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Conciliatory or Irenical Animadversions on the Controversies Agitated in Britain Under the Unhappy Names of Antinomians and Neonomians
In English theological circles, the dispute between those labeled antinomians and those considered neonomians began to rage. Unprecedently, the differing parties resolved jointly to invite Herman Witsius to pass judgment on the matter. The work successfully reconciled the disputants for a while, and was described by Rev. John Donaldson as “an unmatched specimen of theological acquirements, of Christian charity, wisdom, and tact.”
382 pages, Hardcover
Published May 26, 2025
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About the author
Herman Witsius
52 books10 followersHermann Witsius (Herman Wits or in Latin Hermannus Witsius) was a Dutch theologian.
Life
He was born at Enkhuizen. He studied at the University of Groningen, Leiden, and Utrecht. He was ordained in the ministry, becoming the pastor of Westwoud in 1656 and afterwards at Wormer, Goes, and Leeuwarden. He became professor of divinity successively at the University of Franeker in 1675 and at the University of Utrecht in 1680. In 1698 he was appointed to the University of Leiden as the successor of the younger Friedrich Spanheim. He died in Leiden.
Views
While in his theology Witsius aimed at a reconciliation between the reigning orthodoxy and Covenant Theology (also known as federalism), he was first of all a Biblical theologian, his principal field being systematic theology. His chief work is entitled The Economy of the Covenants between God and Man (originally published in Latin: De oeconomia foderum Dei cum hominibus, Leeuwarden, 1677). He was induced to publish this work by his grief at the controversies between Voetians and Cocceians. Although himself a member of the federalistic school, he was in no way blind to the value of the scholastically established dogmatic system of the Church. In the end, he did not succeed in pleasing either party.
Life
He was born at Enkhuizen. He studied at the University of Groningen, Leiden, and Utrecht. He was ordained in the ministry, becoming the pastor of Westwoud in 1656 and afterwards at Wormer, Goes, and Leeuwarden. He became professor of divinity successively at the University of Franeker in 1675 and at the University of Utrecht in 1680. In 1698 he was appointed to the University of Leiden as the successor of the younger Friedrich Spanheim. He died in Leiden.
Views
While in his theology Witsius aimed at a reconciliation between the reigning orthodoxy and Covenant Theology (also known as federalism), he was first of all a Biblical theologian, his principal field being systematic theology. His chief work is entitled The Economy of the Covenants between God and Man (originally published in Latin: De oeconomia foderum Dei cum hominibus, Leeuwarden, 1677). He was induced to publish this work by his grief at the controversies between Voetians and Cocceians. Although himself a member of the federalistic school, he was in no way blind to the value of the scholastically established dogmatic system of the Church. In the end, he did not succeed in pleasing either party.
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Displaying 1 of 1 review
July 26, 2025
Berith Press sent me a copy of “Conciliatory or Irenical Animadversions on the Controversies Agitated in Britain: Under the Unhappy Names of Antinomians and Neonomians” by Herman Witsius in exchange for an honest review.
What is the proper role of the Law and good works in the Christian life? This is a question that has always been relevant in the church. It’s easy for Christians to fall into one of the twin errors of neonomianism (a specific kind of legalism) and antinomianism. Both are dangerous and thus warrant careful consideration.
This work by Witsius presents such a consideration. In 17 chapters, he examines Christian doctrine and Christian practice related to this controversy. Everything he writes here is insightful and helpful. Chapters 9-11 and 17 especially stood out to me. On the publisher’s side of things, the presentation of this work is wonderful. The combination of edifying content and pleasing presentation makes for an enjoyable reading experience.
I highly recommend this book. I also recommend checking out Berith Press. It’s a relatively small operation right now, but it’s growing and the people over there do a lot of good work. I look forward to seeing what lies in its future.
What is the proper role of the Law and good works in the Christian life? This is a question that has always been relevant in the church. It’s easy for Christians to fall into one of the twin errors of neonomianism (a specific kind of legalism) and antinomianism. Both are dangerous and thus warrant careful consideration.
This work by Witsius presents such a consideration. In 17 chapters, he examines Christian doctrine and Christian practice related to this controversy. Everything he writes here is insightful and helpful. Chapters 9-11 and 17 especially stood out to me. On the publisher’s side of things, the presentation of this work is wonderful. The combination of edifying content and pleasing presentation makes for an enjoyable reading experience.
I highly recommend this book. I also recommend checking out Berith Press. It’s a relatively small operation right now, but it’s growing and the people over there do a lot of good work. I look forward to seeing what lies in its future.
Displaying 1 of 1 review