Boast Not Against the Branches: The Reformed Tradition and the Jews

by Douglas Wilson

Too many Reformed folk are ignorant of the prominent place afforded to the future of the Jews in their own history and confessions.” —Steve Schlissel

This little book seeks to remedy that ignorance.

Today, affection for the Jewish people based on Romans 11 is thought to be an error rooted in the Post-war Consensus or Dispensationalism.

But in this book Doug Wilson has assembled quotes from countless Reformed teachers, many untethered from the 20th century and its Left Behind series, each writing about what they believe the Bible really teaches about Romans 11.

We must reject the mistakes made in 20th century theology. But we must not throw out our heritage as we do so.

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction

Unknown Binding

Published July 1, 2025

About the author

I write in order to make the little voices in my head go away. Thus far it hasn't worked.

Reviews

[Michael Cranford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick but helpful refresher on the classic reformed position on the future of the Jewish people. The book’s focus is on Romans 11 and whether we adopt a preterist or futurist reading of the text. The long list of quotations from various reformers, puritans, and theologians is quite helpful.

Teaser quote: “Now this means that it is not possible to be in sync with the purposes of God in this world without loving the Jewish people….At the same time, loving the Jews as God does, for the sake of their fathers, is not the same thing as approving of what the Jews do, or agreeing with Zionism…”

[Dennis Wales · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are at all interested in what the Reformed Church believes about the future of the Jews, then please read this book. They are not “replaced” nor discarded, but rather they still are important in God’s plan.

[Steve Cross · Rating 5 out of 5]

More Christians should read this

Douglas Wilson has the proper view of the Jews. I appreciate his insight, and have shared these with many.
This is a quick read, and all should jump into it.

[Nancy Kendall]

(no audio, Kindle-owned)

[Mark Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Feels important for the time - a robust demonstration that the futurist approach to the redemption of the Jews is not an invention of the 60s.

[Thomas Kidd · Rating 4 out of 5]

Capably serves Wilson's purpose of demonstrating that the Futurist reading of Romans 11 has a historic pedigree among Reformed theologians.