Erwin W. Lutzer, The Eclipse of God (Eugene: Harvest House, 2024), 291 pp.
Fyodor Dostoevsky said, “If God did not exist, everything would be permitted.” The Russian novelist words ring true in a haunting way as American culture has all but eliminated God from public discourse. Erwin Luther’s book, The Eclipse of God picks up on Dostoevsky’s theme and explores the ramifications of life without God.
The purpose of the book “is to help us see that first and foremost the church must return to God – we must return to the God of fire, the God who is both merciful and just, the God who redeems but also judges. We must renew our understanding of His sovereignty and holiness.”
Part 1: Searching for Light in a World of Darkness
Dr. Lutzer chronicles the eclipse of God by pointing to three pivotal figures – Karl Marx, Charles Darwin, and Sigmund Freud. The author adds, “They created a contagion, a debilitating virus, that has infiltrated every one of our institutions, our lives, and our families.” Marx attacked God as ruler, Darwin attacked God as creator, and Freud attacked God as lawgiver. Each of these enemies of God is explained, explored, and laid bare. Lutzer demonstrates his keen grasp on these men who continue to rule from the grave.
Part 2: Returning to the God of Our Fathers
The author confronts the various lies and paves a path forward – one that is true to God’s Word and faithful. Lutzer confronts moral relativism, epistemological confusion, the theory of evolution, and man-centered views of God – to name a few.
While much of the book is descriptive (and rightly so), Dr. Lutzer ends on a note of triumph by arguing that Christians must live lives of theological integrity. “If we can stay focused on Christ in the darkness, we will gladly redouble our efforts to shine the light of the gospel as far and wide as possible. We know that the darkness never retreats on its own; only light can push back the darkness. We will serve the Lord with joy, despite the cultural headwinds, and we will not see ourselves as victims, but victors.”
The Eclipse of God is a book for our times. It is packed with cultural analysis and sharp, biblical thinking. Lutzer has done great service by gifting this book to the church as readers Christian minds will be educated, inspired, cultivated, and challenged.
Dr. David Steele has been in pastoral ministry since 1991. He holds BS and MA degrees from Multnomah University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary and a D. Min from Bakke Graduate University. Following graduation from Multnomah University, he served eight years as Pastor to Students at Lacey Chapel. In 2000, he became the Pastor of Theology at First Baptist Church in La Grande, Oregon where he served for over eleven years. In 2012, he became the Senior Pastor at Christ Fellowship in Everson, Washington.
He is the author of Bold Reformer: Celebrating the Gospel-Centered Convictions of Martin Luther, A Godward Gaze: The Holy Pursuit of John Calvin, and The White Flag: When Compromise Cripples the Church.
At Christ Fellowship he leads the staff, serves as the Pastor for preaching and vision casting, and oversees Veritas (adult theological education) and Iron Men (men’s leadership development).
His personal mission is to positively influence people, impact the world one person at a time and to glorify God by enjoying him forever. His passion in ministry is preaching, teaching, and leadership development. Specifically, his aim is to educate the mind, engage the affections, equip the whole person, and encourage God-centered living that treasures Christ above all things.
He and his wife, Gerrene were married in 1991 and they have two children.
