Review of Glimpses From The Past

Glimpses of the Past:

A Study of Brethren Heritage

By Harold S. Martin
"The need for a simple, systematic, yet reasonably thorough instruction tool on the subject of Brethren Life and Thought has long been felt and often voiced," Harold S. Martin begins in the Foreword to his latest project. This thirteen lesson study manual on the history of the Brethren movement is a welcome addition to other recent works on the subject.
Martin begins with an overview of 2000 years of church history, and the next twelve lessons focus on the Brethren. Each clearly outlined five page lesson gives a concentrated dose of Brethren history, persons, and ideas. A one page study of a related Bible passage follows each lesson, and a page of research and discussion questions round out each segment.
Much of the material found here comes from Brother Martin's lesson outlines and notes for the class he has taught at Brethren Bible Institute and in the Education For Ministry program for the Southern Pennsylvania District. This material has already proved to be a blessing to students in those settings. The 104 page spiral-bound book does not aim to be comprehensive in its treatment of Brethren history. Other books, most notably Donald Durnbaugh's Fruit of the Vine (Brethren Press, 1997), do that well. But this little book means to give a brisk introduction, to acquaint the reader with the genius of the Brethren, as well as to provide some Biblical "handles" through which the Brethren may be understood. If the reader takes the research questions seriously, one will find numerous "launchpads" with which to pursue further study.
This book is ideal for a Sunday School class, a midweek Bible study, or to teach new members our essential Brethren background. It is anticipated that some districts will use it for training ministers and other interested layper sons. Glimpses of the Past should find a warm embrace, particularly among our conservative and evangelical congregations. It is available from BRF for a donation of $3.00 per copy, and postage will be paid by BRF for orders of five copies or more. Write to the Ephrata, PA address.
--Craig Alan Myers

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