Status Updates From Catholic Calvinism: A Visio...

Maclean’s ‘A Surprising Catholicity?’ Examines historic Scottish reformed theologians Rutherford and Durham - aptly applying their thought to today: “if we listened… there would be a sharp decrease in the number of reformed denominations, and the restoration of a reputation for catholicity” (p. 254)

Bird unpacks John Owen’s view of catholicity. I found his comments about remnants of the faithful in apostate churches practically encouraging (p. 230, ref 1 Kings 19) - and imagine many might find it so.

“Since there are true churches and false churches in the world, it is critical that Christians have clear criteria by which to distinguish the true from the false” p. 207. Godfrey’s chapter on Calvin and Catholicity offers a practical case study.

“It Augustine was the original Catholic Calvinist, perhaps Calvin was the final patristics theologian” p. 192

I always enjoy reading Sanlon. This chapter offers a fascinating account of how much Calvin is formed and shaped and mentored over the centuries by Augustine.

“A catholicity of viewpoint” (p. 177) - an interesitng jdea from Van Dixhoorn’s useful chapter. “Calvinist catholicity is maximally generous towards other ministry partners, not sectarian in spirit” p. 182. Very thoughtful.

Paynes chapter on ‘The Zurich Consensus’ helpfully threads together Calvin, clarity and unity, and Hamilton, in a model of festschrift contribution.

Jonny Gibson gets 40 pages to explain paedobaptism - and this is the most complete presentation I’ve read. Impressive, and whets the appetite for his forthcoming book…

I was impressed by Beeke’s chapter in ‘cultivating Catholic Calvinism’. “Calvinists should be the humblest men and women on the planet…” p. 95. “Ours should be a Christianity that is investigative” p. 97.

“A true knowledge of the lord Jesus church and a life devoted to him is the proper objective of sound doctrine” p. 87 - a good summary of a helpful and balanced chapter on doctrine by Jonathan Master.

MacArthur offers a short chapter on preaching that seemed disconnected from the wider book - other than some nice words about Ian Hamilton. It could have been significantly shorter - his essential point is that preaching is important and needs to be tethered to a text.

Random sideswipes at Rick Warren felt out of place!

Four personal portraits paint a powerful picture of the preacher and pastor. Emphasis on character and gifting, and on training needing to be rigorous and church based.

Naylors chapter on church unity is simple but clear.

Mark Johnston’s chapter - after an opener that raises some questions - offers a quick fire explanation of doctrine. “Knowledge always leads to worship” p. 30. This book blends biblical and systematic theology.