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The Forgotten Spurgeon
This book seeks to throw light on the reasons which have given rise to the superficial image of Spurgeon as a genial Victorian pulpiteer, a kind of grandfather of modern evangelicalism. Even before his death in 1892 newspapers and church leaders disputed over the features of his life which entitled him to fame. Not his 'narrow creed' but his 'genuine loving character' was most worthy of remembrance said one periodical, echoing the general view. When Joseph Parker contrasted the hard Calvinism preached at Spurgeon's Tabernacle with the praiseworthy Christianity exemplified in his orphanage, The Baptist protested that the man about whom Parker wrote 'is not the Spurgeon of history'. But the distortion continued and Spurgeon forecast how the position he help might fare in years to come: 'I am quite willing to be eaten by dogs for the next fifty years but the more distant future shall vindicate me'. This book traces the main lines of Spurgeon's spiritual thought in connection with the three great controversies in his ministry.
264 pages, Paperback
First published August 1, 1966
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September 29, 2015
Spurgeon biographies abound. Like those of many famous figures, they range from the multiple-volume older versions to the abbreviated paperbacks tailored to appease the modern reader. This one, however, as the title suggests, looks at the "last of the Puritans" from a unique perspective. Instead of focusing on the details of Spurgeon's life, it explores the three crises/controversies that significantly affected his ministry and accurately reflected his convictions.
By its very nature this particular biographical approach will not satisfy the reader who is interested in the personal and anecdotal aspects of Spurgeon. It will interest the student of the Reformation, he who is curious about the evolution of evangelicalism, and, to a degree, it will appeal to the theologically-minded. Also (and in my view most importantly), the author's focus reveals how Spurgeon was received by his contemporaries and how he has been re-interpreted in large measure to future generations.
I won't go into the three controversies here. If you're curious, this book's probably one for your reference shelf! I will mention a few observations I made.
Spurgeon was a Calvinist. I point this out because there is a view held by some that he had closet Arminianistic leanings that tended to seep through in his preaching. Spurgeon, no doubt, was first and foremost a proclaimer of the Gospel. His concern for the lost is abundantly evident in his preaching. But he himself consistently made clear from the pulpit that he adhered to the traditional five-points of Calvinism.
Interestingly, the first controversy he engaged in as a young pastor was with the so-called Hyper-Calvinists. They charged Spurgeon with being too liberally-minded in his evangelistic efforts. In defending his theology and approach, Spurgeon never denied his Calvinism, which was what he interpreted John Calvin himself as having taught.
Spurgeon opposed many of the new evangelism methods that gained ascendancy in the latter half of the 19th century. These included those of D.L. Moody and Charles Finney, both of whom have had a deep and lasting influence on modern approaches to evangelism. Spurgeon was careful to not be over-critical of his peers and endorsed Moody's preaching. However, Spurgeon did not, among other things, approve of music as a means of evangelism, nor the "inquiry room," nor quick, high-pressure efforts to obtain professions of faith. In his view these did not tend to foster lasting commitments to Christ.
All of this is especially noteworthy because Spurgeon is so often lauded as the grandfather of modern evangelism. However, many of those who would be considered his spiritual proteges would most likely not, in lieu of his own words, receive his unqualified, posthumous endorsement.
Spurgeon was embroiled in controversy in his latter years. Though he did not desire this to be the case, he was determined to stand on conviction even if he stood alone. And stand alone he did. Rejected largely by his own denomination, the struggle definitely contributed to his relatively early death. Spurgeon had by this time gained international fame because of the wide distribution of his printed sermons. However, it would be another generation or two before he began to take on the mystical aura that so often marks historically influential men who in their own lifetimes are marginalized, or even scorned.
Thus, the “forgotten Spurgeon” was the real Spurgeon.
By its very nature this particular biographical approach will not satisfy the reader who is interested in the personal and anecdotal aspects of Spurgeon. It will interest the student of the Reformation, he who is curious about the evolution of evangelicalism, and, to a degree, it will appeal to the theologically-minded. Also (and in my view most importantly), the author's focus reveals how Spurgeon was received by his contemporaries and how he has been re-interpreted in large measure to future generations.
I won't go into the three controversies here. If you're curious, this book's probably one for your reference shelf! I will mention a few observations I made.
Spurgeon was a Calvinist. I point this out because there is a view held by some that he had closet Arminianistic leanings that tended to seep through in his preaching. Spurgeon, no doubt, was first and foremost a proclaimer of the Gospel. His concern for the lost is abundantly evident in his preaching. But he himself consistently made clear from the pulpit that he adhered to the traditional five-points of Calvinism.
Interestingly, the first controversy he engaged in as a young pastor was with the so-called Hyper-Calvinists. They charged Spurgeon with being too liberally-minded in his evangelistic efforts. In defending his theology and approach, Spurgeon never denied his Calvinism, which was what he interpreted John Calvin himself as having taught.
Spurgeon opposed many of the new evangelism methods that gained ascendancy in the latter half of the 19th century. These included those of D.L. Moody and Charles Finney, both of whom have had a deep and lasting influence on modern approaches to evangelism. Spurgeon was careful to not be over-critical of his peers and endorsed Moody's preaching. However, Spurgeon did not, among other things, approve of music as a means of evangelism, nor the "inquiry room," nor quick, high-pressure efforts to obtain professions of faith. In his view these did not tend to foster lasting commitments to Christ.
All of this is especially noteworthy because Spurgeon is so often lauded as the grandfather of modern evangelism. However, many of those who would be considered his spiritual proteges would most likely not, in lieu of his own words, receive his unqualified, posthumous endorsement.
Spurgeon was embroiled in controversy in his latter years. Though he did not desire this to be the case, he was determined to stand on conviction even if he stood alone. And stand alone he did. Rejected largely by his own denomination, the struggle definitely contributed to his relatively early death. Spurgeon had by this time gained international fame because of the wide distribution of his printed sermons. However, it would be another generation or two before he began to take on the mystical aura that so often marks historically influential men who in their own lifetimes are marginalized, or even scorned.
Thus, the “forgotten Spurgeon” was the real Spurgeon.
September 20, 2024
Murray is so helpful for understanding how modern evangelicalism got to the point where it is (largely) today.
Arminian
Sensationalistic
Low standard of what the new birth is
Obsession with numbers
Theologically weak
He contrasts these with the strong faith of the puritans, MLJ, and Spurgeon. This book shows how spurgeon fought against all these things and would hate most mega churches in America today
Arminian
Sensationalistic
Low standard of what the new birth is
Obsession with numbers
Theologically weak
He contrasts these with the strong faith of the puritans, MLJ, and Spurgeon. This book shows how spurgeon fought against all these things and would hate most mega churches in America today
December 9, 2024
This book was a really good 3 stars. The author covered a lot of ground, focusing on three controversies that heavily shaped/impacted Spurgeon’s ministry. By know means was this a traditional biography on the Prince of Preachers, which was an interesting surprise.
That being said, this book was hard to follow from a historical context sense. Not being well versed in church history in the Victorian era, it felt like I was being dropped into a world I did not know, with the bare minimum to swim and not sink.
I have a deep admiration for Spurgeon’s convictions, which he held fast too, not for the sake of the connections as the driving force, but rather, his love for God.
It’s a darn shame his ministry ended with a lack of fellowship amongst his fellow evangelicals and the rocky years after his death. It is during these years that the Metropolitan Tabernacle would go into its darker hours until it dissolved with the growing movement of American Fundamentalism.
Favorite quote: Let the heavens fall, but let the good man be obedient to his Master, and loyal to his truth.”
With the modern church following suit to what has been witnessed in places like the UK, may God preserve his church and keep her in the truth of her Master.
That being said, this book was hard to follow from a historical context sense. Not being well versed in church history in the Victorian era, it felt like I was being dropped into a world I did not know, with the bare minimum to swim and not sink.
I have a deep admiration for Spurgeon’s convictions, which he held fast too, not for the sake of the connections as the driving force, but rather, his love for God.
It’s a darn shame his ministry ended with a lack of fellowship amongst his fellow evangelicals and the rocky years after his death. It is during these years that the Metropolitan Tabernacle would go into its darker hours until it dissolved with the growing movement of American Fundamentalism.
Favorite quote: Let the heavens fall, but let the good man be obedient to his Master, and loyal to his truth.”
With the modern church following suit to what has been witnessed in places like the UK, may God preserve his church and keep her in the truth of her Master.
September 21, 2017
This book is a look at the controversies Spurgeon dealt with during his life. It's not a biography, but since the three controversies Murray looks at happened at different parts of Spurgeon's life it is somewhat biographical. It's very interesting to see how Spurgeon handled theological controversy and problems, especially since much of what was happening in his life has parallels with today. I haven't read many other books about Spurgeon but was still able to understand and enjoy this one quite a bit.
April 29, 2009
Excellent.
August 30, 2015
[Note: If you have no idea who British preacher Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892) was, this review will not interest you in the least. If, however, you are acquainted with CHS, read on.]
While not claiming to be strictly a biography, this book is biographical in that it centers around what the author deems as the three great crisis's of Spurgeon's life (listed on p. 167). In summary they were
(1) The prevalence of Arminianism (which the author never bothers to define) in late 19th century English pulpits. Chapter 3 covers deep and difficult truths, while in both chapters 3 and 4 Mr. Murray expresses his rabid opposition to Arminianism with lots of talk by himself and little quoting of Mr. Spurgeon. I've read quite a few books by and about Spurgeon (see my list) and my knowledge of CHS sees him as opposed to Arminianism, yes, but much less obsessed with it than the author would have us believe. Finally, on page 126 "we return to Spurgeon".
(2) The reaction in some quarters to Spurgeon's sermon "Baptismal Regeneration" preached in 1864, showing his opposition to Roman Catholic concepts found in the theology and practices of the Anglican Church (By the scarcity of Spurgeon quotations and the time gaps between them, this "controversy" doesn't seem to have been a major priority to CHS either); and
(3)The Down-Grade Controversy, which was Spurgeon's legitimate opposition to the rise of liberal theology. While Spugeon's enemies sought to frame the debate by saying he was merely defending Calvinism , this was clearly not the case. That was just a tactic to divert attention, smear his character, and lessen his influence. What CHS was truly defending were the cardinal doctrines of Christianity, which were under attack by liberalism! (See page 197)
For admirers of Spurgeon, the book does contain pertinent information about CHS that I've seen little of elsewhere, such as details of his death (p.162-165), the aftermath of that event at Spurgeon's church the Metropolitan Tabernacle (p. 209ff), his brother, and his son (p.234). Other interesting info can be found in the book regarding Wm. Robertson Nicoll, Henry Drummond, tractarianism, and the Keswick Convention.
In closing allow me to point out two serious errors (one historical, one doctrinal) I believe Mr. Murray makes in the book. First of all, in chapter 8 he goes off on a long tangent about who did and did not like D.L. Moody and why. The author takes this opportunity to take to task not only Moody (whom Spurgeon befriended and even let preach at the Tabernacle) but also Charles G. Finney, A.C. Dixon, the Scofield Bible, premillienial dispensationalism, and the American fundamentalist movement in general. About this last, Mr. Murray is totally mistaken when he states that fundamentalist Christian's "familiarity with Jesus was too often the product of ignorance" (p. 233). In saying so, he is obviously unaware of the multitude of conservative Bible schools and colleges begun by those very Fundamentalists. The second and more serious error occurs on p. 232 where, regarding early 20th century evangelicals, we are told they "began to think and speak as though the message of salvation was not "the Gospel of God" and as though Christ alone is to be the object of faith". That, however, is exactly what the Bible teaches in multitudes of places, most clearly in Acts 16:31 - "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...".
Over all, if you can filter out all the rantings of the author, a good book about Spurgeon.
While not claiming to be strictly a biography, this book is biographical in that it centers around what the author deems as the three great crisis's of Spurgeon's life (listed on p. 167). In summary they were
(1) The prevalence of Arminianism (which the author never bothers to define) in late 19th century English pulpits. Chapter 3 covers deep and difficult truths, while in both chapters 3 and 4 Mr. Murray expresses his rabid opposition to Arminianism with lots of talk by himself and little quoting of Mr. Spurgeon. I've read quite a few books by and about Spurgeon (see my list) and my knowledge of CHS sees him as opposed to Arminianism, yes, but much less obsessed with it than the author would have us believe. Finally, on page 126 "we return to Spurgeon".
(2) The reaction in some quarters to Spurgeon's sermon "Baptismal Regeneration" preached in 1864, showing his opposition to Roman Catholic concepts found in the theology and practices of the Anglican Church (By the scarcity of Spurgeon quotations and the time gaps between them, this "controversy" doesn't seem to have been a major priority to CHS either); and
(3)The Down-Grade Controversy, which was Spurgeon's legitimate opposition to the rise of liberal theology. While Spugeon's enemies sought to frame the debate by saying he was merely defending Calvinism , this was clearly not the case. That was just a tactic to divert attention, smear his character, and lessen his influence. What CHS was truly defending were the cardinal doctrines of Christianity, which were under attack by liberalism! (See page 197)
For admirers of Spurgeon, the book does contain pertinent information about CHS that I've seen little of elsewhere, such as details of his death (p.162-165), the aftermath of that event at Spurgeon's church the Metropolitan Tabernacle (p. 209ff), his brother, and his son (p.234). Other interesting info can be found in the book regarding Wm. Robertson Nicoll, Henry Drummond, tractarianism, and the Keswick Convention.
In closing allow me to point out two serious errors (one historical, one doctrinal) I believe Mr. Murray makes in the book. First of all, in chapter 8 he goes off on a long tangent about who did and did not like D.L. Moody and why. The author takes this opportunity to take to task not only Moody (whom Spurgeon befriended and even let preach at the Tabernacle) but also Charles G. Finney, A.C. Dixon, the Scofield Bible, premillienial dispensationalism, and the American fundamentalist movement in general. About this last, Mr. Murray is totally mistaken when he states that fundamentalist Christian's "familiarity with Jesus was too often the product of ignorance" (p. 233). In saying so, he is obviously unaware of the multitude of conservative Bible schools and colleges begun by those very Fundamentalists. The second and more serious error occurs on p. 232 where, regarding early 20th century evangelicals, we are told they "began to think and speak as though the message of salvation was not "the Gospel of God" and as though Christ alone is to be the object of faith". That, however, is exactly what the Bible teaches in multitudes of places, most clearly in Acts 16:31 - "Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved...".
Over all, if you can filter out all the rantings of the author, a good book about Spurgeon.
June 23, 2012
What a sobering and inspiring book. Spurgeon was not only "The Prince of Preachers", he was a courageous pastor who tenaciously clung to the Word of God alone without care for his own reputation. A must-read, especially for Pastors.
August 17, 2012
A look at Spurgeon's theology and ministry against the background of some key controversies of his time. It is not a full biography, as the author clearly remarked, yet it provides a very illuminating account of one of the greatest preachers in the history of the church.
I highly recommend it!
I highly recommend it!
January 20, 2015
One of my favorite books, because of the impact that it had on my life at that time. God's providence was wonderful!
Very challenging! Well written!
Very challenging! Well written!
October 14, 2020
This book gives excellent insight into the lesser-known controversies that Spurgeon endured in his day. With the benefit of hindsight, the reader is able to see in many ways how Spurgeon predicted the outcome of the errors he was fighting. In addition, many of the same battles are raging even in today’s age, whether we recognize it or not. I praise God for Spurgeon’s steadfastness to the doctrines of Grace, even as he seemed to, at times, stand alone amongst his peers. I highly recommend this book, and I imagine I will come back to this book in the future.
April 10, 2025
Fantastic read. The man was a marvel and inspiration of leadership and brave Christian faith. This has been helpful to me in my ministry and would be a great read to anyone!
September 25, 2016
In what way has Spurgeon been forgotten? Simply this: untold multitudes of Christians today have no idea the battles Spurgeon fought or the doctrines for which he stood. For example, I know two Baptist historians (authors and pastors, no less) that have said to me with a straight face that Charles Spurgeon was not a Calvinist. This is completely and utterly ridiculous. Of course he was a 5-point Calvinist! And anybody vaguely familiar with his writings and preaching beyond the soundbite tidbits thrown around here or there, or the distilled, edited versions of his sermons that are offered in religious periodicals would know that not only was Spurgeon a strong Calvinist, he suffered for it. He was hated for it.
It really is a strange thing, how the man's creed has been entirely washed away by thousands and thousands who are willingly ignorant of it. Iain Murray brings to light what so many have forgotten about Charles Spurgeon: he was not always popular and not always loved. And the source of his enemies' ire was his unequivocal commitment and proclamation of warm, evangelistic 5-point Calvinism.
This is an absolutely needful book, and an enlightening one. Every fan of Charles Spurgeon must read this. It is a book filled with valuable quotes that demand our attention. You don't have to be a Calvinist like he was, but you should at least be honest about who he was.
It really is a strange thing, how the man's creed has been entirely washed away by thousands and thousands who are willingly ignorant of it. Iain Murray brings to light what so many have forgotten about Charles Spurgeon: he was not always popular and not always loved. And the source of his enemies' ire was his unequivocal commitment and proclamation of warm, evangelistic 5-point Calvinism.
This is an absolutely needful book, and an enlightening one. Every fan of Charles Spurgeon must read this. It is a book filled with valuable quotes that demand our attention. You don't have to be a Calvinist like he was, but you should at least be honest about who he was.
September 11, 2015
I loved this book. It's an excellent traveling companion for many reasons, not the least of which it starts conversations. On a flight back from San Francisco the woman sitting next to me asked me "What's a Forgotton Spurgeon?", which sparked a conversation (that she may have not intended) that lasted for more than an hour and a half. It's a theological autobiography of Spurgeon and is an extraordinary read for someone like myself that has been an avowed Calvinist for some time. I learned some of the old things in a new way and am profoundly grateful that I was taught them again by Murray who everyone knows is a gifted biographer, and of course Spurgeon himself. There are also points of humor that made me laugh out loud.
That is not to say that there is not new information here that also impacted my spiritual life deeply. Warm-hearted evangelism and deeply rooted faith in the doctrine of Christ's substituionary death for a particular elect, now that's worth a read and a discussion on a long plane flight and anywhere else!
That is not to say that there is not new information here that also impacted my spiritual life deeply. Warm-hearted evangelism and deeply rooted faith in the doctrine of Christ's substituionary death for a particular elect, now that's worth a read and a discussion on a long plane flight and anywhere else!
April 2, 2013
Not a biography in the fullest sense but a rather a look at the triumvirate of theological controversies Spurgeon faced in his lifetime: (1) his stand for historic Calvinism while at New Park Street in the 1850s, (2) his involvement in the baptismal regeneration debate of 1864, and (3) the Down-Grade controversy of 1887-1891. Spurgeon never sought to be antagonistic, but when truth was being undermined he valiantly engaged in "contending for the faith once for all delivered to the saints" (Jude 3). In his commitment to truth and biblical fidelity, Spurgeon spoke against tolerated error, not out of a desire for self-promotion or becaus of a combative spirit or overly narrow creed, but because of a genuine desire to see God's glory upheld and his Word faithfully represented. Here's a truth worth imbibing in the deepest part of our souls: where the Word of God is, there God dwells and his saints are nourished and protected.
August 11, 2017
NOTE: You can download a free audio version here.
The Forgotten Spurgeon isn't a biography, nor a must read, but still is a helpful and fascinating look at what might be 'forgotten' about Spurgeon; that is, major controversies and his perseverance. Controversies centered around his Calvinism, his biblical view of evangelism, and for his biblical stance during the Downgrade Controversy. It was also interesting to learn how Spurgeon's partnering with D.L. Moody (whose philosophy of evangelism was different) might have hurt the church long-term. While this book didn't change my life, I recommend it for Spurgeon's example of standing firm in his convictions during adversity.
The Forgotten Spurgeon isn't a biography, nor a must read, but still is a helpful and fascinating look at what might be 'forgotten' about Spurgeon; that is, major controversies and his perseverance. Controversies centered around his Calvinism, his biblical view of evangelism, and for his biblical stance during the Downgrade Controversy. It was also interesting to learn how Spurgeon's partnering with D.L. Moody (whose philosophy of evangelism was different) might have hurt the church long-term. While this book didn't change my life, I recommend it for Spurgeon's example of standing firm in his convictions during adversity.
February 20, 2018
Murray has done such a good job with this. So thorough. I wanna go through every footnote and read the books he cites. Such a solid job on the research. The book basically focuses on Spurgeon's involvement in three major theological controversies throughout the course of his life:
- Calvinism vs Arminianism as a young man in the 1850s
- Baptismal regeneration and anglo-catholicism in the 1860s
- The Down-grade controversy of the 1880s
Super helpful and clear. The parallel's between Spurgeon's day and our own are striking, and it is interesting to consider theological and methodological moves that were made in Spurgeon's day that colour Evangelicalism today. Top notch.
- Calvinism vs Arminianism as a young man in the 1850s
- Baptismal regeneration and anglo-catholicism in the 1860s
- The Down-grade controversy of the 1880s
Super helpful and clear. The parallel's between Spurgeon's day and our own are striking, and it is interesting to consider theological and methodological moves that were made in Spurgeon's day that colour Evangelicalism today. Top notch.
July 17, 2015
I am constantly amazed by Spurgeon. This book just adds to my amazement. Iain Murray in "The Forgotten Spurgeon" seeks to reveal to the reader how the Doctrines of Grace (Calvinism) fueled the Prince of Preachers throughout the entirety of his ministry. Murray seeks to show Spurgeon as a reformer and defender of truth in a day in age where evangelicalism was falling pray to Arminianism, liberalism, and modernism.
July 5, 2012
An interesting perspective on Spurgeon. Very helpful.
August 13, 2022
The Forgotten Spurgeon challenges the superficial portrayal of Spurgeon as an amusing Victorian 'pulpiteer'. By highlighting his contribution to major nineteenth-century theological controversies (namely the Calvinist-Arminian debate, the Baptismal Regeneration dispute, and the 'Down-Grade' controversy), Murray effectively demonstrates that Spurgeon was a robust Reformed theologian. This volume of historical theology is masterfully written and easily accessible to the Christian reader. While Murray is critical of Spurgeon's critics, I would have liked to see more critical engagement with Spurgeon himself. Nevertheless, this is a great book that shows how a full-bodied Reformed theology can shape an effective pastoral ministry.
December 24, 2017
This year I’m going to be using the 2018 VT Reading Challenge to guide my reading choices, and I’m going to be a little more consistent than I was last year. Last year, I picked and chose and found myself with about 20 books I never got to because they were “too much” of a stretch for me or boring. This year, I’m going to actually go straight through from start to finish so that I can make sure I actually hit all the categories. Second time’s a charm, right?
The first book on the challenge is to read a biography. For this category, I have chosen Iain Murray’s The Forgotten Spurgeon. In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that I actually bought this to satisfy the challenge requirements to read and Iain Murray book last year, and didn’t get around to it. . . Possibly because I was really struggling with my anxiety and depression at some points last year, and I found myself reading a little more fluffy and escapist type books than I tend to read in a regular year.
Despite the fact that this book is classified as a biography, Murray himself does not classify this as a biography, but instead as a tracing of Spurgeon’s thought through three great controversies in his ministry, and it is true that if you’re looking for personal details about Spurgeon’s life, you might want to look elsewhere. These controversies are: (1) His strong stand of Calvinism against both the hyper-Calvinists and the Arminians in the 1850s; (2) The Baptismal Regeneration debate in 1864; and (3) the Down-Grade controversy of 1887-1891.
Spurgeon against Hypercalvinism and Arminianism. In this section, Murray spends a great deal of time discussing how Spurgeon differentiates himself from both the hyper-Calvinists and the Arminians. Through that he also examines Arminianism in the light of how Spurgeon interpreted scripture.
In the end, this is a discussion about purity of doctrine and how your approach to interpretation of certain doctrines will impact your worldview. You also realize, as you read this section that the important issue is “Is it Biblical?” not “Is it logical?” or “Is it how I want it to be?” I felt a certain kinship with Spurgeon as I realized that he, who identified himself as a Calvinist, had things about freewill and personal responsibility that remained unresolved for him. He had things that he hadn’t neatly tied together. Like him, I live in the area of not being able to logically reduce the Bible to give a neat answer.
I feel like I’m Switzerland when it comes to Calvinism vs. Arminianism, and so I read thoughtfully, and attempted to figure out where some of my leanings lie. I’m still thinking about it, and I will continue to contemplate this section as I go back and look at this section of the book in preparation for writing. This section of the book is an excellent presentation of reformed theology and has raised some questions for me to ponder and to work through.
Baptismal Regeneration. Murray actually only spares a chapter for this short lived controversy. Also, instead of truly discussing baptismal regeneration and the perspectives of that, Murray assumes some knowledge of the differing perspectives. That makes this a weak section of the book. I am no further along the road of consideration in this than I was when I began the book. I know my position, and I’m not even completely certain of Spurgeon’s after reading the book. This is the most poorly addressed controversy in the book as it mainly considers whether or not it was more possible to reform the Church of England from within or without.
The Down-Grade Controversy. In this controversy, we see that Spurgeon is warning against the “down grade” of doctrines in our faith. More liberal academics are beginning to deny the deity of Christ, and Arminians are also being to take a focus off of doctrine and sanctification and onto counting the numbers of converts. The idea was that the high view of scripture was ending and instead focus was on human reason and on our ability to assent to doctrines. We were taking the focus of of God’s glory and putting the focus on ourselves, our response, and our decisions about whether a doctrine was applicable. Along the way, Arminianism was on the rise, and people were shoving the Calvinistic doctrines aside as antiquated. Progressivism will win this one, and Spurgeon withdraws from the Baptist union and finds that a real toll has been taken on his health.
I found myself, as I read this section, wowed by how much I take for granted as a normal part of my church life that was progressivist at heart. I think about how much my interpretation of scripture has been influenced by the “modern” and “progressive” ideas that Spurgeon wholeheartedly condemned. I think about how much we compromise in terms of the simplicity of Christ just to draw people in and to up our number of converts. I wonder how our generation will be judged in history in terms of our faith and the damage we have done in the name of entertaining people and attempting to influence them for Christ. Yet, in the place we are in, it is only realistic to believe that we must continue with some of what is progressive here because it is the very nature of our gospel. It’s a hard place to be and to think from, and again, I’ll be pondering this section for a time to come.
Murray also considers what happens with Spurgeon’s church after his death and why the church went in a direction that Spurgeon would have disapproved of. It’s all interesting stuff, but there are some things that I wish Murray would have spelled out a little more clearly.
The first book on the challenge is to read a biography. For this category, I have chosen Iain Murray’s The Forgotten Spurgeon. In the interest of full disclosure, I must admit that I actually bought this to satisfy the challenge requirements to read and Iain Murray book last year, and didn’t get around to it. . . Possibly because I was really struggling with my anxiety and depression at some points last year, and I found myself reading a little more fluffy and escapist type books than I tend to read in a regular year.
Despite the fact that this book is classified as a biography, Murray himself does not classify this as a biography, but instead as a tracing of Spurgeon’s thought through three great controversies in his ministry, and it is true that if you’re looking for personal details about Spurgeon’s life, you might want to look elsewhere. These controversies are: (1) His strong stand of Calvinism against both the hyper-Calvinists and the Arminians in the 1850s; (2) The Baptismal Regeneration debate in 1864; and (3) the Down-Grade controversy of 1887-1891.
Spurgeon against Hypercalvinism and Arminianism. In this section, Murray spends a great deal of time discussing how Spurgeon differentiates himself from both the hyper-Calvinists and the Arminians. Through that he also examines Arminianism in the light of how Spurgeon interpreted scripture.
In the end, this is a discussion about purity of doctrine and how your approach to interpretation of certain doctrines will impact your worldview. You also realize, as you read this section that the important issue is “Is it Biblical?” not “Is it logical?” or “Is it how I want it to be?” I felt a certain kinship with Spurgeon as I realized that he, who identified himself as a Calvinist, had things about freewill and personal responsibility that remained unresolved for him. He had things that he hadn’t neatly tied together. Like him, I live in the area of not being able to logically reduce the Bible to give a neat answer.
I feel like I’m Switzerland when it comes to Calvinism vs. Arminianism, and so I read thoughtfully, and attempted to figure out where some of my leanings lie. I’m still thinking about it, and I will continue to contemplate this section as I go back and look at this section of the book in preparation for writing. This section of the book is an excellent presentation of reformed theology and has raised some questions for me to ponder and to work through.
Baptismal Regeneration. Murray actually only spares a chapter for this short lived controversy. Also, instead of truly discussing baptismal regeneration and the perspectives of that, Murray assumes some knowledge of the differing perspectives. That makes this a weak section of the book. I am no further along the road of consideration in this than I was when I began the book. I know my position, and I’m not even completely certain of Spurgeon’s after reading the book. This is the most poorly addressed controversy in the book as it mainly considers whether or not it was more possible to reform the Church of England from within or without.
The Down-Grade Controversy. In this controversy, we see that Spurgeon is warning against the “down grade” of doctrines in our faith. More liberal academics are beginning to deny the deity of Christ, and Arminians are also being to take a focus off of doctrine and sanctification and onto counting the numbers of converts. The idea was that the high view of scripture was ending and instead focus was on human reason and on our ability to assent to doctrines. We were taking the focus of of God’s glory and putting the focus on ourselves, our response, and our decisions about whether a doctrine was applicable. Along the way, Arminianism was on the rise, and people were shoving the Calvinistic doctrines aside as antiquated. Progressivism will win this one, and Spurgeon withdraws from the Baptist union and finds that a real toll has been taken on his health.
I found myself, as I read this section, wowed by how much I take for granted as a normal part of my church life that was progressivist at heart. I think about how much my interpretation of scripture has been influenced by the “modern” and “progressive” ideas that Spurgeon wholeheartedly condemned. I think about how much we compromise in terms of the simplicity of Christ just to draw people in and to up our number of converts. I wonder how our generation will be judged in history in terms of our faith and the damage we have done in the name of entertaining people and attempting to influence them for Christ. Yet, in the place we are in, it is only realistic to believe that we must continue with some of what is progressive here because it is the very nature of our gospel. It’s a hard place to be and to think from, and again, I’ll be pondering this section for a time to come.
Murray also considers what happens with Spurgeon’s church after his death and why the church went in a direction that Spurgeon would have disapproved of. It’s all interesting stuff, but there are some things that I wish Murray would have spelled out a little more clearly.
March 19, 2022
This is not a normal biography on the life of Spurgeon. It focuses on the often neglected aspects of his life, namely the major controversies in which he engaged (Calvinism, Baptismal Regeneration, and "the Down-Grade Controversy"). From my understanding, that is what makes this book valuable for those studying the life of Spurgeon.
Overall the book was helpful in understanding Spurgeon's theological convictions. However, it is a difficult read for those unfamiliar with Spurgeon's life and/or the denominations of 19th century England.
Overall the book was helpful in understanding Spurgeon's theological convictions. However, it is a difficult read for those unfamiliar with Spurgeon's life and/or the denominations of 19th century England.
July 20, 2024
Veldig bra bok! Forteller om Spurgeon sin trofasthet til Herren. Gjennom sin forkynnelse, som preges av BIBELEN, puritansisme og «the old docrtrines of the gospel» Hans forkynnelse var så kontroversiell at mange venner og kjente kristne ledere vendte seg vekk fra Han og tok avstand fra hans bibelske lære. Etter hans død, begynte kirken og de nye pastorene å undervise liberale doktriner og ta sekulære praksiser inn i kirken. Som Spurgeon tydelig hadde advart mot, tidlig i sin forkynnelse.
July 17, 2020
Do you know C.H. Spurgeon? If not, read this short accessable biography by one of the premier biographers and church historians of our time. So worthwhile, it will make you want to read some of the larger, more in-depth biographies of the Prince of Preachers.
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April 8, 2012I've thoroughly enjoyed this biography, though the author insists throughout the work that this is really not a biography of Spurgeon per se, and was written to fill in the gaps that is often left out concerning the real Spurgeon that is contrary to the popularized image of Spurgeon according to the perception of mainstream Evangelical and some biographies out there. In commenting about the deficiency of some of the biographies about Spurgeon, this work notes how some of the popular biographers have not grasp or understood the significance of the theology that have driven Spurgeon. Spurgeon in his life was a man of God that was not only a gospel preacher to the masses but also a man of God who would take a stand for the truth of God's Word. Throughout his lifetime, the "forgotten" Spurgeon was involved with three major controversies which the book discusses about, concerning baptismal regeneration, hyper-calvinism and the Down Grade Controversy. A fascinating fact that I was not aware of before reading this book was the author's observation that in the baptismal regeneration debate, Spurgeon did not expected much support from certain religious quarters which ironically did affirm and supported Spurgeon's concern, while in the Down Grade Controversy Spurgeon expected support from certain quarters (Evangelicals) that in the end not only materialized but turned out to be against him. Even his own brother who was a minister disagreed with him and readers might be shocked to learn of this contrary to the image of Spurgeon as always being popular. It is the down grade controversy which most people remember of the three, but knowing what the others were about also allow readers to better situate Spurgeon in his context, and perhaps a more balance understanding of Spurgeon when it comes to controversy. Perhaps the part of the book that I found most fascinating what the closing chapter that talked about the fate of Spurgeon's church after his death. It was a painful thing to hear of how those who took up the ministry after him including his son, moved away from the theology that Spurgeon has embraced. It is probably the most sobering part of the book for me, as I think back to campus ministries that I have been involved with in the past that has been so strong biblically and numerically only to have it handed off to others that eventually would not agree with your distinctives or emphasizes (and even hostile against it, or disregard what precious truths that has motivated the first "generation"!). It was saddening to read this last portion of the book. I cannot help but to think of the historical lesson here as it relates to our day and age. This is the second work that I read by Iain Murray, the first being his most recent work on John MacArthur. I think Murray is a great biographer, and I can't help but to think about Grace Community Church after John MacArthur, or any other famous pastor for that matter (John Piper, C.J. Mahaney, etc). The ending of the book allow me to have some soul searching of whether or not as a young pastor, my goal should be to become a famous great preacher. It made me think about how some people follow preachers just for the sake of the man's fame rather than really seeing the man's theology coming from the Scripture itself. The real tests at times, seems to come about after a man's death and his ministry/church carries on without him; where will the direction go? Will the saints still be faithful to what is biblical? Who will take over and will they be able to fill the mighty shoes left behind, while being faithful to the Word of God and have the ability to lead the body? It makes me think much about the issue of a Christianity that is driven more by personality and charisma though those that lead are orthodox; as in the case of the Hebrews escaping Egypt in the Exodus, people have an uncanny way of making their own idols even in the midst of God's great works.
January 2, 2021
This historical work on the Prince of Preachers was excellent. Murray divided Mr. Spurgeon’s ministry into three parts that corresponded to three major controversies of his tenure. This book endeared this reader to Spurgeon all over again. The late British Preacher was a man of God committed to His Word no matter the cost.
The last chapter was an interesting history of the Metropolitan Tabernacle following the death of Spurgeon. The following slide of his old church, after his death, into a similar evangelicalism that he opposed in life was sobering. This book felt incredibly relevant to our current modern church culture with many helpful points of application. I will definitely be recommending this book to friends.
The last chapter was an interesting history of the Metropolitan Tabernacle following the death of Spurgeon. The following slide of his old church, after his death, into a similar evangelicalism that he opposed in life was sobering. This book felt incredibly relevant to our current modern church culture with many helpful points of application. I will definitely be recommending this book to friends.
January 12, 2013
This was a book that, even before I started reading it, I knew would probably be a good read. And yet Iain Murray still blew my expectations with his masterful work on Spurgeon. The reader of this book will not only be delving into the mind of one of the greatest preachers in church history, but will also partake in deep theological studies and learn much church history as well. Though not a complete biography of the life of Spurgeon, the book presents such a thorough picture of Spurgeon's beliefs and opinions on a host of issues that by the time I was finished, I felt almost like I knew Spurgeon personally.
Murray seeks to show the side of Spurgeon that few biographers or historians wish to discuss: his theological convictions. While many love Spurgeon for his preaching abilities and his good works, far less are even aware of what Spurgeon firmly believed and taught. In order to shed light on this, Murray structures his book around the three biggest controversies in Spurgeon's ministry: the controvery in his early days over his Calvinism, the Baptismal Regeneration controversy, and the infamous Down-Grade controversy. By looking closely at each of these events and exploring what drove Spurgeon to respond the way he did, Murray shows that Spurgeon was a man who believed that the doctrines he taught were indispensible to the health of his church and the promotion of the true gospel. Because of this, Spurgeon refused to compromose his stances, even when most preachers around him were doing so in the name of "love" and "unity."
It is sad that in many circles, this is still the "forgotten" Spurgeon. I can think of at least three books in my room right now that, when describing Spurgeon, attempt to tone down his theology and ignore the fact that Spurgeon's theological convictions are what drove him throughout his ministry. Murray's book eliminates this notion, showing that the Spurgeon of history was a strong Calvinist who preached a gospel that was kept undiluted from modern methods of "evangelism" or "revival". I trust that this book has brought and will continue to bring people to a knowledge of the true Spurgeon and, in the process, help shape their understanding of the sovereign, glorious God whom Spurgeon was unceasingly devoted to as well.
Murray seeks to show the side of Spurgeon that few biographers or historians wish to discuss: his theological convictions. While many love Spurgeon for his preaching abilities and his good works, far less are even aware of what Spurgeon firmly believed and taught. In order to shed light on this, Murray structures his book around the three biggest controversies in Spurgeon's ministry: the controvery in his early days over his Calvinism, the Baptismal Regeneration controversy, and the infamous Down-Grade controversy. By looking closely at each of these events and exploring what drove Spurgeon to respond the way he did, Murray shows that Spurgeon was a man who believed that the doctrines he taught were indispensible to the health of his church and the promotion of the true gospel. Because of this, Spurgeon refused to compromose his stances, even when most preachers around him were doing so in the name of "love" and "unity."
It is sad that in many circles, this is still the "forgotten" Spurgeon. I can think of at least three books in my room right now that, when describing Spurgeon, attempt to tone down his theology and ignore the fact that Spurgeon's theological convictions are what drove him throughout his ministry. Murray's book eliminates this notion, showing that the Spurgeon of history was a strong Calvinist who preached a gospel that was kept undiluted from modern methods of "evangelism" or "revival". I trust that this book has brought and will continue to bring people to a knowledge of the true Spurgeon and, in the process, help shape their understanding of the sovereign, glorious God whom Spurgeon was unceasingly devoted to as well.
February 19, 2019
I really enjoyed this book on Spurgeon. Unlike other biographies on C.H.S., rather than focusing on Spurgeon's gifts and ministry fruitfulness (though certainly true, inspiring, and important), Murray's purpose in this book was to shed light on three major controversies that Spurgeon encountered during his pastoral ministry. Many view Spurgeon's life and ministry as one consisting of only success and fruitfulness, but this book shows the reality that Spurgeon faced many hardships, both from within and outside of the church.
"We have sought in the preceding pages to trace Spurgeon's convictions in the three main controversies of his life - the controversy arising out of his strong proclamation of gospel 'Calvinism' in the New Park Street ministry, the Baptismal Regeneration controversy of 1864, and finally the Down-Grace which drained the energies of his closing years." (pg. 177)
What stood out to me the most was that C.H.S. was fully and completely committed to God's Word and submitted to it as the sole authority for the Church's faith and practice. Spurgeon's convictions and views, although opposed by many in his day, were based solely on the Word of God. The easy path would have been to compromise his commitment to the Bible and receive the welcome and approval of all those who opposed him (Arminians, Hyper-Calvinists, Journalists, Catholics, Anglo-Catholics, the Baptist Union, etc.). But Charles was immovable. He believed the Bible to be His ultimate authority and, "he would do his duty, though the heavens fall." Even though he faced years of barrenness and decline, he came, by faith, to a firm conclusion, "My Lord will revive His buried truth as as He is God." (pg. 215)
Murray sums it up well, saying of C.H.S., "A Zeal which is confined to certain aspects of scriptural teaching is the consequence of an unworthy view of the Word of Gods, and from such an inconsistency Spurgeon continually sought to escape...The only sure ground of consistent evangelicalism which can never be circumvented by heresy is that on which Spurgeon stood in the controversy of the New Park Street days, the Prayer Book controversy of 1864, and finally in the Down-Grade." (pg. 216-217)
"We have sought in the preceding pages to trace Spurgeon's convictions in the three main controversies of his life - the controversy arising out of his strong proclamation of gospel 'Calvinism' in the New Park Street ministry, the Baptismal Regeneration controversy of 1864, and finally the Down-Grace which drained the energies of his closing years." (pg. 177)
What stood out to me the most was that C.H.S. was fully and completely committed to God's Word and submitted to it as the sole authority for the Church's faith and practice. Spurgeon's convictions and views, although opposed by many in his day, were based solely on the Word of God. The easy path would have been to compromise his commitment to the Bible and receive the welcome and approval of all those who opposed him (Arminians, Hyper-Calvinists, Journalists, Catholics, Anglo-Catholics, the Baptist Union, etc.). But Charles was immovable. He believed the Bible to be His ultimate authority and, "he would do his duty, though the heavens fall." Even though he faced years of barrenness and decline, he came, by faith, to a firm conclusion, "My Lord will revive His buried truth as as He is God." (pg. 215)
Murray sums it up well, saying of C.H.S., "A Zeal which is confined to certain aspects of scriptural teaching is the consequence of an unworthy view of the Word of Gods, and from such an inconsistency Spurgeon continually sought to escape...The only sure ground of consistent evangelicalism which can never be circumvented by heresy is that on which Spurgeon stood in the controversy of the New Park Street days, the Prayer Book controversy of 1864, and finally in the Down-Grade." (pg. 216-217)
August 16, 2020
There’s an interesting phenomenon in Christianity in which the whole of Christendom claim fellowship with the most famous figures that arise out of the religion, even if those figures come from a completely different denomination. Christianity is a very factious religion, there is an incalculable number of sects and groups that exist and the religion has a long history of ex-communications and pronouncements of heresy that stretch back to its earliest days. In other words, ecumenism just doesn’t work. Despite this fact, almost everyone in the religion wants to claim kinship with Augustine, Mother Teresa, Johnathan Edwards, and Charles Spurgeon even if their theology doesn’t match up.
This is, of course, the cult of celebrity and one of the most famous members of that cult-like admiration is Charles Haddon Spurgeon, sometimes called by his nickname “The Prince of Preachers”. Charles Spurgeon is a fascinating figure in the history of Christianity because almost everyone who has a passing knowledge of church history knows who he is, and admires him, but almost none of those people will know what he stood for unless they’ve actually studied him. Spurgeon was a dedicated Calvinist, a theology that would normally keep many from admiring him, and The Forgotten Spurgeon seeks to reestablish his theology as first importance when remembering who he was.
As such, The Forgotten Spurgeon isn’t necessarily a biography but an examination of the preacher’s life and doctrine through an analysis of the three different controversies he dealt with while he was alive. Mr. Murray begins by explaining that Spurgeon himself had to explain reformed theology to the people of England due to the fact that newspapers attempted to claim that he was a Calvinist in name only. He then moves into the eventual conflict between Spurgeon and the theology of infant baptism, which essentially served as a foretaste of the theological downgrade that was yet to come. Finally, Mr. Murray moves into the most important fight Spurgeon was involved in, the rise of Arminianism.
What anyone who reads the book, and Spurgeon’s own sermons, can say is that he was a man under conviction. Regardless of whether or not you find yourself a Calvinist, it would be intellectually dishonest to say anything other than that Spurgeon had a genuine belief in his theology and was willing to defend it no matter the cost. Mr. Murray does an excellent job narrating this fact through his own writing and the use of numerous quotations from Spurgeon’s sermons, diaries, and contemporary articles written about him. In painting a portrait of a man who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and defend what he saw as the truth, Mr. Murray excels, but it’s his tracing of history that I find wanting.
What I mean by this is that the writing present here seemed to be a bit scattered, I found it difficult to trace what happened at what points and their connection to one another. In the first chapters, the reader is given an excellent, very coherent, view of how Spurgeon came to prominence and how he exploded in popularity. Spurgeon's defense of his Calvinism and everything that occurs up to the building of the first Metropolitan Tabernacle is well written and well-sequenced. Beyond these opening chapters, the book largely reads like a series of vignettes or scenes in which we hear about things that occur and Spurgeon’s involvement in them, but their connection to one another and the general timeline wasn't clearly established. This problem only gets worse once Mr. Murray describes the events after Spurgeon’s death, it certainly seems like the Metropolitan Tabernacle was a mess after its central figure passed, but it doesn’t have to read that way in the historical description being offered.
Despite the issue with structure, the content remains very good. Mr. Murray explains the issues that arise in the churches of England well and his use of Spurgeon’s words has a two-fold effect of not only showing the reader how these controversies shaped Spurgeon’s public ministry but also how the theology espoused in the controversies was dubious at best. I learned more about the nuances of the Calvinistic view of grace and the Arminian position on the atonement in this one book than in most other resources I've come across. In this regard, The Forgotten Spurgeon can also be used as an excellent tool to teach apologetics surrounding Calvinism as most of Spurgeon’s involvements in these controversies meant that he had to defend Calvinism’s correctness to a public that was beginning to move past it.
I will also mention that Mr. Murray’s use of footnotes was more than a bit disruptive at times. If an author wants to use footnotes to mention sources, or clarifications of some of the content, I fully understand and support them. What I do not understand or support, however, is the use of footnotes to write an additional paragraph of information that could easily be placed into the main text. There are several long footnotes in each chapter of The Forgotten Spurgeon and I fail to see why they couldn’t have been moved into the main body of the chapters themselves. None of these long footnotes are irrelevant to the content being discussed, but their length did more to make me lose my place in what I was reading than they did to help, and this is doubly bad when one considers the issues this book already has with structure and keeping a coherent timeline.
Despite my issues with the structure and use of footnotes, Mr. Murray is an excellent writer. There is a tendency in the world of Christian publishing to fall into one of two camps: Funny and easy to read, or dense and intellectual. However, Mr. Murray manages to successfully straddle the line between both of these camps, he’s intellectual but not in a way that excludes certain readers from understanding and he’s easy to read without sacrificing the theological complexity of discussing grace and the atonement. More than anything else, his ability to write is what stands out in this book, through the whole thing I felt like I was in the head of someone examining current events, and it went a long way to keep my attention when I would wonder what the connection between the current event was and the one previous.
Overall, this is a book that I would recommend to people looking for a view on Spurgeon the apologist. It wouldn’t be the first book on The Prince of Preachers that I would recommend to people looking to learn more about him generally. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to learn the difference between the Calvinistic view of grace and the Arminian view, however, as the argumentation on the consequences of both views and how they line up with biblical theology is first-rate. I can certainly see myself referring back to those chapters many times when looking for ways to compare and contrast those theological viewpoints, and it’ll certainly become a mainstay in my library to hand out for anyone looking to study the topic.
This is, of course, the cult of celebrity and one of the most famous members of that cult-like admiration is Charles Haddon Spurgeon, sometimes called by his nickname “The Prince of Preachers”. Charles Spurgeon is a fascinating figure in the history of Christianity because almost everyone who has a passing knowledge of church history knows who he is, and admires him, but almost none of those people will know what he stood for unless they’ve actually studied him. Spurgeon was a dedicated Calvinist, a theology that would normally keep many from admiring him, and The Forgotten Spurgeon seeks to reestablish his theology as first importance when remembering who he was.
As such, The Forgotten Spurgeon isn’t necessarily a biography but an examination of the preacher’s life and doctrine through an analysis of the three different controversies he dealt with while he was alive. Mr. Murray begins by explaining that Spurgeon himself had to explain reformed theology to the people of England due to the fact that newspapers attempted to claim that he was a Calvinist in name only. He then moves into the eventual conflict between Spurgeon and the theology of infant baptism, which essentially served as a foretaste of the theological downgrade that was yet to come. Finally, Mr. Murray moves into the most important fight Spurgeon was involved in, the rise of Arminianism.
What anyone who reads the book, and Spurgeon’s own sermons, can say is that he was a man under conviction. Regardless of whether or not you find yourself a Calvinist, it would be intellectually dishonest to say anything other than that Spurgeon had a genuine belief in his theology and was willing to defend it no matter the cost. Mr. Murray does an excellent job narrating this fact through his own writing and the use of numerous quotations from Spurgeon’s sermons, diaries, and contemporary articles written about him. In painting a portrait of a man who wasn’t afraid to speak his mind and defend what he saw as the truth, Mr. Murray excels, but it’s his tracing of history that I find wanting.
What I mean by this is that the writing present here seemed to be a bit scattered, I found it difficult to trace what happened at what points and their connection to one another. In the first chapters, the reader is given an excellent, very coherent, view of how Spurgeon came to prominence and how he exploded in popularity. Spurgeon's defense of his Calvinism and everything that occurs up to the building of the first Metropolitan Tabernacle is well written and well-sequenced. Beyond these opening chapters, the book largely reads like a series of vignettes or scenes in which we hear about things that occur and Spurgeon’s involvement in them, but their connection to one another and the general timeline wasn't clearly established. This problem only gets worse once Mr. Murray describes the events after Spurgeon’s death, it certainly seems like the Metropolitan Tabernacle was a mess after its central figure passed, but it doesn’t have to read that way in the historical description being offered.
Despite the issue with structure, the content remains very good. Mr. Murray explains the issues that arise in the churches of England well and his use of Spurgeon’s words has a two-fold effect of not only showing the reader how these controversies shaped Spurgeon’s public ministry but also how the theology espoused in the controversies was dubious at best. I learned more about the nuances of the Calvinistic view of grace and the Arminian position on the atonement in this one book than in most other resources I've come across. In this regard, The Forgotten Spurgeon can also be used as an excellent tool to teach apologetics surrounding Calvinism as most of Spurgeon’s involvements in these controversies meant that he had to defend Calvinism’s correctness to a public that was beginning to move past it.
I will also mention that Mr. Murray’s use of footnotes was more than a bit disruptive at times. If an author wants to use footnotes to mention sources, or clarifications of some of the content, I fully understand and support them. What I do not understand or support, however, is the use of footnotes to write an additional paragraph of information that could easily be placed into the main text. There are several long footnotes in each chapter of The Forgotten Spurgeon and I fail to see why they couldn’t have been moved into the main body of the chapters themselves. None of these long footnotes are irrelevant to the content being discussed, but their length did more to make me lose my place in what I was reading than they did to help, and this is doubly bad when one considers the issues this book already has with structure and keeping a coherent timeline.
Despite my issues with the structure and use of footnotes, Mr. Murray is an excellent writer. There is a tendency in the world of Christian publishing to fall into one of two camps: Funny and easy to read, or dense and intellectual. However, Mr. Murray manages to successfully straddle the line between both of these camps, he’s intellectual but not in a way that excludes certain readers from understanding and he’s easy to read without sacrificing the theological complexity of discussing grace and the atonement. More than anything else, his ability to write is what stands out in this book, through the whole thing I felt like I was in the head of someone examining current events, and it went a long way to keep my attention when I would wonder what the connection between the current event was and the one previous.
Overall, this is a book that I would recommend to people looking for a view on Spurgeon the apologist. It wouldn’t be the first book on The Prince of Preachers that I would recommend to people looking to learn more about him generally. I would recommend this book to anyone seeking to learn the difference between the Calvinistic view of grace and the Arminian view, however, as the argumentation on the consequences of both views and how they line up with biblical theology is first-rate. I can certainly see myself referring back to those chapters many times when looking for ways to compare and contrast those theological viewpoints, and it’ll certainly become a mainstay in my library to hand out for anyone looking to study the topic.
July 8, 2018
This exceptional little book covers what the author calls the “forgotten stories” of Charles Haddon Spurgeon, known worldwide as the “Prince of Preachers.” After a brief explanation for the title of the book - the fact that there were three key events in the life of this man of God that influenced him greatly, events that are seldom remembered nor discussed, Murray provides a brief overview of the times in which Spurgeon preached.
The author spends time recounting the “lost controversy” of Calvinism (which Spurgeon described as the true teachings of scripture) before investing two chapters on what he saw as the danger of Arminiansim, declaring that the most outspoken evangelists were themselves proponents of what was termed Calvinism. He decried any action that pushed for the unity of the church by diluting the whole counsel of God. In the chapter Church Issues Revived, the author covers a range of issues, notably Tractarianism, which sought to create a similar model to Roman Catholicism in the Anglican Chcurhc.
The book ends with a treatment of what was termed the Downgrade controversy - the push for a “denominational loyalty,” notably in the Baptist Union, by accepting those who denied the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture, with all of the accompanying theological errors. Sadly, this controversy survived Spurgeon (some biographers suggest it hastened his death) and is still with us today!
Spurgeon did not wish to leave the Union, but found it impossible to stay with an organization that was stepping away from the truth of Scripture in order to avoid “sectarianism.” Unity at all cost was something he could not countenance,
This extraordinary book is also replete with quotes from Spurgeon as well as from many of his contemporaries and provides an exceptional insight into the teaching and integrity of the Prince of Preachers.
The author spends time recounting the “lost controversy” of Calvinism (which Spurgeon described as the true teachings of scripture) before investing two chapters on what he saw as the danger of Arminiansim, declaring that the most outspoken evangelists were themselves proponents of what was termed Calvinism. He decried any action that pushed for the unity of the church by diluting the whole counsel of God. In the chapter Church Issues Revived, the author covers a range of issues, notably Tractarianism, which sought to create a similar model to Roman Catholicism in the Anglican Chcurhc.
The book ends with a treatment of what was termed the Downgrade controversy - the push for a “denominational loyalty,” notably in the Baptist Union, by accepting those who denied the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture, with all of the accompanying theological errors. Sadly, this controversy survived Spurgeon (some biographers suggest it hastened his death) and is still with us today!
Spurgeon did not wish to leave the Union, but found it impossible to stay with an organization that was stepping away from the truth of Scripture in order to avoid “sectarianism.” Unity at all cost was something he could not countenance,
This extraordinary book is also replete with quotes from Spurgeon as well as from many of his contemporaries and provides an exceptional insight into the teaching and integrity of the Prince of Preachers.
November 10, 2010
Book Review
By
Jason Scott
The Forgotten Spurgeon
By
Iain Murray
Charles Spurgeon is one of the most well-known and beloved preachers of the 19th century. However, according to Iain Murray in this book, much of what Spurgeon stood for was either quickly forgotten or left out in the biographies that immediately followed his passing. “It seemed to me that the Spurgeon of the sermons (which Murray had been studying) was a forgotten man and the more that I read the more the conviction deepened.” Pg 4
Spurgeon is often referred to, as the “Prince of Preachers” People tend to see him as a great, sometimes humorous speaker. While this was true, Spurgeon was also dead serious when it came to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout his lifetime, Spurgeon found himself in the midst of three major controversies. The first controversy centered on the weakening evangelicalism that Spurgeon was observing in his day. Spurgeon’s preaching was focused on the Doctrines of Grace, while many of his contemporaries saw the Doctrines of Grace as a thing of the past. The second controversy dealt with the subject of Baptism. The third, and perhaps most well known, was the Down-Grade controversy. Murray does a commendable job in navigating through these controversies and showing the reader how Spurgeon dealt with each one. Spurgeon was and is today being used by God to show many their need for a Savior.
This book is very helpful in understanding Spurgeon’s theology and what he truly believed. I highly recommend this book so people can have a clearer better rounded view of Spurgeon and appreciate the passion this man had for Christ.
By
Jason Scott
The Forgotten Spurgeon
By
Iain Murray
Charles Spurgeon is one of the most well-known and beloved preachers of the 19th century. However, according to Iain Murray in this book, much of what Spurgeon stood for was either quickly forgotten or left out in the biographies that immediately followed his passing. “It seemed to me that the Spurgeon of the sermons (which Murray had been studying) was a forgotten man and the more that I read the more the conviction deepened.” Pg 4
Spurgeon is often referred to, as the “Prince of Preachers” People tend to see him as a great, sometimes humorous speaker. While this was true, Spurgeon was also dead serious when it came to proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout his lifetime, Spurgeon found himself in the midst of three major controversies. The first controversy centered on the weakening evangelicalism that Spurgeon was observing in his day. Spurgeon’s preaching was focused on the Doctrines of Grace, while many of his contemporaries saw the Doctrines of Grace as a thing of the past. The second controversy dealt with the subject of Baptism. The third, and perhaps most well known, was the Down-Grade controversy. Murray does a commendable job in navigating through these controversies and showing the reader how Spurgeon dealt with each one. Spurgeon was and is today being used by God to show many their need for a Savior.
This book is very helpful in understanding Spurgeon’s theology and what he truly believed. I highly recommend this book so people can have a clearer better rounded view of Spurgeon and appreciate the passion this man had for Christ.
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