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Books > Christianity > Protestantism & Protestant Churches > Calvinist, Reformed & Presbyterian Churches
Historian of Christianity Ken Stewart is intent on setting the
record straight about Reformed theology. He identifies ten myths
held by either or both Calvinists and non-Calvinists and shows how
they are gross mischaracterizations of that theological stream.
Certain of these persistent stereotypes that defy historical
research often present a truncated view of the depth and breadth of
the Reformed tradition. Others, although erroneous, are
nevertheless used to dismiss outright this rich body of biblical
theological teaching. Some key questions Stewart explores in this
provocative, informative and thoroughly researched book: * Is the
role reserved for John Calvin possibly exaggerated? * Are there
improper, as well as proper uses of the doctrine of predestination?
* To what extent is the popular acronym, T.U.L.I.P. a helpful
device, and to what extent is it detrimental in encapsulating key
doctrines? * Should the Calvinist position towards movements of
spiritual renewal be one of support, or one of suspicion? * Didn't
Calvinism more or less 'bring up the rear' in advancing the cause
of world mission? * Doesn't the Calvinist approach to Christianity
encourage the belief that the redeemed will be saved irrespective
of their conduct? * Doesn't the Calvinist track-record show an
at-best mixed legacy on critical issues such as race and gender
relations? * Hasn't the Calvinist concept of the church's role
vis-A -vis the state tended toward theocracy? * Isn't it true that
Calvinistic expressions of Christianity have been a damper on the
creative arts, whether the theater or painting or sculpture?
Commendations: "Perhaps no movement in Christian history has
suffered more from both its detractors and its admirers than
Calvinism. In this book, Kenneth Stewart shatters ten persistent
stereotypes about the Calvinist way of being a Christian and helps
us to see why the Reformed faith continues to attract so many
believers to the God of John Calvin."Timothy George, founding dean
of Beeson Divinity School of Samford University "With the growing
resurgence of interest in Calvinism, Ken Stewart's deft discussion
of the myths promoted by and against Calvinists is timely indeed.
Sympathetic to this school of thought, though also deeply desirous
of historical accuracy, this book will inform--and challenge--both
friend and foe of the Calvinist vision." Dr. Michael A. G. Haykin,
professor of church history and biblical spirituality, The Southern
Baptist Theological Seminary "Ken Stewart's book appears at a
timely moment, when Calvinism is again in vogue. Drawing on both
theological and historical evidence, Ken Stewart shows that
Calvinism was not the narrow, exclusive preserve of a bunch of
cranks but an outward-looking, mission-orientated, vibrant and
this-worldly faith. May it do its part to clear away many of the
misconceptions that have bedeviled Calvinism over the years!" Dr.
David Ceri Jones, Aberystwyth University, Wales
The Oxford Handbook of Reformed Theology looks back to past
resources that have informed Reformed theology and surveys present
conversations among those engaged in Reformed theology today.
First, the volume offers accounts of the major historical contexts
of reformed theology, the various relationships (ancient and
modern) which it maintains and from which it derives. Recent
research has shown the intricate ties between the patristic and
medieval heritage of the church and the work of the reformed
movement in the sixteenth century. The past century has also
witnessed an explosion of reformed theology outside the Western
world, prompting a need for attention not only to these global
voices but also to the unique (and contingent) history of reformed
theology in the West (hence reflecting on its relationship to
intellectual developments like scholastic method or the critical
approaches of modern biblical studies). Second, the volume assesses
some of the classic, representative texts of the reformed
tradition, observing also their reception history. The reformed
movement is not dominated by a single figure, but it does contain a
host of paradigmatic texts that demonstrate the range and vitality
of reformed thought on politics, piety, biblical commentary,
dogmatic reflection, and social engagement. Third, the volume turns
to key doctrines and topics that continue to receive attention by
reformed theologians today. Contributors who are themselves making
cutting edge contributions to constructive theology today reflect
on the state of the question and offer their own proposals
regarding a host of doctrinal topics and themes.
This lively book not only unpacks the history of Christianity, but
also explains how church history is created and organized.
Different from traditional church history textbooks, the book: Has
a global emphasis, rather than an exclusively Euro-American one;
Explains the discipline of church history in addition to the
content; Is readable, engaging, and inviting to new students; Makes
church history accessible rather than stressing obscure dates and
names. Conceptually, this book is revolutionary. The story of
Christianity is never complete: it only expands. By allowing fresh
players into the story, broadening our perspective to include
women, the working class, heretics, and priests outside mainstream
"orthodoxy," we become open to new ways of understanding. And these
new perspectives enhance our comprehension of the endlessly
surprising story of Christianity's past.
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