The Voice of Our Fathers

by Homer C. Hoeksema

The Voice of Our Fathers, written by seminary professor Homer C. Hoeksema, is the most thorough commentary in English on the Canons of Dordrecht (Dordt), formulated in 1619, which became a crucial creedal document for Reformed churches in the Netherlands and elsewhere. The author provides a valuable historical introduction to the "Great Synod," which convened from November 1618 through May 1619 in the Dutch city of Dordrecht to deal with teachings being spread by the Remonstrants (followers of Arminius). Professor Hoeksema explains why the Canons of Dordt were adopted and became an important creed of the Reformed churches. In his commentary, he carefully examines the statements of the Canons paragraph by paragraph, explaining the theology and showing how admirably the sovereignty of God in salvation was defended against its attackers. Important appendix material gives the history of the Synod published by the States General of the Netherlands, demonstrating the unscrupulous, deceptive behavior of the Arminian party and giving a most interesting account of how the Arminians tried to counter the five main subjects covered in the Canons that came to be known as the Five Points of Calvanism, or the "doctrines of grace."

Genres: Theology

861 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

Reviews

[Michael Toleno · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book says that it is the first English-language exposition of the Canons of Dordrecht (alternatively Dort or Dordt). The opening sections provide a history of the situation in the Netherlands in the early 17th century, explaining how the Canons came to be and the critical role that they played. This is an excellent point-by-point exposition of the Canons. One might think that this would make for very dry material; on the contrary, every chapter reads like a rich devotional. That’s what good theology does: It expounds God’s truth accurately and leads one to joyous fellowship with God through Christ. Thanks be to God for raising up men and women who endured these difficult times and left us with a legacy of a clear understanding of His word!

[The cover is different from the one that I own, even though the ISBN matches.]