664 - Belonging To God: A Commentary on A Brief Statement of Faith

Belonging To God: A Commentary on A Brief Statement of Faith
By William C. Placher and David Willis-Watkins
Louisville, Westminster/John Knox Press, 1992. 214 pp. $9.99.

As members of the committee appointed to draft a new statement of faith for the Presbyterian Church (USA), theologians Placher and Willis-Watkins are well qualified to collaborate on a commentary on the final product, "A Brief Statement of Faith," and to document the history of its composition. The result is an excellent resource for using the statement in the educational and worship ministry of Presbyterian congregations. The work also contains creedal and scriptural cross references, liturgical suggestions, and a reading guide.

The book is not intended to be an official commentary. It is a reflection from two gifted theologians on the "Brief Statement" in light of the historic faith of the church and the contemporary context in which the church expresses its faith and life. Following the trinitarian form of the statement, Placher and Willis-Watkins create a challenging summary of the Reformed tradition, emphasizing both its catholicity and its distinctiveness. With great skill, the authors weave ample references to Scripture, theologians, and the creeds of the church into the commentary. This approach invites the reader to see "A Brief Statement" within the faith of

665 - Belonging To God: A Commentary on A Brief Statement of Faith

the whole church. The discussions on the trinity and the language of theology will be particularly helpful to those being introduced to these issues. The authors offer enough morsels of their own particular interests to create the desire for a deeper taste of their writings. This book is a gift to the church that will lead to a greater appreciation for "A Brief Statement of Faith."

Lewis F. Galloway
Shandon Presbyterian Church
Columbia, SC.