the beginnings of the Banner of Truth Trust enjoyable.
While an definitive work remains to be done on the events of the Reformed recovery in England during the 20th century, Murray has provided a great introduction to those events and the key figures used by God during those times.