The Scandal of Stumbling Blocks: Avoiding Causing Spiritual Harm

by James Durham

Have you ever considered the seriousness of causing someone else to stumble? That is, to hinder someone's spiritual wellbeing. Does it surprise you that the apostle Paul describes it as evil (Rom. 14:20)? In The Scandal of Stumbling Blocks , James Durham helps us to consider the matter deeply by defining the nature of stumbling as well as showing its serious consequences. He looks in considerable detail at different kinds of stumbling and identifies the ways that people can stumble and be stumbled. Durham provides practical advice for avoiding and preventing offense. Now edited in modern English, Durham's classic treatment on considerate Christianity can be used to edify a new generation. Table of
1. Why Is Stumbling Important?
2. What Is Stumbling?
3. What Are the Different Kinds of Stumbling?
4. What Ways Do We Stumble Others?
5. To What Extent Should We Avoid Stumbling Others?
6. How Can Believers Prevent Stumbling?
7. How Can Ministers Prevent Stumbling?
8. What Are the Key Truths about Stumbling?

123 pages, Paperback

Published October 19, 2020

About the author

James Durham (1622 - 1658) was the eldest son of John Durham of Grange Durham Angus, and proprietor of ‘a good estate,’ then called Easter Powrie, in the county of Forfar. He studied at St. Andrews University, and afterwards lived at his country place. Subsequently he took arms in the civil war and became captain of a troop. Naturally serious and thoughtful, he had come under profound religious impressions on a visit to the relations of his wife (Anna, daughter of Francis Durham of Duntarvie) at Abercorn, near Edinburgh, and it was his being overheard praying with his soldiers by David Dickson, an eminent Presbyterian divine, that led to his devoting himself to the ministry.

After studying at Glasgow he was licensed as a preacher in 1647. That a man of his position should make such a change excited some comment among his old friends and neighbours, but his whole soul was in his new occupation, and he vindicated himself with great fervour.

Durham was a man of intense strength of conviction and great gravity of character. It is said of him, as of Robert Leighton, to whom in certain respects he bore a resemblance, that he was seldom known to smile. His studies, both in Scripture and in the theological and ecclesiastical questions of the day, were carried on with extraordinary diligence. Of his devotion to the Christian ministry he gave decided proof, both by his laboriousness in the work and by his retiring from the position and enjoyments of a country gentleman’s life.

Of his power and faithfulness as a preacher a remarkable illustration is said to have occurred at the time of Cromwell’s invasion of Scotland. It is said that Cromwell entered his church incognito, and got a seat as it happened in the pew of the provost’s daughter, who, as he wore the dress of an English officer, was by no means very courteous to him. At the close of the service Cromwell asked her the preacher’s name. She gave a curt reply and asked why he wished to know. Cromwell replied ‘because he perceived him to be a very great man, and in his opinion might be chaplain to any prince in Europe, though he had never seen him nor heard of him before.’ It is certain that Durham preached before Cromwell against the English invasion. One version of the story has it that Cromwell asked him whether it was his habit to preach on politics, and that he replied that it was not, but seeing him present he thought it right to let him know his mind.

For a time he exercised his ministry in Glasgow, and in 1650 he was appointed Professor of Divinity in the university there. But before he could be settled in that office the General Assembly decided that he should attend as chaplain on the king. The duties of this office he discharged ‘with such majesty and awe’ as to inspire the court with much reverence for him. When free from this situation he was again called to the ministry in Glasgow, and inducted into the ‘Inner Kirk.’

His health had never been strong, and he was prematurely old, partly the effect of the singularly laborious life of study which he led. He died on 25 June 1658, in the thirty-sixth year of his age. He was held by his contemporaries in the very highest esteem as one of the most able and godly men of the time.

Reviews

[Stephen Mulder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This republication of James Durham's "A Treatise Concerning Scandal" is a must-read for any in ministry, or even interested in pursuing ministry. It has a wealth of wisdom for thinking through and avoiding offense in Christ's church.

[Amy Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book goes far beyond what I have always thought of as Christian charity - believing the best of brothers and sisters in Christ, being slow to judge, refusing to gossip, and being very difficult to offend.

Durham takes a much deeper dive into what Christ and the Apostles taught regarding being a stumbling block in another's life and stumbling over others.

Early in the book, I felt it was nit-picky, but as I read on I realized that ignorance concerning this topic is a main reason that the Christian church is so radically scandalized by contention, infighting, belligerent sins, and ostentatious living that gives unbelievers and weaker believers a reason to sneer, question, and stumble.

Pride keeps nearly all of us from considering how our activity, inactivity, attitudes, behaviors, habits, and personal preferences may cause a brother or sister to stumble into sin or lose zeal and slow spiritual growth.

This is an excellent treatise against the reckless Christian individualism of our age.

[Jonah Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent. I chose this book as the basis for a class for our upcoming Sunday School Quarter. The topic of promoting edification and avoiding offense is never stale—and always needed! What I love about this modern and newly edited reprint are the helpful discussion questions to go along with every chapter. Highly recommended!