Official Review: A Controversial Clergyman

[Stephen Campana]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "A Controversial Clergyman" by Clinton Chisholm.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

A Controversial Clergyman by Clinton Chisholm is a collection of articles that was previously written for two Jamaican newspapers by an author who is considered the leading Christian apologist in the Caribbean. The subjects include social issues, societal concerns, legal affairs, church matters, and public speaking. Each article is followed by discussion questions “designed to encourage readers to assess the logic of his arguments.”

The book is largely a defense of a theistic world view against some of the erroneous positions that result, at least in part, from a secular one. In an article that takes aim at relativism (the idea that there’s no absolute right and wrong), Chisholm notes that “relativists can’t even promote the obligation of tolerance” because “tolerance, properly understood, is putting up with what you disagree with. But on what basis is there genuine disagreement if there are no objective standards of the right and the true?” He also takes aim at fallacious secular ideas with regard to abortion, homosexuality, and the existence of God.

Chisholm’s arguments are tightly reasoned and presented with flair, precision, and humor. For instance, in an article arguing that it’s just as important to change hearts as it is to enact punishments, he writes, “Ponder this hypothetical scenario. What if, one night, after sleeping with my wife for the past 42 years, I decide, God forbid, to strangle her to death in her sleep? Which police or soldier would even be near to block me? The pre-crime division of the movie Minority Report is still only fiction!” Another example of his funny, forceful writing: “Never assume you are stronger than you really are. I said, in a sermon in Florida where our daughter and her husband were present, that I have not committed the sins of other men, not because I lack their strong desire for immorality, but maybe I just lack their opportunity. But if opportunity met desire, I would be dead meat like anybody else!” Another plus: the book is extremely well edited (I found no errors).

There’s no doubt that Chisholm is a master at exposing the bad logic behind many secular arguments. I only wish he had turned that powerful lens on some of the absurdities that comprise his own Christian faith. Perhaps he should have considered the logical impossibility of a “perfect” man – Adam – committing sin. What about the logical problems entailed in the idea of omnipotent God, who died for the sins of all men, justified them, loves them, and desires they be saved, punishing most of them in hell forever? I wonder if Chisholm realizes – or cares – that rabid secularism (and atheism) is largely a recoil from a brain-dead religious orthodoxy that consists of ideas that are abhorrent to reason and conscience.

This book should find a wide audience. Theists in general, whether Jews, Christians, or Muslims, will enjoy how Chisholm exposes the logical inconsistencies of a secular world view. Those interested in Christian apologetics will savor the author’s expert reasoning, as will students of logic or philosophy. Lawyers might find much of value here. The book may not appeal to militant atheists or feminists.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. The reader may not agree with everything the controversial clergyman has to say, but, if she has any appreciation at all for wit and wisdom, she will love the way he says it.

******
A Controversial Clergyman
View: on Bookshelves

[Laurina Michael Olowoniran]

I can just imagine the arguments put up by the writer to defend the sensibility of his faith. Sounds like a great book for those who would want to find out if ' God really exists'.
Beautiful review.