An Introduction to the Reformed Tradition: A Way of Being the Christian Community

by John H. Leith

A concise and readable study for laypersons and clergy alike, this book is indispensable for all informed people in many different confessional communities. With the passion of one who not only observes but believes, John Leith touches on all aspects of Reformed history, theology, polity, liturgy, and Christian culture with a balance of enthusiasm and critical judgment that always rings true.

Genres: Theology, History, Church, Christianity

284 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1977

Reviews

[James Horgan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is an interesting, if flawed, work. Leith was a professor in a mainline seminary in one of the broad US presbyterian denominations in the second half of the Twentieth Century. He writes well and has some interesting chapters, but also some humdrum sections.

The first chapter on the role of tradition in Reformed churches is very helpful. We don't read the Bible outside the context of church tradition of true faith in Christ. These thoughts were picked up on by Ian Hamilton in his 2022 Westminster Conference paper on the same subject.

Leith is somewhat Barthian in his views and I initially baulked at his unwillingness here to say that the Bible is the Word of God, however the last chapter redeems this as he confesses we do take the Bible as the Word of God.

The third chapter on the ethos of the Reformed Tradition highlights some helpful themes in our Christian life. The majesty of God is, of course, central. We oppose idolatry in all its forms, see God working out his purposes in history strive for a life of holiness, bring our minds and thoughts into subjection to Christ, place preaching at the heart of church life which is ordered and strive for simplicity especially in worship but also throughout much of our lives (this latter thought might be more due to the strand of American presbyterianism deriving from poor Scotch-Irish settlers that Leith came from than from the confessions.)

One weakness is that Calvin rightly features often, there is mention of the Westminster Confession but it all goes quiet between the Reformation and Barth for the most part. Again this likely reflects the effect of American disputes in which Puritans and Evangelical Revivals were downplayed by the time this book was written. Our history is rather richer than Leith suggests! He does give a gallery of Reformed figures. Some of major Princetonians and Southern theologians are there and then come leaders of the ecumenical movement of the last century, forgotten now unlike their orthodox forebears.

There are helpful chapters on polity and liturgy before he surveys prospects for the Reformed churches. He did not see the great growth of faithful Reformed churches in Brazil, South Korea isn't mentioned and the collapse of the mainline is not foreseen.

A curious book for those who want an insight into mainline presbyterian theology of the 1980s.

[Bill Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, clear and concise introduction to both the history and the theology of reformed theology

[Christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

A combination of general Reformed theology combined with the evolving structural heritage of how that theology has influenced life for Reformed Christians. I appreciated the copious citations from both preeminent Reformed theologians: Calvin and Barth. Between Calvin and Barth lies a great deal of history and subtle shifts in theology and practice; however, in terms of the paradigm shift these two men generated within Christianity, concentration on them alone is viable. I also appreciated the penultimate chapter concentrating on how the Reformed tradition has responded to and been shaped by culture, thereby illustrating its relevance for future generations.