I am finally beginning to finish up many of the books that I must read for this semester, therefore giving me an opportunity to evaluate them and share what I have learned from them. J.I. Packer's English Puritan Theology class requires that I read Ryken's Worldly Saints along with three other books. It covered topics on which the Puritans were most interested while including much citing of their of their own material.

One of Leland Ryken's premises throughout the entire book undertook the task to demonstrate the Puritans in contrast to what has been popularly written concerning them in the last two centuries. I appreciated his balanced style in demonstrating the good Puritan characteristics which we should emulate while at the same time setting forth those attributes for which they were rightfully accused. Contrary to popular belief though, we should not throw out the baby with the bathwater.

Of the many topics covered, I gleaned much specifically from the chapters on Puritan Preaching and Education. Their view of preaching as the primary way of shepherding the flock not only found itself to be biblically based but needful in our own era. The careful and thorough exposition which included theological depth and heart-felt application remains a model for 21st century preachers. They preached with preciseness, clarity, and fervor. They understood the idea that to shepherd entails feeding. Their sermons were designed with this architecture in mind.

Though some today shy away from higher education because of the tendency to become simply academic and not spiritual, the Puritans regarded study as the means by which we understand truth concerning God, thereby channeling spiritual growth. In their day, they faced the same pious attitude. The 'antinomians' challenged this value of education, remarking that it is better to be lead of the Spirit than to logically formulate truths from the Bible. John Cotton's quote settles the matter: "knowledge is no knowledge without zeal, zeal is but a wild-fire without knowledge." God has communicated his truth through his written, revealed Word. We do not wait for a message from the Spirit, rather we study with zeal what has already been revealed.

Ryken attempted, and in my opinion, succeeded in demonstrating the Puritans in a balanced and enlightening manner through the use of their own words and careful examination of their lives.