Contending for the Faith

by David G. Fountain

What lay behind the dramatic collapse into modernism of the main Nonconformist denominations of England in the space of less than seventy years? This unique book presents the remarkable life of E. J. Poole-Connor, a major preacher whose ministry spanned this most turbulent period in British church life, from the time of Spurgeon to the 1960s, and who brilliantly recorded its events. Interwoven with biography, David Fountain provides in these pages a fast-moving overview of what happened and why, supplying lessons for today that will be eagerly received by Christians zealous for the defense of the Gospel. This is undoubtedly the author’s most important book, drawing together with considerable skill the key elements of the story.

174 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2005

Reviews

[Marion]

It has been astounding to me to read of how Spurgeon & Poole-Connor stood against the rising tide of modernist thought within the English church which affected the church in much the same way as postmodernism has today. It is recorded that in 1875 " In many large towns crowds of a thousand and more gathered together to enjoy the mixture of orchestral music, community hymn-singing and man-to-man talking" so much so that it became a social gospel. In 1892 " an average attendance of 800. There were clubs for cricket, football, tennis,swimming,chess and draughts. There was a forum where regular debates and discussions were held"...."By this time the so-called social gospel had, in countless churches, replaced the message of salvation...". Pg 118

This book is a reminder of our humble place in history. We are not at the centre of a terrible decline in civilisation and circumstances. We are motes of dust in a stream where actually...nothing has changed. A difficult and heavy book to read but very informative.

[Doug Adamson]

I found this book informative, encouraging, and challenging. It is not a thorough or straight-forward biography of E. J. Poole-Connor, though it does give the basic outline of his life and ministry. Poole-Connor's ministry is set among and against the movement of British Nonconformity from an orthodox, evangelical majority in 1859 to a predominantly liberal majority by the 1920's and 30's.

[Stanley Jebb]

Very important: (1) as a biography of a significant minister, (2) as a history of late 19th/early 20th century evangelicalism, (3) as a record of why and how the FIEC was founded, and (4) as a warning as to how the FIEC may have slipped from its original standards.

[Steve]

There is great biographical information on Poole-Connor but the text goes much further giving an insight into the changes in Non-Conformist churches from the time of Spurgeon to the 1960's. It's a well written and informative book that keeps a good pace throughout.

[Paul]

very important book, covering the significant period from spurgeon through Lloyd-Jones - growth of ecumenism etc