Foreword
Foreword
When Henry Ford declared that history is bunk, he no doubt thought he was uttering wisdom. But his dictum is a classic instance of —well, bunk, and bunk in its purest form. Both the processes and the characters of history have a vast amount to teach us; studying them matures our judgment and frees us from blind submission to present-day prejudices. It has often been said, if we will not learn from history, we sentence ourselves to repeat its mistakes. This is supremely true of Christian history, which shows us the conflict of God's Word with the world, in and through the lives of his servants, and sets before us the possibilities of living for God that had never before entered our minds.
Readers of the excellent journal, Christian History, of which Mark Galli and Ted Olsen have been editors, will know exactly what I mean when I say that, and non-readers of the journal who read the present volume will soon find out. There is not a dull line in this book; its well-chosen 131 characters come vividly to life, as our brothers and sisters in Christ; and learning the lesson of their careers is as pleasant a task as chewing candy. If you like the thought of history with edification, and without tears, this is certainly a book for you. Its authors have served you well.
J.I. Packer
Regent College
Vancouver