The Good Name: The Power of Words to Hurt or Heal

by Samuel T. Logan Jr.

The Good Name by Samuel T. Logan, Jr. encourages readers to see the dangers of false witness among Christians, especially when dealing with disagreements, which can cause damage to individuals, the church, and the good name of Jesus. By exploring what it means to be a true witness in the Bible and the Christian church, Logan emphasizes the power of words both divine and human and explains how our Christian responsibility is to honor others in truth and respect, especially when we disagree. This powerful book draws on Scripture and historical evidence of all the damage that verbal nastiness of Christians has done to the cause of Christ.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 9, 2019

Reviews

[Michael Philliber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are you, like me, deeply concerned about the heavy “shock-and-awe” approach that is being taken on social media? Are you alarmed by the vitriol and venom poured out through broadcast and print? Are you’re beginning to become distressed with the ways the social environment is increasingly becoming anti-social and how it is impacting your congregation and community? If so, then there’s a new book out that may well be a helpful part of the remedy. Samuel T. Logan, Jr., ordained minister in the Orthodox Presbyterian Church, one-time president of Westminster Theological Seminary-PA, emeritus professor of church history, and associate international director of the World Reformed Fellowship, has recently published a helpful resource, “The Good Name: The Power of Words to Hurt or Heal.” This 192-page softback takes up God’s command, “You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor” and presents it in a series of very contemporary applications. Specifically written for Christians, whether clerics or congregants, Logan addresses the power of words, beginning with his own past failures and moving out into up-to-date situations.

Logan unpacks what most Protestants number as the Ninth Commandment (some Lutherans and Anglicans, along with Catholics and Orthodox will call it the eighth). The author exposes his own failure in the past, which cost him his seminary presidency. He chronicles how this loss opened up to him several other ways he breached the command to not bear false witness against others. Then he pulls out historical catechisms – Reformed, Methodist, Baptist, Catholic and Orthodox – demonstrating in what ways this command has traditionally been understood. Next, he works through the Scriptures, showing what God has counseled in his Word and gives plentiful examples. Finally, Logan presents numerous illustrations and suggestions to aid readers in preserving their own and other’s good name.

And yet, the author is very clear that it is important we stand for the truth and the Truth. We cannot call evil good, nor good evil. And we cannot be silent, and thus become complicit, in the face of sin. Therefore, this book is more about how we deal with sin, stand up for right, and faithfully hold to biblical orthodoxy and orthopraxy. “When we stand for the truth, we will be seen as doing just that – standing for the truth. But how we stand for the truth can make all the difference between bearing true witness and bearing false witness” (74). Toward the goal of standing for the truth while not bearing false witness against our neighbor, the author piles on several helpful guidelines, and challenges a huge social media problem, the online disinhibition effect. This is that sense of anonymity, invisibility, and lack of accountability, which is boiling and cooking cyberspace, and beginning to seep out of its pores into our churches, and relationships.

I must say that throughout the entirety of “The Good Name” I found my toes stomped on, and my shins kicked. It has brought me to ruminate on my own words in the past, whether written, preached or conversed. Though some readers will find areas of disagreement with the author’s assessments here and there, nevertheless, if they will momentarily put those disagreements to the side and thoughtfully ponder the content and message of the book, and reflect on applications in their own lives, they will be richly profited. I highly recommend the book.

My thanks to New Growth Press for sending me the copy used for this review, at my request. Neither the publisher nor author gave me any marching orders. Hence, this analysis is my own, written with liberty.

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Logan had been president of Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) for thirteen years when he told a lie at a faculty meeting. He lost his position as a result. He explores the broader issue of bringing dishonor to Christ in this book. He looks at what the Bible says about the power of our speech, the kinds of words we are to speak, how false witness damages others, labels, and the impact of social media. He also includes examples of thinking through some tough issues, like creation/evolution, women in ministry and more.

I appreciate Logan's exploration of hot issues causing hurt among Christians today. I like how he emphasizes that our words are to be consistent with biblical teaching. Yes, we are to tell the truth but in a way consistent with biblical commands such as the “one another” passages. I am glad Logan reminds readers to be aware of the consequences of our words.

Logan is from the Reformed tradition and some readers may not be familiar with a few of his sources, such as catechisms and the works of Calvin. Also, Logan's writing style is rather academic and would appeal to those more used to lectures than personal conversations.

I appreciate the bottom line of Logan's book, that we honor the good name of Jesus Christ. Logan has learned through experience the damage caused by words. He encourages readers to communicate so that love and care are clear and truly try to understand the view of others.

While lay Christians would benefit from reading this book, I think it is best suited for church leaders and others involved in ministry.

I received a complimentary egalley of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.

[Create With Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not often that we hear sermons or find books dedicated to the importance and practicality of speaking the truth in love within the Christian community and the world, even when we disagree with one another, but this is a message near and dear to Samuel T. Logan Jr.’s heart.

In The Good Name: The Power Of Words To Hurt Or Heal, Dr. Logan, the President Emeritus of Westminster Theological Seminary, shares how he was asked to step down from his presidency in 2003 for bearing false witness through the “shading of truth” in a situation that occurred during his tenure – and how that incident led him to reflect on our responsibility to always communicate in a way that brings honor and glory to God.

The Good Name is not a light or an easy read, but it’s an important book with truths we very much need to hear.

This excerpt is taken from the original review that is published on my blog. To read my review in its entirety, please visit Create With Joy.

[Jonathan Song · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an important book that not only speaks to the current slander culture we live in, but also what it means for Christians to live up to their name in speaking like Christ. Accessible, theological, practical, and winsome, Sam Logan dives deep into what constitutes a lie, gossip, and other "harmless" sins that Christians justify wrongly as a lesser form of evil. Your conscience should be affected by this book in all the right ways if you are reading it in a correct manner. If your first instinct is to apply Logan's thoughts to "someone" else, then this might not be the book for you.

The book does slow down in pace in the final chapters of the book, where Logan models an approach to winsome conversation in a variety of current "hot button" issues of the day. The model Logan uses is intriguing and worth exploring in one's own life and heart; however, the skeptic inside of me wonders if such neat and tidy conversations could really happen in the current climate of rhetoric and conversation we have today.

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extended and detailed look at what it really means to not bear false witness against your neighbor (the 9th commandment). If nothing else, this book powerfully communicates how challenging and complex it is to follow this command fully. It’s not just about “don’t lie!” but also protecting the good name of our neighbor, even when we disagree strongly with him. Even when we are on social media. Even if you know some juicy gossip. Even if you say you’re “just being transparent.”
A whole lot of “ouch” in this book. I have a lot of work to do. Well worth reading.

[Isaac · Rating 5 out of 5]

An important book on a neglected topic penned by a man who has felt the weight of the issue. Life and death are in the power of the tongue. This book represents an important issue of which many Christians seem to have been very ignorant (I include myself).

[mpsiple · Rating 2 out of 5]

Frustrating. His big idea (let's take the 9th commandment seriously) is undone with poor arguments, boring writing, and an overly confessional/personal approach.

[Chloe Lawrence · Rating 3 out of 5]

I strongly agreed with parts and was skeptical of others. Calling out people in authority is an especially difficult balance to strike.

[Leticia Glidewell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book because it addresses so many modern-day issues, politics and morality, women in ministry, etc. The whole precipice of the book is to learn from the bible on being honest and truthful when witnessing, to argue, but not in anger but in love, to respect and honor each other, even if there are opposing view-points. Words can hurt, and not just the heart but the mind and spirit. He stresses how Christians need to be like Jesus, to walk in love not in hate or anger. He shares many biblical verses throughout the book to shed the light on Jesus' teachings, the Word of God.

[Shirley Alarie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honoring the name of Jesus with the words we use.

Dr. Samuel T. Logan Jr.’s The Good Name: The Power of Words to Hurt or Heal is a timely book for today’s volatile and inflammatory social media climate. As Christians, what should our role be in either speaking out or remaining silent? When we speak out, how should it be done?

The crux of The Good Name is that our words (and actions) as Christians, either honor the name of Jesus or damage it. Our words teach non-Christians what Christianity is. When we sling mud on social media, we slander Jesus’s good name. We also violate the ninth commandment of bearing false witness.

Dr. Logan presents the catechisms that define the meaning of bearing false witness, how they apply to daily life and the seriousness of this commandment. He explains the code of ethics that should be used before posting hot topics or responses on social media.

So, how do we honor Jesus with our words? The Good Name provides a roadmap. It also covers today’s key “hot” topics, such as abortion and same-sex marriage – no matter which side of the argument you take.

At times technical, The Good Name is packed with practical advice that will help Christians use our words to honor the good name of Jesus.

How this book affected me:
I’ve been distraught and discouraged to see Christians bashing each other (and non-Christians) on social media. It’s the opposite of what I believe Christianity should be. The Good Name has made me realize there are times when I should speak out, including the guidance for doing so. This book contained practical advice that I can carry into my everyday life.

Who would enjoy this book:
Every Christian could benefit from understanding the full meaning of bearing false witness and the seriousness of this commandment. Any Christian who weighs in on “hot” social topics should read this book. Any Christian who’s interested to learn more about how to address or respond to inflammatory or scandalous statements would gain valuable insight from this book. The book contains some technical language and would be suitable for administrators, church leadership, and other theologians.

Our Christian Book Reviews:
The BOOK REVIEWS at https://findinggodamongus.com focus on Christian books - adult and children, fiction and nonfiction. We're proud to be included in the Top 50 Christian Book Review Bloggers. I chose to read an ARC from New Growth Press. This review is my honest opinion.

[Wendy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book came from honest, humble beginnings, written by Logan analysing why it was right for the Westminster Theological Seminary board of trustees to dismiss him as president for ‘shading the truth and bearing false witness’ after speaking a lie in a faculty meeting. He introduces the story and uses it to explain how it led to a lot of soul searching and analysis of the meaning of the ninth commandment, other scriptures and catechisms of faith.

He considers damage done by false witness, starting with the first lie told in the bible (the serpent to Eve), and then extends it to evidence of false witness in the early church, Reformation and today.

Logan then examines principles for bearing true witness. We should analyse our hearts and why we speak the words we do, and well as remember we don’t know other people’s hearts and cannot speak with authority about their actions or choices. He warns about the use of labels and delves into the mire of word usage online, giving helpful advice and warnings for Christians as they seek to honour God in the online space.

The final chapter fleshes out the guidelines in some current, specific areas of controversy including abortion, evolution, women in church leadership roles and same-sex marriage. He starts with four preliminary points: our words matter, check your motive, stay on point and cast no aspersions, and secure slippery slopes. No answers to these issues are given, but rather guidelines on how to have constructive conversations. It’s relevant and instructive, and much Christian dialogue would improve and be more God-honouring if we gave weight to such considerations.

A timely book that challenges the reader to consider the power of their words, the easy tendency to sin in this area, and ways to honour the Lord as we choose wisely the words that we use.

[Jan Eldred · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pastor Logan addresses the current political atmosphere in the U.S., as well as other “Hot Button” issues. A few are: Women in Ministry, Same-Sex Marriage, and Abortion. He has created a wonderful, step by step guide, to help Christians negotiate topics in a Godly way, before they address it in the social media. Let's start living what we say we believe. Let Godly words, not our tongues, lead the way when we struggle to discuss topics in which we have strong opinions that differ from other Christians.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt the author in an attempt to talk about words that their power to heal and hurt, got too personally involved in his own thoughts. The book had some interested history tidbits about words and events that were problematic in the far distant Biblical history but then he took issue with two named leaders in the public eye now. I had a feeling thought he thought he had a good idea for a theme and a book, he was trying to make himself feel better. I wish him the best but found the book to be too bound up, an interesting read but not a study that was unique or different.

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very challenging and convicting book highlighting how easily and how often we violate the Ninth Commandment. If this book could gain a wide readership, the tone of legitimate Christian debates could actually honor Christ and show a Gospel-driven graciousness before the world. I especially appreciate the author’s humble use of his own public failures in this area and what he has learned from them.

[Victor Chininin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic! A challenging and helpful study of the power of words. Solid exegetical insights as well as experience from the author’s personal life. A historically-robust study of the Ninth Commandment and its practical implications today.