The Religious Formation of John Witherspoon

by Kevin DeYoung

This book explores in unprecedented detail the theological thinking of John Witherspoon during his often overlooked ministerial career in Scotland. In contrast to the arguments made by other historians, it shows that there was considerable continuity of thought between Witherspoon’s Scottish ministry and the second half of his career as one of America’s Founding Fathers. The book argues that Witherspoon cannot be properly understood until he is seen as not only engaged with the Enlightenment, but also firmly grounded in the Calvinist tradition of High to Late Orthodoxy, embedded in the transatlantic Evangelical Awakening of the eighteenth century, and frustrated by the state of religion in the Scottish Kirk. Alongside the titles of pastor, president, educator, philosopher, should be a new John Witherspoon as Reformed apologist. This is a fresh re-examination of the intellectual formation of one of Scotland’s most important churchman from the eighteenth century and one of America’s most influential early figures. The volume will be of keen interest to academics working in Religious History, American Religion, Reformed Theology and Calvinism, as well as Scottish and American history more generally.

224 pages, Paperback

First published February 5, 2020

About the author

Kevin DeYoung is the Senior Pastor at University Reformed Church (RCA) in East Lansing, Michigan, right across the street from Michigan State University.

Reviews

[E · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent look at Witherspoon's theological Scottish days, before he crossed the ocean and became a Founding Father. I would have liked a little more depth, but I recognize that the documentary trail might simply not be there. DeYoung goes down a lot of side trails that threaten the narrative of his argument. Like most dissertations there is a bit of padding when the main point isn't that remarkable (that point being that Witherspoon's theology didn't change when he moved to America, even if his emphases did).

John Witherspoon was a remarkable man, no doubt about it. Not simply because he was the only clergyman who signed the Declaration of Independence. He was a classic Calvinist who influenced the other Founders for the better--especially Madison, his student. We forget their lessons to our own detriment.