Legacy of Broadus celebrated, example lauded in book

Jun 30, 2009
ROBERT L. MOUNTS

MOUNTS

David S. Dockery and Roger D. Duke (eds.), John A. Broadus:
A Living Legacy, (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishing Group, 2008), 249 pages. $19.99 paperback.

Charles Spurgeon’s designation of John Broadus as the “greatest of living preachers,” and the declaration by another that Broadus is “perhaps the greatest man the Baptists have produced,” warrant a new look at the almost forgotten teacher, scholar, preacher and statesman. David Dockery, president of Union University in Jackson, Tenn., and Roger Duke, assistant professor at the Baptist College of Health Sciences in Memphis, Tenn., have provided a fresh, dynamic, informative, and inspiring perspective of this humble servant of God.

This book from Broadman & Holman Publishers is part of a new series on the history of Baptists, designed to inform and strengthen not only Baptists but also others who love the truth. Series editor Michael A. G. Haykin says: “Given the many significant changes that the world is undergoing in our day, Baptists are being tempted to divorce themselves from their theological and spiritual roots. Behind this series is the conviction that such would be suicidal and that the volumes in this series will provide a way for Baptists to learn from the past how to live faithfully for God in the present.”

Those familiar with Baptist history of the 19th century know John Albert Broadus (1827-1895) as one of the founding faculty members of The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and its second president. Others may be acquainted with his two best-known works: A Treatise on the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons (1870), and Commentary on the Gospel of Matthew (1886). The continued availability of these books after more than 120 years confirms their worth in the areas of biblical scholarship and homiletics. Highly regarded as a scholar and teacher, he had a burning heart for expository preaching and pastoral ministry.

Biographical in design, this study of Broadus is not chronological, but is a collection of ten chapters written independently by scholars who supply a picture of Broadus from various perspectives. Timothy George paints the backdrop of Broadus’s ministry in his introduction. Dockery writes of his life and work, his early days at Southern Seminary especially noting his influence on his son-in-law and Greek scholar A.T. Robertson. A. James Fuller shows the warm-hearted approach to preaching that was part of his ministry throughout his life. Historian Tom Nettles addresses the “Enduring Impact and Relevance of A Treatise on the Preparation and Delivery of Sermons.” Beecher L. Johnson, pastor of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Raleigh, N.C., supplies a timely and relevant chapter addressing Broadus on “The Role of Sensationalism in Preaching.” Five other extremely interesting chapters complete the story of this giant of the faith.

The historical context in which Broadus lived differed greatly from today, but the principles by which he lived and ministered are as relevant and timely as the morning news. In an era dominated by pragmatism, Southern Baptist and other confessional denominations would do well to revisit their historical and theological foundations. The legacy of Broadus greatly assists that effort.

This warmly written, easy to read biographical history will stir the heart of any reader who has a love for the church and foundational principles of a biblical faith. Though we are to follow Christ alone, Broadus is a good example of one who did just that. Reading this book is worth your time and effort.

Broadman & Holman Publishers is to be commended for offering this well-produced series. We anticipate offerings yet to come.

Bob Mounts is the former director of Pastor/ Church Staff Relations Department of the Florida Baptist Convention. The former pastor and the inveterate book-lover writes occasional book reviews for Florida Baptist Witness.

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