Book Review

“Art of Reformed War”

Dr. Don Shue

Universal World-wide Publishers

Reviewed by Warren Lewis

Dr. Shue is the Moderator, as well as the only actual member, of the Associate General Orthodox Protestant Reformed Church of South-Central North America, New School. Few people realize that Dr. Shue is also quite a student of history. It is in this capacity that he reworked Sun Tzu’s fabled “Art of War”, generating this ground-breaking exposition of how the Reformed faith will sweep the earth.

In this seminal work, also referred to as “Tsu’s Shues”, Dr. Shue combines the tactics of physical warfare with Biblical teaching. This concept yields a unique blueprint for advancing Christ’s kingdom in a distinctively Reformed way. Dr. Shue studies the strife between Jacob’s sons, and the discord and even warfare within King David’s household. He builds a compelling case that all Reformed micro-denominations should vigorously strive to demolish one another using every available means.

In the first section of the book, entitled “What part of ‘jot and tittle’ didn’t you understand?”, Dr. Shue explains how tricky this can be. After all, it takes a doctorate and a microscope to even detect the theological differences between certain reformed camps. Nonetheless, dedicated Calvinists can always find some tiny contrast, and treat it as a profound breach of orthodoxy. Words like “heresy” are particularly useful. This should lead to savage, merciless warfare to blot out the reviled enemy.

In the second section, “God’s ends justify really mean means”, Doctor Shue develops the theme that, under the new covenant, ritual burned sacrifices have been replaced by scorched earth, which is now the preferred way to make a sweet savor in the nostrils of God.

The third section, “I came to bring division”, explains how traditional forms of “peace-making” do not apply in Reformed circles. It is true that some patsy denominations may try to show Christian charity, engage in dialog, learn from one another, or use differences as an opportunity to bear with one another. However, Dr. Shue explains that these are simply signs of weakness and uncertainty. Drawing on the example of Alexander the Coppersmith, Dr. Shue demonstrates useful treacherous responses. After all, such micro-reformed enemies are insufficiently warlike and do not deserve to survive, so destroying them is good for the Kingdom.

The final section is entitled “Maybe pre-trib is a good idea after all.” Dr. Shue looks into his crystal ball to describe the future state of the Reformed faith when this first internecine phase is complete. The micro-denomination with the greatest will to power will have annihilated all it’s brethren and cousins. It will stand alone, bloodstained and reeking of smoke, facing the vast, unconverted masses. This section is a bit weak, as Dr. Shue has precious few ideas as to how the surviving micro-denomination could exert any influence on the world at large. He does suggest that seminars on paedo-baptism's role in pre-lapsarian covenantal thinking might be a big draw among, say, Pakistani sheepherders. Frankly, I have my doubts. At any rate, the reader should be reassured. Considering the enthusiasm with which we are all implementing the earlier sections of the book, it is certain that we’ll figure out what to do when we get to this part.

Dr. Don Shue’s “Art of Reformed Warfare”- coming soon to your church- you can count on it!