I appreciated Perkins’ repeated emphasis that the hard truths of Reformed theology ought to actually highlight God’s grace: “What if the Bible did teach some hard truths that I had found so objectionable? But what if I had made them more objectionable by missing how they put a spotlight on God’s grace?” (12-13). However, there were a handful of topics not touched (or briefly addressed at the very least) that I wish Perkins would have covered. Then again, it’s designed to be a short manual. Perhaps I need to view this as an introduction that would help to foster richer conversations with students and their parents or youth ministry leaders, but I found it lacking in his articulation on a Reformed view of soteriology.
Great small body of text, especially simple introduction to fundamental Christian beliefs. Surprisingly, no particular focus on any confession, just references to basic doctrine. Great study questions!