The Westminster Standards: Confession of Faith, Larger Catechism, Shorter Catechism

by Westminster Assembly

Product Details 82 pages great commission (2003) 0934688567 978-0934688567 Product 7.8 x 5.1 x 1 inches Shipping 1 pounds Average Customer Be the first to review this item Amazon Best Sellers #934,151 in Books

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Christianity, Religion

82 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

The Westminster Assembly of Divines was a synod composed of theologians (or "divines") and members of Parliament appointed to restructure the Church of England. It was called during the lead up to the First English Civil War by the Long Parliament, which was influenced by Puritanism and opposed to the religious policies of Charles I and William Laud. As part of a military alliance with Scotland, Parliament agreed that the outcome of the Assembly would bring the English Church into closer conformity with the Church of Scotland, which was presbyterian. Scottish commissioners attended and advised the Assembly as part of the agreement. The Assembly met for ten years (1643–53), and in the process produced a new Form of Government, a Confession of Faith, two catechisms (Shorter and Larger), and a liturgical manual for the Churches of England and Scotland.

Disagreements over church government caused open division in the Assembly, despite attempts to maintain unity. The party of divines who favored presbyterianism, or government by hierarchies of elected assemblies, was in the majority. However, political and military realities led to greater influence for the congregational party, which favored autonomy for individual congregations. Parliament eventually adopted a presbyterian form of government, but not to the degree the presbyterian divines desired. During the Restoration in 1660, all of the documents of the Assembly were repudiated and episcopal church government was reinstated in England. However, because of their acceptance by dissenting churches and the Church of Scotland, these documents became influential worldwide through missionary expansion.

The Assembly worked in the Reformed theological tradition. It took the Bible as the authoritative word of God, from which all theological reflection must be based. Though the divines were committed to the doctrine of predestination to salvation, there was some disagreement over the doctrine of particular redemption—that Christ died only for those whom the Father chose to save. The Assembly also held to Reformed covenant theology, a framework for interpreting the Bible. The Assembly's Confession was the first of the Reformed confessions to include the covenant of works, in which God promised life to Adam on condition of perfect obedience.

Reviews

[Vianny D'Souza · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first "book" of 2020, which isn't quite a book actually! Always wanted to read and get familiarized with the Westminister standards (WCF, WSC, WLC) as I joined a Presbyterian church here. I was not disappointed at all. It helped me deepen my understanding on certain aspects of my faith, broadened my horizons on the other. Contrary to how the confessions are generally viewed, I found them easy to read and process. While they are so rich and deep, the processing definitely takes time and you cannot read through them like a fast reader otherwise would. I'll definitely visit and revisit these throughout my life, and give them 5 stars each time perhaps.

[M.G. Bianco · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Confession of Faith, the Larger Catechism, and the Shorter Catechism of the Westminster Divines, as it serves as the standard for the Presbyterian Church in America (among others).

This could simply be summed up as a good expression of Reformed theology, and I'm not sure how anyone can more than just like it--so it only gets three stars. How does one "really like" a statement of faith? It seems to me you either do or don't like it.

As far as literature goes, it's rather dry. :)

[Bill Linton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as part of Lenten discipline, and it helped me understand the Presbyterian faith in which I was raised. The language is a bit stilted by modern standards as it was written in the 17th century English. Still, The Westminster Standards lays out how orthodox Presbyterians interpret the word of God.

[Daniel Ryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Solid documents, written from 1643-47, that many churches use to concisely explain their understanding of the Bible.

[Ming Chen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I figured I might as well get around to reading the Westminster Standards. Remarkably clear and cogent; I did not find myself disagreeing with a thing.

[Andrew Canavan · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 out of 5. Would recommend for a succinct statement of “what the Scriptures principally teach.”

[Adam T. Calvert · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obviously these guys put a lot of thought into what they wrote. I probably can't agree to every detail; but initially I have to think that that's due to my lack of Biblical study regarding whichever detail rather than their lack of Biblical comprehension. The Westminster Standards contain the Confession as well as the Larger and Shorter Catechisms. Even if we Christians don't all agree on every detail in the standards, I really believe we would have a much more mature church in America and live in a much better society in America if evangelical Christian families brought their children up with even a 10th of what this booklet goes through.

[Dana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scratching this off my book readings
bucket list, although I will still continue to reference it. First time reading it straight through. So many solid answers to help articulate a specific doctrine, yet some seems extra exhaustive in their explanation. EspecIally in reference to the Ten Commandments. I'm thankful it is not scripture, but a very helpful and organized book of doctrinal beliefs.