A St. Thomas layman is hoping the availability of classic Christian literature will give a new sense of faith to area believers.
The books are in the St. Thomas Evangelical Library, one of about 100 worldwide branches of the main library in London, England, and one of only six in Canada.
John Van Eyk, a worker at Ford's St. Thomas Assembly Plant, has brought the library branch to his home at 5 Rickwood Pl (now located at 73 Talbotville Gore Road)
Sermons and commentaries written by the most influential leaders of Christian history, outside the Bible, are among the 500 titles available. Another several thousand books are available through two area pastors.
"These men preached the pure word of God, but we've added to it or subtraced from it," he said, referring to Christian statesmen such as John Bunyan, Jonathan Edwards, and C. H. Spurgeon - men who led revivals and at times changed the direction of nations with their passionate messages.
But the modern mode of Christianity is vastly different from the times when Martin Luther led the Protestant Reformation, and since William Tyndale was burned at the stake for providing the Bible in English, says Mr. Van Eyk.
While the religion has a vital message and rich heritage, he's concerned that modern Christian doctrine has drifted, and is hoping both area ministers and laymen will take advantage of the collection.
"People are not leading a new life. It's just a phrase," he said.
"I don't think people understand the problem. Too many leaders are trying to give people what they want, instead of what they need. It's been a problem at different times throughout the church, not new just to 1993."
Most of the 500 books in the Evangelical Library were purchased by Mr. Van Eyk from various sources, while some are on permanent loan from the main library in London, England.
The phone number of the St. Thomas branch is 633-8282.
