Tag: Faith in the Time of Plague

SICK LEAVE REPOST: Faith in the Time of Plague Edited by Stephen M. Coleman and Todd M. Rester: Reformation and Post-Reformation Voices Speak to Our Moment

Wasn’t feeling well enough to finish a post for today, and given my recent test results, I thought of this book–something I’m pretty sure Westminster Seminary Press wouldn’t have put out without a certain pandemic.

Faith in the Time of Plague

Faith in the Time of Plague

Edited by Stephen M. Coleman and Todd M.Rester

Hardcover, 309 pg.
Westminster Seminary Press, 2021

Read: November 7-December 12, 2021

The main point? Two rocks must be steered clear of: stupid boldness and exceedingly vicious fear. On the first, one does those things that while we fear nothing—would often lose ourselves and others. On the second it happens that as we would look to our own life, we would desert the work of Christ. Therefore, let us fear what can happen if we fail to avoid those evils. But let us be confident in the Lord and let us remain as steadfast as possible—even to the point of death—in our calling and in the work of Christ.

What’s Faith in the Time of Plague About?

The Editors describe the book like this:

The body of extant plague writings is vast and much of it remains unavailable in English. The selections in this book were determined to a great extent by the treasures that came to light in translating the 1655 pamphlet Variorum tractatus theologici de peste, which makes up Part I of the book. This collection of tracts is an unparalleled Post-Reformation treatment of the plague, from pastoral and scholarly points of view. Part II consists of those Reformation and Post-Reformation works that Beza, Rivet, Voetius, and Hoornbeeck [the authors in Part I] engaged with frequently (Zanchi, Abbot, and Ursinus). Alongside those pieces are additional contemporary works that we felt would be especially useful for pastors, scholars, and interested readers to have available in book form (Zwingli, Luther, Lavater, and Rawlet), and which give the reader a more complete picture of the Reformed tradition’s branch of plague writings. Each of these eleven authors addresses the unique questions posited by the plague in distinct ways, yet each does so by definitively Reformed methods—grounded in Scripture, historically informed, and always with the issue of faith in Christ at the forefront.

There are also two appendices, On Mortality by Cyprian of Carthage—a work that multiple authors in the main texts refer to (and likely shape even those who don’t) and the section Prayer and Thanksgiving from the Book of Common Prayer—an application of all the theology of the main texts.

Part 1: Variorum tractatus theologici de peste

The various works in part one are careful, methodical, Scriptural, and thorough—they cover all the bases. The treatise by Beza seems to both reflect the thinking of the rest of the Reformation as much as it shapes everything that comes after (or at least everything in the book).

Some parts of this took some work to get through, but it was worth it.

Part II: Reformation and Post-Reformation Plague Writings

Others sin on the right hand. They are much too rash and reckless, tempting God and disregarding everything which might counteract death and the plague. They disdain the use of medicines; they do not avoid places and persons infected by the plague, but lightheartedly make sport of it and wish to prove how independent they are. They say that it is God’s punishment; if he wants to protect them he can do so without medicines or our carefulness. This is not trusting God but tempting him. God has created medicines and provided us with intelligence to guard and take good care of the body so that we can live in good health.

For me, this part of the book (roughly a third) was the most rewarding. Luther’s Whether One May Flee from a Deadly Plague covered most/all of the points in Part I, but in a pithier and more digestible fashion. Which is what you expect from Luther, right?

Zwingli’s Plauge Hymn is great. I really don’t know what else to say.

The most moving, the most personal entry in the volume is John Rawlet’s A Letter to my Mother is clearly part of that preparation for death mentioned in the post last week. In this printing, it’s an eleven-page letter* written by an Anglican minister in London sure he was soon to contract the plague and die. He was wrong about contracting the plague and never sent the letter—but he was ready for it.

* Hard to fathom in the age of texts, tweets, and email.

An Unimportant Observation

I’m pretty sure I’ve never run into the word “licit” as often as I have in this work. Like most people (especially those who read a lot of Crime Fiction), I run across “illicit” all the time. But “licit”? Almost never.

Maybe it’s a quirk of the translators, but I doubt it. It’s just refreshing to see the word—and it’s one I’m going to try to use more often.

So, what did I think about Faith in the Time of Plague?

One thing that struck me was how often these Reformation authors appealed to earlier theologians (like Cyprian). But largely not about plagues or other diseases. Instead, it was how they approached the response to persecution—could believers flee from it, or do they have to run toward it or simply wait for it? Both persecution and disease come from the Lord—as both trial and result of sin.

I have to say, I’m not sure I’d have approached it that way before.

Those looking for easy answers to “how would the early Church or Reformers” deal with COVID-19 (or the like)”, will be disappointed. There are no quick and easy answers here. But this can remind readers that the Church has been through similar—and worse—times before. She likely will again. There have been careful, pastoral responses to it in the past, and that can be true again. We don’t have to have a snappy, one-size-fits-all approach at the first sign of trouble, but we are called to gracious, Christ-honoring, people-serving responses.

These are some excellent examples of how to do it. This isn’t the easiest, breeziest thing I’ve read this year—it might even be the furthest from it. But it’s an invaluable resource and I’m glad Westminster Seminary Press brought it to us.

My Favorite Theology/Christian Living Books of 2021


Unlike 2020, when I posted about almost nothing I read in this category, I was much stricter with myself and posted about everything. I don’t know if anyone else appreciated or benefited from it, but I sure did. It also made this post a lot easier 🙂

As always, re-reads don’t count for these lists. It’s a self-imposed rule, so I don’t feel too bad about playing fast and loose with the rule for a couple of these entries.

(in alphabetical order by author)

The Wonderful Works of GodThe Wonderful Works of God

by Herman Bavinck

My original post
Bavinck boiled down the material covered in his four-volume Reformed Dogmatics into this “simple explanation of the Christian faith in a book of modest scope.” It’s a pastoral work, a compassionate work, and one that will repeatedly point to the Gospel as well as the Majesty of the Triune God.

5 Stars

Faith in the Time of PlagueFaith in the Time of Plague

Edited by Stephen M. Coleman and Todd M.Rester

My original post
This is an anthology of “plague writings” from (primarily) Reformation and post-Reformation era pastors and theologians, to show how leaders in the past dealt with times of widespread communicable disease. Those looking for easy answers to “how would the early Church or Reformers” deal with COVID-19 (or the like)”, will be disappointed. There are no quick and easy answers here. But this can remind readers that the Church has been through similar—and worse—times before. She likely will again. There have been careful, pastoral responses to it in the past, and that can be true again. We don’t have to have a snappy, one-size-fits-all approach at the first sign of trouble, but we are called to gracious, Christ-honoring, people-serving responses.

4 Stars

On God and ChristOn God and Christ, The Five Theological Orations and Two Letters to Cledonius

by Gregory of Nazianzus, Translators: Frederick Williams & Lionel Wickham

My original post
These sermons were pivotal in the development of the position behind the modification to the Nicene Creed at the Council of Constantinople. It’s full of technical Trinitarian language, so it’s not the easiest thing to read. But with a lot of care, it’s rewarding. These sermons have lasted since the Fourth Century because they’re useful, educational, approachable, and understandable. The translator calls them “as much high art as high theology” in his introduction. This is a man who cares about what he’s talking about—this is important to him, important to his opponents, important to his audience, and therefore it must be dealt with carefully, with precision, and clearly. All of which translates well to us today.

5 Stars

Finding Hope in Hard ThingsFinding Hope in Hard Things: A Positive Take on Suffering

by Pierce Taylor Hibbs

My original post
The central thesis of the book is: hard things are going to shape us in ways easy things can’t. He develops this thesis through a collection of essays about the death of his father, his anxiety disorder, and his struggles with self-doubt. These case studies are just that, things that his readers can relate to, sympathize with, and find similarities in their lives. After that, Hibbs points to finding Christ and His purposes in the hard things, and that’s where we find hope. This isn’t a book that comes to say “here’s a bunch of things you need to know to deal with suffering,” instead it’s “here’s what I’ve learned while through these trials, maybe you can learn from what I’ve been through, too.”

3.5 Stars

What Happens When We WorshipWhat Happens When We Worship

by Jonathan Landry Cruse

My original post
This is not a manual for the “how-to” aspects of worship, nor does it wade into the “style” debates and conflicts, he doesn’t look into the “why” we do certain things in worship (although he brushes against the idea). This is about the supernatural aspect to the ordinary, weekly event. It’s about what God does to and for His people in worship, what’s happening as we worship. Edifying, educational, orthodox, and even devotional—this book will introduce you to the vital topic or will gently remind you of the things you’ve been taken for granted.

5 Stars

Things UnseenThings Unseen: A Systematic Introduction to the Christian Faith and Reformed Theology

by J. Gresham Machen

My original post
These are transcripts of weekly radio addresses Machen made presenting a systematic approach to Christian teaching. Flying in the face of the mode of the day, Machen gives a strong presentation of Reformed distinctives, as well as a whole-hearted belief in a supernatural Christianity. He’s succinct, pastoral, accessible, and even witty. These are not talks for scholars, or dumbed-down–they’re straightforward presentations of the topics for everyone. This is one of the most rewarding books I’ve read in a few years. Even when Machen is merely restating what generations before him taught, there’s a freshness to his presentations that really are appealing.

(I’m thumbing my nose at my “only new to me” rule here–I’ve read these talks in other collections several years ago–but not organized like this in one volume)

5 Stars

The TrinityThe Trinity: An Introduction

by Scott R. Swain

My original post
This is an introduction to the classical Christian doctrine of The Trinity. He’s not trying to re-invent the wheel, he’s definitely not trying to innovate, but to provide a concise jumping-off point into deeper studies by providing a solid foundation. While Swain never seems to be leaving out details or avoiding the complicated ideas (although he obviously has to), he keeps things short and sweet.

This is one of those books where my notes keep saying “Chapter X is likely the highlight of the book,” “the section on X is likely the most valuable in the book.” It appears 60-70% of the book is a highlight—and I may not have written all of those parts down. Which is to say, there’s a lot of gold here. Helpful, insightful, and useful—it also achieves its end for leading on to further study for me. It’s accessible, but not easy, reading. At the same time, it’s a challenging, but not difficult, text.

5 Stars

The Trinity and the BibleThe Trinity and the Bible: On Theological Interpretation

by Scott R. Swain

My original post
Rather than one overarching topic, this is a collection of previously published papers that seek to show both how the Bible reveals the Trinity and how the Trinity shapes our reading of the Bible. This is not an easy read, but it was worth the effort, every bit of it. Like a lot of the more scholarly theological books I read, I was reminded frequently while reading that I’m not an academic and this is above my weight class. But it wasn’t inaccessible, just difficult and required a little commitment. Like all good academic theology, there were moments of the most doxological writing—or doxology-inspiring writing (or a mix). There are paragraphs and paragraphs that I wish I could commit to memory, so I could use them at the drop of my hat in conversation and in prayer.

5 Stars

Foundations of Covenant TheologyFoundations of Covenant Theology: A Biblical-Theological Study of Genesis 1–3

by Lane G. Tipton

My original post
I’ve read several introductions to Covenant Theology in the last couple of decades. This is a different way of covering these concepts and it’s a very effective one. It’s also a different way of looking at Genesis 1-3. Almost every time I’ve seen these chapters explained and exegeted, it had to do with the doctrine of Creation, the Fall and the Promise of the Seed in Genesis 3, and so on. But Tipton’s approach—while addressing all that—focuses on the Big Picture, looking at the purposes behind Creation, the protoevangelium, the Covenants of Work and Grace, and how those are worked out in history (particularly in the last two chapters about Christ as the Promised Seed and the Second Adam).

It’s a self-described “brief and non-technical” book, building on the work of Geerhardus Vos and Meredith G. Kline. Maybe a bit too brief, a little more expansion would be beneficial, but a fascinating and helpful read.

4 Stars

Grace and Glory (BoT Edition)Grace and Glory

by Geerhardus Vos

My original post
Another version of this book made this list a couple of years ago, but this version has more sermons. It’s easily the best collection of sermons I’ve ever read. Yes, there’s rich theology behind these sermons, but they’re primarily expositions and applications of the texts for the hearers. And, yes, the audiences of these sermons were students at Princeton Theological Seminary (before the downgrade that led to the creation of Westminster Theological Seminary), but these were not airy, academic addresses. Sure, as the initial hearers were largely future ministers, there are portions that are more applicable to preachers than to laity. But there’s not a lot of that, and even in the midst of one of those sections, there’s still a lot of gold to be mined.

5 Stars

Faith in the Time of Plague Edited by Stephen M. Coleman and Todd M. Rester: Reformation and Post-Reformation Voices Speak to Our Moment

Faith in the Time of Plague

Faith in the Time of Plague

Edited by Stephen M. Coleman and Todd M.Rester

Hardcover, 309 pg.
Westminster Seminary Press, 2021

Read: November 7-December 12, 2021

The main point? Two rocks must be steered clear of: stupid boldness and exceedingly vicious fear. On the first, one does those things that while we fear nothing—would often lose ourselves and others. On the second it happens that as we would look to our own life, we would desert the work of Christ. Therefore, let us fear what can happen if we fail to avoid those evils. But let us be confident in the Lord and let us remain as steadfast as possible—even to the point of death—in our calling and in the work of Christ.

What’s Faith in the Time of Plague About?

The Editors describe the book like this:

The body of extant plague writings is vast and much of it remains unavailable in English. The selections in this book were determined to a great extent by the treasures that came to light in translating the 1655 pamphlet Variorum tractatus theologici de peste, which makes up Part I of the book. This collection of tracts is an unparalleled Post-Reformation treatment of the plague, from pastoral and scholarly points of view. Part II consists of those Reformation and Post-Reformation works that Beza, Rivet, Voetius, and Hoornbeeck [the authors in Part I] engaged with frequently (Zanchi, Abbot, and Ursinus). Alongside those pieces are additional contemporary works that we felt would be especially useful for pastors, scholars, and interested readers to have available in book form (Zwingli, Luther, Lavater, and Rawlet), and which give the reader a more complete picture of the Reformed tradition’s branch of plague writings. Each of these eleven authors addresses the unique questions posited by the plague in distinct ways, yet each does so by definitively Reformed methods—grounded in Scripture, historically informed, and always with the issue of faith in Christ at the forefront.

There are also two appendices, On Mortality by Cyprian of Carthage—a work that multiple authors in the main texts refer to (and likely shape even those who don’t) and the section Prayer and Thanksgiving from the Book of Common Prayer—an application of all the theology of the main texts.

Part 1: Variorum tractatus theologici de peste

The various works in part one are careful, methodical, Scriptural, and thorough—they cover all the bases. The treatise by Beza seems to both reflect the thinking of the rest of the Reformation as much as it shapes everything that comes after (or at least everything in the book).

Some parts of this took some work to get through, but it was worth it.

Part II: Reformation and Post-Reformation Plague Writings

Others sin on the right hand. They are much too rash and reckless, tempting God and disregarding everything which might counteract death and the plague. They disdain the use of medicines; they do not avoid places and persons infected by the plague, but lightheartedly make sport of it and wish to prove how independent they are. They say that it is God’s punishment; if he wants to protect them he can do so without medicines or our carefulness. This is not trusting God but tempting him. God has created medicines and provided us with intelligence to guard and take good care of the body so that we can live in good health.

For me, this part of the book (roughly a third) was the most rewarding. Luther’s Whether One May Flee from a Deadly Plague covered most/all of the points in Part I, but in a pithier and more digestible fashion. Which is what you expect from Luther, right?

Zwingli’s Plauge Hymn is great. I really don’t know what else to say.

The most moving, the most personal entry in the volume is John Rawlet’s A Letter to my Mother is clearly part of that preparation for death mentioned in the post last week. In this printing, it’s an eleven-page letter* written by an Anglican minister in London sure he was soon to contract the plague and die. He was wrong about contracting the plague and never sent the letter—but he was ready for it.

* Hard to fathom in the age of texts, tweets, and email.

An Unimportant Observation

I’m pretty sure I’ve never run into the word “licit” as often as I have in this work. Like most people (especially those who read a lot of Crime Fiction), I run across “illicit” all the time. But “licit”? Almost never.

Maybe it’s a quirk of the translators, but I doubt it. It’s just refreshing to see the word—and it’s one I’m going to try to use more often.

So, what did I think about Faith in the Time of Plague?

One thing that struck me was how often these Reformation authors appealed to earlier theologians (like Cyprian). But largely not about plagues or other diseases. Instead, it was how they approached the response to persecution—could believers flee from it, or do they have to run toward it or simply wait for it? Both persecution and disease come from the Lord—as both trial and result of sin.

I have to say, I’m not sure I’d have approached it that way before.

Those looking for easy answers to “how would the early Church or Reformers” deal with COVID-19 (or the like)”, will be disappointed. There are no quick and easy answers here. But this can remind readers that the Church has been through similar—and worse—times before. She likely will again. There have been careful, pastoral responses to it in the past, and that can be true again. We don’t have to have a snappy, one-size-fits-all approach at the first sign of trouble, but we are called to gracious, Christ-honoring, people-serving responses.

These are some excellent examples of how to do it. This isn’t the easiest, breeziest thing I’ve read this year—it might even be the furthest from it. But it’s an invaluable resource and I’m glad Westminster Seminary Press brought it to us.

BOOK SPOTLIGHT: Faith in the Time of Plague Edited by Stephen M. Coleman, Todd M. Rester

Life events and questionable time management have left me without anything new to post today. So, I’m just going to put up a Spotlight post about one of the works I’m working my way through. I’m also not sure how I’m going to have anything to say about this when I’m done, so this may end up being my only post about it. It’s the kind of book that as you read it, you hope that other people are aware of it so they can benefit from it, too. It’s fascinating and (sadly) timely.

This is pretty much just material I’ve copied and pasted from the publisher’s site. I hope they don’t mind.

Book Details:

Book Title: Faith in the Time of Plague Edited by Stephen M. Coleman, Todd M. Rester
Publisher: Westminster Seminary Press
Release date: September, 2021
Format: Hardcover/Ebook
Length: 400 pages

Book Blurb:

We often hear the Covid-19 pandemic described as “unprecedented”, yet for Christians of earlier times, plague was nothing new. For generations, Church leaders regularly faced the sorts of ethical questions that still prove divisive today.

Selecting from the great “plague writings” of the historic church, Todd M. Rester and Stephen M. Coleman have translated and assembled a one-of-a-kind anthology. The wisdom of the past collected in this book offers much needed and trustworthy illumination for pastors, leaders, and laypeople in times of crisis and uncertainty.

Many of the works appearing in Faith in the Time of Plague have never been available in English until now. Included in this volume are the writings of Martin Luther, Theodore Beza, Ulrich Zwingli, Cyprian of Carthage, Zacharias Ursinus, Gijsbert Voetius, and many more.

Introduced by Peter A. Lillback, Faith in the Time of Plague also includes a Foreword from Mayo Clinic Virologist, Dr. Gregory A. Poland.

Book Trailer:

Purchase Link:

Westminster Bookstore

About the Editors:

Stephen M. Coleman (PhD, The Catholic University of America) is assistant professor of Old Testament and biblical languages at Westminster Theological Seminary, co-editor of the Westminster Theological Journal, and senior research fellow at the J. Alan Groves Center for Advanced Biblical Research. A graduate of Grove City College (BA, 2002), Westminster Seminary California (MDiv, 2005), and The Catholic University of America (MA, 2010/PhD, 2016), he previously served as associate pastor at Wallace Presbyterian Church in College Park, Maryland (2008–2017) and Assistant Pastor of Valley Presbyterian Church in North Hills, California (2005–2008).

Todd M. Rester
(PhD, Calvin Theological Seminary) is associate professor of church history at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Rester is a post-doctoral research fellow at Queen’s University Belfast (September 2016–present). During his time as a research fellow at Queen’s University Belfast, Dr. Rester has served the institution as a guest lecturer in the Master of Arts, History of Religion department as well as various undergraduate history courses. In addition to his time at Queen’s University Belfast, Dr. Rester has taught as an adjunct professor at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary (2010–2016), Kuyper College (2013–2015), and Calvin Theological Seminary (2011–2015). He also works as a translator for the Dutch Reformed Translation Society (2009–present). Dr. Rester’s academic interests include but are not limited to: the history of the doctrine of Scripture and its reception; early modern and Enlightenment conflicts between theology and philosophy on general and special revelation; and early modern and post-Enlightenment models of missiology.

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