The Oxford Handbook of Reformed Theology

by R. Michael Allen (Editor), Scott R Swain (Editor)

The Oxford Handbook of Reformed Theology looks back to past resources that have informed Reformed theology and surveys present conversations among those engaged in Reformed theology today. First, the volume offers accounts of the major historical contexts of reformed theology, the various relationships (ancient and modern) which it maintains and from which it derives. Recent research has shown the intricate ties between the patristic and medieval heritage of the church and the work of the reformed movement in the sixteenth century. The past century has also witnessed an explosion of reformed theology outside the Western world, prompting a need for attention not only to these global voices but also to the unique (and contingent) history of reformed theology in the West (hence reflecting on its relationship to intellectual developments like scholastic method or the critical approaches of modern biblical studies). Second, the volume assesses some of the classic, representative texts
of the reformed tradition, observing also their reception history. The reformed movement is not dominated by a single figure, but it does contain a host of paradigmatic texts that demonstrate the range and vitality of reformed thought on politics, piety, biblical commentary, dogmatic reflection, and social engagement. Third, the volume turns to key doctrines and topics that continue to receive attention by reformed theologians today. Contributors who are themselves making cutting edge contributions to constructive theology today reflect on the state of the question and offer their own proposals regarding a host of doctrinal topics and themes.

676 pages, Hardcover

Published December 30, 2020

About the author

R. Michael Allen (PhD, Wheaton College) is Kennedy Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Knox Theological Seminary in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He is ordained in the Evangelical Presbyterian Church and is the author of several books.

Reviews

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Like many other compendiums in the Oxford Handbook series this volume is wonderful. Obviously, it is academic writing so don't expect it all to be wonderful prose, but the essays are very good at synthesizing Reformed thought with a good amount of depth. If Reformed theology interests you and you are looking for a place to start this is a good one. Providing that you have enough educational scaffolding to follow along.

This one was a slow burn for me, but it was well worth working my way slowly through each of the sections. The handbook is divided into three sections: History, Important Works, and Theology with both an introduction and a conclusion. I found all of the sections helpful and I believe the editor did a good job at selecting authors to focus on their fields. The theological spectrum is also wider than I originally imagined. Most people in the theological spectrum will find much to agree with and disagree with, but will feel represented. This speaks well to the intention of the volume which is to present a diverse yet clarifying voice on the question: what is Reformed theology?

Because I'm a Zwingliboo I was disapointed that none of his works were selected for the Important Works section of the handbook. While he was not as theologically robust as some of the other people that were given space he is the font from which the Reformed movement started. One would think his work "On Providence" would be included but it wasn't. This is a personal quirk of mine, but "On Providence" was identified as an important piece in the historical essays in the handbook, but isn't given space later amongst other texts that I would find to be as obscure. Regardless, this oversight is a personal quibble and doesn't take away from the upsides.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in Reformed theology. You can even do what I tried to do by supplementing my reading by actually reading the texts at the same time. It proved too daunting for me, but certainly is assisted by the guidance provided here. Some of the finer points of Reformed theology are made less mysterious here, and for that I am thankful (looking at you extra Calvinisticum.)

For pastors: this book is helpful for personal study, but not as useful for teaching laity unless they are very educated in theology or precocious. Some of the essays would be helpful supplements, but I would teach alongside them.

[B. P. C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great reference. I enjoyed Todd Billing's chapter on Union with Christ.