Reformed Anglicans

McNiell, John Thomas. The History and Character of Calvinism. New York: Oxford University Press, 1962. Dr. McNeil tells of the founding of Geneva Academy with its ground-breaking, funding, and slow building, but also notes the hiring of Beza as Rector in 1559 (193). This includes kindergarten through high school years, including French, Latin and Greek (194). The school was rigorous, classical, Biblical and Psalm-singing, attracting students from other nations (194). VALUE: show the importance of classical learning, discipline and theological health—as salt, light, and serving the poor in spirit (and mind and soul). Greg Allison’s “Historical Theology:” Prof. Allison further quotes Anselm on the substitutionary, satisfaction view of the atonement, but brings in the subjectivist, Peter Abelard, on the moral inspiration theory of the atonement (398). Too bad he failed to see the comprehensiveness of the atonement, thinking in terms of “either-or.” As an aside, we’re delighted with Alex...

Rev. Dr. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, “Theology of English Reformers:” One hears from Bishop Jewel’s Apology for the Church of England, 1562, published in advance of the close of the Council of Trent. He advocates for the biblicality and simplification of the CoE with services in English (151). VALUE: holding the standing principles of the Reformed Church of England (without the conflictions and confusions of subsequent centuries). It still operates for Reformed Prayer Book Churchmen, even those subscribing to the Westminster Standards. Margot Johnson’s “Thomas Cranmer: 500th Commemoration of his Birth:” 9. Music and English Liturgy—Margot Johnson, 144-166. John Merbecke (1510-1585), a Calvinist, organmeister, teacher of choristers, teacher of organists, and paid as a staffer, serves at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. His musical service for a sung Holy Communion is well known (145). Richard Turner, a Reformed man and Marian exile, is connected to Windsor as Cranmer’s Chaplain, and is...

Themelios (Dec 2021): in “Raised up from the Dust: An Exploration of Hannah’s Reversal Motif in the Book of Esther as Evidence of Divine Sovereignty,” Dr. Justin Jackson clearly exposits 1 Samuel 2 as the reversal theme pointing to God’s sovereignty that humbles the proud and exalts the humble—albeit individual, this rises to national prominence in the Esther narrative. VALUE: shows the utter importance of the need for a full-orbed, Biblical view of God. All heresies and apostasies rise from failures on this front. New Horizons (June 2022): in “Augustine’s Short Prayers in His Confessions,” Rev. Shane Lems reviews a few prayers by Augustine as exhibits of depth and earnest faith, pointing a way forward for one’s prayer life. As usual, from our Presbyterian friends, they take their leave from Reformed Prayer Book Churchmanship. VALUE: highlight Augustine and to remind one of the inherent values of the old BCP. Not even a note from our Presbyterian brother, a deficiency, yet, loving hi...

“The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 1:” in “History of Higher Criticism,” Dean Dyson Hague notes that the German dissectionists impugn Jesus, the Apostles, and centuries of Jewish and Christian convictions in the Mosaic authorship of the Pentateuch. VALUE: clear take down which is spectacular to behold. “Theologians You Should Know: Apostolic Fathers to the 21st Century,” Dr. Michael Reeves discusses the apologetes of the second century: the Letter to Diognetus. The Christians were accused of anti-social behavior, cannibalism and incest. VALUE: important reminders to defend the true churches of Christ. Princeton Theological Review (Vol.22, No.1, Spring 2007): in “Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness: Jesus’ Cross to Bare,” Sharon L. Baker got off on the wrong foot and stayed there. VALUE: watching someone spin fancies about God’s attributes. Reformed Faith and Practice (May 2022): in “What Happened to Liberalism?:” Dr. Matthew S. Miller of the C.S. Lewis Institute, comments...

Trinity Journal (TEDS, Spring 2022): in “The Ancient Church Calendar,” Dr. Philip Derstine discusses the three ancient festivals of Israel. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “’You Share Our Story’: Historiographies of the Lambeth Conference,” Dr. BENJAMIN GUYER comments on the various volumes that include introductory materials, e.g. sermons, but also documents therefrom. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “Anglicanism, the Lambeth Conferences, and International Relations in the Twentieth Century,” Dr. ANDREW CHANDLER discusses the theological challenges of the 1968 Lambeth Conference: “religionless Christianity,” demythologization and the “Death of God” movement, e.g. JAT Robinson. Nice piece of historical reminiscence. Table Talk (July 2022): the 5th commandment is discussed. Standard Bearer (June 2022): “Letters to the Editor:” 2 more letters are on offer regarding the May 2022 issue on “sexual abuse.” Apparently, there have been some instances in t...

Journal of Theological Studies (Vol. 9, 1908): “Cephas and Christ” the Editor meanders around on Peter’s confession at Caesarea-Philippi. He comments on the “blessedness” of the divine, revelatory, active, and soul-epistemological work of illumination and confession. The Editor is careful to note that this is sovereignly governed and given to “whomsoever” He wills to give it. Protestant Reformed Theological Journal 55,1 (Fall, 2021): in “Introduction to Church Holidays from Gereformeerd Kerkrecht,” Peter Vander Schaa discusses the Quartodecimian controversy and the confab between Polycarp of Smyrna (c. 150) and Bishop Anicteus—cordial, yet with differences. Themelios (Dec 2021): in “Raised up from the Dust: An Exploration of Hannah’s Reversal Motif in the Book of Esther as Evidence of Divine Sovereignty,” Dr. Justin Jackson discusses untethered intertextuality as a hermeneutical practice versus “biblical inner-exegesis” as a tighter hermeneutic. New Horizons (June 2022): in “SEVEN...

Standard Bearer (June 2022): “Letters to the Editor:” two letters are offered giving strong, favorable feedback on the May articles on sexual abuse in Reformed contexts. More letters will be featured. Bibliotheca Sacra (Jan-Mar 2021): in “A Chronology of the Life of Christ with Emphasis on the Nativity and Epiphany,” Kurt Simmons, J.D., is outlining the dates and provenance for the pagan ceremonies of Sol Invictus. Modern Reformation (May/June 2022): in “Restoring Eve,” Kendra Dahl discusses Susan Foh’s influential exegesis of Genesis 3.16—pain in child bearing and a desire to dominate the husband. Modern Reformation (July/Aug 2022): in "The Scriptures Sufficiency to Determine All Matters of Faith," William Twisse, prolocutor of the Westminster Assembly (1643-1646), answers a Jesuit's anonymous literary piece postulating the "obscurity of Scriptures. Calvin Theological Journal (Spring 2022): in “The Beatitudes and the Life of the Church, Gerard M, Cisar continue...

Trinity Journal (TEDS, Spring 2022): in “The Ancient Church Calendar,” Dr. Philip Derstine discusses Egyptian and Hebrew calendrical systems. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “’You Share Our Story’: Historiographies of the Lambeth Conference,” Dr. BENJAMIN GUYER discusses the developments of the 1868 and 1878 Lambeths. At first, institutionalizing such was not in the offing, but by 1878, that thought was emerging. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “Archbishop Michael Ramsey and the Lambeth Conference,” Dr. PETER WEBSTER notes that Ramsey saw the center of gravity shifting from Western Christendom to the Far East and from northern Christendom to the southern Churches. Howe notes that Ramsey had acute antennae for this. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “Anglicanism, the Lambeth Conferences, and International Relations in the Twentieth Century,” Dr. ANDREW CHANDLER discusses insularity of the early Lambeth Conferences, a time without telepho...

Halley’s “Bible Handbook:” discusses the overview of Genesis. An excellent handbook. For Psalm 28, Prof. Calvin comments on the word “strength” in connection with David. Ideas have consequences. God’s Presence has consequences. Zondervan Pictorial Bible: “Isaac:” the quiet, uneventful, untraveled patriarch. ISBE on “Leviticus:” further comments on the theology of “Divine Presence,” one major predicate amongst other that inform and shape Leviticus. For Genesis 21: Prof. Keil comments on the birth of Isaac along with general comments on the patriarchs. For Judges 12.1ff., Prof. Keil further comments on Jepthah’s vow and promise to his daughter. For Isaiah 12.3-4, Prof. Henry comments on the joy in the song of praise. The Judaites had been spared the conquests of Sennacherib of Assyria while the northern tribes were subjugated. ISBE on Johannine Theology, Prof. I. Howard Marshall comments on how Bultmann denies the atoning sacrifice of Christ. For Mathew 10.5-15, Prof. Jamie...

Southwestern Theological Journal (Fall 2021), in “THE USE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IN THE EPISTLE TO THE JAMES, 1-2 PETER AND JUDE,” Dr. Mark Taylor begins his exposition of Jude on false teachers, citing the Exodus generation, Sodom and Gomorrah, Korah, etc. This raises a solid issue: what is a false teacher? Reformed Theological Journal (Sept 2020), in “Christian Platonism” and Christological Interpretation: A Response to Craig A. Carter, Interpreting Scripture with the Great Tradition,” Daniel J. Treier of Wheaton College discusses a participatory ontology without blotting out the Creator-creature distinction. We live, move and have our being in God, yet distinctions must be observed and maintained. The Biblical Repertory/Princeton Review (Volume 9, Issue 1, 1837, pages 29ff.). James Waddel Archibald reviews Art. 1V.—Plea for Voluntary Societies and a Defense of the Decisions of the General Assembly of 1836 against the Strictures of the Princeton Reviewers and others.— By a member o...

“The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 1:” in “History of Higher Criticism,” Dean Dyson Hague gloriously defangs, declaw and “decks” the dissectionists. Gloriously so. “Theologians You Should Know: Apostolic Fathers to the 21st Century,” Dr. Michael Reeves discusses the “Shepherd of Hermas.” Long time since reading that, but a retour is foreclosed by a long queue. Princeton Theological Review (Vol.22, No.1, Spring 2007): in “Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness: Jesus’ Cross to Bare,” Sharon L. Baker calls herself a “peace theologian” as against the vicarious, penal substitutionary atonement, the violent God, and Christianity as the source of all evil. Ya’ can’t make this stuff up. She’s huffing and puffing with full cheeks and a bloated head. Reformed Faith and Practice (May 2022): in “For Machen, Fosdick was a Small Part of the Problem,” Dr. D. G. Hart ends his article oddly, pointing to the differences between the two on the church and state. Not a good conclusion to an oth...

Modern Reformation (May/June 2022): in “Restoring Eve,” Kendra Dahl wanders around on images of Eve—temptress, power-seeker, deceiver, transgressor. Modern Reformation (July/Aug 2022): in “Call for Letters,” the Editor, Joshua Schendel…well, he calls for letters of 400 words or less. Someone may take them up on it. Calvin Theological Journal (Spring 2022): in “The Beatitudes and the Life of the Church, Gerard M, Cisar points to poverty as a result of lawlessness and injustice, even in the OT period when the Jubilee Year was overlooked. Instead of release, the poor were kept in bondage. Westminster Theological Journal (Nov 2021, 355-381): “Classical Versus Contemporary: Engaging Trinitarian and Pneumatological Modelling for Ongoing Theological Construction:” Torey J.S. Teer engages “Third Article Theology,” a fad of the last 20ish years or so, although adumbrated earlier. Mid-America Journal of Theology (Fall 2021): in “Should Effectual Calling and Regeneration be Distinguished,...

Trinity Journal (TEDS, Spring 2022): in “The Ancient Church Calendar,” Dr. Philip Derstine takes one through ANE and Roman calendars. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “’You Share Our Story’: Historiographies of the Lambeth Conference,” Dr. BENJAMIN GUYER notes that Lambeth stories are insular in focus. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “Archbishop Michael Ramsey and the Lambeth Conference,” Dr. PETER WEBSTER comments on Ramsey’s notable skills of memory for persons and conversations, a solid figure. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “Anglicanism, the Lambeth Conferences, and International Relations in the Twentieth Century,” Dr. ANDREW CHANDLER notes that the insularity of Lambeth precluded a public consciousness of foreign contributions. Table Talk (July 2022): is taking a detour on the Ten Commandments with a focus on the requirements of the Third Commandment. Standard Bearer (June 2022): gives a preview of the June 2022 PRCA Synod and t...

Halley’s “Bible Handbook:” an overview of Genesis is offered, simply. For Psalm 28, Prof. Calvin notes that David “leads” his readers in praise. Zondervan Pictorial Bible: “Isaac:” comments on Abraham, Isaac and Jacob being alive and the elect being seated with them. ISBE on “Leviticus:” gloriously comments on the theology of Leviticus. Several themes emerge. The “Presence” of God is one major theme. For Genesis 20: Prof. Keil comments on the story of Abraham, Abimelech, and the sojourn in Kerah. For Judges 12.1ff., Prof. Keil deals with J and E in the story of Jepthah. For Isaiah 12.3-4, Prof. Henry comments on this “Song of Praise.” ISBE on Johannine Theology, Prof. I. Howard Marshall comments on “eternal life.” For Mathew 10.5-15, Prof. Jamieson discusses the missionaries’ rules of engagement. If they accept you, good. If not, shake off the dust from the feet. For Romans 7, Prof. Hodge gives an overview and analysis of 7.14-25. For Acts 2.1ff., Prof. Henry discusses ...

Princeton Theological Review (Vol.22, No.1, Spring 2007): in “Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness: Jesus’ Cross to Bare,” Sharon L. Baker promises to deliver us all from the violent God and the violent views of the substitutionary, penal, expiatory, and propitiatory satisfaction as, we would add, are in the foundational documents of the Reformation and Book of Common Prayer (e.g. Prayer of Humble Access). All of this after her bombastiloquent opening that blamed all evil and war on Christianity. Reformed Faith and Practice (May 2022): in “For Machen, Fosdick was a Small Part of the Problem,” Dr. D. G. Hart comments on Dr. Van Dyke’s withdrawal from First Presbyterian Church, Princeton, over Dr. Machen’s sermons. Concordia Theological Journal (January 2022), in “Confessional Loyalty or `Should I Let that Subscription Lapse?’,” Rev. Scott Murray makes his case for keeping his subscription up-to-date and not letting it lapse. Journal of Theological Studies (Vol. 9, 1908): “Cephas and Chri...

Bibliotheca Sacra (Jan-Mar 2021): in “A Chronology of the Life of Christ with Emphasis on the Nativity and Epiphany,” Kurt Simmons, J.D. focuses on calendrical dating in the mid-4th century with Christmas as the first day of the year and 24 December as the last date of the calendrical year. Modern Reformation (May/June 2022): “Evangelical Biblicism over the Years,” an interview of Dr. Larsen by Blake Adams: little is offered here on sola scriptura and “biblicism” other than to denote the widespread tendency to read the Bible and “Me and God” without historical lens. He’s commenting about this behemoth called “evangelicalism.” Calvin Theological Journal (Spring 2022): in “The Beatitudes and the Life of the Church, Gerard M, Cisar discusses “poor in spirit” as meaning oppressed in the OT sense and humility as a result. Westminster Theological Journal (Nov 2021, 355-381): “Classical Versus Contemporary: Engaging Trinitarian and Pneumatological Modelling for Ongoing Theological Constru...

Trinity Journal (TEDS, Spring 2022): in “The Ancient Church Calendar,” Dr. Philip Derstine makes the start on the Hebrew calendar from Moses to the Second Temple period. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “’You Share Our Story’: Historiographies of the Lambeth Conference,” Dr. BENJAMIN GUYER will offer a diachronic, descriptive overview of the Lambeth Conferences. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “Archbishop Michael Ramsey and the Lambeth Conference,” Dr. PETER WEBSTER discusses Ramsay’s ecclesiastical resume, more academic than administrative. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “Anglicanism, the Lambeth Conferences, and International Relations in the Twentieth Century,” Dr. ANDREW CHANDLER describes how provinces developed into Global Anglicanism. Table Talk (July 2022): this edition, Salt and Light, discusses worship, the regulative principle and Hezekiah’s clean-up operation in 2 Kings 18. Standard Bearer (June 2022): Rev. Engelsma previ...

Reformed Presbyterian Theological Journal (1837): the Editor has an article on Romans 8.1-5. He gives the essence of Romans 7 as the predicate. Clear and a “High View” of the text. Southwestern Theological Journal (Fall 2021), in “THE USE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IN THE EPISTLE TO THE JAMES, 1-2 PETER AND JUDE,” Dr. Mark Taylor presses forward to 2 Peter and Jude, believing that Jude is the literary predicate for 2 Peter. Reformed Theological Journal (Sept 2020), in “Christian Platonism” and Christological Interpretation: A Response to Craig A. Carter, Interpreting Scripture with the Great Tradition,” Daniel J. Treier of Wheaton College discusses “doxological ontology.” ??. Not seeing any response, thus far, to Dr. Carter. The Biblical Repertory/Princeton Review (Volume 9, Issue 1, 1837, pages 29ff.). James Waddel Archibald reviews Art. 1V.—Plea for Voluntary Societies and a Defense of the Decisions of the General Assembly of 1836 against the Strictures of the Princeton Reviewers and o...

“Theologians You Should Know: Apostolic Fathers to the 21st Century,” Dr. Michael Reeves discusses Polycarp’s trial, refusal to say “Caesar is Lord," his testimony and famed statement, his burning and, finally, his stabbing. He neither glorified nor sought martyrdom. This was a local wave of persecution in Smyrna. Princeton Theological Review (Vol.22, No.1, Spring 2007): in “Justice, Mercy, and Forgiveness: Jesus’ Cross to Bare,” Sharon L. Baker argues that the “violence” theory of God in the penal, Anselmian, and satisfaction atonement involves God as the "violent God" and that this Christian doctrine is the source of all violence in the world. Quite the opening.  Reformed Faith and Practice (May 2022): in “For Machen, Fosdick was a Small Part of the Problem,” Dr. D. G. Hart notes that Machen was way ahead of the agnostic, unscholarly Fosdick and that he, Machen, was involved in investigative committees of the PCUSA GA--investigating the doctrinal disturbances in the ch...

Bibliotheca Sacra (Jan-Mar 2021): in “A Chronology of the Life of Christ with Emphasis on the Nativity and Epiphany,” Kurt Simmons, J.D., faults the “rationalistic Historical-Critical method” as throwing traditional dates into “academic disrepute.” He will argue for Scripture and tradition offering a more reputable model. Modern Reformation (May/June 2022): “Evangelical Biblicism over the Years,” an interview of Dr. Larsen by Blake Adams: advocacy for a Renaissance of comprehensive Biblical literacy is urged. Dr. Larsen finds young Christians to be earnest, passionate and willing to “pay the cost” for such. Calvin Theological Journal (Spring 2022): in “The Beatitudes and the Life of the Church, Gerard M, Cisar discusses the crushing results of economic poverty and a broken spirit vis a vis Psalm 34. Westminster Theological Journal (Nov 2021, 355-381): “Classical Versus Contemporary: Engaging Trinitarian and Pneumatological Modelling for Ongoing Theological Construction:” Torey J.S....

Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “’You Share Our Story’: Historiographies of the Lambeth Conference,” Dr. BENJAMIN GUYER discusses a few volumes that trace out the Lambeth Conferences. While the church papers covered these, the secular press did not, and Anglicans worldwide simply went forwards, more or less, without an awareness of these decennial gatherings. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “Archbishop Michael Ramsey and the Lambeth Conference,” Dr. PETER WEBSTER offers preliminary comments on Ramsey (1904-1988ish) and the cordial, fraternal and collegial gatherings of Bishops, invited by the ABC and under his careful Presidency. Anglican and Episcopal History (June 2022): in “Anglicanism, the Lambeth Conferences, and International Relations in the Twentieth Century,” Dr. ANDREW CHANDLER makes the stunning claim that Anglicanism was best positioned to unify denominational divisions. Historiographer (Episcopal Church): comments are offered on the hist...

“The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 1:” in “History of Higher Criticism,” Dean Dyson Hague continues his highly constructive deconstruction of Dr. Briggs and Dr. Sandy on the issue of divine inspiration of the Bible. This is the cracked foundation of a house built on sand which falls when the storm comes. Halley’s “Bible Handbook:” gives a canonical list of the OT and NT, no minor historical matter. For Psalm 27, Prof. Calvin comments on the “strength and confidence” God gives His saints. Zondervan Pictorial Bible: “Isaac:” we hear of the blessings-mix-up by Rebekkah’s gaming resulting in the blessing going to Jacob. ISBE on “Leviticus:” comments on aspects of Levitical worship that are “to the LORD” or “before the LORD.” Divine Presence is the predicate of the gracious, Sinaitic covenant. For Genesis 20: Prof. Keil waxed on, exegetically, about Abimelech’s return of Sarah to Abraham along with atoning gifts. For Judges 12.1ff., Prof. Keil discusses Jepthah’s vo...

Themelios (Dec 2021): in “Raised up from the Dust: An Exploration of Hannah’s Reversal Motif in the Book of Esther as Evidence of Divine Sovereignty,” Dr. Justin Jackson will argue that, though God’s name is not in Esther, God’s sovereignty is clearly thematic and consistent with Biblical “reversal” themes. New Horizons (June 2022): in “Reflection on the Goodness of our Lord,” Rev. Mark Tube reflects on missionary activities in his time as a missionary and Chair of Foreign Missions with the OPC. Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies (5.2: 2020): in “The One Church, the Many Churches,” the Roman scholar, Eduardo Echeverria, makes his beginnings on “catholicity.” Reformed Presbyterian Theological Journal (1837): the Editor deplores the factions, divisions and sects in American religious life of the time, an American situation, where the lid is off and there’s no national, state-church. Southwestern Theological Journal (Fall 2021), in “THE USE OF THE OLD TESTAMENT IN THE EPI...

“Theologians You Should Know: Apostolic Fathers to the 21 st Century,” Dr. Michael Reeves discusses Polycarp of Smyrna and his letter to Philippi condemning false teachers as the “offspring of Satan.” Princeton Theological Review (Vol.22, No.1, Spring 2007): “Cyril, Nestorius, and Schleiermacher on the Relation between the Incarnation and the Atonement:” Nathan Hieb claims that Cyril’s Christology should still inform and shape the discussion of the Incarnation and Atonement. Finally, a warrantable article in PTJ. Reformed Faith and Practice (May 2022): in “For Machen, Fosdick was a Small Part of the Problem,” Dr. D. G. Hart outlines that Machen was ahead of the power-curve before Fosdick’s infamous sermon in 1922 at 1 st Presbyterian. Of note, doctrinal declension was clearly in view a full generation previously, e.g., 1908’s Federal Council of Churches as a unionist effort akin to the United Church of Canada (1925). Seed and Harvest (Winter 2021, Trinity Episcopal School of Mi...

“Theologians You Should Know: Apostolic Fathers to the 21 st Century,” Dr. Michael Reeves discusses Polycarp of Smyrna and his letter to Philippi condemning false teachers as the “offspring of Satan.” Princeton Theological Review (Vol.22, No.1, Spring 2007): “Cyril, Nestorius, and Schleiermacher on the Relation between the Incarnation and the Atonement:” Nathan Hieb claims that Cyril’s Christology should still inform and shape the discussion of the Incarnation and Atonement. Finally, a warrantable article in PTJ. Reformed Faith and Practice (May 2022): in “For Machen, Fosdick was a Small Part of the Problem,” Dr. D. G. Hart outlines that Machen was ahead of the power-curve before Fosdick’s infamous sermon in 1922 at 1 st Presbyterian. Of note, doctrinal declension was clearly in view a full generation previously, e.g., 1908’s Federal Council of Churches as a unionist effort akin to the United Church of Canada (1925). Seed and Harvest (Winter 2021, Trinity Episcopal School of Mi...

Historiographer (Episcopal Church): some details are given on the Episcopal Diocese of Quincy (c.1884) down to the split with Keith Ackerman in 2008. There was also a split in 1994. There are 74 bankers boxes of files. Table Talk (June 2022): an excellent discussion on Zion, City of our God, both on earth and in the new heavens and new earth. Table Talk (July 2022): an excellent discussion on the first commandment, idols of the mind, Babylon, big heads and exalting God alone as Supreme. Standard Bearer (June 2022): Rev. Engelsma continues to lead the discussion on “pride” and “condescension” within the PRCA, yet, invokes the importance of doctrinal fidelity with warnings against apostasy or “loss of the first love” like the Ephesians (Rev. 2.1-4).

“The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 1:” in “History of Higher Criticism,” Dean Dyson Hague outlines the consequences of treating the Bible as unreliable, a book of myths, and as discredited. Halley’s “Bible Handbook:” surveys the structure of the OT and NT: narrative, law, wisdom, prophets, Gospels, epistles and the Apocalypse. For Psalm 27, Prof. Calvin comments on David’s reliance of YHWH. Zondervan Pictorial Bible: “Isaac:” gives the story of Isaac proffering his wife as a sister, as did his errant and sinful father. ISBE on “Leviticus:” comments on one strain of theology in Leviticus: the presupposition and currency of “God’s presence” with Israel. For Genesis 20: Prof. Keil comments on Abimelech’s discovery of Abraham’s inexcusable offer of Sarah as his half-sister and Abraham’s half-baked excuse. For Judges 12.1ff, Prof. Keil comments on Jepthah hammering the Ammonites, victoriously. For Isaiah 12.1-2, Prof. Henry comments on this song of praise. ISBE on J...

“The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 1:” in “History of Higher Criticism,” Dean Dyson Hague traces several negativities that the Biblical Vandals themselves affirm. Halley’s “Bible Handbook:” gives the structure of the Bible: OT and NT. For Psalm 27, Prof. Calvin comments on the protective “shield” of God to and for his people. Zondervan Pictorial Bible: “Isaac:” the story is brought forward to Mt. Moriah and the sacrifice. ISBE on “Leviticus:” the theology of Leviticus: Sinatic covenant, sacrifice, God’s presence, and God’s holiness. For Genesis 20: Prof. Keil comments on Abraham’s second gig trying to palm off Sarah as his sister to Abimelecch. God intervenes, protects Abimelech, and rebukes the sinning Abraham. For Judges 12, Prof. Keil comments on Jepthah’s vow to God. For Isaiah 12.1-2, Prof. Henry comments on God’s praises by God’s people. Westminster Confession of Faith 12.1: CHAPTER 12 Of Adoption 1. All those that are justified, God vouchsafeth, in and for...

Global Anglican (Spring 2022), in in “Evaluating the Place of Main Images of the Atonement in Common Worship’s Order Two and its Significance for the Mission of the Church,” Alexander Evans effectively argues that the Victor-dimension of the atonement involves, necessarily, the substitutionary, Anselmian, satisfaction, ransom and exemplar roles—not peeling one off in abstraction from the totality. Nicely done. Touche, Alexander. Reformed Presbyterian Theological Journal (1837): the Editor comments on the immorality of the federal government failing to recognize Jesus Christ as King of kings. Protestant Reformed Theological Journal 55,1 (Fall, 2021): in “Introduction to Church Holidays from Gereformeerd Kerkrecht,” Peter Vander Schaa runs through days of circumcision and Epiphany, to wit, their histories. Reformed Theological Journal (Sept 2020), in “Christian Platonism” and Christological Interpretation: A Response to Craig A. Carter, Interpreting Scripture with the Great Traditio...

Standard Bearer (June 2022): Rev. Joshua Engelsma in “The PCRA: Part 5” argues that the PRCA has had a rather elitist view of itself with condescension towards other Christian—pride, he avers. Bibliotheca Sacra (Jan-Mar 2021): in “`Not Abandoned to Sheol:’ The Psalms and Hope for the Righteous after Death,” Dr. Kyle Dunham handles a few commentators who seek to limit Psalm 49.14-15 and its applicability to deliverance from Sheol. Modern Reformation (May/June 2022): “Evangelical Biblicism over the Years,” an interview of Dr. Larsen by Blake Adams: Bebbington’s quadrilateral is invoked over “evangelicals” and the Word of God. Such a term! “Evangelicals.” Can anyone say Matthew 10? Or, Matthew 28.16ff.? What is an “Evangelical?” Calvin Theological Journal (Spring 2022): in “The Beatitudes and the Life of the Church, Gerard M, Cisar wonks away about the “chiasma” of the Beatitudes. Westminster Theological Journal (Nov 2021, 355-381): “Classical Versus Contemporary: Engaging Trinita...

Historiographer (Episcopal Church): we hear of the Tractarian Bishop of Fond du Lac, Bishop Grafton (1830-1912). Table Talk (June 2022): Dr. Alexander begins to tour the meaning of “Zion” in the OT and NT. Table Talk (July 2022): this month’s edition will deal with Exodus 20.1-13 and the first six of ten commandments.

“The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 1:” in “History of Higher Criticism,” Dean Dyson Hague notes that the deviant dissectionist admit some narrative are true, others are mythgs, and miracles are impossible. And they seemed to liberal and “open-minded.” Halley’s “Bible Handbook:” gives an overview to 66 books written by 40 some authors of varied skill-sets and backgrounds. For Psalm 27, Prof. Calvin mucks up (again)an otherwise perspicuous verse. Psalm 27.11: “Teach me Your way, LORD, and lead me on a level path because of my enemies.” Zondervan Pictorial Bible: “Isaac:” a broad introduction as the second progenitor of the Hebrews. ISBE on “Leviticus:” more comments on the dissectionists. For Genesis 20: Prof. Keil comments on Abraham’s sojourn in Gerar. For Judges 11.1ff., Prof. Keil comments on Jepthah’s empowerment by the Spirit and the defeat of the Ammonites. For Isaiah 12.1-2, Prof. Henry comments on the song of praise. ISBE on Johannine Theology, Prof. I. ...

McNiell, John Thomas. The History and Character of Calvinism. New York: Oxford University Press, 1962. Dr. McNeil tells of the founding of Geneva Academy with its ground-breaking, funding, and slow building, but also notes the hiring of Beza as Rector in 1559 (193). This includes kindergarten through high school years, including French, Latin and Greek (194). Greg Allison’s “Historical Theology:” Prof. Allison further quotes Anselm on the substitutionary, satisfaction view of the atonement, but brings in the subjectivist, Peter Abelard, on the moral inspiration theory of the atonement (398). Too bad he failed to see the comprehensiveness of the atonement, thinking in terms of “either-or.” As an aside, we’re delighted with Alexander Evan’s brief but capable notes on the atonement in Global Anglican (Spring 2022). Edward Cairns’s “Christianity Through the Centuries:” In discussing the background to the Reformation, one hears of Albert of Mainz, the Fugger bank in Augsburg, the pay-of...

Rev. Dr. Gerald Bray, “Documents of the English Reformation:” Act for the Pardon of the Clergy, 1531. As Henry’s divorce/annulment gig drags on intensifying Henry’s desire for an male heir, Henry dusts off dusty, unused, late 14th century of Praemunire statutes limited Papal jurisdiction in investiture issues. Henry accuses the entire realm of clerks of disloyalty and threatens crippling fines—to get the Pope to budge in Harry’s direction (43-44). An exercise of bloated legalese. Rev. Dr. Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, “Theology of English Reformers:” the English Reformers claim to have only interests in England, not other nations. Margot Johnson’s “Thomas Cranmer: 500th Commemoration of his Birth:” Music and English Liturgy—Margot Johnson, 144-166. John Merbecke (1510-1585), a Calvinist, organmeister, teacher of choristers, teacher of organists, and paid as a staffer, serves at St. George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle. His musical service for a sung Holy Communion is well known (145). Richar...