Book Review: Our Priceless Christian Heritage
By J.P. Thackway
OUR PRICELESS CHRISTIAN HERITAGE. Christianity the only Foundation and Pillar of a Just and Free Society. Roland Burrows. Wakeman Trust, paperback, 341 pages, £11.00 (+ £3.00 post and packing). Available from the author, 27 Beauty Bank, Cradley Heath, West Midlands B64 7HZ.
The blurb on the back cover says, “The purpose of this book is to demonstrate biblically and historically, the vast and vital benefits Christianity has brought to those peoples and societies that have embraced it through the years. Many today are being subtly deceived into believing Christianity to a be tired, harmful relic of the past. The truth is, however, quite the opposite. Secularism and the so-called permissive society are tired, worn-out and increasingly manifesting itself to be failing, and a dangerous and deadening philosophy of life. Here is a challenge to the way society is going, and a call to look again at the priceless Christian heritage it has been beguiled into parting with, by the modern-day pedlars of ‘new lamps for old.’”
Mr. Burrows has a keen interest and concern for the Christian heritage of the UK, being a trustee of the Christian Heritage Centre, Bell End, Rowley Regis, West Midlands, B65 9LU. This exhibition brings together a remarkable series of almost 50 illustrated and written panels, along with a large collection of fascinating artefacts and objects, to tell the story of Christianity in Britain. It is well worth a visit and has been appreciated by Christians everywhere, and many schools as well.
This book tells the story in another and wider way. Through a series of chapters, it starts with the Christian world view (Old Testament and New Testament foundations), then the historical witness to the benefits of Christianity. It then traces through history the effects of the Faith in different periods, including the Reformation, the Puritan era, the 18th century and the Evangelical Awakening, the Victorian period, then into the 20th century. In addition, there are 14 appendices, plus illustrations. On page 313 is a list of Christian industrialists and manufacturers in the 19th century, some of them household names: 40 in all, including Coopers marmalade, Lloyds bank and Barclays bank, Beechams, Thomas Cook, Hartley’s jams, Coleman’s mustard, Boots and others.
Some descriptions of conditions before the gospel came remind us of how real and terrible human depravity is, and how the grace of God redeems, elevates, ennobles and beauties individuals and whole societies. In particular the Roman world is a revelation! But the effect of the gospel upon it we know from the New Testament and even secular history. All history since that time testifies to the same transforming effects of God’s Word and this appears with great clarity and fascinating detail in the book.
Mr. Burrows draws on sources that are brought within our reach and which we can follow up for ourselves. He writes with enthusiasm, and the result is thoroughly convincing. I cannot recommend this book too highly. It is a splendid read, and powerfully illustrates the truth of Proverbs 14:34 “Righteousness exalteth a nation: but sin is a reproach to any people.” Reading this book will enhance your understanding of history, will show how the Bible has blessed countries where it is known and believed, will remind us of our priceless Christian heritage, and will make us long and pray that the Lord will come down and visit us again in our land, and in the nations of the world. It makes a valuable companion to Mr. Burrows’ other volume A Miscellany of British Church History, which is especially related to the UK and has been reviewed in this magazine. This is now available in paperback from the author for £11.00 (£3 p+p).