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John Frame's Selected Shorter Writings, Volume 3
John Frame's Selected Shorter Writings, Volume 3 includes more than thirty short, pointed essays, sermons, and addresses that summarize some of John Frame's central (and sometimes peripheral!) ideas about the nature and method of theology, theological issues, epistemology, apologetics, the church, and ethics. Part 1 includes "Machen's Warrior Children," Frame's insightful treatment of twenty-one intramural battles within the Reformed camp from 1935 to the present. Other essays introduce clarifications of theological concepts, intended to resolve or alleviate conflicts in the church, on topics such as biblical inerrancy, Open Theism, law and gospel, and the roles of grace and law in sanctification. There are also essays about Biblicism, presuppositionalism, apologetics, the regulative principle, and contemporary worship music.
- GenresTheology
392 pages, Paperback
Published March 4, 2016
5 people are currently reading
30 people want to read
About the author
John M. Frame
91 books219 followersFor his education, Frame received degrees from Princeton University (A.B.), Westminster Theological Seminary (B.D.), Yale University (A.M. and M.Phil., though he was working on a doctorate and admits his own failure to complete his dissertation), and Belhaven College (D.D.). He has served on the faculty of Westminster Theological Seminary and was a founding faculty member of their California campus. He currently (as of 2022) teaches Apologetics and The History of Philosophy and Christian thought at Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando, FL.
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 15, 2024
It’s a little difficult to review a book of shorter essays, as some of them are excellent, some are bad, and many are just average. That being said, there’s much to admire in Frame.
His writing style is unique amongst Reformed theologians, being more conversational and personable than anyone I’ve read thus far. This makes this exceedingly academic collection feel more practical and grounded.
Additionally, Frame comes off as humble in his approach to theological inquiry, willing to point out weaknesses in his own writings. And his insistence trying to apply Scripture as authoritative to all of life is the drivetrain of his perceptive and often convicting insights.
In most of the essays in this volume, I found myself thinking, “Guess I never thought of it that way.” While “that way” was not always something I agreed with, I appreciate that I cannot just assume Frame’s perspective on every issue.
Speaking of perspectives, Frame’s “tri-perspectivalism” is possibly the book’s biggest weakness. In most cases, it seems like a. . . framework imposed upon the topic at hand. Most points he makes with the approach would be clearer without using this method.
Frame also, in my view, can be nitpicky in his critiques of other authors and viewpoints. While his willingness to challenge unwarranted presuppositions can provide necessary balance, it leads to digressions that undermine some of his arguments.
The first three essays in this volume on theological method and biblicism are likely the most important in the volume. They explain the how and why of Frame’s other writings, displaying the height of his insightfulness, while revealing some of his more critical tendencies.
If you’re considering reading this volume, I recommend visiting frame-poythress.org and reading “Muller on Theology” and “In Defense of Something Close to Biblicism: Reflections on Sola Scriptura and History in Theological Method.” If you enjoy them, then you’ll enjoy the book. If they make you think, you should read the book.
His writing style is unique amongst Reformed theologians, being more conversational and personable than anyone I’ve read thus far. This makes this exceedingly academic collection feel more practical and grounded.
Additionally, Frame comes off as humble in his approach to theological inquiry, willing to point out weaknesses in his own writings. And his insistence trying to apply Scripture as authoritative to all of life is the drivetrain of his perceptive and often convicting insights.
In most of the essays in this volume, I found myself thinking, “Guess I never thought of it that way.” While “that way” was not always something I agreed with, I appreciate that I cannot just assume Frame’s perspective on every issue.
Speaking of perspectives, Frame’s “tri-perspectivalism” is possibly the book’s biggest weakness. In most cases, it seems like a. . . framework imposed upon the topic at hand. Most points he makes with the approach would be clearer without using this method.
Frame also, in my view, can be nitpicky in his critiques of other authors and viewpoints. While his willingness to challenge unwarranted presuppositions can provide necessary balance, it leads to digressions that undermine some of his arguments.
The first three essays in this volume on theological method and biblicism are likely the most important in the volume. They explain the how and why of Frame’s other writings, displaying the height of his insightfulness, while revealing some of his more critical tendencies.
If you’re considering reading this volume, I recommend visiting frame-poythress.org and reading “Muller on Theology” and “In Defense of Something Close to Biblicism: Reflections on Sola Scriptura and History in Theological Method.” If you enjoy them, then you’ll enjoy the book. If they make you think, you should read the book.
May 18, 2016
This is the third volume of John Frame’s selected shorter writings. Dr. Frame is a Christian systematic theologian, apologist and author who has written extensively on theology, philosophy, Christian epistemology, ethics and worship. His works have impacted a generation of Calvinistic pastors and teachers. This particular book is a collection of various essays, speeches and articles written by John Frame over the years. Most of the chapters haven’t been previously published in book form even though some have appeared in theological journals or his website while the remainder appeared in print for the first time. This book is divided into six sections. The first looks at the nature and method of theology, the second looks at theological issues, then the third looks at epistemology and apologetics, while the fourth focuses on the church, the fifth on ethics and the last part are generally sermons and addresses. Like the previous two volumes I enjoyed reading this book as a theological devotional daily each morning. It helps me start thinking theologically as I start the day which warms me up to study other areas of theology or sermon preparation. Whether you are new to John Frame or want to refresh your studies of some of his insights, I do recommend the book. The following are the highlights of what I enjoyed and constructive criticisms I have for the book.
Strength
I have always appreciated John Frame’s emphasis that we need to be biblical and not just traditional or confessional. Frame is genuine in his desire to be biblical and one doesn’t get the sense that he’s just rejecting something traditional for tradition’s sake or to be different. I think those who are theologically immature and are innovative rebels can learn from Frame’s example of how being Biblical can lead us to fresh insight while not going off into the deep end.
As an example of this spirit of being committed to the Scriptures I think Frame does the church a service with his evaluation of the regulative principle in which he points out some that some of the things in the Reformed idea of the Regulative Principles do not have exegetical support. This is especially true with the concepts and categories of elements, forms and circumstances.
I have grown to appreciate John Frame’s reviews of other books as it has helped me to think critically of how to read theological books from his example. I appreciated the opening chapter that looked at Muller’s concept of theology. I also appreciated his review of a book on medical ethics in chapter twenty seven.
This volume also contains some of Frame’s better known articles such as “In Defense of Something Close to Biblicalism” and “Machen’s Warrior Children.” I think those essays are known by others even if they haven’t gotten the chance to read book length works by Frame.
I also appreciated this volume’s more practical discussions of worship and exhortation to pastors and teachers in part six of the book. I was immensely edified with Frame’s discussion about what the ministry entailed. As a pastor it was a good personal heart check.
Weakness
I think the chapter I have the hardest time with is chapter nine on “What Seminaries Can Do Without.” While acknowledging that seminaries shouldn’t do away with biblical languages nevertheless Frame thinks seminaries today can do with less courses on Hebrew and Greek studies. He complains about how graduates from seminary can end up having an arrogant attitude which I agree but I must add that it doesn’t necessarily follow that less language classes would help with this attitude in of itself. I would even say that more biblical languages would humble graduates with how little they know! Frame also argued that seminaries typically did not equip them enough to deal with scholarly issues; but I would say that’s more of a reason to have more original language classes rather than having less! Having less would be counter-productive. In my own opinion the biggest thing I got out of my seminary education is the skill to study Scripture in the original languages.
In the chapter on Moral Heroism Frame discusses about acts that God approved that wouldn’t have been considered sinful if they chose not to do it. He gave one such an example being the widow who have given her two coins in Mark 12:44. I don’t think this would be using the passage in a way that is faithful to what’s going on in the text. Jesus never commends this widow but in the context I think here Jesus is revealing that the woman giving her all is an example of how the Jewish religious leaders of the day devoured widows mentioned in Mark 12:40.
These criticisms overall are minor and what is beneficial in the book far outweighs its weaknesses. Please pick up a copy of John Frame’s Selected Shorter Writings, Volume 3 today.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by P&R Publishing and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Strength
I have always appreciated John Frame’s emphasis that we need to be biblical and not just traditional or confessional. Frame is genuine in his desire to be biblical and one doesn’t get the sense that he’s just rejecting something traditional for tradition’s sake or to be different. I think those who are theologically immature and are innovative rebels can learn from Frame’s example of how being Biblical can lead us to fresh insight while not going off into the deep end.
As an example of this spirit of being committed to the Scriptures I think Frame does the church a service with his evaluation of the regulative principle in which he points out some that some of the things in the Reformed idea of the Regulative Principles do not have exegetical support. This is especially true with the concepts and categories of elements, forms and circumstances.
I have grown to appreciate John Frame’s reviews of other books as it has helped me to think critically of how to read theological books from his example. I appreciated the opening chapter that looked at Muller’s concept of theology. I also appreciated his review of a book on medical ethics in chapter twenty seven.
This volume also contains some of Frame’s better known articles such as “In Defense of Something Close to Biblicalism” and “Machen’s Warrior Children.” I think those essays are known by others even if they haven’t gotten the chance to read book length works by Frame.
I also appreciated this volume’s more practical discussions of worship and exhortation to pastors and teachers in part six of the book. I was immensely edified with Frame’s discussion about what the ministry entailed. As a pastor it was a good personal heart check.
Weakness
I think the chapter I have the hardest time with is chapter nine on “What Seminaries Can Do Without.” While acknowledging that seminaries shouldn’t do away with biblical languages nevertheless Frame thinks seminaries today can do with less courses on Hebrew and Greek studies. He complains about how graduates from seminary can end up having an arrogant attitude which I agree but I must add that it doesn’t necessarily follow that less language classes would help with this attitude in of itself. I would even say that more biblical languages would humble graduates with how little they know! Frame also argued that seminaries typically did not equip them enough to deal with scholarly issues; but I would say that’s more of a reason to have more original language classes rather than having less! Having less would be counter-productive. In my own opinion the biggest thing I got out of my seminary education is the skill to study Scripture in the original languages.
In the chapter on Moral Heroism Frame discusses about acts that God approved that wouldn’t have been considered sinful if they chose not to do it. He gave one such an example being the widow who have given her two coins in Mark 12:44. I don’t think this would be using the passage in a way that is faithful to what’s going on in the text. Jesus never commends this widow but in the context I think here Jesus is revealing that the woman giving her all is an example of how the Jewish religious leaders of the day devoured widows mentioned in Mark 12:40.
These criticisms overall are minor and what is beneficial in the book far outweighs its weaknesses. Please pick up a copy of John Frame’s Selected Shorter Writings, Volume 3 today.
NOTE: This book was provided to me free by P&R Publishing and Net Galley without any obligation for a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
July 2, 2023
This third volume was probably my favorite of the three released so far. Of proper recognition are the essays such as "Machen's Warrior Children" in which Frame chronicles the theological disputes that the Princetonians fought over in the early stages of Westminster Seminary. "A Fresh Look at The Regulative Principle" addresses the common issues that one has in implementing the principle and what the benefits are in conforming closer to the regulative position instead of the normative position. "In Defense of Something Close to Biblicism" we get to see Frame take on the great Richard Muller in a pretty scathing book review.
There are a handful of other small articles and larger essays, but these three stood out above the rest.
There are a handful of other small articles and larger essays, but these three stood out above the rest.
March 25, 2020
There's going to be Vol. 4, right..? I hope so!
Incredibly insightful, highly didactic yet humble at the same time, and biblical through and through. I am not sure what I'm gonna be when I grow up, but this volume proved again that Prof John Frame is a role model in Christ.
Incredibly insightful, highly didactic yet humble at the same time, and biblical through and through. I am not sure what I'm gonna be when I grow up, but this volume proved again that Prof John Frame is a role model in Christ.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews