Some Thoughts on a Friday -- Mostly About Books

**New Banner of Truth Edition of Berkhof’s Systematic Theology.**

Thanks so much to the folks at Banner of Truth for reprinting Louis Berkhof’s venerable Systematic Theology. Not only does this volume include Berkhof’s Introduction to Systematic Theology, (a full book in its own right) but the entire volume has been given a refreshed typeset. I’m thrilled. I have used it constantly for the last forty years. As you can see, my current copy is falling apart. Hope this one has a good binding and will lie flat when open. You can get it here: New Edition of Berkhof's Systematic Theology

I recently finished Tim Bouverie’s outstanding book on the period from Hitler’s rise to power in Germany (January 1933) until England’s declaration of war on Germany (September 1939). Bouverie lays out the behind the scenes efforts by the British government to prevent the Second World War. I’ll write a more thorough review at some point (this volume merits such), but if you’ve watched any of the recent Churchill movies (i.e., The Darkest Hour, which is outstanding) and wondered about the tensions between Neville Chamberlain (the current PM), Lord Halifax (the king’s personal friend), and Churchill (the loudest voice opposed to Hitler, but discredited by his role in the Gallipoli debacle), this is must reading. It is well written and cogently argued.

The bottom line is that Chamberlain was more hawkish than I expected (pushing to rapidly expand aircraft production to catch and surpass Germany) and far more skillful in European Realpolitik than we are often led to believe. Chamberlain tried (unsuccessfully) to separate Mussolini from Hitler, he forged agreements with Hitler concerning Czechoslovakia (because the British felt they could do nothing militarily to stop Der Fuhrer, and erstwhile ally France was a divided mess) and which, should Hitler break the agreements (as anticipated), make clear to all that a Second War, should it come, was entirely Hitler’s doing. This was huge factor given the massive unpopularity of the prospect of a Second World War, which Hitler’s breaking of the Munich agreements did much to mitigate.

But in the end, Chamberlain simply could not bring himself to believe that Hitler would break his word and provoke the unthinkable. Chamberlain was indeed a man of peace, but belonged to a different generation. Noble, yes, but completely unable to grasp what Churchill understood full well—negotiating with Hitler was like appeasing a hungry wolf with a dog treat. You could never appease him enough. It was never going to work. You can find Bouverie’s outstanding book here: Tim Bouverie: Appeasing Hitler

This is short, a consequence of a sincere but futile effort, and well worth a listen. Chamberlain's Speech Declaring War on Germany (September 1939)

Ever wonder where the Taliban came from? Why does Isis-K detest them? What does the Afghan future hold? Great discussion here with Jonah Goldberg and Graeme Wood from the Atlantic. The Remnant Podcast: The Worst is Yet to Come

Dr. Harrison Perkins (pastor of London City Presbyterian Church) gives a thorough review of John Piper’s Future Grace. Well worth the read: Harrison Perkin's "Review" of John Piper's Future Grace