Harrell Davidson

I wanted this book to be at the apex of Restoration Movement biographies because I love Guy N. Woods, warts and all. Certainly, the author well develops Wood's earliest influences in the gospel, as he proceeds into Wood's longtime association with the Gospel Advocate (publication) and Freed-Hardeman College/University.

That said, I was somewhat disappointed, in that the author (I believe) missed the real, almost transcendent, Guy N. Woods, whose memory vastly exceeds the time in which Guy N. show more Woods became most famous and (especially) concerning the issue which Guy N. Woods is most identified, viz. as the foremost proponent and defender of the so-called institutional movement among the churches of Christ.

What I think was missed is reference to the profound early work of Woods, especially during the mid-late 1930s and up to the early-mid 1940s, where he wrote with such forceful clarity that his historical words would later be used against him in debate. While the controversies of the 1950s-early 1960s are most identified with Woods as an extremely effective debater--and perhaps, the personality most to be credited with the ascendancy of what became the prevailing view (even though it differed from the rhetoric, though apparently not the actual practice) of the churches on evangelistic and benevolent cooperation, it is my contention, the extraordinary theological insight of Woods as a relatively young (actually, middle-aged) student of the Bible is an important component of the story of a sometimes contradictory personality. His place in history is firmly established, as this well-done, yet overweening, intimates. It is unfortunate the full-breadth of Woods story and theology is somewhat glossed over by his admirers.

As one schooled on early Woods, literally steeped in his early writings and sermons (Woods was 8 years older than my own father, who as a Tenneseean was in the circle of Woods' emergent influence and had deep respect for him, even though I've found no specific indication they were intimately acquainted, outside of the works of Woods he put at my disposal as a pre-teen). I am convinced the contradictory picture of Woods' theology and influence, deserves a deep examination by someone who is a professionally trained historian and writer. I only wish I was that person. show less