An Unexpected Journey: Discovering Reformed Christianity

by W. Robert Godfrey

W. Robert Godfrey has written this personal story of how he came to Reformed Christianity to show the “value and vitality” of Calvinism in an individual’s life. Godfrey’s journey started when as a teenager he first heard of Calvinism. Sharing his heart and his sense of humor, he describes his first experience with a Reformed congregation, his introduction to God’s inspired Word, and his discovery of biblical worship. “For too many, Calvinism has seemed either an intellectual exercise in theology or an inherited religious commitment,” Godfrey writes. “I believe that Reformed Christianity is the best fullest form of biblical religion. And with that provocative claim, I hope that you will read and reflect on what follows.”

Genres: Theology, Biography, Christianity, Christian

154 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 2004

About the author

Dr. Godfrey has taught church history at Westminster Seminary California since 1981. He taught previously at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Stanford University, and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is the third president of Westminster Seminary California and is a minister in the United Reformed Churches in North America. He has spoken at many conferences including those sponsored by the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, and Ligonier Ministries.

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting and helpful look at Godfrey's discovery of Christianity through the Reformed Church. Since I grew up in an Arminian/non-Reformed Baptist Church, I was hoping that the 'unexpected journey' might be similar to mine; although it was not, his testimony offered helpful insight nonetheless. I did find it interesting that a number of the Reformed beliefs and perspectives are conclusions I have personally come to over the years, particularly this past year, in my own study and meditation of the Word. If nothing else, Godfrey's book helped confirm several areas of interpretation and practice in my own journey into Reformed beliefs.

[Timothy Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhat biographical but mostly a simple guide to reformed theology. I highly recommend reading this

[Reid · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author wrote a biographical story of his life and how he came to be a Reformed Christian faith.

Godfrey talks about hearing of Calvinism growing up in a congregation in California, becoming comfortable with it as he understands it. He now states, "I believe that Reformed Christianity is the best, fullest form of biblical religion..."

The chapters' headings are doctrinal, about
-the Bible
-Disciplines for Christian Living
-Promises of Scripture
-Certainty
-Callings
-Dual Citizenship
-Law and Spirit
-Worship
-Passion

.... to name most of them

[Josh Ens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely brilliant. Godfrey covers the distinctives of reformed theology in autobiographical chapters filled with biblical exposition.

The chapter on Reformed worship was the clearest ~15pg articulation of what happens when we worship. This book would be a fantastic book for a young Christian hearing about reformed theology, or for someone wishing to hear how precious truths have shaped on particular pastor/theologian.

[sam tannehill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a wonderful book that both explicates the Reformation tenet of Sola Scriptura as well as describes the personal development of the Christian faith of the author, Dr. Robert Godfrey, the funniest 17th-18th century church historian whom I have had the benefit of listening preach.

[Dr. Jon Pirtle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Godfrey has a rare beauty: he is profoundly biblical, a leearned historian, a warm Christian brother, and he writes to be understood.

This book, like his others, was winsome, pastoral, and above all, biblical.

Praise God for Bob Godfrey.

[Dr. Jon Pirtle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Discovered this gem from Dr. Godfrey recently. Read it in two sittings, it was that solid. Wonderful. Copy is all underlined for emphasis and agreement now. Super read.

[Becca Catherman · Rating 2 out of 5]

The more I read, the more I felt like the author was putting reformed theology and Calvinism on a pedestal.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book. It is real. Those of us who have journeyed into the Reformed Faith our of the world of evangelicalism can relate to what Dr. Godfrey has written. He beautifully expresses the joy of knowing the Christian faith, that when taught well and from an informed perspective, is life-changing.

It's a quick, simple read. This is not the book to dig into the deep doctrines of the faith. Rather, this book documents the revolutionary experience of discovering Reformed Christianity -- a faith full of substance.

This book is for anyone who is tired of pep-talk Christianity. It's for anyone who is frustrated with the false teachings found in so many "Christian" books -- those who long to take that first step into a sound, intelligent faith. For those of us who have already taken that first step, it's like finally coming home to a family that is connected through a covenantal God.

[Danielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recommend this to anyone wanting to know more about reformed Christianity. I enjoyed reading every chapter and the scripture that went with each one. My faith is deeper and I have a greater understanding than I did before.

[Andrew Canavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great biographical introduction to Reformed Christianity.

[Tim Vander Meulen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent defense of the Reformed faith and Biblical worship!