The life and legacy of 'the Doctor'
Andrew Atherstone and David Ceri Jones

• Apollos, 2012
• £16.99 Pb 376pp
• ISBN 978 1 84474 553 1

This is not a biography. Eleven academic historians and theologians have meticulously researched and copiously annotated this well written work. It concentrates on 'several areas of his theology and legacy that remain hotly contested'. His links to the inter-war Calvinist resurgence and to Wales, his views on revival, the charismatic controversy, the demise of preaching, ministerial education, fundamentalism, Barthian theology, Roman Catholicism, the Anglican secession crisis and the Protestant past are all examined.

Of particular resonance is Lloyd Jones's reminder:
1. That humanity's ultimate need is not that he is sick, unhappy, poor or uneducated, but being in rebellion against God and consequently under the wrath of God.
2. That the Bible is God's announcement of how, through Christ's death on the cross, he has provided a means of forgiveness and reconciliation.
3. That the primary task of church and preacher is to proclaim this message.

At a time when churches are again being torn apart by conflict, Lloyd Jones's view that doctrinally pure churches as a vital precursor to religious revival, will again be scrutinised.

John Wenham works for the Royal Flying Doctor Service based in Broken Hill, Australia.