IN RETROSPECT: REMEBRANCE OF THINGS PAST

by F.F. Bruce

Book by Bruce, F. F

Genres: Biography, Biblical Studies

319 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1980

About the author

Frederick Fyvie Bruce FBA was a Biblical scholar who supported the historical reliability of the New Testament. His first book, The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? (1943), was voted by the American evangelical periodical Christianity Today in 2006 as one of the top 50 books "which had shaped evangelicals".

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes dry, sometimes surprisingly entertaining. On the whole, a wholesome reminder of the possibilities of simple, straightforward prose.

Mostly, I've appreciated reading this semester about a part of the church (in time, in place, and in affiliation) that I am not familiar with, and that isn't represented here in this seminary community. C.S. Lewis' letters did this for me; F.F. Bruce did this for me — genuinely gracious and irenic men who remind me that since God is patient with people who are in error, I should be too (especially since I'm one of them).

[Paul Lamey · Rating 3 out of 5]

I own many volumes by the late N.T. scholar F. F. Bruce. From commentaries to background resources, he was prolific. Yet, this is the only one that is autobiographical in any true sense of the term. That said, this is not pure autobiography nor is it a true memoir. It is a collection of personal remembrances (hence the name) of key events, movements, and persons in Bruce's life which spanned the majority of the 20th Cent. Originally, it was a serial collection of essays from a British Brethren monthly. Until someone writes a definite bio, this will have to suffice.

[Gene · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good in the sense that it showed the amazing amount of Scripture knowledge that Western Christians normally had a generation ago. Puts us to shame.

On the other hand, the reflections were a bit dry. To read about who he associated with in each teaching institute and publishing venture was just kind of boring, though he probably did it as well as such a laundry-list sort of task can be done.

I was a bit troubled by his apparent pride at having his orthodoxy questioned. Doubt he would put it that way. But of course being in favor of women teaching in the church does still raise eyebrows in some circles.

Also his view of Biblical inspiration seems to not rule out contradictions. That is hard for this Evangelical to swallow.

Still, one leaves the book convinced that his scholarship is something Bible students can gain much from by delving into.

[James Harmeling · Rating 3 out of 5]

One of the challenges of a historian like Bruce writing an autobiography is that he focuses more on chronology of events than on the impact of those events on his life. It would be good to hear more about the "Redbrick" university status, the IVF Biblical Research Committee, the influence of Barth, Bultmann, and Dodd, the impact of WW2, and how he reached his conclusions on egalitarianism, John's apocalypse, and Pentecostalism.

The last couple chapters delve more into his personal life and are valuable for their insight on approaching ministry in a gracious manner. While the reader can locate some good nuggets of observation and anecdotes (I liked his take on America in the 1950's), these must be mined out. In the end, we must allow Bruce the Scotsman to be himself. Impatient 21st century Americans may not want to go at his pace.

[Jan · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could not get into this book. I stopped reading it. I may try again later, but for now not so great.