Reformed Catholicity

In the most recent issue of the journal Foundations I have an article arguing in favour of a theological sensibility described as Reformed Catholicity. I presented similar material at a local ministers’ fraternal recently, which gave me the opportunity to revisit the topic. The original article summarised, evaluated and augmented a book by Scott Swain and Michael Allen, but I felt on reflection that that … Continue reading Reformed Catholicity

God’s attributes, or in what way you’re invisible

Grudem on the Doctrine of God (I) – Communicable and Incommunicable Attributes The treatment of the doctrine of God in Grudem’s Systematic Theology follows a traditional arrangement, covering the existence and knowability of God (in two short chapters which necessarily repeat some ground), then working through God’s attributes divided into incommunicable and communicable, then turning to the Trinity. Coming to Trinity only at the end … Continue reading God’s attributes, or in what way you’re invisible

The Trials of Grudem 2 – How is Scripture clear?

Having considered the nature of theology, Grudem’s second chapter begins to consider the doctrine of Scripture, the source of theology. This will be the focus of the next six chapters as well, which complete his Part 1 (corresponding to traditional prolegomena). Grudem starts here by treating the concept of the Word of God and the different senses this is used in Scripture. In choosing this … Continue reading The Trials of Grudem 2 – How is Scripture clear?

The Trials of Grudem

I’m thankful for Wayne Grudem’s Systematic Theology. Like many Christians of my generation, I acquired the hefty gold and blue tome as a student, and gratefully searched it for answers to that avalanche of questions that is part and parcel of suddenly rubbing shoulders with a much wider cross-section of the church. Amongst those spiritual growing pains, I’m thankful that I had an easy to … Continue reading The Trials of Grudem

Karl Barth on Mozart

“I must again revert to Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Why is it that this man is so incomparable? Why is it that for the receptive, he has produced in almost every bar he conceived and composed a type of music for which “beautiful” is not a fitting epithet: music which for the true Christian is not mere entertainment, enjoyment or edification but food and drink; music … Continue reading Karl Barth on Mozart