Theological Journals, Part 3: 9/24/2022

“The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, in Vol. 1: “Chapter 4: The Bible and Modern Criticism, Professor F. Bettex of Stuttgart makes his start with creation ex nihilio by God, matter caused by nothing (autogenesis), or the eternity of matter. The basic big questions.

“The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 2:” in “Inspiration of the Bible—Definition, Extent and Proof,” Dr. James Gray (Moody Bible Institute and ordained minister in the Reformed Episcopal Church) notes how Peter had all of Paul’s writings and placed them alongside the OT canon.

“The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 3: “The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 3: “Chapter 2: Paul’s Testimony to the Doctrine of Sin,” Professor Charles B. Williams (Southwestern Baptist Seminary, Fort Worth, TX): the Professor starts with sin in the human record—inescapable.

“The Fundamentals—A Testimony to the Truth, Vol. 4:” in “Modern Philosophy,” Attorney-at-Law, Philip Mauro refers to the sea change in modern academic education (modern being 1909 to the author). Godless secularism full of mockery and hostility to the earlier generations in the academy.

“Theologians You Should Know: Apostolic Fathers to the 21^st Century,” Dr. Michael Reeves summarizes Athanasius at Alexandria as a student of Alexander and antagonist of Arius (who’s bounced off to Nicomedia). Prof. Reeves brings the story down to the 300 bishops at Nicaea, 325. A quick survey. Of interest, the story of Arius crafting songs to celebrate his theology which quickly is popularized and effective in spreading Arianianism. Athanasius counters with music and songs of his own. Game on.

Princeton Theological Review (Vol.22, No.1, Spring 2007): “Theory and Metaphor in Calvin’s Doctrine of the Atonement,” Darren Sumner fairly notes that ransom, expiation, propitiation, penalty, substitution and Levitical concepts regulate Calvin’s view of the atonement—although he rather disparages it as not systematic which is too much. He gives with the right hand but attempt to moderate it by taking with the left hand.

Reformed Faith and Practice (May 2022): in “Geerhardus Vos and the Interpretation of Romans 1:3-4,” Dr. J. V. Fesko, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, concludes his article averring that one is not forced between Vos or Warfield on the text. Prof. Richard Gaffin follows Vos (who was preceded by a host of earlier commentators, hence, Vos’s biblical-redemptive approach is hardly new).

Concordia Theological Journal (January 2022), in in “Scaer and Preuss on Justification,” closes by putting Preuss’s writing as opposed to Gerhard Forde’s writing. “Choose ye this day whom ye will serve.” The author has chosen, rightly, Preuss on justification.

Protestant Reformed Theological Journal 55,1 (Fall, 2021): BOOK REVIEW: The Attributes of God: An Introduction, by Gerald Bray. Short Studies in Systematic Theology. Wheaton, IL: Crossway, 2021. Pp. 160. $15.99 (softcover). ISBN: 978-1433561177. [Reviewed by Marco Barone]. A simplistic book by Dr. Bray that does not impress Rev. Barone. Why when so many other classics are available?

Themelios (Dec 2021): “Soteriology in the Gospel of John:” Dr. Bruce Reichenback of Augsburg University, Minneapolis, sketches out resocialization (to God’s family), birth from above, and the “Lifted-Up One” (the snake lifted up in the Mosaic account). Clearly written and orthodox.

Themelios (2022): “The Pastor as Biblical Theologian:” Dr. Brian J. Tabb, Academic Dean of Bethlehem Seminary, Minneapolis, begins the work of defining “Pastor” under varied Biblical terms, metaphors and tasks.

Journal of Biblical and Theological Studies (5.2: 2020): in “Surely a Catholic Church: The Orthodox Church as the Church,” John Mark Reynolds shows well that he’s a layman. Not much here at all. Fluff. They needed a Orthodox theologian. No Bible, no exegesis, no church history, nada. Just Romanticisms it appears.

Reformed Presbyterian Theological Journal (1837): the Editor notes that an ordinand failed his examination.

Southwestern Theological Journal (Fall 2021): BOOK REVIEW: In Stone and Story: Early Christianity in the Roman World. By Bruce W. Longenecker. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2020, 292pp., $34.99. The reviewer demonstrates Dr. Longnecker’s extensive work on Pompeii and Herculaneum including symbols and indications of Christianity buried in the aftermath and after the explosion of Mt. Vesuvius in 79 AD. This is new territory, to wit, the existence of Christianity in these towns at that time.

The Biblical Repertory/Princeton Review (January 1837). The Editors review “Melancthon’s Letters:” 1519 correspondence by Melancthon is reviewed. He’s enthralled by Luther.

William Whittaker’s “Disputation on Holy Scripture:” the Preface by the translator is finished and Dr. Whittaker’s dedication to Sir William Cecil is next. Dr. Whittaker will note that the Jesuits are in high gear and in high heats to defend Rome.

John Jewel’s “Apology for the Church of England:” the Preface (1825)—the Preliminary Discourse to this volume introduces some affirmatory remarks made by some English Romanists arising in England.

ANF1—“Apostolic Fathers and Justin Martyr:” This particular volume contains works by St. Clement, Mathetes, St. Polycarp, St. Ignatius, Barnabas, St. Papias, St. Justin Martyr, and St. Irenaeus. These writings were heavily influ[1]ential on the early Church, and for good reason, as they are inspirational and encouraging.