A Reformed Catholic: Reformation Classic

by William Perkins

185 pages, Paperback

Published August 20, 2021

About the author

William Perkins (1558–1602) was an influential English cleric and Cambridge theologian, receiving both a B.A. and M.A. from the university in 1581 and 1584 respectively, and also one of the foremost leaders of the Puritan movement in the Church of England during the Elizabethan era. Although not entirely accepting of the Church of England's ecclesiastical practices, Perkins conformed to many of the policies and procedures imposed by the Elizabethan Settlement. He did remain, however, sympathetic to the non-conformist puritans and even faced disciplinary action for his support.

Perkins was a prolific author who penned over forty works, many of which were published posthumously. In addition to writing, he also served as a fellow at Christ's College and as a lecturer at St Andrew's Church in Cambridge. He was a firm proponent of Reformed theology, particularly the supralapsarian theology of Theodore Beza and John Calvin. In addition, he was a staunch defender of Protestant ideals, specifically the five solae with a particular emphasis on solus Christus and sola Scriptura.

Reviews

[Gary]

Truly excellent. In scholastic structure Perkins addresses the chief areas of dispute between the Roman Catholics and the Reformed catholics. He shows how far we agree, where exactly our differences lie, and then offers answers to their objections to Reformed doctrine. All this he does with admirable clarity.

If you want to know the 'mind' of the reformation, read books like this one.

Loved it.

[Logan Almy]

Excellent!

[Madeline Meeks]

Very convincing arguments. Love the “Objections/Answers” format within each of the chapters.