The Marrow Controversy and Seceder Tradition: Atonement, Saving Faith, and the Gospel Offer in Scotland

by William VanDoodewaard

After the Reformation, the Marrow Controversy of the eighteenth century is noted as one of the most significant and defining events in the Scottish church. However, until now, there has not been a serious analysis of the theology of the Marrow Men as it relates to churches in Scotland during the aftermath of the controversy. In this important study, William vanDoodewaard identifies characteristic understandings of Marrow theology on the atonement, saving faith, and the free offer of the gospel and traces them out in the theology of the Seceder tradition. In doing so, he presents substantial evidence for the continuity of Marrow theology in the Associate Presbytery and Associate Synod in Scotland during the eighteenth century. He ably demonstrates that while Marrow theology was not the primary cause of the Secession churches, the Seceders were aware of the significance of Marrow theology and consciously made it an integral part of their churches. Table of
Part 1: Views of the Gospel and Its The Era of the Marrow Controversy
1. The Marrow of Modern Divinity and the Marrow Controversy
2. Views of the Gospel and Its Supporters of The Marrow
3. Views of the Gospel and Its Supporters of The Marrow
4. Conclusions on the Doctrines of the Atonement, Saving Faith, and the Gospel Offer during the Marrow Controversy
Part 2: Views of the Gospel and Its Proclamation in the Associate Presbytery (1733-1747) and Associate Synod (1747-1799) Secession Churches in Scotland
5. A Historical Introduction to the Secession Churches
6. Historiographical Evidences for the Continuity of Marrow Theology
7. Theological Evidences for the Continuity of Marrow Theology in the Associate Presbytery (1733-1747)
8. The Associate Presbytery, George Whitefield, and the Cambuslang Revival
9. Theological Evidences for the Continuity of Marrow Theology in the Associate John Swanston to John Fraser (1748-1770)
10. Theological Evidences for the Continuity of Marrow Theology in the Associate George Lawson to Henry Belfrage (1771-1799)
11. Departures from Marrow Theology and the Growth of Latitudinarianism in the Associate Synod
12. Conclusions on the Continuity of Marrow Theology in the Associate Presbytery and Associate Synod Secession Churches in Scotland to 1799

Genres: History, Church History, Theology

327 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2011

About the author

married to Rebecca VanDoodewaard

Reviews

[Zach Byrd · Rating 4 out of 5]

I hopped around this book for a paper and found it very thorough and engaging. This book and the historical episode it details should impress upon pastors that what might seem to be minor theological distinctions can have dramatic effects in the life of the church and her individual congregations. Or, to put it simply, the devil is in the details.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book to be very helpful in explaining the Marrow controversy and the Seceder Tradition. My grasp of Scottish church history has been broadened by this book. The author traces well the marrow tradition through the 18th century, however, I do believe he could have left out some material on each minister and still have made hi point adequately.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Marrow controversy arose when a manual of divinity pushed against neonomian and hyper-Calvinist strands within Scottish Presbyterianism. The supporters of this manual, which offered a more sound understanding of saving faith, the atonement and gospel proclamation than some of the abberant tendencies above noted, then formed their own distinct denomination. The author helpfully traces the influence the Marrow manual had on subsequent generations of Associate Presbyterian ministers. Clearly written and a helpful account of positive theological correction in church history.

[G. Mark James · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book that examines if the Marrow theology (free offer of the Gospel, saving faith after regeneration, and definite atonement) of the Secession churches continued to influence the Secession churches for the rest of the 18th century. Short answer is yes as the author demonstrates from primary sources such as sermons and theological writings of Secession ministers. I can see somebody not enjoying this book of they are not interested in the subject matter as it can read a little dry. I was fascinated by it as part of my ARP heritage.

[Mr. Perry]

Great support commentary to go along with "The Whole Christ" that has a bunch of the arguments in more detail from both sides of the controversy. Would recommend if you've read that book and want to dive a bit deeper.