The similar phrase 'Worldly Christianity' is one used by Bonhoeffer. It's J Gresham Machen that I want to line up most closely with. See his Christianity and culture here. Having done commentaries on Proverbs (Heavenly Wisdom) and Song of Songs (Heavenly Love), a matching title for Ecclesiastes would be Heavenly Worldliness. For my stance on worldliness, see 3 posts here.

Five Books read in July 2023


Benjamin Beddome has been a theme recently as he often is. Firstly, there has been the new biography from Stephen Pickles published by the James Bourne Society. This is a large volume partly due to the extensive quotation and partly due to the inclusion of material on several other figures (Ryland, Hervey, Newton, etc). Very interesting. I also read two volumes of Beddome sermon as mentioned (Volumes 4 and 6 of the short discourses series, actually Volume 5 too). Then there was the biography of Michael Toogood which I re-read recently in its final form. This book ought to be much more widely known. I also read John Benton's little book Resilient, which is a commentary on 2 Timothy growing out of a life time of pastoral service. Quite helpful.

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