Presbytopia: What it means to be Presbyterian

by Ken Golden

When people visit churches, they come with questions. What do you believe about the Bible? How are you different from the church down the street? Why should I become a member of a Presbyterian Church? These are important questions, and questions that sometimes presbyterians don't even know the answer to! Ken Golden considers the distinctives of being a presbyterian, the basis for making a profession of faith and the role of the church as a means of grace.

Genres: Theology, Christian

110 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 20, 2016

Reviews

[Ross H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction to "What it means to be Presbyterian," covering the basics of the Gospel and Reformed / Presbyterian distinctives. Clear, concise, and well written; perfect as a New Members' curriculum or a supplement to it. We will be giving this book to many, many people over the coming years.

[Seth]

An easy, simple summary of Presbyterian doctrine and practice. Though I do not agree with many of the points I benefited from the simple explanation.

[Jo · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very helpful and I know that Ken had done a tremendous job by making it very concise and solid but I was initially hoping it will be a bit thorough especially on church government and sacraments. And yes that’s because what I have been wanting to learn more from the perspective and pedagogies of reformed faith.

[Ethan McCarter · Rating 3 out of 5]

A great primer for new members to a Reformed and Presbyterian church, for children, and introductory matters to the Reformed faith. The book is split into three sections: basic Christian beliefs, distinctive Presbyterian beliefs, and the means of grace in church life. My main quibble with the book is there are portions that are unclear and can be taken wrongly. For instance, his brief excerpt on the covenant of works he posits that Adam did not eat of the Tree of Life; most Reformed covenantal theologians hold that Adam did since it was the sacrament of the covenant of works. There's also bits on his doctrine of God that are a bit unhelpful and cloudy; such as a far too brief treatment on the attributes of the Godhead. You can't ask for too much though since it is a short primer and an introduction, though there are some points Golden brings in that make you wonder why he added it in there. For the most part, not a bad book, and great for new members courses!

[Karen Ciavolella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Presbytopia is excellent for what it is, a primer on Presbyterian distinctives and a basic overview of Reformed doctrine. Ken Golden is engaging and logical. Really well done.
I'd recommend it to new believers, covenant kids, those not holding a Reformed theological view, but willing to learn about it. And I will also say it was time well spent for this 51 year old believer 25 years in the faith. Sometimes it helps to be reminded of the basics.

[Brandon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A basic introduction to the essential teachings of the Christian faith from the Reformed/Presbyterian tradition.

Part 1, Christian Essentials, was a succinct but meaty introduction. Parts 2, Reformed Distinctives, and 3, Means of Grace, were overly brief, in my opinion.

Overall, a decent book which seems best suited as a refresher on the very basics of the faith, making it a useful tool for pastors and elders to use for discussion and instruction in church membership classes.

[Mark Vivian · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good church membership curricula

This curricula would be very helpful to anyone leading a chruch membership class. It is organised well, gives solid information with Scriptural and Confessional support. In addition, it provides a glossary of terms for those who might be learning theology and doctrine for the first time.

[Ruben Santa-Cruz · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is short and sweet. It’s great for someone new to the Christian faith as well as informative in Presbyterian polity and the distinctions of the Reformed faith. I don’t agree with his view on communion (e.g. not allowing children at the Lord’s Table). Other than that, the book is very concise and, honestly, we need more books like this.

[Logan Almy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An accessible introduction to biblical Presbyterianism. Great for new members

[Gina Gustavson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent concise read to help clarify the tenets and benefits of the Presbyterian form of government. Loved it!

[Ash Toumayants · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very short and easy start to understanding Presbyterianism. Will likely leave people with more questions than answers, but that's partly the point. An invitation to dig in.

[Ryan Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The most accessible introduction to Presbyterian I’ve read. Would gladly hand this to new believers or those from other Christian traditions interested in Presbyterianism.

[Esther]

Meh.

[Chris Rehers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good intro to introducing Presbyterianism

[Alan Rennê · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bom livro introdutório a respeito do presbiterianismo. Nada extraordinário.

[Eric Huber · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very basic, but good overview of Gospel doctrine and the church.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent little book explaining Presbyterian beliefs.

[Mark Enlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

These 119 pages breakdown the Christian Essentials, Reformed Distinctives, and Means of Grace in concise but thorough way. I highly recommend it as a resource for understanding Presbyterianism.

[Pete Williamson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heard about this through a couple different podcasts (Christ the Center and Mortification of Spin). This is a great resource for a membership class.

[mpsiple · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice introduction to our branch of the church. Explains the distinctives well without being heavy-handed. Recommended for those wondering what historic presbyterianism is all about.