BOOK REVIEWS  THE EMPTY PROMISE - OF GODISM Peter Sammons; Glory to Glory Publications; PO Box 212, Saffron Walden, C010 2UU; 2009; 382 pp; Pbk; £10; ISBN 978 0 9551790 6 8

Bible-believing Christians cannot but be aware of the politically- correct multi-faith agenda. Basically, this is what the author means by 'Godism' - the seriously misconceived idea of many paths to God, and that no single religion has all the answers. The author begins by examining the nature of God, who is capable of being known, and yet retains His incomprehensibility. As is observed, God has revealed Himself consistently; therefore how can the contention stand that He may be sought and worshipped in a multitude of ways (p.54)? Several portions of

Scripture are quoted from various translations, including the New King James' Bible; though not the Authorised Version. In several places, there are further references, which the reader is invited to consult. Moreover, a technique throughout, used sparingly and yet effectively, is to repeat certain points — such as Christianity is not so much a religion as a relationship. This is a longer than average book; but then, it covers a big subject. Just as this reviewer was beginning to wonder whether his interest would be maintained to the end, pages 126-140 turned to the constitutional

implications should Prince Charles' stated wish be granted to be known as 'Defender of Faith' (without the word 'the') on becoming King. The ensuing discussion is fascinating — ranging from the relevant Thirty-nine Articles of the Anglican Church (of which Article XVIII declares that salvation is through Christ alone) to the Coronation ceremony. The author makes the interesting point that 'Defender of the Faith' is a task peculiar to the Monarch, since Parliament has already assumed the role of 'Defender of Faith' through its 'hate legislation'. Certain popular maxims and suppositions are challenged, together with the over-use and the misuse of the word 'love' in relation to God (p.318). In later pages,

there is some pertinent discussion on the need for God-given wisdom and discernment in responding to questions on the Scriptures, especially in view of the advent of 'hate crimes' and their subjective interpretation. The author also tackles in some depth the question of the eternal state of those people, who have never had the opportunity of hearing the Gospel, partly by quoting and expanding upon a 'disarmingly simple answer' from a young missionary (p.321). We are living in challenging days where we need to proceed Biblically and, therefore, wisely whilst retaining what Charles Wesley called 'calmly-fervent zeal'. To those ends, here is a very considerable contribution. Peter Murcott