Donald K. McKim
Geneva Press, Louisville, Ky. 124 pages
No one has done a better job of describing the Presbyterian tradition for laypeople than Donald McKim. For many years he has been laboring in this vineyard with eloquent and careful writing that has deepened the faith of many within the Presbyterian fold and those entering from other traditions. This new book is no exception. It is written in a style that is accessible to anyone seeking an answer to the question: “What does it mean to be Presbyterian?” Pastors get this question frequently and, truth be told, don’t always have an answer. They would do well to read this book, digest it and offer it to their questioners in the language of their context. In six chapters, McKim covers the essential tenets that introduce the core of the Presbyterian way of being Christian. They include the Bible, God, Christ and the Holy Spirit as well practices that follow from these theological convictions. McKim describes a faith that lives today. This is not mere doctrinal history. This is doctrinal description that is meant to stir up the believer in faith and practice, not only knowledge of the tradition. Studying this book will edify adult learners and it is fine food for a sermon series.
