PREFACE
PREFACE
David Edwards asked John Stott if he might write a book based on his published works. As a Church historian, he wanted to explore the dynamics of the current worldwide Evangelical revival. He also hoped to persuade his liberal friends to read Evangelical books, and his Evangelical friends to face liberal criticisms. More specifically, he wished to pose a question and invite John's reply: how 'conservative' do Evangelicals have to be, if they are to be faithful to the truth, including the Gospel?
John agreed that a liberal-Evangelical dialogue would be useful, and eventually acquiesced in the proposal that he should be the Evangelical under question.
David then studied most of John's publications and wrote an appreciation and criticism of them. Having recovered, John wrote a response chapter by chapter. It amounts to a restatement of aspects of Evangelical belief. David has not changed his own material; it stands as a collection of difficulties felt about the Evangelical tradition. But he has added a few questions which may be found useful by individuals or groups who wish to make this book the basis of reflection and discussion, growing into a greater Christian unity in the truth. That the book, despite all its limitations, may be such a basis is the prayer of its authors.
London
D.L.E.
J.R.W.S.