{Book Review} The Church of Christ

The Banner of Truth Trust has published a tremendous work by James Bannerman entitled The Church of Christ: A Treatise on the Nature, Powers, Ordinances, Discipline, and Government of the Christian Church. This work was originally published in 1869, but the Banner of Truth has been reprinting this excellent book since 1960, with the most current edition being a reprint from 2016. 

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The Church of Christ: A Treatise on the Nature, Powers, Ordinances, Discipline, and Government of the Christian Church

The Church of Christ has become the go-to resource on Presbyterian ecclesiology. In just under 1000 pages, Bannerman manages to teach on most of what consists of the doctrine of the church, and that quite extensively (and even at times, quite exhaustively). 

This book finds its material from the lectures that were delivered by Bannerman to his students, and one can only imagine the blessing of sitting under such teaching. It is a great gift to us that we are able to experience this teaching in the form of written instruction. 

Bannerman’s book consists of four parts:

1. The Nature of the Church
2. The Power of the Church
3. Matters in Regard to Which Church Power is Exercised
4. Parties in Whom the Right to Exercise Church Power is Vested

Bannerman discusses what the church is, confessional issues, sacraments, church offices and authority, government of the church, church discipline, public worship, and more. 

A book of this size may appear to be intimidating to many within the church today, but the truth is that Bannerman writes in such a clear and understanding style that many in the church will benefit greatly from taking time to read this work. As mentioned above, it is a wonderful gift to the church, and she should take full advantage of this gift. 

Though reading from beginning to end may provide benefit at particular points (for instance, reading part 1 and learning about the different uses of the term church may prove very helpful when reading about the sacraments in Part 3), this is also a book in which you may read the chapters as stand-alone material. One could read the chapter on the sacraments before reading a chapter that comes prior to it. This is of course only beneficial if there is some prior working knowledge of the subjects that precede it. If this is the first time that one is taking up the subject of ecclesiology, than I would suggest reading the chapters in their given sequence. 

Features of The Church of Christ

• This book is a comprehensive treatment on the topic of ecclesiology (Presbyterian church polity in particular)
• Bannerman writes in a very clear and understanding manner
• Provides the reader with an understanding of the what and the why of Presbyterian church polity, and both of these are derived from Holy Scripture
• The book itself is absolutely beautiful (as all Banner books are), with a very elegant dust cover and very nice pictures of the Mound in Edinburgh and the New College in the very front and back of the book

Drawbacks to The Church of Christ

Though this isn’t technically a weakness, there are some things that are harder for the 21st century reader to understand due to the gap in time, such as when Bannerman discusses particular controversies or issues that may not be well understood today.

However, even with that being said, those particular situations also reveal that “there is nothing new under the sun,” and that those issues may exist today even if in a different context. 

Conclusion

I highly recommend this book to those who desire to grow in their understanding of Christ’s Bride, the Church. I really believe that Presbyterians ought to be familiar with Bannerman’s book, but even all other non-Presbyterian Christians will undoubtedly benefit from this great work!

Disclaimer: My thanks to The Banner of Truth Trust for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.