Book Review: Christianity Considered by John Frame

John Frame (1939-    ) has taught at some of the most prestigious seminaries in North America, including Westminster Seminary (Philadelphia), Westminster Seminary (Southern California) and Reformed Theological Seminary (Orlando). Perhaps best known for his 4-volume series A Theology of Lordship, he is the author of more than twenty books, and has recently retired from teaching full-time. This book is an attempt to express Christianity, through the lens of presuppositionalism, to the reader.

For those familiar with Frame’s work, this book does not read like many of his others. Although his characteristic and easily readable style are still present, due to the purpose of his book, he steers clear of many theological terms that might trip up the readers for whom he is writing.

In his preface, he mentions that the presuppositional school of apologetics is, in his opinion, the “soundest” form of apologetics (xiii). But he is quick to admit that presuppositional proponents have often not done the best job of addressing the non-Christian inquirer directly. Too often in the past, presuppositionalists have written almost exclusively to other Christians. Frame seeks to help fill this void with the current volume.

Each chapter in this short work (only 116 pages) is succinct and helpful while consistently building the overall argument of the volume. Frame says his goal in writing is to “speak the language of the inquirer, not that of theologians” (xiv). He admits that this volume is both an apologetic and could also be used as a “beginners’ primer on the doctrines of the Christian Faith” (xiv). This seems to be a most important self-evaluation to be aware of for any potential reader of the volume. This book would likely not be suitable for certain inquirers nor for certain new Christians. As always, much depends on individual backgrounds as well as the personal questions a person is asking.

His stated goal to the reader is “simply to present a biblical way of knowing God in contemporary language” (pg. 4). In the first several chapters, he speaks of the importance of Christianity’s influence in the world and how a truly educated person should be conversant with what Christianity is and has done in history (pg. 5). But he also stresses that the most important thing to consider about Christianity is whether or not it is true. He then addresses some of the reasons it is difficult for modern people to consider Christianity in the first place. These ideas that cause difficulty include: relativism, the Enlightenment, postmodernism and the overarching desire of mankind to be autonomous (chapters 3 & 4). His brief consideration of epistemology and authority on pages 18 & 19 is especially helpful.

Frame then considers proper reasons for belief (ch. 5), the differences between believing, willing and feeling (ch. 6) and the uniqueness of the Biblical God (ch. 7). In all of these, Frame is quite clear that he desires the reader to conclude that Jesus is who He claimed to be and that they will trust Him. However, this heart-felt desire never comes across as pushy or manipulative, but rather as a genuine desire from someone who believes this to be true.

In chapters 8-11, Frame goes on to consider why a person should believe in God, questions of morality and morality’s foundation, and concludes these chapters with the idea that everything is ultimately evidence for God. Perhaps this is where Frame’s clarity comes through most strikingly. He is consistently speaking of Christianity similar to how C. S. Lewis did as a “new way of seeing”. Because the Christian has been given a “new mind” and is thinking according to the “new mind patterns”, he sees everything differently. Therefore, everything, when viewed through that new lens, is evidence for God.

Chapters 12-14 consider the question of God communicating with mankind and specifically how written revelation such as the Bible works. This discussion culminates in the person (ch.15), death (ch. 16), and resurrection of Jesus (ch. 17). The person of the Holy Spirit is then considered (ch. 18) followed by how the Holy Spirit works through the Bible (ch. 19) and prayer (ch. 20).

Chapters 21-25 speak of the church and how it fits into the Christian perspective. Frame also speaks of religion, philosophy and morality a bit more. His consideration of Romans 1 is of particular note. He explains that “Paul lists sexual sins as the first consequence of worshiping false gods (pg. 100). He applies this in particular to American culture and seems to express a compelling argument in doing so.

Frame then addresses politics, science and the return of Jesus in the Christian framework (chapters 26-28). It is rather astounding to consider the amount of ground that he covers in his book and yet all with the winsome style that so many appreciate in his writings. In essence, this book seeks to argue for the truthfulness of Christianity by expressing the Christian worldview in such a way that a non-Christian can enter into its worldview in order to consider its merits.

In the end, the reader will have to determine whether they think Frame’s approach is successful. The “new way of seeing” that he suggests to the reader is graciously expressed and helpfully explained. This book is particularly helpful for those inquirers who have a philosophical bent as well as those newer Christians who are trying to make sense of the newness of Christianity and how it all works intellectually. Doubtless, the reading of this volume will spark many helpful conversations if read in tandem with another individual. Although short, the ideas in this book have much background to commend them for further consideration and study.