Tag: Theology Page 2 of 18

My Favorite Theology/Christian Living Books of 2022
It probably says something about me that 40% of this list was written pre-20th Century (I have some friends who’d opine that it says I read too many contemporary authors). My reading plans for 2024 (as sketchy as they are at the moment), suggest I could be looking at a similar number next year. I actually hope so—this was good for me.

As always, re-reads don’t count for these lists.

(in alphabetical order by author)

The Nicene Creed: An Introduction

by Phillip Cary

My original post
This is a fantastic introduction to the Nicene Creed and/or some of the doctrines taught by it (technically, the Nicene-Constantinopolitan Creed, but who calls it that outside of technical discussions?). In many cases, it’ll be a review of ideas—but even in those cases, Cary will likely shed a different light on it, or make you think about the idea in a way you’re not used to. This can be a quick and breezy read, but it’s a mistake to let Cary’s simple and straightforward text let you read quickly—because there’s a lot to think about and reflect on here. Even if—especially if, actually—you recite the Creed on a regular or frequent basis every Lord’s Day. This is a great way to stop and meditate on these essential truths of the Christian faith.

4 1/2 Stars

The Existence and Attributes of God: Updated and Unabridged

by Stephen Charnock, edited by Mark Jones

An original post (another is forthcoming)
This isn’t a definitive, exhaustive work on God’s attributes (or existence)—it cannot be (and would be blasphemous to suggest otherwise). But when you’re in the middle of a chapter, it’d be easy to think it is. Not just because of the depth Charnock goes into on each topic, but the angles he approaches it from. In the middle of the Discourse on God’s Knowledge, I was astounded, for example, by how many different ways he found to talk about it. It’s easy to see why this work has stood the test of time and can’t imagine anything in the 21st Century topping it (maybe someone will get their act together in the 22nd).

5 Stars

Who Chose the Gospels?: Probing the Great Gospel Conspiracy

by C. E. Hill

My original post
An alternate title for the book could be, how do you solve a problem like Iraneaus? Or, more to the point, how do you ignore his (early date) recognition of only 4 gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—despite what we’re told about the state of gospel availability and canonization by so many today. Hill examines some of the time frames, uses, content, and provenance of some of the so-called competitor gospels (i.e., those that never were considered canonical) to compare them to both the canonical gospels and those early figures of the Church we see discussing the gospels. But primarily, Hill is concerned with the use of and testimony regarding the canonical gospels—and the evidence regarding their use by the Church and when it started. What’s more, he discusses (and educates) these ideas while being entertaining (never sacrificing educating for entertaining). Hill is careful and thorough, acknowledging challenges to his position about the emergence of the fourfold Gospel to the place it holds today. But he’s consistent in showing how those challenges don’t have the weight and merit that so many in our culture assume they do.

5 Stars

On the Apostolic Preaching

by Irenaeus of Lyons , John Behr (Translator)

My original post
This is exactly what I want to see out of a 2nd Century writer—because it’s the kind of thing I appreciate in a 21st Century Writer. It’s reassuring to see that the central idea of what Apostolic Preaching ought to be is pretty much the same for both eras—yeah, some of what Irenaeus wrote could use some fine-tuning (and he’d likely say the same of what shows up in one of the Essential Studies in Biblical Theology volumes I’ve discussed). But their modus operandi are so similar, that it’s clear that they’re walking in the same direction. This is a a quick, approachable read—as relatable today as it had to have been centuries ago (although I guess it’d be safe to say that many of his readers might not be ready to hear what he said in the same way I was). I was very encouraged by this and wish I’d read it years ago so I could be on my fifth or sixth reading now.

5 Stars

The Beginning and End of All Things: A Biblical Theology of Creation and New Creation

by Edward W. Klink III

My original post
Klink starts by saying that a doctrine of creation needs to be about more than what happened in Genesis 1-2, piquing my interest and getting me on his side immediately. His point is that the doctrine needs to concern itself with why God made the Earth—what was His purpose in creating, what’s His goal for the creation, and so on. It’s about the goodness of the creation and how we are to enjoy and preserve it. It’s ultimately about the new creation, what is going to happen on that Last Day when creation is renewed, restored, and recreated. This is a refreshing, warm, and pastoral look at a doctrine we too often limit to a narrow question, missing the big picture.

4 Stars

Flood and Fury: Old Testament Violence and the Shalom of God

by Matthew J. Lynch

I read this book back in March, and have yet to write a post about it because I’m still wrestling with some of Lynch’s positions and arguments. The biggest area that I was working through and on was his treatment of the relation of the Flood to the Covenant in the Garden and the Noahaic covenant to that covenant as well. The next book on this list helped me tremendously (mostly to Lynch’s detriment). But that’s not to say that I didn’t get anything from that portion of the book, it just made me think a lot—so much that I couldn’t write anything about the book as a whole. The portions of the book on Divine Violence in general (how to think of it, how not to think of it or avoid the idea, either) and about the conquest of Canaan are strong and very helpful.

4 Stars

God to Us: Covenant Theology in Scripture

by Stephen G. Myers

My original post
I’ve read more books on Covenant Theology than I can easily count, and if this isn’t the best, it’s so close to it as not to matter. Myers gives his readers a thorough introduction to Covenant Theology as it came to the Protestant Church from the Reformation—particularly the English Reformation and the explanation offered by the Westminster divines and their contemporaries. His introduction is readable, clear, and helpful to the layman willing to put in a little work—but he’s not just repeating what the previous generations gave us, he’s looking at contemporary theology and insights as well.

That our Lord would condescend to His people in covenant is mind-blowingly gracious in the first place—that He does so to rebels in order that he could win them to Himself? That should drive us to worship. And the more we understand the gracious and remarkable nature of these covenants, the more we should be driven to it. Myers brings his readers to this point repeatedly—sometimes just by explaining something clearly—sometimes by applying his explanation to the reader to help us understand how it should make us reflect in worship.

5 Stars

The Holy Spirit: An Introduction

by Fred Sanders

My original post
A very capable, useful, and timely introduction to Pneumatology. Sanders doesn’t allow himself to get drawn into the flashy and controversial aspects of the doctrine of the Spirit (not that he shies away, either)—he sticks to the basics and essentials (and a good understanding of those will eliminate the need to discuss some of the controversial areas). Sanders’s tone is certainly engaging—he never loses sight of the importance of what he’s talking about, and the necessary reverence. But he’s okay with being chatty and a little witty with the reader. He’s able to break down some complicated and technical points in a way that the reader can find them understandable and compelling. It’s just so helpful, and so good, that I can’t help but recommend this one.

4 1/2 Stars

The Shadow of Christ in the Book of Lamentations: A Guide to Grieving with Faith

by C.J. Williams

My original post
I didn’t expect this to come up as an option for this year’s list, I thought I read this a year or two ago, not 11 months ago. But I was glad to look over my notes and post about it again for this post. This is a very accessible and thorough—without trying to be exhausting—look at the book of Lamentations and how it reveals Christ to the reader for his assurance and comfort in trial.

4 Stars

I Will Build My Church: Selected Writings on Church Polity, Baptism, and the Sabbath

by Thomas Witherow, Edited by Jonathan Gibson

My original post
Yes, this is kind of a cheat—because I have read one of the three works (plus a lengthy biographical essay) in this collection. But it’s a self-imposed rule, so I’m not going to be that precious about it (this once). Also, reading it in the midst of all this other material gave The Apostolic Church: Which Is It? a different vibe (for lack of a better term). It’s not just a defense of Presbyterian Church Polity, but it’s part of an apologetic for Presbyterian Distinctives as a whole.

And that’s what Winslow’s mission was—to present Presbyterianism as not just another flavor for Irish Protestants to pick, but one that has a message, a conviction about their distinctives, and Biblical reasoning—not just whim or tradition—behind them. Sure, some of it will feel dated to contemporary readers. And it should—but that doesn’t make any of it bad. Nor does it disprove any of Winslow’s arguments (in fact, some of our contemporary situations would lead the reader to say, “he was right, if we do X, Y will follow.”)

5 Stars

Regeneration and Redemptive History by Scott R. Wright: Recalibrating Our Understanding on an Important Distinctive

By HCNewton

On December 17, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Regeneration and Redemptive History:
A Biblical-Theological Consideration of Regeneration

by Scott R. Wright

DETAILS:
Publisher: Reformed Forum
Publication Date: September, 2023
Format: Paperback
Length: 214 pg. 
Read Date: November 19-December 2, 2023

What’s Regeneration and Redemptive History About?

Not too surprisingly, this book shares the outlook outlined in the booklet I talked about a few weeks ago, Unfolding Redemption: Exploring the History and Order of Salvation, and can be seen as an example of the kind of thinking and theological investigation set forth there. In this particular case, Wright looks at the doctrine of regeneration from both the historia salutis and the ordo salutis perspectives.

He begins with a historical survey of the development of the doctrine from the Reformation to the present and then surveys a particular Redemptive Historical outlook on the doctrine. Continuing the surveys, he then considers the Biblical witness to regeneration in the Pentateuch, the Wisdom literature, the Prophets, the Gospels, and then the Epistles. From those surveys, he offers some conclusions, titled “The Eschatological Character,” before moving on to apply this to some practical areas–theology, preaching/teaching, worship, and so on.

What’s the Point?

Why should anyone care about this?

The historia salutis perspective I mentioned before focuses on the objective work done by the Lord Jesus Christ to redeem his people, the eschatological significance of regeneration, and so on. The ordo salutis perspective focuses on the work of the Spirit to apply Christ’s work to the individual believer and what changes come from that.

There’s a shift in the way that Reformed teachers and writers talked about Regeneration around the time of the Synod of Dordt–largely necessitated by the response to the Remonstrants at the Synod, and it came to characterize Reformed soteriology. This shift prioritized the ordo salutis consideration over the historia salutis (in some cases eliminated the latter). This shift would be well and good if the first generations of Reformers had their emphasis wrong, and (particularly) if the Scriptures shared the priority.

Wright talks about it in terms of scope–from a broad view of the changes wrought in regeneration to a narrow, individualistic perspective. That’s probably the best way to summarize things.

Wright’s Historical Survey establishes that shift (although most people who’ve read a decent amount of pre- and post-Dordt will have noticed) and then his Biblical Surveys will either demonstrate that the Scriptures don’t prioritize the ordo over the historia on this point or will at least call into question that idea.

Wright is careful–and (in my view) correct–to not discount what the Reformed church has taught on the ordo salutis aspects of Regeneration. But his concern is that we’ve lost sight of the richness of our inheritance from Scripture and the Reformers. If nothing else, we shouldn’t let detractors focus our energies the way they have. This is why we should care–if he’s (at least largely) correct, we need to work on adjusting our understanding of the scope of Regeneration.

Wright is not alone in this, he draws from and builds on the work of Vos, Ridderbos, Gaffin, and others as they’ve tried to re-emphasize historia salutis in general, and his debt to them is evident.

So, what did I think about Regeneration and Redemptive History?

I think it’s tricky to convey what I think about this book. Maybe I’m wrong, but it feels slippery in my mind. Let’s see what comes out when I try, shall we?

Let’s start with some positives: I am so glad to see a book-length treatment of the idea–and it answered some questions I had on the topic (nothing pressing, and it turns out I was on the right track with my assumptions–or at least Wright’s track). It will be a fantastic resource for myself and many others–if nothing else, it’ll be a good reference/review, particularly in regard to the surveys. The historical material, the conclusion, and the “Theological Implications” chapter had some really good material that I know I’ll draw upon.

The downsides, on the other hand, are hard to ignore–every chapter should’ve been 30-50% longer. He really needed to develop some of his ideas a bit more thoroughly. “Needed” may have been too strong there, but I think it’s appropriate. I think his writing is clear enough that the reader can take the next few steps on their own, feeling confident that they’re headed in the same direction–but it’d have been helpful if he’d provided a little more for us. This isn’t (just) my typical greed for more of what I like, I think it’d serve the material better.

But the big downside for the purposes of this blog–because I want to talk about the book as an experience–this book is too dry, and the prose is a little clunky. Yes, this a revised version of Wright’s dissertation, and that’s probably the root of it. I’ve read other dissertations turned into books and have run into this before (I’ve also, thankfully, run into authors who’ve spent more time revising their books to make them pleasant reading experiences). Does this make or break the book for me? No–because the meat is there and it’s good and valuable. It just means that there’s a lot of gristle to this steak.

Do I recommend this book? Heartily. Just go into it with open eyes, knowing you’ll benefit from it, but you won’t particularly enjoy the read.

3.5 Stars

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The Holy Spirit: An Introduction by Fred Sanders: A Vital and Needed Work

By HCNewton

On December 3, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

The Holy Spirit:
An Introduction

by Fred Sanders

DETAILS:
Series: Short Studies in Systematic Theology
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: October 3, 2023
Format: Paperback
Length: 157 pg. 
Read Date: October 15-November 12, 2023

This book introduces Christians to the Holy Spirit, which is a cheeky thing to do.

By definition, every Christian must already know the Holy Spirit in the most important way, since “anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him” (Rom. 8:9). So to publish a book for Christian readers under the title The Holy Spirit: An Introduction is to take on a peculiar project: introducing readers to somebody they already know. That is exactly what this book does. It presupposes that its readers are already engaged with the reality of the Holy Spirit and invites them to a theological encounter with that person.

What’s The Holy Spirit: An Introduction About?

It’s kind of summarized there in that last sentence: it’s an introductory work on the theology of the Holy Spirit assuming that the reader knows Him already, but needs to understand Him, His identity, and His work more fully.

As it’s an Introduction (like all the books in this series), and therefore accessible which is nice—but it does a thorough job of talking about things like the Doctrine of the Trinity and how it is informed by and informs our Theology of the Spirit.

Sanders’ Approach

Rather than try to paraphrase or summarize Sanders, let me just let him describe the design of the book:

But my approach in this book is, as I said above, indirect, which is why I began by highlighting the paradoxical character of studying the Holy Spirit. I hope to treat the paradoxical character of pneumatology not as a hindrance to be lamented but as a help to be cherished. If knowledge of the Holy Spirit is, in the ways described above, deflective, reflexive, and connective, then an introduction to the Holy Spirit might deliver a great deal of insight by arranging itself in a corresponding way. Think of the implications that follow from the work of the Spirit being deflective, reflexive, and connective. Deflective means that when you try to think about the Spirit, you find the Spirit himself changing the subject to the Father and the Son. Reflexive means that when you try to think about the Spirit, you find the Spirit himself requiring you to think about yourself and about thinking. Connective means that when you try to think about the Spirit, the Spirit himself draws you out into the full scope of all theology. But these things are all beneficial! To study the Holy Spirit according to his own characteristic way of working means to be personally engaged in a total Trinitarian encounter with the truth of God, We will engage the deflective character of pneumatology.

Many books about Him focus on things like how the Spirit acts in the world today, the gifts of the Spirit—what that phrase means and how one obtains them—the role of Pentecost and how it can/if it can be duplicated today, and so on. Sanders eschews that—focusing on more primary issues (which isn’t to say he doesn’t get into some of that). He starts looking at the Trinity, then he considers the Spirit in relation to the Father—and how by doing so we can gain a better understanding of them both. Then he moves on to the Spirit in relation to the Son—how that’s similar and how that relationship is different than the previous. The final chapter considers the Spirit Himself—yes, addressing some of the same information, but from a different angle.

Bonus Material

As with many (sadly, not all) of this series, this comes with a nifty-looking Further Reading list—one I fully intend to use.

But the additional material I want to talk about is the Appendix, “Rules for Thinking Well about the Holy Spirit.” These are 27 brief rules that so usefully summarize the material in the book—and related ideas—for believers to bear in mind as we read Scripture or theology while working through doctrines/ideas about the Spirit. These rules are the kind of thing that students would do well to pin a copy of onto their wall/somewhere in easy reach.

So, what did I think about The Holy Spirit: An Introduction?

The Holy Spirit makes himself known to us in a way that is better than we could have expected or imagined for ourselves. He is the prevenient person, always already at work, never Father-free or Sonless in his being or in his work, closer to us than our own breath, and making known to us in the depths of our selves the deep things of God.

This is definitely one of my top 3 books in this series—possibly the best thing in it so far.

Sanders’s tone is certainly engaging—he never loses sight of the importance of what he’s talking about, and the necessary reverence. But he’s okay with being chatty and a little witty with the reader. He’s able to break down some complicated and technical points in a way that the reader can find them understandable and compelling.

I really appreciated his approach—both in the way he focused on what he chose to and those things he didn’t seem that interested in writing about. I’m sure others would disagree with me, but it looks like he majored on the major issues and didn’t bother with the minor ones.

I’m not sure that this will supplant Ferguson’s The Holy Spirit in my own use and reference when it comes to pneumatology—but I can’t see me looking into Ferguson’s without looking into this next.

Get your hands on it, and be introduced to Someone you’re already close to.

4 1/2 Stars

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REPOSTING JUST CUZ: Faithful Theology: An Introduction by Graham A. Cole: Basics for Building a Theological Method

By HCNewton

On November 26, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

I’m supposed to be posting about the latest book in this series tonight, but I just don’t like the way the post turned out. So I’m taking another crack at it (which almost never works, but I have to try). So here’s a rerun while I try to remember how to string sentences together.

Faithful Theology: An Introduction

by Graham A. Cole
Series: Short Studies in Systematic Theology

Paperback, 106 pg.
Crossway, 2020

Read: June 27, 2021
Grab a copy from your local indie bookstore!

…faithful theology is a human project that arises from wise reflection on the self-revelation of God. Because it is our reflection on God’s revelation, it is always to be reformed and corrected by that revelation…it is one thing to have an evangelical’s high view of Scripture. It is quite another to know how to derive teaching (doctrine or theology) from Scripture.

Cole’s purpose in this is to give his readers a method to use in “doing faithful theology.” Moving from Scripture to doctrine. Trying to balance orthodoxy, orthokardia, and orthopraxy (right opinion, right-heartedness, right practice of life), Cole organizes his approach through five elements, exploring each in a chapter. The first element is the foundation on which the others are built—God’s self-revelation in Scripture. The second is reflecting on the witness of the theology and practice of the Church through history—not on an equal footing with Scripture, but it should inform how we approach doctrine. The third element is realizing our context as we do theology—we’re in a fallen world, yet we are redeemed and are awaiting the return of Christ. Our thinking, our theologizing needs to be done fully aware of what that means. The fourth is centered on wisdom. We need to be wise in our application of the previous. The last element puts all of the above together and focuses it in a doxological direction—our theology should be a service to God.

Throughout, Cole uses examples of these principles applying to Christological and Trinitarian thought. There are some other examples, too, Which is a tremendous help—if for no other reason than they’re bedrock doctrines on which there should be no disagreement. He brings up baptismal practices at one point as an example of something where there’s an opportunity for a divergence of opinion, standing in contrast to Trinitarian dogma.

So, what did I think about Faithful Theology: An Introduction?

This is an easy read, full of solid, useful advice. I found it a little wanting, a little…uninspired? A little basic? I’m not sure precisely what word I want but it’s somewhere in that vicinity. But it’s supposed to be basic—it’s an introduction. It’s a tool to be used as someone begins working on their theology. So, what do I know?

The for Further Reading and books/articles suggested in the footnotes are helpful, but I didn’t feel inspired to track any of them down right away, but they seemed like solid and useful recommendations.

The last chapter, where he brought all the ideas together and gives a great example of how to use his elements in shaping our Trinitarian dogma is great. It makes all the rest of the book worth it.

It’s good stuff, I think it’ll be helpful to a lot of readers. I just wanted a bit more. I think Swain’s book on the Trinity left me with higher expectations. I’m looking forward to the next book I get in this series to see which of these first two are more representative of the series as a whole.

3 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

BOOK PREVIEW: Glorifying and Enjoying God: 52 Devotions through the Westminster Shorter Catechism

By HCNewton

On November 19, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Okay, I got this book last week and know it’s going to be a while before I can talk about it intelligently—maybe in June, if not December of next year (possibly January 2025). And that seems too long to wait—also, this seemed like a good excuse to flip through it.

Book Details:

Title: Glorifying and Enjoying God: 52 Devotions through the Westminster Shorter Catechism by Victoria Williamson
Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
Release date: October 16, 2023
Format: Hardcover/ebook
Length: 229 pages

About the Book:

For centuries, the Westminster Shorter Catechism has helped Christians young and old to know their “chief end.” Now, authors William Boekestein, Jonathan Landry Cruse, and Andrew J. Miller value this venerable catechism and winsomely introduce a new generation to its powerful message. Dividing the catechism into 52 brief devotions, they explain and apply each question and answer in a year’s worth of Lord’s Days. This valuable new resource is great for individual and family use for all who desire to “glorify and enjoy God forever.”

Read a preview here.

About the Authors:

William Boekestein is pastor of Immanuel Fellowship Church in Kalamazoo, Michigan. He and his wife Amy have four children.

Jonathan Landry Cruse is pastor of Community Presbyterian Church (OPC) in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he lives with his wife and three children. He is the author of several books, including What Happens When We Worship.

Andrew J. Miller is the Regional Home Missionary for the Orthodox Presbyterian Church in central Pennsylvania, where he lives with his wife Rebekah and their five children.

My Initial Thoughts:

I’ve seen a handful of attempts over the years to break the WSC down into 52 weekly increments—in some sort of Heidelberg Catechism envy. This looks like a workable version of that—nice topical divisions, easy for discussion.

I’ve skimmed a few chapters here and there throughout the book—they seem to average about 4 pages long with a hint of depth, some good review of the subject, and some practical applications. There are references to and quotations from hymns, historical figures from several eras, and other statements of faith, too—with some handy footnotes. Given the length of the book (and the nature of “brief devotions”), that hint of depth is about as much as someone could expect. But it appears to be a decent way to review the catechism questions.

For the last couple of years, I’ve been reading the Heidelberg Lord’s Day by Lord’s Day—and wonder a little bit what adding this to the mix is going to do to me as the two catechisms are organized differently. But I’m pretty sure I’ll come out unscathed. The WSC was my first real exposure to a catechism, and is what I raised my kids on, it’ll be nice to get back to it.

Anyway, if you’re looking for an easy devotional for 2023, you might want to give this a peak—it promises to be worthwhile. It also would probably make a decent gift if you’re looking for that kind of thing.

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Unfolding Redemption by Camden M. Bucey & Lange G. Tipton: I’ve Looked at Salvation from Both Sides Now

By HCNewton

On November 12, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

Unfolding Redemption:
Exploring the History and Order of Salvation

by Camden M. Bucey & Lane G. Tipton

DETAILS:
Publisher: Reformed Forum
Publication Date: October, 2023
Format: Booklet
Length: 52 pg.
Read Date: November 5, 2023

Many well-meaning Christians view salvation in Christ exclusively through a personal and subjective lens. They perceive salvation as an intimate process of divine intervention, manifesting in transformative experiences, feelings, and changes in our lives. While salvation certainly includes a personal experience, the Bible teaches an objective and historical foundation for such salvation in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Accordingly, before we can speak meaningfully about our individual salvation experience, we must first understand that salvation, at its heart, is an accomplished reality. It is rooted in real, historical events that took place long before our personal experience of salvation. This accomplishment of salvation, carried out by God through Jesus Christ in the unfolding of covenant history, sets the stage for the personal application of salvation in our lives.

Essentially, before salvation can be applied to us subjectively, it must be accomplished objectively. It is this accomplished work of God, historically embodied in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, that is the basis for the salvation we experience. Jesus Christ himself is the wellspring from which flows all the benefits of our salvation: justification, adoption, sanctification, and eventual glorification. To understand truly the richness and depth of our personal salvation experience, we must first grapple with the historical accomplishment of salvation—the foundation upon which our subjective experiences are built.

What’s Unfolding Redemption About?

This booklet is essentially an unpacking of that opening quotation. Following the Introduction which will introduce the thesis of the book, introduce and define some terms, and so on, the opening chapter examines the historic, objective work “historically embodied in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ,” what the authors (and many others) would summarize as the historia salutis.

The second chapter looks at the subjective application of that work to us and our lives—the ordo salutis.

The Significance of Pentecost

Rather than beginning with Genesis, the Prophets, or even the Gospel accounts to look at the historia salutis, Bucey and Tipton start at Pentecost—from this vantage point they can look back at Genesis-Malachi as well as the Gospels for a look at that work of Christ and how it was foretold/foreshadowed and what he accomplished in His life, death, resurrection and ascension—leading to the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost as part of what they term “the Irreversible Progress of Redemption.”

Union with Christ

As we’re united with (or in) Christ, those elements of the work He accomplished can be applied to our hearts and souls, our minds, and our lives. They’re applied through justification, adoption, sanctification, forensic and redemptive benefits, and finally through glorification.

The individual aspects here are all touched on with a degree of depth, but they’re very brief (the booklet itself is 52 pages long, everything is brief). But you don’t feel short-changed, which is pretty impressive for 1-4 page discussions.

So, what did I think about Unfolding Redemption?

Understanding what has transpired in Christ breathes life into our understanding of our individual spiritual journeys. Recognizing our faith within the progressive and organic climax of redemptive history in the person, work, and kingdom of Jesus Christ helps us understand our place within his grand design and enhances our communion with Christ. In this context, our salvation becomes not just a personal experience but part of history of special revelation that finds its center and substance—its goal and telos—in the crucified and glorified Son of God—the church’s “hope of glory” (Col. 1:27).

I really appreciate the emphasis on the two ways of looking at redemption—accomplishment and application. What was done on our behalf and how it changes us. It’s too often overlooked and/or confused by the American Church today, and we need to get it straightened out.

Overall, I liked Unfolding Redemption—I wasn’t blown away by it (partially, because I’ve read everything they point readers to for more depth), but it’s asking a lot for a booklet of this length to blow anyone away.

I did think that this is a handy thing to hand out to people who are new to Reformed soteriology—or who are curious about it, and can think of a handful of people I wish I had copies for right now. The whole point of this booklet is to be a starting point—one that points in a direction for further inquiry/study. And it does a great job of doing that.

On those terms, I feel like I’m short-changing it on stars. On the other hand, these are about my reactions–which were I liked it. So, I’m sticking with that. Although, I halfway expect those I had in mind to hand it to will react far more positively. Basically, your results may vary, and probably will.

3 Stars

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The Atonement: An Introduction by Jeremy Treat: A Wider Vision than is Typical for this Doctrine

By HCNewton

On November 5, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

The Atonement: An Introduction

by Jeremy Treat

DETAILS:
Series: Short Studies in Systematic Theology
Publisher: Crossway
Publication Date: August 22, 2023
Format: Paperback
Length: 158 pg.
Read Date: September 24-October 1, 2023

Here is my approach to the atonement in a nutshell: The death of Christ is a multidimensional accomplishment within the story that begins in the garden and culminates in the kingdom. While the achievements of the cross (forgiveness, victory, adoption, and so on) are unending, the heart of the cross, out of which everything flows and finds its coherence, is Christ dying in our place for our sins. The atoning work of Christ not only reconciles sinners to God but also to one another, calling us into a life of taking up our crosses as we follow our King. In other words, we need a kingdom-framed, substitution-centered, multidimensional, integrated, communal, life-changing approach to the doctrine of atonement.

A Quick Confession

I really wasn’t that interested in this volume. I got it because I’m a completionist—the rest of the topics in this series so far (and those I’ve heard are coming) intrigued me. This seemed too narrow a topic, honestly, maybe one that would fit better under a larger topic like the Work of Christ—a companion piece to The Person of Christ: An Introduction.

It took me very little time to realize that I really appreciated Treat’s approach to and Treatment of the subject and that I was very glad I’d bought this. It’s easily one of my favorites in the series (something I’ll be repeating soon when I talk about The Holy Spirit: An Introduction, I have to admit).

Now that I’ve set the bar low for the rest of this, how about we move on to:

What’s The Atonement: An Introduction About?

Atonement theology, especially at the popular level, has been plagued by reductionism. Whether limiting Christ’s work to a purely spiritual salvation or only focusing on one of the dimensions of his work, many have truncated the breadth of Christ’s atoning death. A kingdom framework gives a comprehensive view of salvation, encompassing the renewal of heaven and earth while embracing the many dimensions of the atonement.

Treat definitely doesn’t take a reductionistic approach to his subject—but he doesn’t try to spread it too far, either. What he does do is take a panoramic look at the subject—trying to take in the scope of the doctrine, even if this introduction can’t get into the nitty-gritty details. I feel silly putting it this way, but the book really is a systematic/dogmatic introduction to the Doctrine of the Atonement—exploring what it is and why it matters.

Treat quickly points out that he has no desire to promote any of the various and popular theories regarding the Atonement so popular over the last century or so. He doesn’t care to deal with theories when it comes to this, he wants to focus on what we do know about the doctrine—and sure, as he admits, what he’s saying sounds a lot like the Penal Substitutionary Theory, but it also sounds like the Moral Influence Theory and Governmental Theories—because he’s trying to make sure his doctrine of the Atonement takes in and accounts for all the data.*

* I’d note that every Reformed expositor/defender of the Penal Substitutionary Theory that I’ve encountered over the last couple of decades would have the same understanding of Governmental and Moral Influence, So it’s not revolutionary—as much as Treat’s disdain for the ideal of “theories” may be unfamiliar.

He attempts to keep things focused on the eschaton, and the Atonement’s role in it, as well as a Kingdom-wide understanding—so that the reign of Christ is seen in view of his Atoning work. The last couple of chapters focus on the effects of the Atonement on the Church and believers.

An Added Bonus

Treat cites—at least in the epigraphs of each chapter, but generally more frequently—”majority world scholars.” “[S]ince the atonement is a global accomplishment, it will be best understood from a global perspective.”

That’s probably true of most of the topics in this series on Systematics—if not more of Christian dogma. But I appreciate Treat focusing on this and bringing in teachers/writers from all over the globe into his presentation in this book.

Trinitarian Focus

Early on in the book, Treat quotes Hans Urs von Balthasar, “The events of the cross can only be interpreted against the background of the Trinity.” This forms a substantial part of his position, and it’s something he covers well and thoroughly.

While the doctrine of atonement is centered on Christ, we cannot think of Jesus as an independent individual but as the Son of the Father who is empowered by the Spirit. Atonement is a work of the triune God through and through. On the cross, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were at work together for the salvation of sinners.

Failure to acknowledge or stress this is part of the reductionism that Treat tries to battle throughout the book. While I applaud this battle each time he engages in it—but his stress on the Trinitarian nature of the Atonement is perhaps my favorite part of the book. It’s so often overlooked or skimmed past—but Treat doesn’t allow the reader to do that—and we’re rewarded by that.

So, what did I think about The Atonement: An Introduction?

While early Christians were mocked for their belief in the cross, Christians today have often domesticated the cross to make it more palatable for a modern society. Whether placed on a calendar in a Christian bookstore, tattooed on an arm, or elevated above a city skyline, we have tamed the cross and turned it into a decorative pleasantry. But only when we see the horror of the cross will we be ready to understand the glory of the cross.

I already gave that away, didn’t I? This really impressed me, changed my mind about the use of a book like it, and helped me refocus my understanding of the doctrine’s place—it also helped me be able to reframe things around the various “theories” of the atonement.

It’s not the easiest read in this series—but it’s by no means difficult. Treat writes in a compellingly clear way, but not one that doesn’t require thought to interact with. I found his style engaging and careful—a great combination when you’re considering the essential doctrines of the Faith.

This isn’t a book that spends any time on things like the “extent” of the Atonement—it’s about the purpose, means, and end of Christ’s great work. Sure, that has implications for questions about the extent, but that’s not what Treat wants to focus on here.

I won’t say the book is perfect—but I can’t think of any substantial problems at this point, and didn’t make any notes expressing concerns. I’m sure I—and most readers—would find a point or three to quibble with or push back against. But those are going to be so minor as to make no real difference in the overall estimation of the book.

Careful, challenging, encouraging, and centered on the great storyline of the Bible, with a focus on the eschatological promises and glories—exactly what we need more of. The Atonement: An Introduction is definitely one I recommend.

4 1/2 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.
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SICK DAY REPOST: The Essential Trinity by Brandon D. Crowe and Carl R. Trueman, eds.

By HCNewton

On October 22, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

A cold derailed my ability to think today, so here’s a blast from the past.

The Essential Trinity: New Testament Foundations and Practical Relevance

by Brandon D. Crowe and Carl R. Trueman, eds.

Paperback, 273 pg.
Inter-Varsity Press, 2016

Read: July 31 – August 14, 2016

As far as consistency of quality amongst edited volumes goes, Crowe and Trueman have assembled one of the stronger line-ups I’ve read in a while — men from a spectrum of persuasions of Evangelical-ish thought have given the Church fourteen articles (approximately 20 pages each) to deepen our thinking about the Trinity. The aim was for a volume that “eschews overly technical discussion and focuses attention on the importance of the doctrine for every Christian.”

In Part 1, the articles look at the “trinitarian contours of every corpus of the New Testament, along with a chapter reflecting on the Old Testament roots of trinitarian doctrine.” If there are weak chapters in the volume, they’re in this part — but they aren’t that weak, either. Crowe’s chapter on Matthew is excellent, but the chapters on the Mark, Luke-Acts and John aren’t far off that Mark. Brian S. Rosner’s chapter on “Paul and the Trinity” is worth the price of the book. The chapters on the rest of the epistles are very helpful (particularity Hebrews). Mark S. Gignilliat’s article, “The Trinity and the Old Testament: real presence or imposition?” is very helpful and insightful — and as an added bonus, it’s the most stylistically entertaining and engaging piece in the book.

Benjamin Gladd’s chapter exploring Daniel’s influence on Revelation’s view of the Trinity is the biggest mental workout you’ll get in the book. I appreciated the material covered and the argument Gladd makes, but I’m going to have to read it a few more times before I think I have a good handle on it.

Part 2 addresses the importance of the Trinity for everyday living — many would say the doctrine is impractical and only belongs in Statements of Faith and academia. The authors here show the fallacy of that. It begins with a brief, but excellent, description of the doctrine by Scott R. Swain. Carl Trueman has the next chapter, “The Trinity and prayer,” which is probably as valuable as Rosner’s — it’s actually about more than prayer, but the material specifically on prayer is great — hugely indebted to John Owen (but not uncritically so). Robert Letham’s chapter on “The Trinity and worship” also draws deeply from Owen; if he doesn’t move you to worship as you understand the work of the Trinity in it, you aren’t paying attention (I probably have more problems with some of what he says than anything else in the book). Michael Reeves, typically, made me chuckle in his chapter on preaching — but he did more than that, too.

Timely, convicting, thoughtful and inspiring, this examination of the Trinity in Scripture and Life should be a great benefit to any believer ho reads it. It may not be the easiest thing read all year (but really, it’s not that difficult), but it’ll be one of the most rewarding.

—–

4 Stars

REPOSTING JUST ‘CUZ: The Trinity: An Introduction by Scott R. Swain: A Brief but Deep Study

By HCNewton

On October 15, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

I’m about to re-read this book, so I figured it was a good idea to remember what I thought about it.

The Trinity: An Introduction

by Scott R. Swain
Series: Short Studies in Systematic Theology

Paperback, 133 pg.
Crossway, 2020

Read: January 17-31, 2020
Grab a copy from your local indie bookstore!

What we find in later Trinitarian creeds, confessions, and doctrinal summaries are not improvements upon a latent or undeveloped biblical Trinitarianism but, rather, the church’s attempt to fathom the depth of the riches of biblical Trinitarianism for the sake of various liturgical, pedagogical, and polemical ends. Some of the church’s creeds, confessions, and doctrinal summaries represent such faithful expressions of scriptural teaching and enjoy such wide-ranging ecclesiastical consensus that we dare not transgress the lines they have drawn. Rather, taking them on our own lips, we gladly join the church’s chorus of Trinitarian praise.

What’s The Trinity: An Introduction About?

It’s kind of there in the title, right? 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 (it’s a Short Study, after all) jumping-off point into deeper studies by providing a solid foundation.

He spends two chapters looking at the primary Biblical texts demonstrating the Doctrine. Chapter 3 is about the Simplicity of God—something too many overlook in a discussion of The Trinity. The following three chapters each focus on a Person of the Trinity. The final chapters are about the “external works” of the Trinity, the “appropriation” of specific works to particular persons, the beneficiaries of God’s work, and assorted topics.

All of that is a lot to ask of 133 short pages. Swain pulls it off by being concise, but he never seems to be leaving out details or avoiding the complicated ideas (although he obviously has to).

Touching on Controvery

This isn’t a polemical work—Swain is here to inform and educate, not combat. Still, he does talk about some Christological errors, including the contemporary dust-ups over EFS/ERAS—Eternal Functional Subordination/Eternal Relations of Authority and Submission.

Swain briefly (again, it’s a Short Study) addresses this error. He’s calm, he’s fair, yet he’s firm. It’s one of the best short treatments of the controversy I’ve seen, and in the context of the larger discussion of the Person of the Son as well as the larger discussions of each of the Persons, it’s incredibly helpful. It also fits where he put it and doesn’t seem like Swain used the opportunity as a digression just to beat a pet theological peeve.

Helpful Supplemental Material

Maybe it’s just me, but I rarely find the post-text material all that helpful. This book was one of the pleasant exceptions—there’s a brief glossary of some of the technical terms. Also, the “Further Reading” suggestions look great and my “To Buy” list grew a bit.

So, what did I think about The Trinity: An Introduction?

Because the persons of the Trinity are internal to God’s life, not external works of God, we can know the persons of the Trinity, as well as their ultimate plan for creation (Eph. 3:9), only if they stoop down and open up the depths of their inner life to us. Only the persons of the Trinity know the persons of the Trinity. Therefore, only the persons of the Trinity can make known the persons of the Trinity. The revelation of the Trinity is a matter of divine self-revelation, divine self-presentation, divine self-naming.

While this is a theological book, drawing on the teaching of the Church, Swain is careful to never lose sight of the source of this Doctrine, the Word of God. We know this, we understand this (as much as we do) because it is revealed to us. That’s vital to an understanding of the doctrine, and vital to the teaching of it. Swain doesn’t let his readers stray from the text.

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, very little (if any) dross.

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.

Also, I like the looks of this series as a whole, I’ll most likely be grabbing more/all of them if they’re all about this quality.

5 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, opinions are my own.

REPOSTING JUST ‘CUZ: The Excellencies of God: Exploring and Enjoying His Attributes by Terry Johnson: Not Quite as Good as Its Predecessor but Worth Your Time

By HCNewton

On October 8, 2023

In Non-Fiction, Theology/Christian Living

The Excellencies of God:
Exploring and Enjoying
His Attributes

by Terry Johnson

DETAILS:
Publisher: Reformation Heritage Books
Publication Date: October 23, 2022
Format: Hardcover
Length: 347 pg.
Read Date: October 23-November 20, 2022

The Excellencies of God‘s Jacket Copy

God’s attributes is the most practical of subjects, inspiring and shaping the entire Christian life. Contemplating who God is and what He has promised to do can bring great comfort to the most despairing soul. Moreover, it brings immense delight to all those who recognize their chief end as the glory and enjoyment of God. In The Excellencies of God, Terry L. Johnson explores several aspects of the divine character and shows how they play a crucial role in our Christian experience. May God’s mercy and grace, His patience and wisdom, His truth and faithfulness, His spirituality and blessedness prove to be a blessing to all who peruse these pages.

The Table of Contents

That’s kind of vague, so let’s look at the TOC.

Preface
Introduction: The Christian and the Attributes
The Mercy, Grace, and Patience of God
1. The Mercy of God
2. The Grace of God
3. The Patience of God
The Truth and Faithfulness of God
4. The God of Truth
5. Liberating Truth
6. Pursue and Proclaim the Truth
The Blessedness of God
7. The Blessed God
8. Our Blessedness in God
The Fatherhood of God
9. God Our Father
10. Pleasing Our Father
11. Our Father’s Children
12. Our Father’s Care
The Spirituality of God
13. The God Who Is Spirit
14. Serving an Invisible God
15. Spiritual Mindedness
16. Spiritual Worship
17. True Worship
The Wisdom of God
18. God Only Wise
19. Wisdom and Folly
20. Seeking and Submitting to God’s Wisdom

So, what did I think about The Excellencies of God?

I struggled to write a post about Johnson’s The Identity and Attributes of God two years ago, and I find myself in a similar position now with this follow-up. I went with the bare minimum above because it fits the book—Johnson lays things out very matter-of-factly, and you get exactly what the TOC lists. He takes each thought and explains it using citations from Scripture, the Fathers, Reformers, and some contemporary writers—with some illustrations of hymns.

I have the impression that Johnson gives 50-60% of the text, and the rest are quotations (mostly a sentence or less). I did not (would not) try to verify that—and I’m pretty sure I’m wrong, but that’s my impression as a whole. I wanted more of Johnson and less of everyone else. I think this is about the same as the previous volume, and I had a similar thought about it—but overall it was so good, I didn’t care. This book was a little less impressive so it stuck out to me more.

I don’t think I get the selection of the major topics and how they flowed one from the other—the chapters within each topic, on the other hand, flowed nicely.

Is this a decent read? Yeah, but it tends to the dull-side with the repeated quotations. But beyond that, it’s a pretty straightforward and thorough look at the topics. It’s helpful, it should push you to look more into some of the ideas that you find more provocative (and the footnotes will help with that). It’s sound and measured, majoring on the majors and not really spending time on minor issues.

It’s a good book that I can recommend without hesitation, I just wanted more from it.

4 Stars

This post contains an affiliate link. If you purchase from it, I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. As always, the opinions expressed are my own.