John Stott and Carl F. H. Henry. Different personalities. Different countries. Different styles. But one would be hard-pressed to cite two thinkers who contributed more to twentieth-century evangelical theology. From their respective posts on either side of the Atlantic, they championed the authority of Scripture, the Christian responsibility in the modern world, the reality of the risen Christ, and the need for global gospel proclamation.

So, it is with great excitement and appreciation that Lexham Press has collected various Christianity Today articles from both men and released them in two new volumes: Christ the Cornerstone: Collected Essays of John Stott and Architect of Evangelicalism: Essential Essays of Carl F. H. Henry. Both in Lexham’s “Best of Christianity Today” series (which also includes Basics of the Faith: An Evangelical Introduction to Christian Doctrine), together the volumes provide readers over 80 essays that appeared in Christianity Today over four decades.

While there is no shortage of resources both by and about Stott and Henry, what Lexham Press has done with these books is new, and their value cannot be overstated. By focusing on their contributions in Christianity Today, Lexham has given readers a particular vantage point from which to hear and heed Henry and Stott. Some might have encountered them only through their hefty theological volumes: Stott’s The Cross of Christ and Henry’s God, Revelation and Authority. Here, however, rather than meeting them behind the lectern, readers meet them at the coffee table—that is to say, these articles represent their digestible ad hoc thoughts on a variety of subjects.

In Christ the Cornerstone: Collected Essays of John Stott, readers experience Stott’s clear, concise, and compelling style. In the Introduction, Mark Lamberton, President of Fuller Theological Seminary, highlights four themes that “unite” the articles and “make them relevant for today” (ix): First, Stott writes for the honor and glory of Jesus Christ. Second, Stott writes with fairness and clarity. Third, Stott grounds his writing in a humble and confident reliance on the Bible. And fourth, Stott writes about the world with neighbor love (ix–xi).

The book is divided into six parts, each with anywhere from five to fifteen essays: Scripture and Theology, The Christian Disciple, The Mission of the Church, The Church Around the World, Church Challenges, and Social Concerns. The book ends with a mini-biography of Stott by Tim Stafford, which originally appeared in the September 2011 issue of Christianity Today.

The editors of the volume capture Stott’s primary concerns: Biblical exposition, personal evangelism, and world missions. Other interests crop up, too: Christians and animals (Chapter 40), theological education (Chapter 36), and leadership (Chapter 12) all receive thoughtful, biblical attention.

Architect of Evangelicalism: Essential Essays of Carl F. H. Henry compiles 34 essays spanning three decades of Henry’s contributions to the magazine. His sharp mind, awareness of modern trends, and forceful argumentation are on full display. Following an Introduction from David Dockery that orients readers to Henry’s life and legacy, the book is divided into four sections: Defining Evangelicalism, Evangelicals and Modern Theology, Evangelicals and Education, and Evangelicals and Society.

The themes that one expects from Henry are well-represented: evangelical identity, interaction with modern theology, the importance of worldview and education, and the cultural dimension of the gospel. The essays are drawn from both Henry’s time as editor (1956–1968), as well his later “Footnotes” column and other articles. They are strong and irenic, serious yet witty.

Readers can engage the books in multiple ways. Chronological reading from the first page to last is an enjoyable trek through the contents. However, readers might also take the chapters slowly, one at a time. This can be done by treating the books as one would a devotional—by reading one chapter a day (or a week). This approach allows their words to seep into the mind, as both writers deserve slow and careful engagement. 

Thoughtfully arranged and beautifully produced, these volumes are fantastic contributions from Lexham Press. Though the essays are products of their time, they speak to modern issues in surprising ways (a point Mark Galli makes in his Foreword to Henry’s book). The time-bound situations that Henry and Stott addressed give a glance into the timeless Book to which they appealed in any and every situation. As Lamberton notes in his Introduction, through these books we have the chance to watch these master theologians go about their work. Readers would do well to take advantage of this opportunity provided by Lexham Press.

*Lexham Press provided these resources to HistoricalTheology.org. They requested an honest review, whether positive or negative.