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A Hopeless Hodge-Podge of Theology?: The Retrieval of “Classical Theism” and the Curious Case of Charles Hodge Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-12-18 Thomas H. McCall
Contemporary systematic theology is engaged in the ‘retrieval’ of insights from the Christian tradition. Accordingly, many theologians in the broadly Reformed tradition are seeking to recover, reclaim, and defend what they refer to as ‘classical theism’ as a stark alternative to what is sometimes referred to as ‘theistic personalism’ (and the ‘Social Trinitarianism’ that is said to accompany it). While
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Idealism and Edwards the Preacher Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-12-18 Ricky F. Njoto
Jonathan Edwards’s idealism did not seem to leave any place for material things or acts beyond mere ideas and perceptions. So, why was he so serious and faithful in his role as a preacher if the act of preaching in the material world did not have any existence beyond perception? This essay suggests that the preaching of the Word had a significant place in Edwards’s idealism because of his reconception
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Prelapsarian Christological Mediation and the Typology of Adam and Eve in Jerome Zanchi’s De Operibus Dei Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-12-18 Andrew M. Leslie
This article examines the typological patterns that distinguish Jerome Zanchi’s exposition of human creation in his De Operibus Dei intra spatium sex dierum creatis (1591). It argues that Zanchi’s distinctive application of the principle that Christ is the “scope” and “substance” of scripture to the exegesis of the relevant texts in Genesis 1–2 is tied to a conviction that Christ’s mediatorial headship
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The Relationship between Theological Prolegomena and Imago Dei: A Reformed Analysis of Evangelical Systematic Theology Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-12-18 Zachary W. Seals
If the content of theology should align with the method of doing theology, then carefully ensuring consistency between prolegomena and the content of dogmatics is essential for the theological task. Yet for many evangelical theologians, scarcity of prolegomenal considerations has led to systemic problems. Here I investigate how the doctrine of the image of God impinges upon our understanding of the
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Synchronic Contingency: A Useful Concept for Reformed Theology Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-12-18 Pieter L. Rouwendal
Since the concept of synchronic contingency has received attention in historical theology in recent decades, I want to argue in this article that the concept has value for systematic theology as well. I explore the broader consistency of the concept with Reformed theology by relating it to a number of Reformed doctrines, and I check its consistency with Reformed theology by discussing the relevant
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T.F. Torrance’s Theology of Mission and Analytic Theology’s Contribution to Missiology Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-12-18 Christopher Woznicki
This article demonstrates analytic theology’s contribution to missiology by turning to T.F. Torrance’s theology of mission as a test case. Upon examining Torrance’s missiological contribution, it becomes apparent that his notion of the end of mission—the personalization of humanity—is conceptually fuzzy. I demonstrate how analytic theology can clarify, and further develop, this aspect of Torrance’s
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Ending Extinction Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-07-14 Eva van Urk-Coster
Given that today’s mass extinction of species is driven by human activity, it matters profoundly how the place and role of humans vis-à-vis the earth’s biodiversity is construed. In this regard, Anglican theologian Christopher Southgate argues that the idea of being created in God’s image (imago Dei) results in an eschatological calling to counter both anthropogenic and natural extinction as co-redeemers
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Reversing the Rain of Death That Threatens Us All Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-07-14 David P. Gushee, Alexander John Paul Lutz
This essay considers the Christian ethical meanings of species loss. We begin with a description of the Dutch colonization of Mauritius, which entailed grave and irreversible species losses that foreshadowed current global realities. Revisiting the Gaia hypothesis, we argue that the whole of creation, including humanity, is interconnected and interdependent, and that it is disastrous when humans ignore
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Saving Animals? Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-07-14 Nadia Marais
‘Saving’ language is often employed in relation to animals—both in conservation campaigns and in animal theology—and therefore the question as to how we speak about animal redemption is arguably of both rhetorical and theological importance. This article considers the rhetorical and hermeneutical dynamics of ‘redemption talk’ in the work of two animal theologians, Andrew Linzey and David Clough. Although
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Some Eschatological Perspectives on the Loss of Biodiversity and Extinction Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-07-14 Ernst M. Conradie
This article explores the loss of biodiversity and species extinction from the perspective of Christian eschatology and, more specifically, the hope for eternal life. A thought experiment on the coexistence of various hominid and hominin species is entertained in order to gain some clarity on the nature of the problems posed by extinction. The question is then raised whether any of the traditional
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The Fundamental Word of Christ’s Eschatological Proclamation Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-06-15 Declan Kelly
Whether understood as an expression of the inner attitude or disposition of the Christian, as a description of the kingdom’s inhabitants, or as a Christianizing of virtue theory, the beatitudes have generally been read within the framework of Christian ethics. This is as true of the Protestant tradition as it is of others. This essay considers a notable exception to that general approach: the account
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Idolatry and Mystery Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-06-15 Sara Mannen
This article contrasts the accounts of mystery used to combat idolatry found in the theology of Karl Barth and in contemporary apophatic theology. It describes Barth’s account of mystery as distinctly Protestant in its soteriological nature and basis in contrast to recent apophatic accounts of mystery based on the doctrine of creatio ex nihilo. These divergent theologies of mystery—as either light
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John Calvin Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-06-15 Iain McGee
This article provides an overview and critique of John Calvin’s understanding of non-Christian philosophy and religions. I suggest Calvin’s thinking differed in three significant ways from early and medieval church belief. First, he gave a far less prominent place to the role of the demonic in religions. Second, Calvin rejected both traditional and Renaissance versions of the prisca theologia. Finally
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Not a Bare Permission Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2023-06-15 Sean Luke
How does God ordain creaturely evil while preserving their freedom? In this article, I compare Calvin’s views on God’s relationship to evil with those of the English Reformed. I survey Calvin’s views from his commentaries and the Institutes, arguing that they share several salient features with the views of the English Reformed. However, I also note that the English Reformed more readily use the language
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K.H. Miskotte and the Dutch Reformed Churches during the Occupation of The Netherlands Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-12-26 Niels den Hertog
This article is about the Dutch theologian K.H. Miskotte and his theologically based resistance against the Nazi occupation regime (1940–1945). The leadership in Dutch churches chose a cautious and often unprincipled approach to dealing with the occupier. Miskotte, along with some others, pointed to a different way. He wanted a better resistance, founded in the Bible. He read the Bible as the testimony
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K.H. Miskotte’s Efforts toward a Renewed Relationship with Judaism Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-12-26 Rinse H. Reeling Brouwer
K.H. Miskotte’s dissertation on The Essence of Judaism (1932) at once involved constructing a phenomenological Wesensschau, preparation for Jewish-Christian encounter, and engagements in intra-Protestant disputes. Around the Second World War, Miskotte’s writings simultaneously showed unconditional solidarity with the persecuted Jewish people and warned against Jewish influences on Protestantism. At
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Kornelis H. Miskotte’s Biblical ABC s Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-12-26 Philip G. Ziegler
Kornelis H. Miskotte's theology generally, and his Biblical ABC s—an important wartime work newly translated into English—in particular represent a welcome provocation to contemporary Christian theology. This essay assesses the key theological claims at the heart of the work, reflects critically upon their meaning and significance, and then draws them into converation with a number of current trends
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The Name as ‘Anti-pagan’ Monument Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-12-26 Mirjam Elbers
K.H. Miskotte’s Bijbels ABC, recently translated into English as Biblical ABC s, resources resistance by carefully reading the Hebrew scriptures. This article argues that the central, defining theme of the book is the focus on the Name YHWH as ‘anti-pagan monument par excellence.’ Paganism for Miskotte does not mean the absence of religion nor a particular, polytheistic religion or worldview, but the
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Biblical Exegesis and Systematic Theology Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-07-20 Arnold Huijgen, Koert van Bekkum, Hans Burger
Notwithstanding the legitimate distinction between biblical studies and systematic theology, these disciplines can and should benefit from each other. On the one hand, biblical studies deals with texts that make claims about God that are read primarily in a liturgical context by people with a faith commitment. Accordingly, while the distantiation of an academic approach is helpful, a systematic theological
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Guilt Concepts in Reformed Doctrines on Original Sin Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-07-20 Nico Vorster
This research aims to identify the guilt concepts used in Reformed doctrines on the origin and transmission of sin and to evaluate them in light of the criteria of biblical authenticity, rational plausibility, fairgrounds of culpability, and the principle of causing non-harm. The results show that the Reformed tradition predominantly employs the notions of original guilt, inherited guilt, collective
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“My Holy Mountain” Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-07-20 Raymond R. Hausoul
In recent years there has been an increased focus within the field of eschatology on a future peace for all creatures. This article examines how the geographical designation “my holy mountain” in Isaiah 11 and 65 may influence these speculations. It discusses recent propositions for an eschatological peace among animals and develops a proposal from the geographical designation in which it demonstrates
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A Reformed Engagement with Bulgakov’s Doctrine of Wisdom Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-07-20 Kyle McCracken
This article engages Sergei Bulgakov’s doctrine of divine wisdom with key reference to the work Sophia the Wisdom of God. It is proposed that Bulgakov viewed the life of the Orthodox Church as a form of living wisely within the world. Following a general overview of his doctrine of Sophia, it is shown that Bulgakov viewed Mariology and Eucharist as key indicators of the life of wisdom within the world
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Barth’s Ontology of Sin and Grace: Variations on a Theme of Augustine, by Shao Kai Tseng Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Thomas Haviland-Pabst
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Contemplating God with the Great Tradition: Recovering Trinitarian Classical Theism, by Craig A. Carter Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Thomas Haviland-Pabst
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T&T Clark Companion to the Doctrine of Sin, by Keith L. Johnson and David Lauber, eds. Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Amy Plantinga Pauw
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John Davenant’s Hypothetical Universalism: A Defense of Catholic and Reformed Orthodoxy, by Michael J. Lynch Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Thomas Haviland-Pabst
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Common Grace: God’s Gifts for a Fallen World, by Abraham Kuyper Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Bruce R. Pass
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A Companion to the Theology of John Webster, by Michael Allen and R. David Nelson, editors Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Rebekah Earnshaw
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T.F. Torrance as Missional Theologian: The Ascended Christ and the Ministry of the Church, by Joseph H. Sherrard Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Forrest H. Buckner
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Von der Freiheit eines Christenmenschen—On the Freedom of a Christian, by Martin Luther Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Roger Revell
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The Covenant of Works: The Origins, Development, and Reception of the Doctrine, by J.V. Fesko Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Phillip Hussey
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Longing for the Good Life: Virtue Ethics after Protestantism, by Pieter Vos Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Jan Martijn Abrahamse
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Colin Gunton and John Calvin on the Via Negativa and Theological Projection Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Alden C. McCray
This article contrasts two approaches to the via negativa in the work of Colin Gunton and John Calvin. After examining Gunton’s allegation that unbiblical causal and hierarchical commitments within the negative way describe God by projecting the negation of creaturely attributes, it argues that the scriptural exegesis of John Calvin illuminates some of the shortcomings of these critiques. Calvin’s
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Divine Simplicity, God’s Freedom, and the Supposed Problem of Modal Collapse Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Daniel J. Pedersen, Christopher Lilley
Proponents of the modal collapse argument claim that divine simplicity, traditionally conceived, contradicts other Christian commitments about divine freedom and grace by ultimately rendering all God’s acts, including creation and redemption, absolutely necessary. If true, the argument goes, theologians must abandon either God’s simplicity or God’s freedom. The aim of this dilemma is to force the abandonment
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Francis Turretin’s Thomistic Theology of Natural Law Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Toni C. Saad
In contrast to much contemporary Reformed and broader evangelical theology, Francis Turretin, the great Genevan theologian of High Orthodoxy, considers natural law in favorable terms, notably under Topic 11 of his Institutes of Elenctic Theology. This essay offers an exposition of Turretin’s account of natural law and compares it to that of Thomas Aquinas. It is shown that there is substantial agreement
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On the Non-enforceability of the Penal Sanctions in the Mosaic Law Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Michael V. Flowers
Although the “theonomy” debate has largely subsided, it continues to be espoused by a vocal minority because it was never properly addressed. The key issue is not whether the judicial laws are still binding. These laws are grounded in God’s moral character; hence, they are still binding. But since they were enforced by magistrates who worked in conjunction with Levitical priests in the context of a
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The Servant-Queen: Herman Bavinck on the Place of Theology in the University Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Bruce Pass
This article outlines Bavinck’s conceptualization of theology as the servant-queen of the sciences. The potential contribution Bavinck makes to the contemporary debate over the place of theology in the university is considered, paying attention to the historical context in which it was framed, recent objections to any revival of the claim that theology is the queen of the sciences, and a notable lacuna
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“To Tend Directly Toward God”: John Calvin on Humanity’s Telos Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Ryan Reed
The aim of this article is to consider John Calvin’s thinking on humanity’s telos. In it, I argue that Calvin embraces the structure of eudaimonistic anthropology that human life is ordered to an all-encompassing telos, though he significantly modifies the content of this framework in line with his Christian commitments, holding that humanity needs grace to reach its final end and that the final end
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Trauma-Informed Theology or Theologically Informed Trauma?: Traumatic Experiences and Theological Method Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2022-04-08 Alex R. Wendel
In this article I first provide an overview of the ways in which trauma impacts people’s understandings and experiences of God, then survey two works of “trauma-informed theology” to demonstrate how these approaches to theology can lead to diminished views of God and turn theology into anthropology, and, finally, propose an approach to trauma and theology that maintains a theocentric theological method
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Dead-Ends and New Directions: Abraham Kuyper and Contemporary VU Philosophers on the Creation-Evolution Debate Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-12-07 Jean Francesco A.L. Gomes
The aim of this article is to investigate how Abraham Kuyper and some late neo-Calvinists have addressed the doctrine of creation in light of the challenges posed by evolutionary scientific theory. I argue that most neo-Calvinists today, particularly scholars from the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU), continue Kuyper’s legacy by holding the core principles of a creationist worldview. Yet, they have
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Further Reforming a Reformed Theology of Law Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-12-07 David VanDrunen
Early Reformed theology of law was very similar to Thomas Aquinas’s, although it also dissented from aspects of his work. This early Reformed thinking about law came to influential expression in the Marrow of Modern Divinity. The Marrow’s theology of law focused on concerns of Reformed soteriology while continuing to resemble much of Thomas’s scheme. This revised Reformed approach was generally helpful
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Salvation and Victory by Christ’s Death and Resurrection in the Ancient Church Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-12-07 Riemer Roukema
The theme of this article arises from Reformed theology, namely, how did authoritative Christian authors of the second to the fifth centuries AD think about salvation by Christ’s substitutionary and atoning death? How do their views relate to the ‘Christus Victor’ theology that is sometimes propagated nowadays as a more biblical alternative to the traditional Reformed soteriology, and which is considered
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Human Anguish and God’s Power, by David Kelsey Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-12-07 Michael Allen
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The Emergence of Sin: The Cosmic Tyrant in Romans, by Matthew Croasmun Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-12-07 Euan Alexander Grant
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The Holy Spirit and Christian Experience, by Simeon Zahl Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-12-07 Fellipe do Vale
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God, Freedom, and the Body of Christ: Toward a Theology of the Church, by Alexander J.D. Irving Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-12-07 Barry Ensign-George
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Karl Barth: A Life in Conflict, by Christiane Tietz Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-12-07 Ximian Xu
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Worshiping with the Reformers, by Karin Maag Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-12-07 Gregory Soderberg
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The Law and the Prophets: A Study in Old Testament Canon Formation, by Stephen B. Chapman Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-12-07 Rory J. Balfour
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Appropriate Divine Laughter: Psalm 2’s Theological Gesture for a Comic Theology Proper Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-10-08 Jan Martijn Abrahamse
This article is concerned with the theological implications of God’s laughter as pictured in Psalm 2:4 in view of sketching a basic comic theology proper. Since laughter is conceived by some as an overwhelming human emotion, divine laughter can be problematic. To make its case for a comic theology proper, the biblical scholarship with regard to Psalm 2 is first explored in order to establish the psalm’s
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Barth’s Call for a ‘Biblical Attitude’ and Miskotte’s ‘Alphabetization’ of Theology Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-10-08 Friedrich-Wilhelm Marquardt
This article is an English translation of an essay originally published in the journal Zeitschrift für dialektische Theologie in 1989. In it, Friedrich-Wilhelm Marquardt revisits Karl Barth’s proposal in § 23 of Church Dogmatics that ‘biblical attitude’ is the first among several norms for Christian dogmatics. The article compares Barth’s emphasis on the ‘biblical formfulness’ of theology with the
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The Lord’s Supper and the Resurrection of the Body: Irenaeus between Calvin and Heshusius Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-10-08 Ton van Eijk
The starting point of this article is a text of Irenaeus in defense of the resurrection of the body against the Gnostics. In the very different context of the zweiter Abendmahlsstreit in the 16th century this text was part of a dossier of Patristic texts that was used by both parties, Lutheran and Reformed. One of the issues was whether the body of Christ was eaten by the mouth or by faith. It will
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What Does Calvin’s Engagement with Acts Teach Us about God’s Providence? Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-10-08 Christopher R.J. Holmes
Calvin’s commentarial engagement with Acts makes an important contribution to understanding providence. This is, I argue, the case with respect to the important distinction between divine determination and divine permission. In this article, I unfold how the language of divine determination refers to what is true of God in a substantial sense. God’s determination reflects what God is in se. The language
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Barth, Bonhoeffer, and Modern Politics, by Joshua Mauldin Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-10-08 Ximian Xu
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Emder Synode 1571. Wesen und Wirkungen eines Grundtextes der Moderne, by Matthias Freudenberg and Aleida Siller, eds. Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-10-08 Jan van de Kamp
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The Meaning of Protestant Theology: Luther, Augustine, and the Gospel That Gives Us Christ, by Phillip Cary Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-10-08 Lee C. Barrett
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Schleiermacher’s Theology of Sin and Nature: Agency, Value, and Modern Theology, by Daniel J. Pedersen Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-10-08 Joseph Lim
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T&T Clark Handbook of Theological Anthropology, by Mary Ann Hinsdale and Stephen Okey, eds. Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-10-08 Ximian Xu
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An Encounter with God: Hearing the Divine in Hebrews 3:7–11 Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-05-28 David Seal
Scholars acknowledge that most ancient people experienced the written text of Hebrews by hearing it read out loud. Several studies also recognize the book’s emphasis on divine speech. However, research has not examined how the occurrences of divine speech in Hebrews would have been spoken by the person reading the text once it arrived at its intended destination or how the speech would have been perceived
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Justification in the Heidelberg Catechism: The Latency of the Active Obedience of Christ Journal of Reformed Theology Pub Date : 2021-05-28 Sungkyu Joo
This essay demonstrates that the reference, in Q 60 of the Heidelberg Catechism, to Christ’s satisfaction, righteousness, and holiness does not embrace Beza’s twofold imputation but the Reformers’ repetitive concept of imputation that implies Christ’s subjection to the law of creation and the twofold eternal life, so that the Catechism implicitly teaches the Imputation of the Active Obedience of Christ