"The world is indeed hungry for the Living Word and maybe as never before in history."
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Sound Doctrine for Today's Christians; What the Bible Says by Rev. Preston N. Tolliver, Jr. Trafford Publishing
book review by Donna Ford
Raised in the Baptist church, Preston Tolliver received a rather miraculous call to the ministry. He was qualified by several Baptist ministers and ordained in 1993. This book is intended to pass on to others the Biblical knowledge gained through his ministry. Bible students can use it as a witnessing tool. Casual readers may find the book controversial. The Baptists' New Hampshire Confession of Faith (1833) is closely followed.
Tolliver selects forty topics prevalent today. Classic religious topics are Salvation/Being Born Again, Faith in Jesus Christ, Trinity, Man's Purpose, and True Freedom. Topics regarding society values include Child Rearing, Divorce, Sexual Morality, Homosexuality, Racism, Abortion, and Civil Rights Movement. Each topic has a separate section beginning with a guided question. Questions may require a single answer which consists of Bible verse(s) that serve as commentary. Complex questions are broken down further. A sample question is: "Notwithstanding the issues of women's rights or "right to life," what does the Bible have to say about abortion?" All Bible verses are quoted in full and taken from the King James version.
Thirteen appendices support Tolliver's conclusions. An interesting example is Appendix 8: Title 89 Social Services' definition of child abuse. The author recommends that parents read section 300.20 and use wisdom in administering correction.
A cross-reference listing topic questions might prove helpful to the casual reader. An index of Bible verses would assist the serious student. This 472 page book is an excellent resource for someone wanting to attend seminary without having time or resources to do so.