Book Review: The Roots of Endurance by John Piper

Date March 12, 2007 Posted by Roger Overton

The Roots of Endurance
is the third volume in a series of biographical books by John Piper called “The
Swans Are Not Silent.” Each book covers three figures from Christian history
under a common theme. In this book, Piper looked at the lives of John Newton,
Charles Simeon, and William Wilberforce, each of which endured to their ends
facing remarkable adversity.

Piper set the stage with an introduction connecting the
three men together in history, spiritually, and theologically. As usual, his
words are salted with spiritual wisdom and worth meditation. From the life of
John Newton, Piper explored “habitual tenderness” and what it means to have “a
tender heart and a theological backbone of steel.”

The biography of Charles Simeon is one of my favorite from
the series so far. For the first twelve years of his service at Trinity Church his congregation resisted and
rebelled against him, and yet he remained there for fifty-four years! And as
many now know due to the recent movie, “Amazing Grace,” William Wilberforce also
maintained his service through many years, though for him it was in Parliament
fighting slavery. Piper told the stories of these men’s inspiring lives along
with great academic footnotes and insightful practical application.

Unlike the other books in this series, I thought the
concluding thoughts to The Roots of
Endurance were a bit shallow (compared to Piper’s other reflections) and
perhaps rushed. However, the book stands well enough on its own without the conclusion
and I would recommending reading it if only for the biography of Charles
Simeon.

Related posts:

  1. Book Review: The Hidden Smile of God by John Piper
  2. Book Review: The Legacy of Sovereign Joy by John Piper
  3. Book Review: God is the Gospel by John Piper
  4. Book Review: Sex and the Supremacy of Christ ed by. John Piper and Justin Taylor
  5. Book Review: The Power of Integrity by John MacArthur
  6. Book Review: Salvation Belongs to the Lord by John M. Frame

Category Posted in Book Reviews, Main Page, Roger's Posts

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