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Books > Humanities > Religion & beliefs > Christianity > Protestantism & Protestant Churches > Calvinist, Reformed & Presbyterian Churches
From current day sectarianism to the Free Church, religion has had
a dominant effect upon society in Scotland for centuries. In this
topical and thought-provoking book, Callum Brown examines the role
of religion in the making of modern Scottish society. Tackling
important contemporary themes such as the role of the Kirk in
national identity and the growth of secularisation, he explains the
history of Catholicism, Presbyterianism and Episcopalism over the
last 250 years in an accessible and readable way.
The Puritan author, Morgan Llwyd, is an important figure of
seventeenth-century Wales. This scholarly work deals specifically
with the theological credo underlying Llwyd's work, and makes a
cogent case for his standpoint that, although Llwyd used original
ways to express Calvinist doctrine, he was very much an orthodox
Calvinist. This is a detailed study of Llwyd's system of thought,
and the author succeeds in illuminating complex aspects of Llwyd's
work.
Although "God loves you" is a common summary of the central message
of Christian teaching and preaching, a close reading of the Bible
and attention to the Christian tradition will reveal passages of
Scripture and Christian doctrines--particularly John Calvin's
doctrine of predestination--that seem to undermine confidence in
God's love for all people. For numerous theologians, including many
within the Reformed tradition, the secret decree of Calvin's God to
save some and condemn others seems to undercut completely one's
assurance of salvation along with one's ability to trust in and
worship God. However, pastor and scholar John Calvin confidently
spoke of God as a loving Father throughout his teaching and
preaching. In Uncovering Calvin's God, Forrest H. Buckner unearths
Calvin's teaching about the God of love who reigns sovereign over
predestination. Drawing upon sources from across Calvin's corpus,
Buckner examines Calvin's teaching on the knowledge of God and the
doctrine of predestination to provide a more robust and cohesive
understanding of Calvin's theology, which Buckner then confirms
through an extensive examination of Calvin's preaching in Geneva.
He then offers a critical comparison of Calvin's approach with the
teaching of Luther, Zwingli, Bullinger, Arminius, and Barth. Using
Calvin's system as a starting point, this book helps readers
perceive the essentials and trade-offs of any doctrine of
predestination that takes seriously both the Bible and the loving
God revealed in Jesus Christ.
Born in Winnipeg in 1927, Lois Wilson was the first female
moderator of the United Church of Canada, the first female
president of the Canadian Council of Churches, and the first woman
and first Canadian president of the North American region of the
World Council of Churches. A respected human rights defender and
activist for peace and social justice around the world, she was
appointed by successive Canadian governments to head missions in
Korea, El Salvador, Guatemala, and Sudan, among others, over her
long and distinguished career. For the Sake of the Common Good is a
tribute to the life and work of this remarkable Canadian. It brings
together contributions from internationally recognized figures such
as Louise Arbour, Lloyd Axworthy, and Irwin Cotler; national
leaders such as Bill Blaikie, Alia Hogben, Mary Jo Leddy, Stan
McKay, and Michael Blair; and local heroes such as Alexa Gilmour
and Brent Hawkes, who have been influenced by Lois Wilson's
practical Christianity, progressive values, and commitment to
ending oppression in all forms. Their essays urge us to think about
the many ways we can work toward the common good: by welcoming
refugees, developing ecologically sustainable ways of life,
repairing relations with Indigenous Peoples, protecting the rights
of LGBTQ+ people and all who are oppressed, defending political
prisoners, and respecting religious rights and the place of faith
in public life. In such ways, we can restore right relations with
the Earth and with each other. For the Sake of the Common Good
gratefully acknowledges Lois Wilson's inspiring legacy while taking
on the important task of continuing her work.
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