Once again, I extend my thanks to Adrianna of IVP for a review copy of this book. For more on this book, consult Part I, Part II, Part III, Part IV.
In this last portion of the review I will summarize briefly the contents of the last 2 chapters, as well as offer some final thoughts on the book as a whole.
G K Beale set out from the beginning of the book to demonstrate his thesis: we resemble what we revere, either for ruin or restoration. He surveys the biblical data thoroughly and fleshes out nuances carefully. It is easy to tell that he has spent years, if not decades, thinking on this subject and what the Bible teaches about it. We stand in his debt for all his hard work.
In the final 2 chapters, Beale discusses briefly the flip side to idolatry, being conformed to the image of Christ. Since humans are “imaging beings” (a phrase he likes to use), we will reflect the image of something, whether it be God Himself or something we have constructed in His place. The final reflection of Christ’s image will be seen at our resurrection, which itself follows Christ’s resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:45-54, Philippians 3:20-21).
As far as the contemporary church, Beale relies heavily on David Wells (the theologian, not the pitcher) in demonstrating modern forms of idolatry, specifically idolatry in personal life (the idolatry of self) and idolatry in church life (the idolatry of psychology and business managing in running our churches). Beale issues a call for the church to reflect the character of God more than reflect the latest trends in marketing and entertainment, which our bound to change rapidly. We must realize that idolatry is more subtle in our day than in the days of wooden idols, but it is no less dangerous. “Sometimes the sin of idolatry is like gum disease: we may not feel the spiritual hurt until significant harm has happened; though we have eyes we may not be able to see the destruction that is occurring within us” (p309).
Of course, one could wish for a more extended discussion of contemporary applications, particularly how the theme of reflecting an idol is seen today (in other words, how does one reflect money when money is his idol?). In fact, I’d love to see more work done on modern forms of idolatry in the church. Beale could have also spent more time on reflecting the image of God (in case he’s looking for ideas for his next book), though what he does say is very good. But Beale’s book is intentionally a detailed study of relevant biblical texts on idolatry, and he surveys the texts admirably.
If you have been reading the previous portions of this review, you’ll know that I have lodged some disagreements here and there. There have been times I felt that Beale was digging a little too deep for support of his thesis. I just wasn’t always convinced it was as front-and-center as he thinks it is. I’m not denying that it is explicitly stated in Scripture, nor am I denying that it is assumed rather than demonstrated in certain places. I’m just not sure it pops up as often as Beale does.
But these disagreements can be misleading, because I’m convinced that Beale has done us a great service by writing this book. Truthfully, I would not have spent the time working on a 5-part review of a book that I didn’t think was worthy of it. I not only learned a ton about the biblical teachings on idolatry, but learned more about picking up intertextual hints and echoes throughout Scripture. In fact, at numerous times throughout the book I found myself thinking, “I really need to get a copy of his book, The Temple and the Church’s Mission.”
For any pastor or teacher who is covering the issue of idolatry, Beale’s book is a must read. Not only does it include countless helpful insights, Beale brings to the fore the gravity of idolatry and its disastrous consequences. For those who have ears to hear, the call to forsake the idols of our generation and turn back to our Creator will be heard loud and clear in this book. May we grow to reflect the image of God in Christ more fully as we learn to worship Him as He deserves.
danny
bmarchio
