I recently started reading Sinclair Ferguson’s newest book, Some Pastors and Teachers. I have to admit I am a bit disappointed to find out it is mostly a collection of previously published material. Around 30 of the 39 chapters have been published elsewhere (Baker, Christian Focus, IVP, P&R, Ligonier, etc.). I was expecting this book to be a book on pastoral theology. However, the topics are more along these lines: around half of the book is historical theology (summaries of John Calvin, John Owen, and John Murray’s various teachings), the rest of the book is on systematic theology (Scripture, the atonement, justification, etc.) and there’s a section on preaching (preaching the atonement, exegetical preaching, etc.). So it’s not exactly a book on pastoral theology, and I don’t think the title and subtitle are accurate. Its title should have something to do with a collection or anthology or something along those lines.
Having said that, and having already read some of this material in other publications, I can say the content is solid and helpful. There is a wealth of Christian truth in it! This book really isn’t just for pastors; it’s for anyone who wants a good Reformed resource for learning more about Calvin, Owen, and Murray’s theology and other Reformed topics like justification, faith alone, repentance, and so forth. Some Pastors and Teachers contains just under 800 pages of good theology that is also practical theology.
I’ll come back and mention parts of this book in the near future as I read the chapters I haven’t already read elsewhere. For now, if you’re interested in a collection (or anthology?) of articles by Sinclair Ferguson on historical theology, systematic theology, and preaching, you’ll for sure want to check this one out: Some Pastors and Teachers.
Shane Lems
Hammond, WI, 54015
The Reformed Reader Blog 