Reformed Theology

Features

Description

This book introduces Reformed theology by surveying the doctrinal concerns that have shaped its historical development. The book sketches the diversity of the Reformed tradition through the past five centuries even as it highlights the continuity with regard to certain theological emphases. In so doing, it accentuates that Reformed theology is marked by both formal ('the always reforming church') and material ('the Reformed church') interests.

Furthermore, it attends to both revisionary and conservative trends within the Reformed tradition. The book covers eight major theological themes: Word of God, covenant, God and Christ, sin and grace, faith, worship, confessions and authority, and culture and eschatology. It engages a variety of Reformed confessional writings, as well as a number of individual theologians (including Zwingli, Calvin, Bullinger, Bucer, Beza, Owen, Turretin, Edwards, Schleiermacher, Hodge, Shedd, Heppe, Bavinck, Barth, and Niebuhr).

Doing Theology introduces the major Christian traditions and their way of theological reflection. The volumes focus on the origins of a particular theological tradition, its foundations, key concepts, eminent thinkers and historical development. The series is aimed readers who want to learn more about their own theological heritage and identity: theology undergraduates, students in ministerial training and church study groups.

Review: 'Clear, calm and illuminating, this book offers a loving and generous commendation of the classical Reformed tradition of doctrine and spiritual practice.' - John Webster, FRSE, Chair of Systematic Theology, Department of Divinity and Religious Studies, University of Aberdeen, UK.--Sanford Lakoff 'Michael Allen's account of Reformed theology admirably joins clarity with precision, accessibility with gravity, and conviction with charity.

Especially strong is the book's thorough attention to major Reformed figures like John Calvin and Karl Barth and major statements of Reformed faith like the Heidelberg Catechism and the Westminster Confession. While Allen does not shy away from full treatment of differences among Reformed theologians, his accent rests upon the distinctive ways in which Reformed theology incorporates and interprets the historic Christian message.

The book is a splendid introduction for those who are in Reformed churches and an inviting invitation to dialogue with those who are not.' - Mark A. Noll, Francis A. McAnaney Professor of History, University of Notre Dame, USA.--Sanford Lakoff 'This is a splendid volume. Drawing deeply from the past while engaging a wide variety of contemporary voices, Reformed Theology nevertheless summarizes the richness of Reformed teaching with clarity and insight.

Allen focuses on the main issues and beneath the superb brevity lies a deep reservoir of research.' - Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Theology, Westminster Seminary California, USA. --Sanford Lakoff