When the pastors and theologians who comprised the Synod of Dort
met in 1618 and 1619 to frame a response to the rise of Arminian
theology in Dutch churches, they were concerned to provide not just
theological argument but pastoral vision. They considered seriously
the implications of right theology on both growth in grace and
holiness and the spiritual comfort of believers. Keenly aware of
this vital link between theology and practice, they drew up the
Canons of Dort in a manner that astutely rebutted from Scripture
the Arminian Remonstrants, point by point, arguing the veracity of
the doctrines of predestination, particular atonement, total
depravity, effectual grace and the perseverance of the saints-the
five points that have come to be known as ''the doctrines of
grace." Matthew Barrett opens a window on the synod's deliberations
with the Remonstrants and examines the main emphases of the canons,
with special attention on their relationship to biblical piety and
spirituality. For example, the doctrine of predestination is shown
from Scripture to establish not just God's electing grace but
assurance of salvation-comforting believers that the God who saved
them will preserve them to the very end. As Dr. Barrett examines
the Canons of Dort it becomes clear why they are so important.
Indeed, the piety and godliness that saturates these
seventeenth-century canons shows they are as relevant for the
church today as they were then. Wow I really like this book.
Matthew Barrett has given us history, theology, ministerial counsel
and impetus to true piety in this treatment of the Synod and Canons
of Dort. The brief but vibrant historical accounts are informative,
his guidance in some thick theological discussion is expert, and
his focus on piety leads us to the true purpose of all theology the
production of a sincere and pure devotion to Christ. Dr. Barrett s
continual insistence on the necessity of monergism for a truly
biblical grasp of the character of salvation from beginning to end
is a much needed emphasis for contemporary evangelicalism. The
appendices provide valuable source material. This is an excellent
account of a vitally important subject. Tom J. Nettles, Professor
of Historical Theology, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary,
Louisville, Kentucky Matthew Barrett offers a wonderfully simple
and direct exposition of one of the more misunderstood confessions
of faith. The Canons of Dort are often vilified, but under closer
examination Barrett demonstrates that they are biblical and
pastoral and a potent tonic for a flagging faith. Tolle et lege,
take up and read J.V. Fesko Academic Dean, Professor of Systematic
and Historical Theology, Westminster Seminary California By
breathing new life into historic events, documents and people,
Matthew makes them speak to our culture, our churches and our
hearts. David P. Murray Professor of Old Testament and Practical
Theology, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids,
Michigan By reducing the discussion of Calvinism and the doctrines
of grace to the simplified acrostic T-U-L-I-P, I m afraid we have
generated far more heat than light. A book that looks deeply
within, behind and around the five points of Calvinism is long
overdue. Whether you find yourself saying Yea or Nay to the five
points, we all need to say thank you to Dr. Barrett for his
delightful, informative and light-generating book. Stephen J.
Nichols Research Professor of Christianity and Culture, Lancaster
Bible College, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
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