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Destroying Everything Bad in the Land
Implementing Charles Spurgeon’s Gospel-Centered Ethic Toward The Vulnerable in Society
Evangelicals need help from Charles Haddon Surgeon (1834‒1892) in cultivating an ethic fueled by the rescuing work of Christ. This 19th-century Victorian-era pastor from a London megachurch helped provide a gospel compass that directed Christians in both the head and the heart in their approach to the troubles of society. His work assists American evangelicals in this part of the 21st century by addressing some of the significant issues of the present time: patriotism/nationalism, racism, and religious liberty.
This book analyzes the sermons of Charles Spurgeon to construct a gospel-centered ethic toward the vulnerable and downtrodden of society. Many of the events and situations that marked his day parallels the circumstances of the present day. Spurgeon's approach (from both preaching and writing) provides the present evangelical world with a necessary template to move forward biblically and ethically.
About the Author
Matthew R. Perry (Ph.D., Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; D.Min., Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as Lead Pastor of Arapahoe Road Baptist Church in Centennial, CO; as well as Affiliate Faculty at Colorado Christian University in Lakewood, CO. He has been married to his wife, Cindy, for 24 years and has four children.
REVIEWS
“Christians today are asking all kinds of questions relating to nationalism, racism, and religious liberty. But we’re not the first ones to deal with such questions. 180 years ago, Charles Haddon Spurgeon dealt with these very issues. From British imperialism, to slavery, to living under a state church, Spurgeon sought to help Christians think biblically and live faithfully. For those seeking to learn from the past, Matthew Perry’s study invites us to walk alongside a faithful pastor from church history and glean his wisdom for our day.”
Geoff Chang, Assistant Professor of Historical Theology,
Curator of the Spurgeon Library, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
Matthew Perry in his important work Destroying Everything Bad in the Landinteracts with the best of Spurgeon scholarship in offering a unique book demonstrating academic rigor with practical considerations. Perry offers principles for Christians to apply, drawn from Spurgeon's life and ministry, that are instructive in learning how to better love one's neighbor. Spurgeon's ethical outlook and practices are a reflection of his biblically-driven theology that was centered on the gospel of Christ. He had no interest in the church merely engaging in societal programs of benevolence. Spurgeon's ultimate objective was to promote the gospel through his ministries to the vulnerable. I think you will find Perry's book a helpful contribution to Spurgeon studies and useful to inform your own ministry to the "least of these."
Ray Rhodes, Jr., author of Susie: The Life and Legacy of Susannah Spurgeon
and Yours, till Heaven; the Untold Love Story of Charles and Susannah Spurgeon