An Introduction to Reformed Theology is a rich resource of selections from the preaching and teaching of John H. Leith, a well-respected Presbyterian pastor and Reformation scholar. A new pastoral leader could find guidance for a funeral service. A seminary student might discover how the Nicene doctrine of the person of Jesus Christ can give depth to sermons for a contemporary congregation. A teacher may find help from the history of theology to guide students in Christian formation and life. These essays deal with the topics of evangelism, pastoral caring for each other, and living as a Christian in secular society. The author gives practical applications with the deep conviction that faith frames the mystery of God's creation of human beings and nurtures them from childhood through the pilgrimage of life with the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, the hope for eternal life. An extensive bibliography of sources is included for those who want to probe further and study more closely. Anyone looking for a deeper understanding of basic Christian beliefs will enjoy this book.

A concise and readable study for laypersons and clergy alike, this book is indispensable for all informed people in many different confessional communities. With the passion of one who not only observes but believes, John Leith touches on all aspects of Reformed history, theology, polity, liturgy, and Christian culture with a balance of enthusiasm and critical judgment that always rings true.

This work supplies a long-standing need in the field of early modern studies by providing a basic introduction to Reformed Scholasticism. Although technical studies abound and interest in the subject continues to rise, until the appearance of this work by Willem van Asselt and his colleagues, students of history have lacked a concise guide to help them navigate the difficult waters of Reformed Scholasticism. This book carefully defines the phenomena of scholasticism and orthodoxy, concisely surveys the era, notes the most significant thinkers together with the various trajectories of thought, and references the relevant secondary scholarship. In short, this Introduction to Reformed Scholasticism surveys the topic and provides a guide for further study in early modern Reformed thought. Table of Contents: Introduction: What Is Reformed Scholasticism? – Willem J. van Asselt and Pieter L. Rouwendal The State of Scholarship: From Discontinuity to Continuity – Willem J. van Asselt and Pieter L. Rouwendal ‘As the Philosopher Says’: Aristotle – T. Theo J. Pleizier and Maarten Wisse The Teacher of the Ancient Church: Augustine – Maarten Wisse The Method of the Schools: Medieval Scholasticism – Pieter L. Rouwendal ‘Open Hand and Fist’: Humanism and Scholasticisim in the Reformation – Willem J. Van Asselt Distinguishing and Teaching: Constructing a Theological Argument in Reformed Scholasticism – Willem J. van Asselt and Pieter L. Rouwendal Scholasticism in the Time of Early Orthodoxy (ca. 1560-1620) – Willem J. van Asselt Scholasticism in the Time of High Orthodoxy (ca. 1620-1700) – Willem J. van Asselt Scholasticism in the Time of Late Orthodoxy (ca. 1700-1790) ‘The Abutment against Which the Bridge of All later Protestant

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 book introduces Reformed theology by surveying the doctrinal concerns that have shaped its historical development. The book sketches the diversity of the Reformed tradition through the past five centuries even as it highlights the continuity with regard to certain theological emphases. In so doing, it accentuates that Reformed theology is marked by both formal ('the always reforming church') and material ('the Reformed church') interests. Furthermore, it attends to both revisionary and conservative trends within the Reformed tradition. The book covers eight major theological themes: Word of God, covenant, God and Christ, sin and grace, faith, worship, confessions and authority, and culture and eschatology. It engages a variety of Reformed confessional writings, as well as a number of individual theologians (including Zwingli, Calvin, Bullinger, Bucer, Beza, Owen, Turretin, Edwards, Schleiermacher, Hodge, Shedd, Heppe, Bavinck, Barth, and Niebuhr).

Compact yet comprehensive entries on theological terms as understood from a Reformed perspective are contained in this book. With pieces written by esteemed Reformed scholars, this book gives easy access to a wealth of theological information and summarizes the most significant aspects of Reformed theology.

The European Reformation of the sixteenth century was one of the most formative periods in the history of Christian thought and remains one of the most fascinating events in Western history. The Cambridge Companion to Reformation Theology provides a comprehensive guide to the theology and theologians of the Reformation period. Each of the eighteen chapters is written by a leading authority in the field and provides an up-to-date account and analysis of the thought associated with a particular figure or movement. There are chapters focusing on lesser reformers such as Martin Bucer, and on the Catholic and Radical Reformations, as well as the major Protestant reformers. A detailed bibliography and comprehensive index allows comparison of the treatment of specific themes by different figures. This authoritative and accessible guide will appeal to students of history and literature as well as specialist theologians.

This Companion offers an introduction to Reformed theology, one of the most historically important, ecumenically active, and currently generative traditions of doctrinal enquiry, by way of reflecting upon its origins, its development, and its significance. The first part, Theological Topics, indicates the distinct array of doctrinal concerns which gives coherence over time to the identity of this tradition in all its diversity. The second part, Theological Figures, explores the life and work of a small number of theologians who have not only worked within this tradition, but have constructively shaped and inspired it in vital ways. The final part, Theological Contexts, considers the ways in which the resultant Reformed sensibilities in theology have had a marked impact both upon theological and ecclesiastical landscapes in different places and upon the wider societal landscapes of history. The result is a fascinating and compelling guide to this dynamic and vibrant theological tradition.

Table of Contents: BIBLICAL STUDIES 1. The Age of the Spirit and Revival 2. Trust in the Incarnate Word 3. Our Glorious Adoption: Trinitarian-Based and Transformed Relationships 4. Paul and James: Are We Justified by Faith or by Faith and Works? 5. Gethsemane’s King-Lamb: A Sermon on John 18:7–8, 12–13a 6. The Man of Sin: 2 Thessalonians 2:1–12 7. Delighting in God: A Guide to Sabbath-Keeping SYSTEMATIC AND HISTORICAL THEOLOGY 8. God-Centered Theology in the Ministry of the Word 9. Calvin on Sovereignty, Providence, and Predestination 10. Reading the Puritans 11. Godefridus Udemans: Life, Influence, and Writings 12. John Bunyan on Justification 13. Reformed Orthodoxy in North America 14. The Perspicuity of Scripture 15. Laurence Chaderton: His Life and Ecclesiology 16. Natural Theology: Some Historical Perspective EXPERIENTIAL THEOLOGY 17. Calvin as an Experiential Preacher 18. The Puritans on Conscience and Casuistry 19. Assurance of Salvation: The Insights of Anthony Burgess 20. Wilhelmus à Brakel’s Biblical Ethics of Spirituality 21. Images of Union and Communion with Christ PRACTICAL THEOLOGY 22. Puritans on the Family: Recent Publications 23. Consider Christ in Affliction: An Open Letter to True Believers 24. Learning from the Puritans on Being Salt and Light 25. Puritans on Marital Love PASTORAL THEOLOGY AND MISSIONS 26. God-Centered Adult Education 27. Plain Preaching Demonstrating the Spirit and His Power 28. How to Evaluate Your Sermons 29. Practical Application in Preaching 30. Authentic Ministry: Servanthood, Tears, and Temptations 31. Children in the Church 32. The Minister’s Helpmeet 33. Unprofessional Puritans and Professional Pastors: What the Puritans Would Say to Modern Pastors 34. Catechism Preaching 35. A Life in the Word 36. Why You and Your Family Should Go to Church: Biblical Answers to “Churchless Christianity” CONTEMPORARY AND CULTURAL ISSUES 37. Interview with Joel Beeke about Reformed Churches and Seminaries 38. Handling Error in the Church: Martin Downes Interviewing Joel R. Beeke 39. Practical Lessons for Today from the Life of Idelette Calvin 40. Rediscovering the Laity: The Reformation in the Pew and in the Classroom 41. In Commemoration of the Heidelberg Catechism’s 450th Anniversary: The Catechism as a Confession of Faith 42. How to Battle Hostility and Secularism 43. Busy but Fruitful: How to Manage Time 44. Nurturing Intimate Communication with Your Spouse