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Writing

Explore our collection of theological essays, biblical studies, and reflections on faith and culture.

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Biblical Horizons

Problems with Church History Studies

One striking aspect of the recent “Federal Vision” conflict in the various conservative micro-Reformed groups is a debate over what older theologians really meant and said. Examining the credentials of various people who speak with great assurance on these matters one sees repeatedly degrees in church/theology history studies. In fact,…

by James B. JordanFebruary 26, 2008
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Biblical Horizons

Puritans v. Reformed Worship: (Part One of a Book Chapter Review)

The Worship of the English Puritans by Horton Davies really valuable book for gaining historical perspective on the American Presbyterian scene. (I will note for the record that I don’t believe there is an objective definition for “puritan” and I wish historians would stop using it and instead speak of…

by Mark HorneFebruary 23, 2008
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Books

John Frame on Historical Election

This is the conclusion to Frame’s discussion about historical/covenantal election in his The Doctrine of God (pp. 329-30): Historical election and eternal election are distinct, but they cannot be entirely separated. Note the following: 1. Both historical and eternal election are aspects of God’s saving purpose. The election of Israel…

by Jeff MeyersFebruary 21, 2008
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Biblical Horizons

John Frame on Covenantal Election

From John Frame’s The Doctrine of God : So although the election of Israel is by grace, there is an important place for continued faithfulness. Individuals can belong to the chosen people, yet lose their elect status by faithlessness and disobedience. Branches can be broken off “because of unbelief” (Rom.…

by Jeff MeyersFebruary 20, 2008
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Baptism

Is Baptism Admission or Confirmation that one is already a Member?

I’ve recently re-discovered an awesome theological resource, The Westminster Shorter Catechism Project . It is excellent, not least because it demonstrates the healthy diversity that has always been allowable in the Reformed Tradition until recently. For example, consider the sources attached to Question and Answer #94: Q: What is baptism?…

by Mark HorneFebruary 20, 2008
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American Politics

The Pledge of Allegiance

A friend recently asked if the frequent saying of the Pledge of Allegiance was a sign of American jingoism, or an attempt to inculcate “nationalism” of a bad sort. It seemed to him as a Canadian that that might be the case. That seemed to me to be probably backwards,…

by Richard BledsoeFebruary 17, 2008

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Literature

Austen’s faith

The following is taken from an essay by Michael Wheeler in Jane Austen in Context (Cambridge). He points out that growing up in a clergyman’s house, and with two clergyman as brothers, Austen’s life was intertwined with the church and Anglican faith. The “moderate Anglicanism” with which she was most…

May 2, 2007
Literature

Austen’s faith

The following is taken from an essay by Michael Wheeler in Jane Austen in Context (Cambridge). He points out that growing up in a clergyman’s house, and with two clergyman as brothers, Austen’s life was intertwined with the church and Anglican faith. The “moderate Anglicanism” with which she was most…

May 2, 2007

God and Law

All theology is theology proper. Michael Horton says that human beings are created “wired” for the law: “It belongs to us by nature in creation, while the gospel is an announcement of good news in the event of transgression. It has to be preached, whereas the law belongs to the…

May 2, 2007
Literature

Austen’s prayers

There are three evening prayers of Austen herself extant. According to Michael Wheeler, they are written in a standard form: “a plea for grace, a petition for mercy on the day’s sins, thanksgivings for blessings, a petition for protection this night and a petition for a heightened awareness of God’s…

May 1, 2007
Literature

Austen’s prayers

There are three evening prayers of Austen herself extant. According to Michael Wheeler, they are written in a standard form: “a plea for grace, a petition for mercy on the day’s sins, thanksgivings for blessings, a petition for protection this night and a petition for a heightened awareness of God’s…

May 1, 2007
Philosophy

Overcoming Metaphysics

Metaphysics is making a comeback, but Merold Westphal ( Modern Theology , April 2007) thinks that the project of overcoming metaphysics is still worth the trouble. His article examines Kant, Heidegger, Marion, and Milbank. Along the way he says the following about Kant: On Westphal’s reading, Kant’s effort to overcome…

May 1, 2007

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