Westminster Larger Catechism: A Commentary

by Johannes Geerhardus Vos

J. G. Vos wrote a series of studies of the Larger Catechism that never circulated widely. G. I. Williamson has edited Vos’s commentary, and P&R is publishing it in book form for the first time.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Nonfiction, Christianity, Reference

Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2002

Reviews

[Tim Sanduleac · Rating 5 out of 5]

600 pages of Reformed theology, expositing one of the best systematic expressions of it. Very good, as expected.

[Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent commentary on the sadly neglected Larger Catechism of the Westminster Assembly, which is itself a theological goldmine. J. G. Vos had a great gift of explaining complex issues simply and clearly. The practical applications in the exposition of the Ten Commandments are also very useful for understanding the duties that we owe to God and the sins that we must avoid. While the author waters down the establishment principle a little and errs in describing written prayers as unbiblical (though making a solid defence of saying the Lord's Prayer), these are relatively minor complaints. It is a book that everyone would do well to read, mark, learn, and inwardly digest.

[Lance Kinzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ll begin by noting that Vos’ commentary, while generally helpful, is uneven. That said, his work helped me to fulfill a longtime goal of working through all of the Larger Catechism proof texts. The LC itself has been my invaluable spiritual companion for decades, and perhaps the best thing I can say about Vos’ work is that upon completing it what I really want to do is spend even more time in the LC.

[Morgana Mendonça dos Santos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Foram oito anos e duas leituras dessa obra, finalizo com grande gratidão a Deus. Ensinei o CMW comentado por Johannes Geerhardus Vos, todas as perguntas e respostas e todos os versículos lidos, durante oito anos para o PMC. Foi num discipulado estudando esse livro com um pequeno grupo e foi incrível. Recomendo com entusiasmo nas EBDs, nos cultos de doutrina. Todo pastor, teólogo, missionário, todo cristão comprometido com as Escrituras devem ler atenciosamente.

[John Yelverton · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've ever wondered that Christians believe, this is the book to read.

[Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms · Rating 5 out of 5]

P&R Publishing sent me a copy of "The Westminster Larger Catechism: A Commentary" by Johannes G. Vos in exchange for an honest review.

The Larger Catechism is perhaps the most neglected document of the Westminster Standards. Those who neglect it neglect a robust expression of Reformed theology, piety, and practice. Vos, a now-deceased minister and professor in the Reformed Presbyterian Church of North America, wrote a commentary over several installments in the Blue Banner Faith and Life magazine. This book is a collection of those commentary articles into one volume, and the end product is an essential piece of every Presbyterian's library.

The format is very straightforward. Vos takes things one question at a time. He gives the full question and answer along with the Scripture references. The commentary itself is formatted according to questions and answers. Vos masterfully draws out the further questions raised by the catechism. He then gives thoroughly biblical answers to these further questions. It's a really straightforward and accessible way to unpack the catechism. Special props must be given to the late G. I. Williamson, who edited this collection of Vos's essays. I highly recommend this book. It's a phenomenal publication, well worth the purchase.

[David Goetz · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid resource on the Larger Catechism (basically one of two available and the only one currently in print). Vos was a clear writer, obviously a gifted teacher, and a capable theologian. This would be a valuable resource for any office-holder in a Presbyterian church to own and consult often.

[Leonan Féres · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sistematizado em formas de perguntas e respostas, comentado por um proeminente teólogo reformado, não preciso dizer mais nada! Simplesmente fantástico!

[gabi · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read some for school.

[Jacob McCoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. The WLC is already so rich and JG Vos delves deep into the nuance and makes it very practical.

[Bruce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very long read, but very enjoyable. It takes many of the common Christian beliefs and breaks them down in digestible pieces. For example, each one of the Ten Commandments are dealt with individually and over several pages. I also enjoyed how common questions were asked and answered for each of the topics. This is also loaded with Bible references to support the conclusions. It should be on the shelf of every Christian and is a valuable reference tool.

[Eric Molicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peerless and invaluable.

[Jason Rivera]

A+