Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort

by W. Robert Godfrey

There has been renewed interest in the five points of Calvinism among many Christians today. But these doctrines are not a product of the twenty-first century. So where did they come from, and why are they so important? Dr. W. Robert Godfrey takes us back to 1618-19 when the Canons of Dort were written in response to a mounting theological assault on Reformed Christianity. Now, for its four-hundredth anniversary, he offers a new translation and pastoral commentary on the canons, equipping the next generation with these God-glorifying truths.

Genres: Theology, Church History, History, Christian, Christianity, Nonfiction, Religion

265 pages, Hardcover

Published January 24, 2019

About the author

Dr. Godfrey has taught church history at Westminster Seminary California since 1981. He taught previously at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, Stanford University, and Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia. He is the third president of Westminster Seminary California and is a minister in the United Reformed Churches in North America. He has spoken at many conferences including those sponsored by the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization, the Philadelphia Conference on Reformed Theology, and Ligonier Ministries.

Reviews

[John Boyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Canons of Dort is one of the most important confessional documents in the Reformed faith. In celebration of the 400 anniversary of the Synod that produced the canons, Robert Godfrey provides a well written deep theological analysis of the details of the canons and the importance of them for the Calvinistic faith and Christianity as a whole. Godfrey walks you through the canons, article by articles as well as the Rejections section that was written to specifically refute the claims of the Arminian heresy. I appreciated the level of detail that the author provides in analyzing the articles. It gave me a greater appreciation of the care that the original authors took to clearly declare what they believed and why the truths they professed were biblically supported. This book is an excellent source for students learning about the canons as well as for regular Christians interested in the history and theology of the Reformed Church.

[Pig Rieke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I only listened to this one on Hoopla.

In this work, Robert Godfrey, or better know as Big Bob, provides a background and explanation of the Canons of Dort. With a new translation of the Canons, the author explains how each statement worked to refute and correct the teaching of the Remonstrants or better now known as the Arminians. With the understanding that this book is primarily a historical and theological inquiry and not mainly a defense of Calvinism, the work provides a valuable look into the controversy that developed in the 17th century and the beautiful and rich statements that were produced.

[Bill Pence · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book, by a respected church historian, seminary president and professor, is written on the 400th anniversary of the Synod of Dort, which took place in 1618-19. The synod was an international assembly of Reformed scholars who gathered to remedy the spreading infection of false teaching that undermined the gospel. A result of the synod was the canons, written as a specific response to the Arminian challenge against salvation by God’s grace alone—specifically, the objections to Reformed doctrine expressed in the five points of their Remonstrance. The author tells us that in the canons we find the Reformed doctrine of salvation focused to a point of intense and brilliant clarity.
The author tells us that studying the canons is much more that a historical exercise, rather, it is spiritually profitable for Christians and churches today. That is what I found as I read this book, which concentrates on the fundamentally religious convictions of the synod and the canons, which became the official teaching and sincere conviction of many churches and millions of Christians through the last four centuries.
The book is divided into three main parts:
Part I presents the historical and theological background to the synod.
Part II is the central part of the book, a new translation of the Canons of Dort. The author tells us that the canons were written for the church in a form designed to make them understandable for church members, and the new translation seeks to fulfill that aim.
Part III presents an analysis and exposition of the canons to help the reader understand the teaching of the canons. Although I enjoyed the entire book, I found this part to be the most interesting, as it helps to clearly show the differences between Arminian and Reformed theology.
In addition, the book contains five appendices:
Appendix 1: Arminius: A New Look (the lengthiest of the appendices)
Appendix 2: General Pattern in Each Head of Doctrine
Appendix 3: An Outline of the Canons of Dort
Appendix 4: Relation of the Positive Articles of the Canons to the Rejection of Errors
Appendix 5: A New Translation of he Doctrinal Statement by the Synod of Dort on the Sabbath
The author tells us that for the background to this theological difference that would lead to the Synod of Dort, we must look to the life and work of one minister in particular, Jacobus (James) Arminius (1559–1609). He would become a symbol of the rejection of Calvinist orthodoxy, and his name became attached to various anti-Calvinist theologies. Those ministers influenced by Arminius at the time of his death recognized that their positions in the church were precarious. They prepared an appeal or petition to the civil government. They stated their theological positions and requested that the government ensure their toleration in the church. This petition—called a “remonstrance”—came to be known as the Remonstrance of 1610. Those who signed the petition and supported it came to be called the Remonstrants. At the heart of the Remonstrance was a five-point summary of the doctrinal views that the Remonstrants wanted protected. In 1610, the five points of Arminianism were articulated. The Calvinists would claim that the five points of the Remonstrants reject the clear teaching of the Bible. The Synod of Dort would respond point by point to the Arminians, giving the world “the five points of Calvinism”. At the Synod of Dort, which convened on November 13, 1618, in the city of Dordrecht, the Calvinists would lay out the biblical truth on these matters, show their biblical fullness, and make clear the truly edifying nature of genuine Reformed Christianity. The author tells us that the great goals and the real accomplishments of the Synod of Dort were to declare and defend the truth, to provide comfort for the souls of Christians, and to ensure the peace and blessing of the churches. He tells us that the synod succeeded to a remarkable degree.
The author states that the Synod of Dort accomplished what it set out to do. It articulated and protected the Reformed understanding of the Bible recovered in the Reformation. It rejected the Arminian challenge to Calvinism. It saved the Reformation by clarifying and buttressing key elements of sola fide, sola gratia, solus Christus, and sola Scriptura, all under the rubric soli Deo gloria. He writes that the essence of the Reformation was the recovery of biblical religion. And that is what the Synod of Dort helped to save. The author tells us that Synod of Dort reminds us, however, that Reformed Christianity, and biblical Christianity, is much more than theology. Christian piety and the life of the church are central to it.
As I read this book, I highlighted a number of passages. Below are 10 of my favorite quotes from the book:
• For Calvinists, God chooses individuals to salvation; for Arminians, He chooses qualifications for salvation that individuals must meet.
• By its own inherent logic, the Arminian teaching on the atonement necessarily leads to universalism, however much Arminians try to deny that.
• God is always good and just in all His dealings with mankind.
• The doctrine of reprobation should not terrify the spiritually concerned but should terrify those who are completely indifferent spiritually.
• Perhaps the most distinctive Reformed doctrine is that the Christian can not only know that he is in a present state of salvation but can know that he is elect and will persevere in faith to the end.
• Christ is the full and complete Savior both in the earning and in the giving of salvation. The sinner contributes nothing to salvation except his sin. All the grace that we have is purely and entirely a gift from God.
• God’s true character is revealed in both His mercy and His judgment.
• The power to regenerate the heart of a sinner is as exclusively God’s as was His work to create out of nothing at the beginning or to raise the dead back to life. This work is amazing and should be the source of great and humble praise.
• Sinners have no freedom to choose God. God must choose and act for them.
• The assurance of salvation—now and forever—is one of the great blessings of the Christian life.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

3. 5 stars.
Read for a preaching series on the Canons of Dordt.

A historical theology and commentary in several sections.

Godfrey sets the Canons in their historical context giving us rich detail about the social, theological and political world that lead to the Synod of Dordt and the writing of the Canons. I gleaned a lot from the historical details here, in particular his interactions with the Remonstrance of 1610. How right and good to interact with the document which lead to the writing of the Canons early in his own text.
The commentary on the 5 points themselves (as well as the conclusion!) was useful for understanding some of the nuances behind the articles themselves, and for understand the mechanics of how things work and fit together.
Godfrey also includes a section that attempts to reevaluate some of the historical characterization of Arminius ("he's not the good guy, people"). Good historical correctives are always in order, however I'm not sure what I make of his attempts toward a reassessment.
Godfrey is right to suggest that the reason it's difficult to assess Arminius is because he didn't write a lot. He is right to suggest that as a result some of the historical "fill-in" on that silence is misleading or inaccurate. But then Godfrey seems to use that same silence as an opportunity to suggest that Arminius was somehow underhanded or not on the level. The problem with silence is just that, its silence. By ending with A. Kuyper's characterization of Arminius as a "crafty fox" Godfrey suggests that Arminius' silence was calculated and cunning.

I am uncomfortable with this because it plays into an ancient way of interpreting Christian heresy and heretics as being somehow morally deficient; that orthodoxy is assumed until someone comes along intending to corrupt it with a reading of scripture that is fundamentally outside of church and devotion. Alister McGrath writes about this in his book "Heresy: A history of Defending the Truth". McGrath says that instead of viewing heresy as something that develops outside the church, we ought to see heresy as something that develops within the church; as an attempt to engage a new historical situation, stimulated by new ideas, that is perceived by it's adherents as authentic Christianity. It is a theology often developed in good faith but one that is declared heresy because it turns out to be overly culturally accommodated, or theologically unstable and therefore doesn't do what the formulator of the theology intended it to do.
Godfrey is not calling Arminius a heretic, but such a characterization opens the door to that kind of historical assessment. One, which, unless I am mistaken, the Canons themselves are unwilling to make.

For historical theology of the Reformation and Post-Reformation it's still really hard to be Richard Muller.

[Brad Weber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think the biggest problem with critics of reformed theology and Calvinism is that they actually have no idea what reformed theology and Calvinism is. This book would be an excellent resource for someone who is new to this theology or to someone who has spent all of their time and energy speaking out against it without having studied it.

The book is not too weighty or academic, it would be suitable for the average person. Part three is an exposition on the Canons of Dort and it was easily my favorite part of the book. That's not to say other parts of the book are bad though.

There are times that it does seem like the topics are being repeated but that is expected with a book like this because there is only so much you can do.

I'd recommend this book. Really enjoyed the read. Godfrey is a fantastic author with a plethora of knowledge on the Reformation and what it actually means and how it applies to your life today.

*Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Reformation Trust Publishing via NetGalley*

[Joseph Knowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

OVERVIEW
Rating: 5 out of 5

Length: 9 hrs. to read (265 pages)

SHORT SUMMARY:
Where did the five points of Calvinism come from? In the 400th anniversary year of the Synod of Dort, Dr. Robert Godfrey walks the reader through this landmark of church history and explains its theological significance.

Who Should Read This Book?
Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort is a book for lovers of church history as much as it is for students of theology. Those who are already familiar with the canons will be enriched through the book’s historical background material. In addition, Dr. Godfrey’s new translation of the canons themselves is made all the more helpful by his careful exposition.

SUMMARY
The How:
The book is divided into three parts. Part I gives important historical and theological background information. Part II contains a new translation of the Canons of Dort, one that sacrifices some of the precision of the original Latin to make it easier to read in English. Finally, Part III contains the real heart of the book: Dr. Godfrey’s analysis and explanation of the canons. Appendices put the teaching of the canons in outline form and also provide additional historical information about the life and teaching of Jacobus Arminius.

Anyone who is already familiar with Dr. Godfrey’s teaching style will find nothing new here. This book is no dry, academic presentation, but rather an account of events and explanation of teachings that keeps the reader engaged throughout.

The Why:

In the introduction, Godfrey makes the bold claim that there is a “profound sense” in which the Synod of Dort “saved the Reformation for the Reformed churches.” If one views the Protestant Reformation as one of the most important events in church history, then it is difficult to underestimate the significance of the Synod of Dort.

The reforms made in the church in the first hundred years after Luther’s posting of his ninety-five theses were not as secure as many now regard them to be. Whether the “grace alone, faith alone, Christ alone, Scripture alone” battlecry of the first generation of the Reformation would be preserved for generations to come was something of an open question. Not only were the doctrines of the Reformed Church in the Low Countries endangered by forces within, but from outside the church, the shift in philosophical thought that would lead to the Enlightenment threatened them as well. “Yet,” writes Dr. Godfrey, “Dort remained an invaluable witness to the truth of the Bible and the Reformation.”

Christians know, of course, that there is nothing new under the sun (Ecclesiastes 1:9). The challenges faced by the church in the 17th century are ultimately no different from those it faces in the 21st century. Thus, this book will help Christians understand the importance of what happened at Dort in 1618-1619. Godfrey’s larger goal, however, is to help “contemporary Christians to deepen their faith by seeing the greatness and goodness of God in his electing love and saving work in Christ.”

ANALYSIS
If Dr. Godfrey had taken me out for a cup of coffee and asked what kind of book I was interested in, he couldn’t have produced a work more tailored to my interests. In that sense, then, I admit that I was predisposed to enjoy this book.

Perhaps many Christians have at least a passing familiarity about the existence of a debate between Arminians and Calvinists. Fewer could probably give more than a general definition of what that debate has been about or what role it has played in church history. Given the generally low level of education on church history “in the pews,” Dr. Godfrey had something of a tall order in writing this book. Saving the Reformation succeeds in setting the Synod in historical context, explaining the theological issues of the time, and in demonstrating how the truths of the canons remain important for the church today.

An essential part of understanding the importance of the canons is understanding what led to the formation of the synod that drafted them in the first place. At the same time, to lay out the full political and religious landscape leading up to the events of 1618-1619 would bog the reader down quickly. Dr. Godfrey deftly navigates a course that gives sufficient historical background without venturing down potentially interesting but ultimately unnecessary side trails.

Dr. Godfrey brings all his usual passion for the history of the church to this book. The book shines even brighter, however, in Part III, where Dr. Godfrey gives his exposition of the canons. He guides readers through each “head of doctrine,” explaining the Synod’s positive statements of Biblical truth as well as the sections of the canons titled “Rejection of Errors.”

Godfrey labels his exposition of the canons a “pastoral” exposition. One example of that pastoral approach can be seen in the section dealing with the fifth head of doctrine. He writes: “Our loving heavenly Father does not leave us to doubt and confusion and uncertainty. Scripture nowhere makes a virtue of doubt about our relationship.” The doctrines laid out in the canons, Godfrey shows, are not abstract theological musings, but rather vital truths for everyday Christian living.

CONCLUSION
“The essence of the Reformation,” writes Godfrey, “was the recovery of biblical religion. And that is what the Synod of Dort helped to save.” After reading this book, few thoughtful readers, I think, would be able to disagree with Dr. Godfrey’s basic thesis about the significance of this part of Christian history. Four hundred years after the Synod concluded it remains an event that, as Godfrey puts it, is “well worth remembering and celebrating.”

[Alexander Proudfoot · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good, popular level book, but that betrays the subtitle of "The Pastoral Theology...". Pastoral theology isn't really the focus here, it seeks to be more of a general overview rather than an in depth look at the pastoral implications and pastoral applications of the doctrines of grace that I was expecting it to be. I came away feeling like this won't be a common resource for Dort studies, Hoeksemma still, in my mind atleast, sits on the top.

[Matt Crawford · Rating 4 out of 5]

How to write a book?
Take an already existent literary work and go through it step by step. Many doctoral dissertations and theses have done just that. Here, one of my favorite church historians, W. Robert Godfrey walks through the Synod of Dort. He gives the background. He gives commentary on the canons but also provides understanding for what this confession rejected. An excellent read.

[Dean Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Possibly the best book on theology that I've ever read! The first part is about why the Canons of Dort were written. The second part is an article-by-article explanation of the Canons. After reading this book I felt encouraged in my faith and thankful for my salvation. Deserves to be read more than once.

[Dan Waugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good historical introduction to the Synod of Dort and exposition if the Canons of Dort. My only gripe is with the books format as Godfrey offers a translation of the Canons (pgs 35 to 75) then includes the same text with exposition later (pgs 85 to 178). It made the it feel like "I just read this...". Overall, great book.

[James · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brilliant history, translation and exposition of the Canons of Dort marking the 400th anniversary. Dr. Godfrey demonstrates skilfully how the canons sought to state and protect from errors, biblical and reformation doctrines of salvation.

[Jordan Carl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dr. Godfrey is always fun to read. Irenic, warm hearted, convictions, thoroughly Reformed. The best part of this book was his updated translation of the Canon’s and his historical analysis and context. A worth while read for those interested in Calvinistic soteriology.

[Robert Cale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book on the history and theology of the Canons of Dort. An underrated subject of study by many reformed Christian’s today. The book will help anyone sure up their understandings of the reformed church and it’s belief of the Doctrines of Grace.

[William Schrecengost · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent history of the synod of Dort, an exposition of the Canons, and a biography of Arminius.
Highly recommend

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence from the foreword: Reformed confessional theology is a statement of faith set within a story of faith. If we neglect the church’s historic statements of faith, we end up with mindless and spineless Christianity—more fit to drift like a jellyfish than to swim against the stream of this world. (Joel Beeke)

First sentence from the introduction: Most meetings of church assemblies are neither interesting nor significant.

Saving the Reformation by W. Robert Godfrey is an exposition of the Canons of Dort. The Canons of Dort is one of three major documents in the Dutch Reformed tradition. (The other two are the Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism.) Godfrey argues that the Synod of Dort essentially "saved the Reformation for the Reformed churches."

Godfrey writes,
"Calvinists saw clearly that a proper understanding of election was necessary to protect the Reformation’s “grace alone.” The proper understanding of Christ’s atoning work was necessary to protect the Reformation’s “Christ alone.” A proper understanding of the regenerating and preserving work of the Holy Spirit and of the Christian’s comfort in these doctrines was necessary to protect the Reformation’s “grace alone” and “faith alone.” Implicit in the canons’ conclusions is their commitment to the Reformation’s “Scripture alone” as the only source of religious truth."
The canons were written "as a specific response to the Arminian challenge against salvation by God’s grace alone—specifically, the objections to Reformed doctrine expressed in the five points of their Remonstrance."

Godfrey does a good job placing the Canons of Dort in context. Without establishing context--genuinely elaborating on the who, why, how, where, when, and what--one would never fully understand or appreciate the Canons of Dort and/or the Synod of Dort. This is what Godfrey does in the first part of Saving the Reformation. (The appendices provide further details for establishing context. For example, one appendix provides a new look at Arminius. Another appendix provides a detailed outline for the Canons of Dort. There are five appendices in all.)

In the second part of Saving the Reformation, Godfrey provides readers with a NEW TRANSLATION of the Canons of Dort. This translation--in his own words--was written to make it easier for readers to understand. Godfrey breaks long Latin sentences into shorter English sentences.

In the third part of Saving the Reformation, Godfrey provides exposition or commentary on the Canons of Dort.

Believers may not have heard of the Synod of Dort or the Canons of Dort. But perhaps they've heard of the FIVE POINTS OF CALVINISM. The "five points of Calvinism" originated with the Canons of Dort. There were "five points" not because that number sums up the whole of Calvinist thought or doctrine but because the Arminians in their Remonstrance used FIVE POINTS. This was a reaction--a rejection--of those specific Arminian errors. Godfrey points out, "Calvinism is summarized in full confessional statements such as the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Westminster Confession of Faith. To be very accurate, Calvinism does not have—and never has had—five points."

I really enjoyed reading this one. I absolutely loved the second part. At first I was determined to highlight all the good parts, all the parts where I wanted to shout AMEN or PRAISE THE LORD. I soon determined that to do so would be to nearly underline it in its entirety. The commentary was also excellent.

[Hobart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This originally appeared at The Irresponsible Reader.
---
I'm halfway inclined to just copy and paste the Table of Contents here and say, "If you want to know about any of this, here's where you start." Slap a nice little graphic with some stars on it, and we're done. But I'm not that lazy. This is a historically-based study of the Synod of Dort's major product -- the Canons of Dort (although it does look at some other concerns), the defense of the Reformed doctrines in answer to the challenges of Jacob Arminius and the Remonstrants that took up and furthered his cause following his death. The Canons gave us the so-called "5 Points of Calvinism" and are often misunderstood because of that and as mischaracterized as those points themselves. If this book only helps people stop doing that, it'd be well worth the effort (it won't, but it's pretty to think so) -- but it's so much more.

There are four parts to this book -- any one of which can be read independently from the others. I'm not sure why you would do that, but they're self-contained enough that you don't have to.

Part I focuses on the historical and theological context for the calling of the Synod, those who attended and the topics it would address. Godfrey is a Church Historian and former History professor, this is his bread and butter, and you can tell that from these chapters. You also get the impression that he could've written a book about the same length as this one just on the historical matters without breaking a sweat. This isn't the best part of the book, but it gets things off to a great start.

Part II is a "Pastoral" translation of the Canons prepared by Godfrey for this book. I'm not familiar enough with other translations to really have much to say about this. I've read others, but I don't have them committed to memory. Besides, I don't know Latin well enough to evaluate the translation. But I can say that this was a clear translation, it didn't read like something written in Latin for experts, but something written to help me and other Christians to wade through some weighty topics. As the problems caused by the Remonstrants were in the churches more than in the academy, the language matched that.

The heart of the book is in Part III, An Exposition of the Canons of Dort. Godfrey beings with some observations about the Canons as a whole -- how they're structured before he dives in to the Canons themselves. In addition to the errors of the Remonstrants, the Canons address other issues related to the doctrines involved, providing a resource for believers for generations not just an answer to their contemporary problems. The pastoral focus of the Canons -- and Godfrey -- is evident throughout the Exposition, he's frequently talking about comfort, encouragement, and assurance. It's not just an explanation and defense of the Reformation and Protestant teaching, it's an aid and comfort to believers.

It may come as a surprise to see what Godfrey points out as a result of compromise, and the reasoning behind those things that needed no compromise. The behind-the-scenes portions of the book are as interesting as the exposition (giving an indication to those of us who didn't sit under Godfrey's Church History lectures that we really missed out on something). Godfrey also points out how the Canons weren't as successful in some ways as they wanted to be -- not as a failure, just that some of their goals were out of reach of the assembly.

Some of this section gets repetitive -- because each Head of Doctrine is complete in itself, capable of standing alone -- so similar points are covered repeatedly. Godfrey's exposition both points that out and is written to keep the repetition from being dull, but instead an indication of the importance of the various points. This section is so helpful that I really can't do justice -- my copy is full of highlighted lines/paragraphs. I will be returning to it often, I know that. Concise, clear, insightful -- everything you want in this kind of study.

The remainder of the book is Appendices. There's an outline of the Canons, an explanation for the pattern of each head of doctrine (very similar to the same idea in the Exposition) and a handy guide to the relation of the positive articles to the rejection of errors. The last appendix is a new translation of the Synod's provisional position on the Sabbath, giving some insight into the relation of the Synod's stance to that of British Puritanism. The largest, and probably most helpful (and maybe controversial) is an extended look at Arminius and his overall project. Godfrey takes a position that argues against some recent scholarship (as I understand) and insists that he wasn't a moderate Reformed churchman, but someone seeking to overturn segments of the church's teaching and introduce serious Pelagian error.

In this anniversary year, I know this will not be the only book about the Synod released (I have another pre-ordered, and am sure I'll pick up others) -- but I can't imagine that it won't be one of the better. It is well-researched, careful, encouraging and pastoral -- this is not dry and dusty history, nor dry and dusty doctrine. This book, like the Synod it focuses on, seeks to defend, protect and further the cause of the Protestant Reformation, the Gospel itself. As such, it succeeds and you'd do well to study it.

Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Reformation Trust Publishing via NetGalley in exchange for this post -- thanks to both for this.

[Matt Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dr. Godfrey takes us back to the early 17th century to highlight the importance of what appeared, at the time, to be a local controversy among Dutch churches. However, the Remonstrance of 1610, the subsequent Synod of Dordt, and the following controversy surrounding to character, theology, and following of Jacobus Arminius proved to be anything but a mere local, intra-Reformed disputation.

In seeking to unravel this time period in history where, Dr. Godfrey claims that the Reformation was saved, the author focuses his attention around the historical context, and theological content, of the Canons of Dordt.

The work begins with a brief historical note on the state of the Dutch churches from the time of the Reformation to the early 17th century, providing necessary the historical backdrop to the meeting of the Synod of Dordt. This chapter was a real strength of the book, and Dr. Godfrey makes several interesting points about the international nature of the Synod (including the controversy about the seating arrangement for the British and French delegates, even though the French delegates were banned from attending!) and the disputations arising between members of the Synod (including the challenge of a duel). On a particularly amusing note, Dr. Godfrey was keen to highlight how the Synod invited the Arminians to testify at the Synod to give them a fair hearing. However, the verbosity of one Arminian, Simon Episcopius, led to the scribe noting that "Episcopius finally came to the part for which they had all been eagerly waiting: the end" (p. 26). Dr. Godfrey is gifted in making this historical section both concise and captivating.

After showing the reasons for the Synod's meeting in responding to various teachings and accusations of the Remonstrants, the main section of the book focuses on an exposition of the Canons in a new translation.

The translation itself is very readable and fulfils its aim in making the Canons more accessible to modern readers without fundamentally diluting its content. The translation accurately captures the warm pastoral heart of the Canons, which is an aspect of the Canons that his highly stressed in this work. Personally, I am a fan of the translation, and the fact that it is included as a chapter as a stand alone, without any exposition, means I will endeavour to use it as my own translation of the Canons in future.

Dr. Godfrey's exposition is clear and helpful in understanding both the overall structure of the Canons, its main intention in every Article and Rejection. The exposition also helps show how one Article relates to another, which is very beneficial in understanding the flow and internal logic of the Canons. Again, a major strength of the exposition is showing how the Articles and Rejections were intended to edify the church and be pastorally sensitive.

A rather frustrating caveat to an otherwise elucidating exposition, is Dr. Godfrey's repeated reference and redefinition of Pelagianism. A partial explanation of Pelgianism is giving in both the First and Second Heads of Doctrine, and then is again redefined in Article III.2 on original sin. Several other technical theological terms are treated in this manner and is a little frustrating to read. As a result, it is unclear what the expected understanding of the reader is throughout the book. Dr. Godfrey seems to be assuming that the reader has a strange intersection of not necessarily being able to define Pelgianism but also having a working knowledge of both the Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism.

This lack of clarity around certain assumed theological terms is exacerbated in an otherwise intriguing evaluation of Arminius' teaching in Appendix 1. For example, it would have been helpful to at least have a passing mention as to the core teachings of Ramism in order to understand why Arminius holding to such a philosophy was potentially problematic. Despite this, however, the Appendix does reveal a perpespective about Arminius that rejects the prevailing notions the he was a non - controversial figure that was viciously attacked and misrepresented by Calvinists. In fact, the opposing view is supported. Indeed, a key remark that Dr. Godfrey makes, is that wherever Arminius positively defines his own doctrine of predestination, it is invariably Molinistic at its core.

In summation, this book effectively aids in the understanding of the Canons of Dordt, including placing them in their historical context. The translation itself is worth reading, as is the study of Arminius in the first Appendix.

[Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book Review
Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort
By W. Robert Godfrey (Reformation Trust; 2019)
The Canons of Dort are a historic document, along with the Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Catechism, which formed Reformed Protestant rules to direct churches in the Netherlands (much as the Westminster Confession did Britain) on how to understand and apply the central truths taught in the Bible. Dr. Godfrey is a known scholar and pastor who has undertaken to provide what he calls a “pastoral translation” of this important part of Protestant church history for modern-day readers.
Part One of the book presents the historical and theological background to the Synod that produced the Canons in the early 1600’s. After establishing that contextual framework, Godfrey then provides his translation of the Canons of Dort in Part II. Part III then presents an analysis and exposition of the articles of the document to help those in the modern church to better understand the important teachings contained there. Part III is the main portion of the study, expounding on the topics covered in the different “heads” of the Canon, including predestination, the redemption of humans through the death of Christ, and the perseverance of the saints.
For those who wish to go more in depth of the teachings, background and implications of the Canons of Dort, there are numerous appendices that cover topics such as the life and theology of James Arminius (whose disputes of several teachings of Reformed theology was the impetus of the Canons); how and why and the Canons are arranged as they are; how the “positive” teachings of the Canon relate to the “rejection of Arminian errors,” and finally an in-depth translation and explication on the subject of the Sabbath.
As someone who generally holds to most tenets of Reformed, I had little direct familiarity with the Canons of Dort, but Godfrey’s cogent yet relatable explanation of this foundational church document proved quite enlightening and illuminating to me. I would recommend this book for any pastor, teacher, or interested layperson who wishes to build up their mental foundations on the vital piece of Reformed thinking and erudition.

[Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ligonier Ministries was kind enough to send me a copy of “Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort” by W. Robert Godfrey in exchange for an honest review.

Many are familiar with “Calvinism”, but too few are familiar with the Canons of Dort (https://threeforms.org/canons-of-dort/), the document from which the so-called “5 points” spring. That’s where this book enters the conversation. In this book, Dr. Godfrey provides an excellent and accessible examination of the context and theology of the Canons.

The Synod of Dort (along with the canons it produced) were Reformed responses to a particular controversy in a particular place at a particular time. To read the canons without context would be a fool’s errand. Godfrey begins the book by giving the essential information without overwhelming the reader.

From there, Godfrey provides a fresh translation of the Canons. At the moment I don’t know Latin, so I can’t speak to the quality of Godfrey’s translation. I assume it’s good since there are parallels between this translation and other translations which are ecclesiastically enshrined. What I can say beyond that is that the placement of the Canons is logical. It’s after the context and presented prior to the commentary.

Godfrey’s commentary on the Canons is clear and concise, giving an article-by-article breakdown. I benefited greatly from this portion of the book. It’s also worth noting that the appendices are useful and helpful. Appendix 1 (Arminius: A New Look) and Appendix 5 (A New Translation of the Doctrinal Statement by the Synod of Dort on the Sabbath) are particularly helpful.

This book was a wonderful joy to read. It’s also very important. Debates over Reformed Soteriology haven’t ceased since the Remonstrance. By my estimation, Nobody is qualified to argue the topic (for or against) until they’ve read and understood the Canons of Dort. This book will be very helpful to anyone seeking to understand the Canons of Dort. I highly recommend getting a copy for yourself!

[Steve · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is at the Synod of Dordt (1618-1619) that the Calvinistic orthodoxy was forged on the anvil of Arminianism. The Calvinistic orthodoxy has often been described as the five points of TULIP - although the Synod of Dordt developed what has become known as the five points, the acronym TULIP was not part of the formulations at Dordt.

TULIP does not sum up Calvinism. Even if it does sum up the discussions at the Synod of Dordt - although the order here was ULTIP. Godfrey, a professor of church history at Westminster Seminary, California, in this fresh look at the Canons of Dordt, makes a pertinent point:

“Calvinism is summarized in full confessional statements such as the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Westminster Confession of Faith.”

The aim of this book is to help Christians “appreciate the important work of the Synod of Dort in the history of the church.” Godfrey focuses on the ”fundamentally religious convictions of the synod and the canons.” In this Godfrey does an excellent job. He succeeds in showing the importance of the synod and of the canons in Reformed theology. What is missing, however, is a critical engagement with the philosophical presuppositions that were inherent in the confession - South African, Christian philosopher, Bennie van der Walt, has done this, though his main work is in Afrikaans, a useful summary in English is found here . This though is undoubtedly beyond Godfrey’s remit. And Godfrey seems happy with the Reformed scholasticism that is at times evident in the confessions.

The first part of the book examines the historical and theological background to the synod and goes on to look at the character and the work of the synod.

The second part provides a new ‘Pastoral’ translation and in part 3 there is an extremely accessible and engaging exposition of the canons. This alone is worth the price of the book. There are several appendices, including a helpful brief biography of Arminius And a detailed outline of the canons.

Godfrey has succeeded in what he set out to do. Anyone who wants an introduction to the synod and its canons could do no better than start here.

[Michelle Kidwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving the Reformation
The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort
by W. Robert Godfrey

Reformation Trust Publishing

Christian
Pub Date 24 Jan 2019


I am reviewing a copy of Saving the Reformation through Reformation Trust Publishing and Netgalley:


If you're looking to be educated on the Reformation, Saving the Reformation is just the book for you.


There has been a renewed interest in the five points of Calvinism amongst today's Christians. These doctrines are not a product of the twenty first century, so what are they and why are they so important? In this book Dr. W. Robert Godfrey takes us back in time to 1618-19 when the Canons of Dort were written in response to a mounting theological assault on Reformed Christianity. Now, for its four-hundredth anniversary, he offers a new translation and pastoral commentary on the canons, equipping the next generation with these God-glorifying truths.


I give Saving the Reformation five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

[Mike Bright · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a modern translation of the Canons of Dort with some background information on the era, the synod that produced the Canons, and a revised historical view of Jacobus Arminius (who provoked the synod). There is also some pastoral commentary on the Canons.

Dr. Godfrey is clearly a solid reformed thinker and his insights are helpful. My only complaint is that I would have liked more pastoral commentary.

The context of the Canons is that Arminius broke with some of the core theological foundations of the Calvinist view of the Reformation. The Dutch church was strongly Calvinist, so the Synod of Dort was convened to refute Arminius' views. The resulting Canons of Dort are a strong statement on the core beliefs of Calvinism, commonly reduced to TULIP (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible grace, Perseverance of the saints). I find the Canons analysis of Scripture and reasoning compelling.

[Zach · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great commentary on the canons of Dort. In Part I Godfrey gives the historical context for the calling for the Synod. Part II is his new translation of the canons. Part III is his translation plus his commentary. The commentary he provides is both historical, giving the contextual reasons why the authors of the canons wrote what they did, and pastoral, showing how the teachings of the canons is both biblical and imminently practical.

The appendix, “Arminius: A New Look” is worth the cost of the book. Godfrey demonstrates that the historical evidence points in the direction of a dishonest Arminius, who “dissembled” about his own theological convictions in order to obtain or keep academic or pastoral posts. The Calvinists (such as Gomarus) who sought charges against Arminius did so not because they were mean or cruel, but because they discovered that his views were decidedly at odds with the confession and catechism of the Dutch church.

[Christian Barrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Godfrey does a good job of providing a historical background for the Canons of Dort. He writes in a very dry tone, and it can be hard to read at times, but he succeeds in breaking down each Canon for the sake of presenting the implications it has on teaching the Word of God. While this book wasn’t bad, it was a merely a summary of the Canons of Dort, and he quotes them at full multiple times throughout as he goes through all 5 heads. Therefore, I’d recommend reading the full Synod of Dort account rather than this piece for a better understanding of what was taught by the Calvinists as they rejected the teaching of the Arminians.

[Ryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

While the articles of the Canons certainly overlap, this book is overly redundant. Consider, for instance, the fact that there is a new translation of the Canons into modern language, followed by these same articles being reprinted again with commentary. The historical overview at the beginning and the brief reconsideration of Arminius at the end were the most helpful. Otherwise, Godfrey’s commentary on the Canons were, essentially, just restating them in his own words. While this may be good for someone that is *brand new* to the Canons and Reformed theology, it is not as deep as it could (or should) be.

[Jeremy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saving the Reformation is a helpful introduction to the Canons of Dort. The book consists of the historical background, a new translation of the canons, and a brief exposition. In addition, appendix one critically engages with the traditional understanding of Arminius' part in the controversy that led to the synod of Dort. Additional appendices offer further helps for studying the canons. If you want to better understand the Canons of Dort, this book is an excellent place to start.

[Andy Ferguson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Saving the Reformation was a nice surprise for me. The history of the Canons of Dort is fascinating, and more Protestant Christians should read about its impact to modern theology.

This book is a good primer for the specifics of reformed theology and how that compares to Arminian beliefs. As a reformed believer, I found that explaining the 5 points of Calvinism through the Canons of Dort was a unique way breakdown the particulars.

[Chris Wofford · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a great deal. I had been wanting to read about the Synod of Dort and was not seeing anything that looked like what I was wanting. This came out. I appreciated the background and learning what happened to bring about the Synod. The walk through of the Canons was very helpful. I learned a lot more about the dispute between the Remonstrants and the Calvinists.

[Andy Schreiber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have a number of books on the Canons of Dort, most of which are helpful in their own right, but this one is the best one I have read. It is scholarly, yet very accessible to the lay person.

It is clear, concise, helpful, and downright edifying.

If you are looking for a book to help you understand the Canons of Dort (and the 5 points of Calvinism in general), read this book!

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and will always keep it close for reference. I was questioning some things and this book explained using supporting scripture what the scriptures mean in certain areas. If you’re struggling to put your belief in words or too simply learn more about God, I would highly recommend this book to you.