Reformed Anglicans

The canon of the NT and OT was discussed with goodly insights on Hebrews from Clement of Alexandria, Pantanaeus and Origen. Strong in behalf of Paul as the source of Hebrews, that glorious commentary on the under-appreciated Leviticus.

Roman Imperial persecutions are developed. Again, Eusebius's "Ecclesiastical History" is strongly recommended. Corollary musings: Christology, the Devil, eschatology and the intermediate state (heaven and hell), and the law of homocide are pondered. Also, culture wars come to view as classic Christians give individual and churchly witness to the world on abortion, statism, nationalistic pride, public education shorn of theology, and the sodomite-wars on Christians.

Prof. Calvin gives Reformed Prayer Book Church-people "good reasons" for our use of the "Magnificat" at Evening Prayer. Regarding Mary's words, directly and immediately inspired by the Omnipotent God, we take on as our words of prayerful and doxological responses to the OT lections, night by night, decades of the past and those to come. These are glorious words that are divinely inspired by the Infinite God and they came directly from the Virgin Mary's mouth. Jesus had a goodly Godly mother as did John the Baptist.

A wonderful discussion of the "tree of life" and the "tree of the knowledge of good and evil." Of the first, Monsieur Jean notes the sacramental sign, a sign not controlled by men nor a sign diminishing God's sovereignty one iota. A beautiful discussion of Eden. The term "Paradise" is not in the Hebrew text. Rather, it's גַּן-בְּעֵדֶן.

Amidst an overall accurate retelling of the Marian period, yet "nomenclature" is an issue: the use of the terms Protestant, Catholic, traditionalist, and evangelical. The story of Frankfurt is over-told with too much emphasis. A few new things are noticed, but largely it's a rehash thus far. We'll see.

Bishop Allison has finally concluded the chapter on Jeremy Taylor's brutality and pastoral cruelties (with no Reformed sensibilities on justification by faith alone). In moving on to Henry Hammond, another Anglican clerk, one gets more Anglico-Arminian-crytpo-Romanizing...with confusions of justification and sanctification. Hammond is another Anglican muddler, mixer and mangler. Get Taylor and Hammond enrolled at The North American Reformed Seminary for remedial classwork (www.tnars.net).

An ever-fresh help and reminder from Prof. Hodge on the basics of the doctrine of Scripture. Ever-fresh and ever-clear writing, for this and the next generation.

Dr. Bruggemann offers much lather, blather and foam. We're on passive sonar, rigged for ultra quiet, and are 8000 yards out from the target.

Prof. Hunter, as a professional sociologist, is describing the culture war in graphic, private, and public domains. He gets at some roots issues--mainly, those of deeply held views. He proposes to engage issues of family, education, media, the arts, law and politics. Very nice, but what is missing? This nasty sentence, wonderful as far as it goes, utterly fails to address the OT, NT, systematics or church history. Not a hoot about the "institution" of the "church." See what's meant when someone talks about governing presuppositions? Prof. Hunter, time to shore up the awful weakness by enrolling at The North American Reformed Seminary (www.tnars.net). C'mon now, Prof! Get with the program!

Thomas More and Bishop John Fisher SHALL subscribe to the Oath of Succession or else. What's the "or else?" Within a year, both heads will fall to the axe and both heads will be hoisted on high spikes on the London Bridge. Such "moderation, equipoise, balance, common sense and avoidance of extremes" (alleged virtues of the English...cough, cough, cough). We quote it for the silliness of nationalistic and unfounded pride. But, tis' true that both highly esteemed men, More and Fisher, will lose their heads and they'll be left on London Bridge "for a long time." Charming! In the future, God willing, we'll be evaluating several figures in terms of the "Law of Homocide" via Perkin's and Boyce's "Criminal Law." Welcome to "merry ole' England," the land of Tudor tyranny.

A good handling of the Trinity by Prof. Thomas, but not as good as Dr. Andy Underhile's exposition on the Holy Trinity at Friedans Reformed Church, Tripp, SD, given today on 28 Jun 2020.

Chapter one is herein finished and chapter two, the Doctrine of the Word, begins next time, God willing.

The biographical notice by John Edmund Cox is far too lean and many important things are omitted. Once we get to Dr. Cranmer's actual writings, the goal to is evaluate his historical and theological developments and commitments. As of 1534, he is earnestly in favor of a vernacular Bible for the nation, essentially the project of John Wycliffe writ large and far for the entire nation. Where Wycliffe failed in seeing that realized, Cranmer would live to see that happen. Once out, the toothpaste would not go back into the tube.

Persecutions of the Christians by Imperial authorities were discussed politically, socially, economically, and religiously. Prof. Cairns is teeing up the period before Constantine. Before that, "the blood of the martyrs is the seed of the Church" (Tertullian). Eusebius's graphic, vivid, sobering and accessible "Ecclesiastical History" may be the best on this early post-apostolic Church. Perhaps in time, this will be read and discussed.

The Gospel is the sphere of God's omnipotent manifestion, revelation, and is being revealed from generation to generation. God hath shown His salvation openly to and among the nations.

Uzzah violates the Mosaic law by touching the Ark of the Covenant during its transference to the tabernacle in Jerusalem by David and the processors in procession. Uzzah is struck down and is lawfully put to death by God. There's a similar "outbreak" against Annias and Sapphira in Acts 5. Both accounts show those who took God's Word in a light, vain, and irreverent manner. The elect are warned. The reprobates shrug their shoulders (again).

The interest is Biblical and theology. (1) Genesis 9.6; (2) Order to Hebrew mid-wives to commit infanticide, Ex.2; (3) Attempted program of national homocides by Haman, Esther 3. (4) Homocides of Apostles, variously. (5) First degree homocide of King Jesus. (6) The homocides of 1000s in the 10 Imperial persecutions in the pre-Constantinian period. (7) The homocides committed by Queen Mary 1, King Philip II, Archbishop Reginald Pole, Bishop Stephen Gardiner, Bishop Edmund Bonner and others. (8) The American and Western wickednesses of mass homocides of viable lives in the wombs of the mothers of the respective nations. (8) Also, suicide by Judas Iscariot. (9) Practical theology. (10) Contemporary Theology. (11) Homocides authorized by the Supreme Court of the US.

Aside from the perspicuous and authoritative narrative, a few observations on the side: (1) Elohim and Jehovah, as names, are used in 2.7, a note over which Graf-Wellhausians would choke? Yes, both names. JEDP? C'mon. That theory and hypothesis has--in fact--"collapsed" as Prof. Bruggeman noted, although it was touted as Gospel truth. (2) The Devil recruits the brightest reprobates to work in theology to employ subtlety and deception. The Devil is a theologian as per in Mt. 4. Jesus, as a theologian, defangs and declaws the Devil in his theological engagement. This point was an aside by Monsieur Jean, but is worth pondering. High-end, academic devils to bedevil God's church. We must be careful here, but what else were/are the musicians singing the "hot Lutheran music of Bultmannianism?" Or the singing the "hard rock music of Barthianism" (back in the day)? Or, "banging the drums for Graf-Wellhausen?" Thank you, brother Jean, faithful la...

God is infinite! Whoa! Far better than Prof. Thomas on the Thirty-Nine Articles. Rev. Watson stuns--literally, "arrests"--the listener on God's infinity from WSC 4. Whoa! He likes the term "infinite" and for good cause.

The sufficiency, perspicuity, and necessity of Scriptures for all men, learned and unlearned, was discussed.

Jeremy Taylor is a manipulator and "mangler" of the Biblical Gospel. His hermeneutic is fouled-up. An Arminian and half-Tridentist controlled by his externals and his judgmentalistic moralisms. He's not an exegete, systematician or church historian and, thus far, it shows sadly. There's almost a cruelty and brutality in his writings? His writings say "one thing." His prayers show "another thing," to wit, incoherence, conflict and contradiction. Bishop Allison is nailing this down well. But, why do some Anglicoes and Piskies crow about him? UPSHOT: stroll past--bypass--the house of this moralist with no doctrine of justification, adoption, sanctification or the other benefits accompanying and following from them. Also, Taylor's Gospel does not have an omnipotence of God.

Dr. Bruggemann gives an overview of the "scholarly consensus" in OT interpretation while he dubs "classicists" as "reductionists." With regard to the latter, that table was flipped on Dr. Bruggemann. Humorously, he tells us the "collapse" of Wellhausianism. But, he fails to mention that the old Princetonians, destroyed Wellhausianism in the 1890s--compliments of W.Henry Green, Robert Dick Wilson and other towering OT-scholars. One still remembers a certain scribe "being forced" by a "liberal" (= tyrannical) Episcopal Chaplain to "teach" his "libboe" Sunday School curriculum. Yes, "forced." So the scribe "taught it." Yes, for an entire year "teaching and rebutting it." Let's just say the Piskie tyrant was unhappy (and unteachable in his vanity of mind). The scribe found it to be fun, albeit the same monotonous stuff out of libboes ( = the true reductionists).

We are pondering "renaming" and, if I may, "reimagining" various terms. E.g. "Secularists" = "liars." "Atheists" = "liars" on the basis of Romans 1 and natural revelation. An atheist is deeply religious. "Progressives" = regressives." "Liberals" = "totalitarians." "Humanists" = "de-humanists." Again, under review. While these folks enjoy the high tide of self-flattery, they are self-deceived as abortionists, educators who've thrown God out of schools, and as Sodomites. The pondering is on-going here. Proper "naming" or "labelling," more "accurate advertisement," is an issue of the 9th commandment and telling the truth. Will advise on developments.

Chapuy, the faithful ambassador to the court of Charles V, resident in/about London, is ever the faithful reporter giving the latest street-talk and scuttlebutt of goings-on. He usually calls things what they are without spin. Straight-talk for Charles V who knew every move in London. He calls Dr. Cranmer the "Pope of England" as are other Londoners in jibing (but secretive) fashion. The Oath to the Succession is getting administered and all London priests but one subscribe. The Bishop of Rome "hath no jurisdiction in England." Thomas More dilates and equivocates, or, tap dances, but, in time, will lose his head in 1535. This is 1534. Where's Fisher at this point? He'll lose his head also in 1535. The subscriptions oaths are taken at Lambeth Palace by Tom, Audley, Norfolk, Suffolk and some others. "Line up, fellas, if ya' know what's good for ya. Sign right here.'" Stay tuned. The tensions are still high and are unresolved. More as ...

A totally pathetic job on God's attributes. A first-year seminarian could have done a better job. Pathetic. Not a sight nor sound from the Westminster standards either. Pathetically weak. "Prof. Thomas, up the game, good brother. Otherwise, Sir, it will be a long and, potentially, strained discussion at the dinner hour of table fellowship. C'mon now."

Anthropocentric and a non-theological history/hermeneutic is on view from this Wesleyan historian. It is very noticeable and it mars the history. This thesis on Justo's work--our view--is being tested with each reading. Thus far, our observations persist. "Historical Theologians" and "Theological Historians"are the objectives, not anthropocentrized/Wesleyan hermeneutics. About 2-3 edits/corrections/page are occurring. Notwithstanding, we soldier on!

In thee biographical notice, Edmund Cox, the editor for the Parker Society's volume on Cranmer, gives 1519 for Dr. Cranmer's decision to assiduously study the Scriptures, after learning of Luther's issues going to the "fundamentals" of the faith rather than peripheral issues. This is the first date seen on this point. In this review of Cox's edition, we specifically are looking for "doctrinal developments" and, inasmuch as possible, tracing Dr. Cranmer's theological developments and maturation. We're coming as biblical students armed and informed by systematic theology--7 operative loci of systematics. Cox wisely notes that the forces arrayed against the Reformation were larger, really, than what would face Zwingli in Zurich or Calvin, later, in Geneva. Dr. Cranmer had a nation full of English Romanists, including 10,000 churches, and Tudor royals with whom he had to deal. More as this develops.

MSS, minuscules, codices, lectionaries, and translations (Greek, Latin, Syriac, and Coptic) are discussed. J.H. Greenlee's article is under review in tandem with Prof. Harrison's article.

Ooh boy! J.T. McNeill, Professor at Union Theological Seminary (back in the day), was "catechetizied" as a "10-year old boy" in the "Westminster Shorter Catechism." This scribe has only met a few men in whom the DNA of the WSC resides. Some Westminster Profs were not "catechetized" in it. They knew of it, but it didn't run in the veins. Of course, the Profs at Reformed Episcopal Seminary had no catechesis in the WSC either. Expect that from ALL Episcopalians and most Presbyterians these day. It just is. It is what it is. As a result, the church is weakened. This volume is going to be a fun-read (after the tediums of the likes of William Forbes, Billy Laud, and Jeremy Taylor). Alleluia right there!

Paul details the omnipotent operation and power of our Sovereign God directly, invasively, invisibly, ineluctably, inexpugnably, irresistibly, immediately, directly, and conqueringly in the hearts of believers-to-be. That omnipotent power regenerates a dead person, bringing a resurrection/new life from noetic, affective, and spiritually dead people (Eph.2.1-4). "As many as who were ordained to eternal life, believed" (Acts 13.48). The apostolic Gospel is God's very omnipotence in action bringing new life. And yes, Dr. Cranmer, like John Calvin and Prof. Murray, believed in this sovereign, conquering grace of the "evangel." And yes, Paul was an "evangelical," the troubled word in American and English socio-theological parties. So, did the Anglican delegates to the Synod of Dordt believe in sovereign grace (minus some alleged caveats?...which are pending further review).

Once again, we are taught about the anatomy, protective defenses, and feeding issues related to the Pied-Bill Grebe. The editors are calling attention to the issue of "responsibility." The point of the illustration shows how the mother Grebe cares for her hatchling Grebes. Being without a Christology (in the book with consistency), we correct the authors by affording one. The reader sees the glorious patterns and exquisite designs by God for this migratory bird found throughout North America. God is an infinite Genius!

The benchmark for worship is established--God's "blessing" and "hallowing/sanctifying" the 7th day. God's own example is foundational to our duty of the 4th commandment. We believe the Lord Jesus Christ was in the synagogues over 1700 times during His life, assuming he was 33 at His death. A 50-year old man, if a faithful Churchman week-by-week, attends Church 4160 times, minus some days where there is sickness. For contemporary culture, the failure of the 4th is a very visible tool of evaluation, e.g. cars in the parking lots of Walmarts or other places of commerce.

The Forty-Two Articles and the 1549 Act of Uniformity with its Book of Common Prayer are discussed. Impudently, wrongly and unnecessarily, Prof. Shagan speaks of "strident" Reformed confessions by 1563--confessions/catechisms of the French (1559), the Scots (1559), the First Helvetica (1536), the Heidelberg Catechism (1563), the Augsburg Confession (1530), and others. To use the term "strident" for these confessions is unwarranted and insulting. Such a term tells one more about Prof. Shagan than the confessions of the period. Prof. Shagan was censored of this point. If a student in Prof. Shagan's class at UCLA, a serious push-back would be offered, argued and concluded. Further, he fails to mention the "stridency" of the Council of Trent that "anathematized" true catholics and excommunicated the Reformers. One further note: the English Bible and English Book of Common Prayer were a national agenda item--as a nationwide vision that was a s...

Thomas Watson: "A Body of Divinity" (#18): Westminster Shorter Catechism 3 & 4

Total tedium alert. Have another cup of coffee to stay awake.

Thus far, nothing is noted by Prof. Thomas in his 39 Articles, nor by the evangelical systematicians, historians, and exegetes about the WCF. As such, those branches of the church are much weakened by such exclusions. Such exclusions are evident in the respective faith communities--in doctrine, worship and piety. [Think praise bands and empty heads, a cruelty wrought on people by rigorist dogmaticians of modernity.] Noted. Inquiring minds are asking. We soldier on.

As a sociologist, Dr. Hunter lacks the categories of a theologian for cultural analysis. The shows in every page. Yet, he has his fingers on the "competing moral visions" (which he wrongly tells us are not religious as if the facts have no theological connectivity). However, helpfully, as a sociologist he points to "institutions" (over individuals) that control the public narratives: media, politics, the academy and churches. We're thankful for Prof. Hunter's reportage, although he's crippled in theology, church history, exegesis and practical theology. He has ZERO-authority to claim that moral visions aren't "religious." The "so-called progressives" are "religious retrogressives" (our terms). We politely correct the Prof. often at the dinner table. Yet, we're thankful for his flawed narrative while appreciating his "study of groups and organizations" (sociology). We soldier on!

1533: BUCKLE-UP. Elizabeth 1 is born in Sept 1533 and baptized within 3 days with Tom as the godfather. In July, 1533, Cranmer is deeply involved in the burning of John Frith, a Cambridge man, who denied Ubiquitarianism and Purgatory. Unconscionable. Political exegesis for preferment by Tom? Yep, Tom's equivalent of Calvin's Servetus. Also, Cranmer is dealing with the conspiratorial Elizabeth Barton of Kent, herself led by her Ringmistress, the Prioress of St. Sepulchre's Nunnery, Canterbury. Elizabeth is central to the English Romanist inner circles. A year passes before that crew is put to death in April 1534. But, perhaps the grandest moment and under-evaluated development of 1533? The Pope in July 1533 "excommunicates" Henry, Anne and Dr. Cranmer. Well, that won't go too well with the players. The plot thickens. What's the response by the main players? What stories are echoing in Rome's beltway of power politics and theology? Or, in the courts and...

The classic arguments for God's existence were outlined along with a discussion of the "essence" of God. Again, just from Article 1, including briefs on the Latin terms. But, no sightings or soundings from other Reformed confessions or catechisms. None. Zero. We'll see if that continues. But, if it does, how did this influence Canadian Anglican students at the University of Toronto? If so, how may these omissions have affected Canadian Anglican parishes in the 20th century? The questions awaiting answers are pending. We'll stay at Prof. Thomas's table until we get an answer.

The classic arguments for God's existence were outlined along with a discussion of the "essence" of God. Again, just from Article 1, including briefs on the Latin terms. But, no sightings our soundings from other Reformed confessions or catechisms. None. We'll see if that continues. But, if it does, how did this influence Canadian Anglican students at the University of Toronto? If so, how may these omissions affected Canadian Anglican parishes? The questions awaiting answers are pending. We'll stay at Prof. Thomas's table until we get an answer.

Man-centered in the telling of the early church without an operational or controlling Christology. While we get some sparse facts, we get "bald facts" without Trinitarianism. Students are warned to proceed thoughtfully, critically and with a fuller hermeneutic than Prof. Gonzalez is offering with his crippled and shrunken hermeneutic.

Brother Wayne's Baptacostal roots are showing. While we have significant areas of agreement, we see the non-Confessional, non-liturgical and individualist culture in him. In those respects, he cannot be followed. At other points, he is to be heard. His frequent reference to "today's evangelicals" is self-limiting, as if the church today is without the history of Israel or 2000 years of apostolic teachings. Systematic theology cannot be done aright without church history.

he relationship of historical theology is discussed in relation to exegetical theology, biblical theology, systematic theology and practical theology. A very helpful discussion, although a few minor caveats and questions are registered. Still, a wonderful discussion. Prof. Allison discusses the two approaches: the "relativists" and the "essentialists." A very good discussion by Prof. Allison in his most commendable and recommended volume.

Eli fails to discipline and remove his two sons from the priesthood. Hophni and Phinehas, the sons, had other gods, belly-gods or their bellies, eating the proscribed portions of sacrificial animals. A certain portion was granted to priests, but they were not happy with God's Word and took what they liked as "belly worshipers" and gluttons. They took God's name and Word in a vain, irreverent and disrespectful manner. They either didn't know or didn't care about the historical precedent of Nadab and Abihu, Aaron's sons (Lev.10) who similarly were casual and insolent priests (whom the LORD killed). Eli's sons disrespected their father and, most importantly, YAHWEH. They had, themselves, killed their relationship with Yahweh with the stupidity. They were fornicators and adulterers, permitting and being involved with "sacred prostitution" in and about the tabernacle at Shiloh. These matters were known by others. They were liars too. They thought ...

וַיַּרְא אֱלֹהִים אֶת-כָּל-אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה, וְהִנֵּה-טוֹב מְאֹד. God created all things and "saw every thing that He had made and, behold, it was very good. Since God "saw" the results as good, we are duty bound to do the same, behold His works of creation and providence. God is the Benchmark. Chapter 1 is finished and, God willing, on to Chapter 2.

In terms of the early English Reformers, including Tyndale and Cranmer, what was the outlook looking forward in Henry's England? What could they prognosticate? Where could they operate? What does Dr. Cranmer know of Tyndale and what does he think of Wycliffism? When does Dr. Cranmer become aware of the extensive existence of Anglo-Saxon Bibles before the Latinist hegemony? What forces were arrayed before Lutheranizing Reformers in the 1530s or a Reformed Reformed like John Frith? None of these men were inspired prophets. They had to face the unknown as must we, trusting in divine providence and God's promises. How deep was the antagonism towards Romish jurisdiction, e.g. Longland, Bishop of Lincoln, though a devout doctrinal Romanist... he wanted Rome's jurisdictional wings clipped. Steve Gardiner of Winchester was onboard with royal supremacy while retaining his doctrinal Romanism as a canonist lawyer. ("That ignorant lawyer" Dr. Cranmer would impute to Gardiner ...

A breath of clean, cold, fresh air from Rev. Thomas Watson after that dreary read of Rev. Jeremy Taylor. Give me some old Prof. Watson on the WSC any day at any time. God's been so very good to His church by such luminaries. And His Majesty also buffets us with dreary talkers like Taylor. We soldier on in King Jesus!

Bishop Fitz Allison is doing a superb job of showing how Romanistic and Arminian this theological loser is--this loser is called Jeremy "Trash Talking" Taylor. He knows ZERO about the glorious Heidelberg Catechism. I have NO idea how this abuser got into the ministry of the Word. This is just plain awful. This book started out as "Fun Reading," initially, as a nice read. A book as a take-along on vacation. In fact, it has turned out to be the "most dreary book" read in 5 years, not because of Bishop Fitz's competent handling, but due to the likes of these moralizing Naggers with butchered Christologies and soteriologies. Functionally, Taylor is a "theological abuser" with no Gospel of comfort, joy, peace, rejoicing, assurance and confidence. None, zero, de nada. He has no sense of Paul's Romans. "SGT-of-the-Guard: Throw the jail-keys away on Taylor's cell in the brig. A life sentence of banishment has been decreed. That will...

Prof. Hodge leads the listener through WCF 1.1-3 on canonical books, the divine inspiration, the divine infallibility and the divine necessity of the Bible. As reading, was wondering what Dr. Thomas Cranmer would have thought? It's our view that Tom would have been delighted with the WCF 1 and Prof. Hodge's exposition. There is no doubt that Tom would have heard Prof. Hodge with respect and meditation. Whatever Dr. Cranmer was or wasn't (which entails much), he was a thoughtful, reading and scholarly man. Dr. Cranmer would have loved the fellowship--table fellowship--with this old Princeton divine, Great-Great Grandpa A.A. Hodge. Alleluia right there! Oh to be a fly on that wall listening to Dr. Cranmer and Dr. Hodge!

Prof. Hunter traces the political, cultural and religious fault-lines and fissures in American history. While we take issue at a few points, Prof. Hunter is rendering an helpful narrative and is rendering for the "True Catholics" important insights. We'll stop saying "True Catholics" when the man of sin in Rome repents and gets a better mind and heart. We say such without meanness but with love. "Get with it, Frank in Rome. Time, Frank, for you to get enrolled at www.tnars.net." And, we're dead serious with that summons. Let the snowflakes melt, the shoulder-shruggers scoff, but let the combat warriors man the front-lines. "All children go to the `rear with the gear.'"

Tom compromises his conscience variously, including nullifying three marriages in deference to a despotic King. Who is Cranmer's Lord of the conscience? God and His Word above all earthly powers? Can Tom think in those terms? Did he think in those terms? Luther, Zwingli, Miles Coverdale, William Tyndale, Hugh Latimer and other could think in those terms. Why not Tom? Furthermore, as a Bible man, Tom knew of Moses, Elijah, the Prophets, the martyrdoms of the Apostles (minus John), Ignatius, Polycarp, Irenaeus and others. Why the fear and timidity? Deference to the early King above the LORD of Lords, Jesus Christ? Talk is easy in easy times (Edwardian days).

We diverged to talk about the "snake-low" academicians with 1000s of details yet are "brain-broken" by putting God in the attic (in their dead heads). Yes, "snake low" PhDs who are not "high theologians" with active brains doing good science and more. The "snake-low" academics are the "masters of the plantations." It can't be put less forcefully. Time for the call of repentance unto life and the summons to saving faith in Jesus Christ to be heralded to unconverted academics (who may be of the unconverted elect). The reprobates be the reprobates and the reprobates will do what they do--actively suppress natural revelation that talks to them daily, but which they energetically hold down in unrighteousness. BTW, we're not anti-intellectual but pro-education and pro-thinking. A "high thinking" not the "snake-low" thinking that effaces God by hostile animosities to God. Thank you, Prof. Thomas, for t...

The discussion continues on the merits and important convictions that come from historical theology to those in the present (and those to come). One might insert the role and value of Ezra doing his scholarly, historical and biblical studies in the production of 1 and 2 Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah--that is, studies that provide ballast and encouragement to the exilic community. But, back on point. Prof. Allison is up to his seventh benefit that accumulates strength to support his wise thesis--the warrants for studying historical theology. The book is clearly written and abounds with wise counsels.

Prof. Cairns discussed Clement of Rome, Ignatius, Polycarp, the Epistle of Barnabas and the Epistle to Diognetus.

No reason is seen to deny Ezra's authorship and compilational, archivalist work of Chronicles, Ezra and Nehemiah. Ezra is a robust scholar, theological historian and "combat warrior," if this scribe may. He "encouraged" the exiles by learning, teaching, writing and leading. Minister: Praise ye the Lord. A: The LORD's name be praised!

εἰς τὸ στηριχθῆναι ὑμᾶς = to make you stable, firm, grounded, set fast, fixed, strengthened, rendered constant, confirmed." Paul cites this organizing principle-- εἰς τὸ στηριχθῆναι ὑμᾶς--that controls the entire epistle and underpins his entire teaching ministry (Rom.1.11). If Paul's Epistle to the Romans controls the thinking, the above verbs will apply.

More from natural revelation in the design and function of this migratory bird. Psalm 19.1: "The heavens declare the glory of God..." God's designs for animals is stunning. It's theological science, since science is a subset of creation and providence in the doctrine of God. This coordinates nicely with Prof. A.A. Hodge's work on the Westminster Confession of Faith.

Jean analyzes the Annunciation by Gabriel of the Person and work of her Son-to-be. Calvin, as usual, is lucid and economical. While at it, are there any Henrician, Marian or Elizabethan divines who labored across the pages of Scripture like Calvin? Did any of the Popes--men of sin--produce 34-volumes of commentaries? What's up with that? Also, Dr. Cranmer surely did not produce a 34-volume commentary on Scriptures. Calvin is "in it" day and night.

Creation is finished and man in God's image is discussed. Calvin discusses the constitutive aspect of the image of God--using verbs like "destroyed," "vitiated," maimed" and "distorted" to describe the constitutive deformity, deficiency and disability of the mind, reason, volition and heart. This is Reformed Theology and it, by no means, is just Calvin's views alone. It's called original sin with its consequences. The Thirty-Nine Articles and the Westminster Confession are of the same fabric on this issue. Interestingly, he concedes the Trinitarian elements as previously discussed, but this contradicts his earlier statement. ??. Calvin refers to Augustine's works with chapter and verse. We've always been with Augustine, Lombard and Coccieus on the Trinitarian revelation and hints by the Triune God Himself.

A quick review of the Ten Articles of 1536 and the Six Articles of 1539 is given. A quick reference to the closing of 250 monasteries is raised briefly. John Wycliffe would have heartily agreed with this attack on Romish wealth and control in the Romish Church of England. Our usual questions about Dr. Cranmer are raised with about 50 other questions on the above issues. What does Dr. Cranmer understand, know, believe, do and read in the period of 1533-1536?

The varied evidences, implanted in the elects' souls, of the existence of God are reviewed. Cosmological, teleological, creation, design, providence, conscience, moral governance, a universal sense of the deity, and predictive prophecy--these are lines of argument that arise from God's indubitable revelation in nature. The reprobate have this manifest knowledge--directly from and by God inside the reprobates' beings, but they have an hostile reaction of suppression and repression of this abundant witness. For the reprobate, providing these abundant evidences occasions the gnashing of teeth and the predictable hostility from reprobates against God and His people. Hence, these evidences are eminently reasonable, just and have their two-fold effects under God's all-embracing decree and providence.

More from Bishop Allison on Taylor's functional Romanism and deficits warranting censure. Taylor preaches the Romanist "Gospel of Nagging" with a butchered Christology. Justification is not justification but is a hope and effort for, at and towards justification. Allison's characterizations are tepid, non-confessional and are too tolerant of the Tridentine cruelties. "SGT-of-the-Guard: Escort Mr. Taylor to the brig. That will be all."

Prof. Hodge has offered some rather inpenetrable verbiage. While he writes clearly at some earlier points, some peculiarities about man's abilities in the fallen state (??) seems at hand. Can't put the finger on it, but something is amiss (??). We're a people of the book of Romans. More Bible citation and exposition is needed, please. Thank you, Prof. Hodge. We need some action like Prof. Robert Reymond in his Systematic.

Prof. Hunter comes with stories from the front-lines with the categories of a sociologist of religion and culture in America. It is strictly Americo-centric (as is usual with media, etc., American narcissism). As such, as a sociologist, he is highly handicapped and without the necessary tools for engagement--OT, NT, ST, and church history studies. As a theologian, we also are handicapped, not being professional in that field. Yet, while noting those matters, Prof. Hunter is offering continuing insights to the moral decay of the nation. Abortion, sodomites, public education ("Shut up, God") and more. As a sociologist, Prof. Hunter that is, we still listen to him--despite his intellectual incapacities for theological engagement. He's offering some cogent observations. The Christian has challenges as he or she looks beyond the family and home. God willing, following this volume, consideration is being to Prof. Allen Bloom's "The Closing of the American Mind."...

The gig is up. The jerry-rigged court at Dunstable closes on 28 May 1533. Cranmer's in ex parte communications with Henry and Cromwell. The whole gig is unfolding over days. The judgment has been pre-approved. All is rigged and pre-planned. Catherine is out. Anne's marriage to Henry is validated (married 5 months before while married to Catherine). Anne's in as the Queen. How's that for about 20 days from May 10 to Jun 1, 1533. We're talkin' about "presto" action. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED, fellas. Good job! Never mind that Tom will "invalidate" the Henry-Anne marriage 3 years later. Never mind that Tom knew the canonists were aware of the inherent legal problems in 1533. Tom is on Henry's short leash and doing Henry's biddings like a lap dog. "C'mere Tom! Thatta boy!" We love Tom, but we're not cloaking his failures. Nor are we maximizing them. Nor are we under-appreciating the behemoth of challenges that faced hi...

The various partisans or parties within Judaism with their diversities are discussed, including Diasporean Jews, the predicate for the apostolic expansion of Christianity. Too much time was spent on Philo and Alexandrian Jews and far too little attention to the OT canon or Jewish historians and theologians. A future edition should include this and other observations.

Systematic theology: (1) relationship to other theological disciplines, (2) applied theology, (3) organizational theology (as opposed to disheveled, shallow and disorganized theology), (4) and the doctrines of the Bible. Where's church history? Not a minor omission. As if systematic theology can be done without other competent voices across the ages? Americo-Bapto-centric? An unworkable hermeneutic and definition of systematics. No known sightings or soundings of the Reformed Confessions or the Book of Prayer Book yet. It shows, even in the flavor and tone. This is not a minor quibble. He's a brother, but we're not checking our intellectual bags at the door as we enter into discussion with Wayne and his Baptacostal cohorts. Not now. Not ever. Ain't happenin.'

What is historical theology, as a discipline, and what are its manifold and indubitable values for today?

Briefs on Clement of Rome and Ignatius are given.

The organic chemisty, physics, calculus and microbiology of NT studies.

The Chronicler ( = Ezra) gives a robust doctrine of God as well as dealing with covenant theology, Davidic kingship, Temple worship, and the loyalty of God to His promises, notwithstanding the setbacks in the history of Israel. Ezra has done systematic theology, church history and practical theology--backwards looking, looking at the present, and forward looking--as a scholar and faithful Churchmen made so by God's election.

Πρῶτον μὲν εὐχαριστῶ τῷ θεῷ μου = "I am continually giving thanks to my God." The force of the present, continuous tense is not noted by Prof. Murray, but we note it. The present, continuous action of Paul's prayer life of gratitude for the effectual calling of the beloved saints in Rome, founded without any known apostolic involvements. If we date the Pentecost sermon c. 33 AD in Acts 2, and if the Roman church was founded by newly converted Christians (?) then or a few years later, we have about 25ish years between the founding of the Church of Rome and this epistle. The Church at Rome had become famous for the ἡ πίστις, the faith. What occurred between Pentecost of 33ish AD and 58 AD? We can only muse here rather than postulate much more. Election and effectual calling has been in effect as Jesus executes the decrees of the eternal counsel of redemption. This is church history, NT introduction, Pauline theology, involving OT studies, systematic theology, practical th...

Jeremy Taylor slips into Tridentine views of justification, albeit it modified. He's a perfectionist. One sees Bishop Allison's imputation of moralism, but what of Taylor's Arminianism? Will it be called out? Taylor's contemporaries saw it. Do we have to read 17 volumes of Taylor's tediousnesses with the "Gospel of Nagging" without joy, comfort or assurance? Taylor is not operating with a full deck of theological cards. Not once do we hear from Taylor or Allison about the Westminster standards. Standardlessness? Rev. Thomas Watson can write with clarity. Why can't Taylor?

We took the exit off the interstate to take in the vista of the Assembly's sittings for 5+ years. It was not some hot, rash affair. IT had balance, moderation, and equipoise. It was slow, thoughtful, collaborative and scholarly. Extremely difficult for Americans in their time-boundedness to the present context, the American context, to imagine not just this Assembly, but that Parliament was knee-deep in the production (until prorogued by Cromwell). Parliament also received this Confession of Faith. In London! ANOTHER COE DISASTER: total disregard of the WCF in 1662 and the turning of blinded eyes from this glorious theological piece. Heirs of Anglicanism need to be recalled to this glorious work of theology, as must others.