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Lectures from Jack Miller
The Modern Theological Novel
Edited by Roseann Miller Trott
Foreword by Rose Marie Miller
Imprint: Resource Publications
116 Pages, 5.50 x 8.50 x 0.23 in
- Paperback
- 9781666781106
- Published: August 2023
$16.00 / £13.00 / AU$25.00
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In these lectures presented at Westminster Theological Seminary, Jack Miller integrates theology, literature, and modern culture as he discusses five of the most important European modern novelists of our time: Camus, Golding, Greene, Kafka, and Tolstoy. Best known as a church planter and mission founder, here he wears the scholar's robe to diagnose the causes of modern aches and pains and apply the healing power of the gospel. At one time a Marxist, Jack treats the novelists and their revolutionary friends with sympathy and respect. Along the way the reader learns the Reformation roots of the novel as a genre, the basics of literary analysis, and how to dialogue with a Marxist. Jack provides a Christian perspective on many of our current issues: the lectures on Camus and Tolstoy and the lecture on the "Theology of Revolution" lay bare the skeleton of modern revolutionary thought and provide a gospel response filled with grace and courage.
C. John “Jack” Miller taught practical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary and founded the New Life Presbyterian network of churches as well as Serge (formerly World Harvest Mission). His other books include Powerful Evangelism for the Powerless; Come Back, Barbara; A Faith Worth Sharing; Outgrowing the Ingrown Church; and Saving Grace.
“This is a must-read for anyone interested in the connection between the Christian faith and literature—or for that matter with any of the arts. Jack Miller had the unique gift of analyzing various literary texts theologically without sermonizing and with great respect for the different genres. Anyone passionate about the likes of Greene, Kafka, Camus, and Tolstoy will be deeply moved by these studies.”
—William Edgar, professor emeritus of apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary
“I am most grateful that Jack Miller’s eldest daughter, Roseann Trott, has made available Lectures from Jack Miller for readers so that others have an opportunity to know and engage Jack Miller as an astute Christian scholar and a winsome and profound critic of culture and literature.”
—Michael A. Graham, director, The Jack Miller Project
“Lectures from Jack Miller is a wonderful surprise and a gift to Christians. Like many, I knew the books, but the professors who taught me about them didn’t know Christ. They robbed me of understanding and wisdom. Jack Miller adds both. What a delight! Read this book! You’ll rise up and call Jack Miller blessed for the gift he has given to us.”
—Steve Brown, author of Laughter and Lament
“Those of us who have been profoundly influenced by the ministry of Jack Miller will likely have a sudden jolt of recognition reading this book. ‘So, that’s why he had such penetrating analysis of both the church and the culture! That’s why he was able to speak so picturesquely and trenchantly to the issues of our revolutionary age!’ This is a much-needed book for a whole new generation of Christians facing a rapidly changing, deeply challenging culture.”
—George Grant, pastor, Parish Presbyterian Church
“Jack Miller was a pastor, evangelist, church planter, and seminary professor. Many don’t know that he was also a literary critic. In this compilation of lectures, he serves as an able guide for understanding and evaluating twentieth-century existentialist authors who have so profoundly influenced life as we know it. Miller listens carefully, modelling for us a posture of humility and compassion toward unbelievers. At the same time, he unabashedly maintains that ‘If the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.’”
—Chuck Parker, senior pastor, Lexington Presbyterian Church
“In this book, Jack Miller uses the comprehensive scope and sequence of literature and history to examine how human culture without God leads to the ‘terrifying nothingness,’ with its ultimate ‘the horror!’ that threatens our life, art, music, culture, and very humanity. In each novel, Miller shows not only how history and culture have developed through the centuries but also how Scripture answers the kinds of questions with which good literature confronts the discerning reader.”
—Sharon Traver, director of homeschooling, Upper Dublin School District
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