Catholic Calvinism: A Vision for Ministry: Essays in Honour of Ian Hamilton

by Peter Salon (Editor)

Catholic Calvinism may seem like an oxymoron, but this festschrift honoring Ian Hamilton demonstrates how Reformed orthodoxy and an ecumenical spirit can coexist. The book explores how Reformed theology can maintain theological conviction while embracing a generous spirit toward other Christians.

The volume is divided into three sections: 'Orientation to Catholic Calvinism,' which defines the concept; 'Catholic Calvinist Convictions Lived Out,' which examines its practical application in areas like preaching, baptism, and the Lord's Supper; and 'Historic Role Models,' which identifies historical figures who exemplified these principles, including Augustine, Calvin, and John Owen.

Contributors include prominent theologians like Sinclair Ferguson, John MacArthur, and Joel Beeke. The essays engage with topics such as ministerial training, church unity amid theological differences, and the proper understanding of sacraments.

Throughout the book, the authors affirm that true Calvinism should be characterized by both doctrinal fidelity and an irenic spirit that recognizes fellow believers across denominational lines. The work presents Ian Hamilton as exemplifying this approach—someone who maintains strong Reformed convictions while exhibiting genuine love for all who belong to Christ's universal church.

264 pages, Paperback

Published May 13, 2025

Reviews

[Ben Hegan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I devoured this book in six days. I knew it was coming out as I'd heard about it via social media so was delighted to get my hands on it. Sometimes multi-author books don't have much coherence but this one does. It holds together very well indeed. Each author takes up a different aspect of catholic calvinism and explains it from Scripture chiefly, supported by Church History and the confessions of the Reformed faith. Most authors mention Ian Hamilton, but a few don't, which to me is strange given that it's a book of essays in honour of Ian. The only chapter that raises questions in my head is the last one but that's for personal reasons that I won't go into here. The book really encouraged me to embody the catholic calvinism of Ian Hamilton in my day to day walk with the Lord. I read it so quickly because it's a fairly easy read but also because it's well written. I only wish it was hardback. Very highly recommended!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful collection of essays in honor of Ian Hamilton’s 75th birthday. The early essays describe his life and influence. He is a man who somehow combines a passionate love of orthodoxy and the Reformed confessional standards, yet also has a passion for ‘catholicity’, building relationships with believers in other traditions. While all of the essays were well-done, a few were outstanding. Chad VanDixhoorn, as always, did a great job showing how confessionalism can be combined with a genuine catholicity. Robert Godfrey on John Calvin was eye-opening as well. But my two favorites without a doubt were, first, Joel Beeke’s tremendous chapter, ‘Cultivating Catholic Calvinism through Religious Affections. This is one of two that I wish would be published separately, since festschrifts are usually not widely read (although this one deserves to be). Beeke’s chapter should be required reading for all of us, especially my particular tribe of sometimes ornery Presbyterians! And perhaps the best essay of all followed Beeke’s, Jonathan Gibson’s ‘The Weight of the Paradigm: Infant Baptism and the Covenant of Grace’. Even if you are a credo-baptist, Gibson’s article is worth reading and pondering. Even as a convictional paedo-baptist, some of Gibson’s arguments were new to me, and all were very convincing (Yes, I know, preaching to the choir, but seriously read it!). I was glad that it is apparently part of a yet to be released book by Gibson on this topic, and I can’t wait to see it covered in even greater depth! All in all, this is a volume worth reading if you are a pastor, interested in theology, or simply wondering if Calvinists can ever learn to play well with others. Check it out, it’s wroth the money, time and effort!