A century after his death, William Poole excluded Calvin from his 1669 Synopsis Criticorum because supposedly Calvin was overly practical. Although in some ways Poole was off the mark with this critique, there is some truth in Calvin’s reputation as a pastor, primarily concerned with practical matters. Calvin’s practical and pastoral concerns emerge in hisContinue reading “John Calvin on the Benefits of Baptism”
Category Archives: Theology
Reviews of Calvin’s Ladder
A varied cast of characters has taken interest in Julie Canlis’s Calvin’s Ladder: A Spiritual Theology of Ascent and Ascension. This book has caught the attention, in the form of reviews, of church historians, philosophers, and pastors. Those writing from the perspective of these vocations have all noticed strengths and weaknesses in Canlis’s book whichContinue reading “Reviews of Calvin’s Ladder”
Calvin’s Ladder: A Spiritual Theology of Ascent and Ascension
The church is no stranger to theologies of ascent. Julie Canlis, lecturer at Regent College, suggests that Calvin’s voice ought to join the chorus of such theologies. In Calvin’s Ladder: A Spiritual Theology of Ascent and Ascension, Canlis argues that Calvin’s voice isn’t drowned out in this chorus but that it sticks out for variousContinue reading “Calvin’s Ladder: A Spiritual Theology of Ascent and Ascension”
John Calvin’s Goals as an Expositor of Scripture
For God there is nothing higher than preaching the gospel, because it is the means to lead people to salvation.[1] In his ministry John Calvin was in full agreement with Martin Luther’s saying that “the ears alone are the organ of a Christian”. (COP, 37) Calvin believed that the verbal proclamation of God’s wordContinue reading “John Calvin’s Goals as an Expositor of Scripture”
John Calvin & the Four Nicene Marks of the Church
One theme that emerges throughout Calvin’s works as well as some Calvin biographies is the importance he places upon ecclesiology. We see this in various ways, for instance in his fight for the unity of the protestant movement, in his emphasis on the proper understanding of the Eucharist, and his constant attempts at establishing churchContinue reading “John Calvin & the Four Nicene Marks of the Church”
What’s it Like Doing Theology With a Room Full of Philosophers
The following is a guest post by a friend of mine Derek Saenz. Here he reflects upon his past experience as a theology student at Talbot Seminary (which happens to be FULL of philosophy students). If you think that many seminary students look at philosophy students and think, “These guys are just a bunch ofContinue reading “What’s it Like Doing Theology With a Room Full of Philosophers”
Book Giveaway – What is Reformed Theology?
Its that time again, time to win a free book! This time around I am giving away a free copy of R.C. Sproul’s, What is Reformed Theology? You can read my review of the book here. To win a copy of the book all you need to do is one of the following: Tweet outContinue reading “Book Giveaway – What is Reformed Theology?”
What is Reformed Theology?
In some circles being “reformed” is a badge of honor, elsewhere bearing that name is enough to get you blacklisted. So what does it mean to be “Reformed?” R.C. Sproul unpacks this in this 2016 edition of a theological best seller. In this book he contrasts “God-Centered Theology” and “Man-Centered” theology, claiming essential that ReformedContinue reading “What is Reformed Theology?”
When We Think About God
“When we’re talking about God we can’t afford to be sloppy.” As you probably know I am studying in a new field that seeks to revive an ancient form of theological reflection: analytic theology. This discipline that combines the rigor of philosophy with the wonder of theology, I work with Dr. Oliver Crisp, professor ofContinue reading “When We Think About God”
On Religious Worth of Bodily Liturgical Action – Terence Cuneo
Earlier this year (I forgot I wrote this post, its been sitting in my drafts) Terence Cuneo the philosopher from The University of Vermont, best known for his work in metaethics and early modern philosophy, especially the work of Thomas Reid, came in to our Analytic Theology Seminar to give a paper on liturgical theology…..Continue reading “On Religious Worth of Bodily Liturgical Action – Terence Cuneo”
CWoznicki Think Out Loud 