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This book provides a focus for future discussion in one of the most important debates within historical theology within the protestant tradition - the debate about the definition of a category of analysis that operates over five centuries of religious faith and practice and in a globalising religion. In March 2009, TIME magazine listed 'the new Calvinism' as being among the 'ten ideas shaping the world.' In response to this revitalisation of reformation thought, R. Scott Clark and D. G. Hart have proposed a definition of 'Reformed' that excludes many of the theologians who have done most to promote this driver of global religious change. In this book, the Clark-Hart proposal becomes the focus of a debate. Matthew Bingham, Chris Caughey, and Crawford Gribben suggest a broader and (they argue) more historically responsible definition for 'Reformed,' as Hart and Scott respond to their arguments.
List of contents
1 History, Identity Politics and the 'Recovery of the Reformed Confession' - Christopher E. Caughey and Crawford Gribben.- 2 'Reformed Baptist': Anachronistic Oxymoron or Useful Signpost? - Matthew C. Bingham.- 3 'Baptists are Different' - D. G. Hart.- 4 'A House of Cards?' A Response to Bingham, Gribben and Caughey - R. Scott Clark.
About the author
Matthew C. Bingham teaches systematic and historical theology at Oak Hill College, UK.
Chris Caughey completed his MDiv at Westminster Seminary California, and his PhD at Trinity College Dublin, Ireland.
R. Scott Clark is Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California, USA.
Crawford Gribben is Professor of Early Modern British History at Queen’s University Belfast, UK.
D. G. Hart is Distinguished Visiting Professor of History at Hillsdale College, USA.
Summary
This book provides a focus for future discussion in one of the most important debates within historical theology within the protestant tradition - the debate about the definition of a category of analysis that operates over five centuries of religious faith and practice and in a globalising religion. In March 2009,
TIME magazine listed ‘the new Calvinism’ as being among the ‘ten ideas shaping the world.’ In response to this revitalisation of reformation thought, R. Scott Clark and D. G. Hart have proposed a definition of ‘Reformed’ that excludes many of the theologians who have done most to promote this driver of global religious change. In this book, the Clark-Hart proposal becomes the focus of a debate. Matthew Bingham, Chris Caughey, and Crawford Gribben suggest a broader and (they argue) more historically responsible definition for ‘Reformed,’ as Hart and Scott respond to their arguments.
Additional text
“This book is a helpful introduction for any who are interested in the potential historical and theological implications of identifying as ‘Reformed.’ And for the readership of this journal, it may be of special interest for those who consider themselves to be ‘Reformed Baptists.’” (Jonathan N. Cleland, The Journal of Andrew Fuller Studies (JAFS), Issue 2, February, 2021)
“This is an important book. It needs to find its way into seminaries and libraries, but also into the hands of any who are wrestling with the question of theological identity in the current shifting landscape. It deserves to be read and pondered by all who are convinced of the importance of an historically-grounded confessional identity for Reformed Christianity, and by those who are not.” (Jeremy Walker, The Banner of Truth, July, 2019)
Report
"This book is a helpful introduction for any who are interested in the potential historical and theological implications of identifying as 'Reformed.' And for the readership of this journal, it may be of special interest for those who consider themselves to be 'Reformed Baptists.'" (Jonathan N. Cleland, The Journal of Andrew Fuller Studies (JAFS), Issue 2, February, 2021)
"This is an important book. It needs to find its way into seminaries and libraries, but also into the hands of any who are wrestling with the question of theological identity in the current shifting landscape. It deserves to be read and pondered by all who are convinced of the importance of an historically-grounded confessional identity for Reformed Christianity, and by those who are not." (Jeremy Walker, The Banner of Truth, July, 2019)
