Where'd All These Calvinists Come From? Part 3 of 10
From the Great Plains of Kansas, I write a brief blog suggesting a third influence on the resurrection of Reformed Theology in this generation--The Banner of Truth Trust. In 1957 Iain Murray and others with a shared vision and funds began to reprint Puritan and other reformed titles. A magazine appeared, which re-aquainted us with ministers and authors of the past. Books appeared. Well-bound and attractively presented, no such editions of Reformed works from the English-speaking tradition had been popularly published for a century. Through consistently keeping key titles in print, carefully screening what would be published, word of mouth, huge 50% (or more) discounts for theological students, the Banner brought affordable, well-presented re-prints of classic works to a new generation. The libraries of our generation of ministers are filled with books written decades and even centuries earlier, newly re-printed. Some contemporary authors were published--not least of whom is Iain Murray himself. He has produced a series of productive works, uniting piety, theology and history, all in a popular style and with an eye to instructing and edifying the church.
But what was most exceptional about the Banner in the late 1950's was its widespread distribution of literature from the past. The Princeton faculty teach us again through their books. Dutch Calvinsts and English Puritans appeared again. Readers were introduced to 19th-century divines (the Bonars', Charles Bridges). Furthermore, the Banner was in it for the long-term. They were theologically motivated. They were not put off publishing a work because it would not sell immediately. They gave time to allow an old classic to slowly disseminate through networks of Christians and fraternals of ministers. And their assiduous work in publishing in the 1950s and 1960s and 1970s has clearly helped to bring forth (and equip) a harvest in the 1980s and 1990s and still today.
Amen! Praise God for His work in the Banner! Steve Burlew's ministry at Banner US has been a blessing this last year!
In Christ
Noah
(Waukee, IA)
Posted by: Noah Braymen | Jul 12, 2007 9:12:03 PM
50% discount for theological students?! Now that's the evidence of ministry genius! (hint, hint...)
ben woodward
Louisville KY
Posted by: Ben Woodward | Jul 12, 2007 9:29:51 PM
I was introduced to Puritan Paperbacks my freshman year of college by my pastor who gathers 75 college students in him home to read from and commentate on Puritan Paperback texts. What a fruitful and wonderful ministry that has been. I'm now entering my last year of college, and I can't wait until this starts back in August!
Posted by: Tim H. | Jul 12, 2007 10:16:41 PM
I love this series.
Posted by: JC | Jul 13, 2007 3:49:52 AM
C.H. Spurgeon, Martyn Lloyd Jones, and the Banner of Truth Trust all have links to London, UK. Which side of the Atlantic have these had more impact on?
Ben Stevenson,
Leeds, UK
Posted by: Ben Stevenson | Jul 13, 2007 6:07:06 AM
Mark,
Great post! The Puritans have had a significant impact on my life; especially life-changing was Banner's reprint of "The Rare Jewel of Christian Contentment" by Jeremiah Burroughs. Thank God for wisdom from the old paths!
One quick question: Wasn't Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones also pivotal in establishing the Banner of Truth Trust?
Thanks again. In Christ,
-Phil
Posted by: phil | Jul 13, 2007 7:39:05 AM
It began. I recall, with reading DMLJ's Preachers & Preaching, and then a steady diet from the Magazine and the puritan paperback series. I owe my theological growth in the doctrines of grace is primarily due to the Banner. Rarely does a week go by that I do not thank God for the magazine and the many profitable books Banner provides!
Posted by: Pastor David Bissett | Jul 13, 2007 8:19:42 AM
Banner does a great job of keeping great books available for great prices. Not too mention that they are great, wonderful, nice people. Kudos to the whole Banner crew in scenic Carlisle, PA.
Posted by: Praz | Jul 13, 2007 8:43:25 AM
Thank you Mark for this great series! The story of the recovery of Calvinistic truth is a glorious one and needs to be told again and again. It is a true work of God in our day.
...Banner has been the gateway into Edwards, Owen, Bunyan, Newton, Spurgeon, and Lloyd-Jones for so many. Praise the Lord for Banner!
Posted by: Gary Steward | Jul 13, 2007 10:19:58 AM
Here! Here!
BOT has been a big part of my own theological training, and I keep passing on their books to my college students!
Great observation, Dr. Dever.
Barry Joslin
Louisville, KY
Posted by: Barry Joslin | Jul 14, 2007 2:38:11 PM
I well remember the first 2 books I read as a new Christian in 1973-- Hal Lindsey's Satan is Alive & Well on Planet Earth was the first; I read some, and put it down (or rather threw it away I think) and took up the second book, though I did not know anything about either author; the second book was The Sovereignty of God by A. W. Pink; I did not throw it away, and neither could I put it down; I read (devoured) it as a 19 year old new Christian; I began to buy copies and give to friends, some of whom loved it and some who began to avoid me afterwards.
Since then, for over 30 years, I have read Banner books consistenly with deep profit, much heart-stiring, and regular mind-expanding benefit. I then began to take the Banner magazine in the 1980's and now have almost all the copies, lacking just a few for a full collection.
The ministry of the Banner has been one of the single most beneficial factors in my growth as a Christian by God's grace. Here I am, 33 years later this week, while on vacation at the beach in South Carolina, looking out at the ocean, with a newly-released Banner title in my lap-- The Letters of Thomas Chalmers. Yes, a Banner reader for over 30 years. And I plan, God willing, to be one until I reach heaven. Sorry-- no Banner books there, for the Banner's work will then be over! Until then, I read on!
- Mack Tomlinson
Denton, Texas
Posted by: Mack Tomlinson | Jul 18, 2007 10:21:24 AM