Storyline Spring 2017

What does holiness mean? Why
does God’s word emphasize
it as so important? How do we begin to
answer these questions?
In his book, Rethinking Holiness, Bernie A. Van De
Walle states from the first pages that this is not a
“how-to” book for morality or ethics but rather a
“what is” book. This is important because in order
to follow God’s command for us to be holy, it is
essential to first understand holiness. Van De Walle
gets to the heart of the matter in our living – that
our discussions about how we got here or even
where we are going, although important, are not as
essential as the considerations surrounding our call
to participate in the divine.
Based on the subtitle, A Theological Introduction,
and author’s biography, it might be easy to presume
that Rethinking Holiness is a book to be approached
with an academic lens. After all, Bernie A. Van
De Walle’s specialty at Ambrose University is the
impressive domain of historical and systematic
theology. This first impression might lead the reader
to conclude that reading this book would be an
intellectual exercise. However, it is very clear from
the first few paragraphs that this is an accessible and
engaging read which is a relevant and even essential
text for everyone seeking to understand more about
God.
Van De Walle boldly presents tricky words such
as soteriology, eschatology, teleology, and ontology
but allows you to understand them without
having to have a Master of Divinity or a PhD. By
giving a straightforward explanation and context
immediately after introducing each concept, his book
allows those in the church without backgrounds
in academic theology access to terminology and
foundational faith principles that are key in our
understanding who we worship and who we are.
This book encourages the reader to dig deeper into
the scriptures which define what we believe about
holiness: who God is and who we are individually
and corporately as the church in light of salvation.
In seven chapters, Van De Walle effectively leads
the reader through the definition, theology,
understanding, application, assaults against, and
implications (both individual and corporate) of
holiness. Based on conversations, this book was
written in such a way that you can almost imagine
being in Van De Walle’s class and having your next
question answered.
Described as an “approachable theological
introduction to the Christian doctrine of holiness,”
the text draws the reader into thinking about
holiness beyond cultural presets into the ultimate
truth that holiness is neither a commodity nor a set
of ethics but rather found in the nature of God.
Reading Rethinking Holiness not only resulted in an
increase in knowledge but also a transformative
experience. From sparking conviction and igniting
meditation on holiness to inciting discussions and
expanding perspectives, the book takes the reader
on a journey from examining a topic that generally
does not get explored into a recognition of the
central place the pursuit of holiness must take in
the life of every believer. This leads to a deeper
understanding of the character of God.
For something as incredibly challenging to
describe as holiness, Van De Walle has delivered
a framework for understanding through practical
explanations and interesting examples for each of
the implications, making this book an engaging soulchanger
and fodder for revival in the church. As Van
De Walle writes, “in a quest for holiness, humans
cannot be passive.” We are called to be conformed
to the image of Christ and this book deftly presents
a call to the deep-rooted desire within believers and
non-believers alike: a call to holiness. •
Book Review by Judith Tuck
Book Review
What do students say about Professor Van De Walle?
"Bernie helped me understand that a well-placed quote from
“The Princess Bride” in a lecture is an art! While his teaching
was integral to my faith and ministry, he always made room for
a laugh or two along the way." - Spencer
"Bernie Van de Walle wonderfully combines being one of
the most authoritative and knowledgeable men I have ever
encountered with being easily approachable. I have learned so
much from him because of this ability to tie the two together
and teach in a manner that involves not only depth, but casual
simplicity and light-hearted humour. - Matthew
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