This brief, humorous introduction to theology by noted educator and author Don McKim will provide seminarians, college students, and general readers with a fun way to learn the basics. The book covers the key movements, thinkers, definitions, and questions of theology in a lighthearted way. Includes illustrations by Ron Hill.

As its name implies, the Reformed tradition grew out of the 16th century Protestant Reformation. The Reformed churches consider themselves to be the Catholic Church reformed. The movement originated in the reform efforts of Huldrych Zwingli (1484-1531) of Zurich and John Calvin (1509-1564) of Geneva. Although the Reformed movement was dependent upon many Protestant leaders, it was Calvin's tireless work as a writer, preacher, teacher, and social and ecclesiastical reformer that provided a substantial body of literature and an ethos from which the Reformed tradition grew. Today, the Reformed churches are a multicultural, multiethnic, and multinational phenomenon. Historical Dictionary of the Reformed Churches, Third Edition contains a chronology, an introduction, and an extensive bibliography. The dictionary section has more than 1,000 cross-referenced entries on leaders, personalities, events, facts, movements, and beliefs of the Reformed churches. This book is an excellent resource for students, researchers, and anyone wanting to know more about reformed churches.

Reformed theology is one of the major Protestant theological traditions in the United States and Western Europe, one that includes various forms of Presbyterianism and dozens of other denominations, all deeply influenced by the Swiss reformer John Calvin. Reformed Theology from A to Z is an accessible presentation of some 116 theological terms and how they are understood in Reformed theology. Each article is approximately 300 words in length, giving a clear and succinct presentation of the meaning of the term along with its understanding and use in the tradition. The terms are arranged alphabetically—from A to Z—showing the breadth of this major strain of Protestantism. This book is written so those with little or no theological backgrounds will understand the terms. Pastors will appreciate the book as a handy reference work to their insights on the meanings of theological terms as they reflect and interpret the terms to others. Protestant seminary students in mainline denominations will also value the book as a convenient reference to terms they encounter in their studies. Since the book is compact, it is of special value for these specific audiences; it is a unique resource for studying Reformed theology and its emphases. McKim provides clear, compact, and reliable descriptions of a wide range of theological terms with discussions that are understandable to those without formal theological training.

Reformed theology is one of the major Protestant theological traditions in the United States and Western Europe, one that includes various forms of Presbyterianism and dozens of other denominations, all deeply influenced by the Swiss reformer John Calvin. Reformed Theology from A to Z is an accessible presentation of some 116 theological terms and how they are understood in Reformed theology. Each article is approximately 300 words in length, giving a clear and succinct presentation of the meaning of the term along with its understanding and use in the tradition. The terms are arranged alphabetically—from A to Z—showing the breadth of this major strain of Protestantism. This book is written so those with little or no theological backgrounds will understand the terms. Pastors will appreciate the book as a handy reference work to their insights on the meanings of theological terms as they reflect and interpret the terms to others. Protestant seminary students in mainline denominations will also value the book as a convenient reference to terms they encounter in their studies. Since the book is compact, it is of special value for these specific audiences; it is a unique resource for studying Reformed theology and its emphases. McKim provides clear, compact, and reliable descriptions of a wide range of theological terms with discussions that are understandable to those without formal theological training.

This second edition of the Westminster Dictionary of Theological Terms provides a comprehensive guide to nearly 7,000 theological terms--1,000 more terms than the first edition. McKim's succinct definitions cover a broad range of theological studies and related disciplines: contemporary theologies, biblical studies, church history, ethics, feminist theology, global theologies, hermeneutics, liberation theology, liturgy, ministry, philosophy, philosophy of religion, postcolonial theology, social sciences, spiritually, worship, and Protestant, Reformed, and Roman Catholic theologies.

This new edition also includes cross-references that link readers to other related terms, commonly used scholarly abbreviations and abbreviations for canonical and deuterocanonical texts, an annotated bibliography, and a new introductory section that groups together terms and concepts, showing where they fit within particular theological categories. No other single volume provides the busy student, and the theologically experienced reader, with such easy access to so many theological definitions.

During the past several decades a growing number of scholars have come to appreciate the importance of studying John Calvin's interpretive work as a commentator on Scripture in addition to his better-known writings on theology. In this volume ten essays by scholars specializing in Calvin's exegetical methods examine the approaches and themes Calvin emphasized when he interpreted major portions of Scripture. These essays focus on Calvin's work in his biblical commentaries with appropriate cross-referencing to his other writings, including his sermons. A concluding essay synthesizes the main features of what has gone before to present an overall view of John Calvin as an interpreter and commentator on Holy Scripture. An appreciation of Calvin's exegetical labors and his work as a biblical commentator are now recognized as key elements in Calvin scholarship.

John Calvin (1509-64) stands with Martin Luther (1483-1546) as the premier theologian of the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation. Calvin's thought spread throughout Europe to the New World and later throughout the whole world. His insights and influence continue to endure today, presenting a model of theological scholarship grounded in Scripture as well as providing nurture for Christian believers within churches across the globe. Dr Donald K. McKim gathers together an international array of major Calvin scholars to consider phases of Calvin's theological thought and influence. Historians and theologians meet to present a full picture of Calvin's contexts, the major themes in Calvin's writings, and the ways in which his thought spread and has increasing importance. Chapters serve as guides to their topics and provide further readings for additional study. This is an accessible introduction to this significant Protestant reformer and will appeal to the specialist and non-specialist alike.

In this book, Donald McKim examines Reformed beliefs on sixteen theological topics, including Scripture, the Trinity, sin, salvation, the person of Jesus, and Baptism. He also discusses distinctive emphases of the Reformed faith and shows how Reformed beliefs relate to the broader ecumenical family of Christian teachings.

During the past several decades a growing number of scholars have come to appreciate the importance of studying John Calvin's interpretive work as a commentator on Scripture in addition to his better-known writings on theology. In this volume ten essays by scholars specializing in Calvin's exegetical methods examine the approaches and themes Calvin emphasized when he interpreted major portions of Scripture. These essays focus on Calvin's work in his biblical commentaries with appropriate cross-referencing to his other writings, including his sermons. A concluding essay synthesizes the main features of what has gone before to present an overall view of John Calvin as an interpreter and commentator on Holy Scripture. An appreciation of Calvin's exegetical labors and his work as a biblical commentator are now recognized as key elements in Calvin scholarship.

John Calvin (1509-64) stands with Martin Luther (1483-1546) as the premier theologian of the sixteenth-century Protestant Reformation. Calvin's thought spread throughout Europe to the New World and later throughout the whole world. His insights and influence continue to endure today, presenting a model of theological scholarship grounded in Scripture as well as providing nurture for Christian believers within churches across the globe. Dr Donald K. McKim gathers together an international array of major Calvin scholars to consider phases of Calvin's theological thought and influence. Historians and theologians meet to present a full picture of Calvin's contexts, the major themes in Calvin's writings, and the ways in which his thought spread and has increasing importance. Chapters serve as guides to their topics and provide further readings for additional study. This is an accessible introduction to this significant Protestant reformer and will appeal to the specialist and non-specialist alike.

This Companion provides an accessible introduction to Martin Luther for students of theology and history and everyone interested in the life, work and thought of the first great Protestant reformer. Historians and theologians present a complete picture of Luther's major writing themes and the ways in which his ideas spread and continue to be important. The Companion is oriented to those with little or no background in Luther studies, as well as teachers and specialists.