Reforming Christianity

"Always Reforming highlights the fact that in the modern era the notion of heresy has fallen apart. Every church has been declared heretical at some time or other by another church, and it is not the role of the historian to decide who is right or wrong on doctrinal issues. Christians have adapted to sweeping social changes, including scientific discoveries and changing world-views." "This volume attempts to uncover some of the hidden dynamics of faith within the many ways in which other Christians have tried to live out the gospel in an uncertain world. It also demonstrates that all human institutions, including churches, change over time."--Jacket.

Central to the mission of the church with each passing generation is the elucidation of the gospel of Christ, which is the heart of the Christian message. Witness to God’s saving word in Scripture comes in response to discussions and debates arising over the course of church history. Our study highlights some of the unity and disunity found within the Reformed tradition, Reformation and modern. Beginning with the subject of the development of doctrine over the course of church history, we take up the foundational issue of biblical hermeneutics (the question of how we are to interpret the Bible). The year 2017 marks the Protestant Church’s 500th anniversary (October 31). We consider, secondly, Protestantism’s two leading theological principles—the formal (the doctrine of Scripture) and the material (the doctrine of justification by faith alone). In the final section, we critique departures from the teaching of historic federalism found within contemporary Reformed orthodoxy, which strikes at the very heart of what it means to be “Reformed” in theology. Crucial in this long-standing and ongoing dispute is the interpretation of the Mosaic Covenant as in some sense a “republication” of the original Covenant of Works with Adam at creation. Covenant and justification are the focal doctrines under study.

Christian churches are seemingly in terminal decline. Is a reformation and renewal of Christianity still possible, even at this late hour?Don Cupitt argues that it is possible, but will be difficult. Church Christianity as we have received it is handicapped by two great errorsa mistaken interpretation of Jesus as having been the co-equally divine Son of God incarnate and the mistaken belief that there is a controlling supernatural world beyond this world. To escape from these errors we need to go back and start again from the historical Jesus and his message about 'the Kingdom of God' on this earth. We need to create a modern version of his kingdom religiona religion that is immediate, beliefless, and entirely focussed upon the here and now.Reconstructing Christianity in this way calls for a revolution in thought At present, the churches don't even want to think about reform and renewal; but if thery are ever to become serious, this is the path they'll have to take

Perhaps no period in Christian history experienced such social tumult and upheaval as the Reformation, as it quickly became apparent that social and political issues, finding deep resonance with the common people, were deeply entwined with religious ones raised by the Reformers. Led by eminent Reformation historian Peter Matheson, this volume of A People's History of Christianity explores such topics as child-bearing, a good death, rural and village piety, and more. Includes 50 illustrations, maps, and an 8-page color gallery.

Linking traditional attributes of God with contemporary philosophy, F. LeRon Shults culminates with a reformed doctrine of God that revolves around themes of God's omniscient faithfulness, omnipotent love, and omnipresent hope.

What Do the Five Points of Calvinism Really Mean? Many have heard of Reformed theology, but may not be certain what it is. Some references to it have been positive, some negative. It appears to be important, and they'd like to know more about it. But they want a full, understandable explanation, not a simplistic one. What Is Reformed Theology? is an accessible introduction to beliefs that have been immensely influential in the evangelical church. In this insightful book, R. C. Sproul walks readers through the foundations of the Reformed doctrine and explains how the Reformed belief is centered on God, based on God's Word, and committed to faith in Jesus Christ. Sproul explains the five points of Reformed theology and makes plain the reality of God's amazing grace.

In Reforming Liberalism, Robert Devigne challenges prevailing interpretations of the political and moral thought of John Stuart Mill and the theoretical underpinnings of modern liberal philosophy. He explains how Mill drew from ancient and romantic thought as well as past religious practices to reconcile conflicts and antinomies (liberty and virtue, self-interest and morality, equality and human excellence) that were hobbling traditional liberalism. The book shows that Mill, regarded as a seminal writer in the liberal tradition, critiques liberalism’s weaknesses with a forcefulness usually associated with its well-known critics. Devigne explores Mill’s writings to demonstrate how his thought has been misconstrued--as well as oversimplified--to the detriment of our understanding of liberalism itself.

Presents an electronic version of "The Necessity of Reforming the Church (1543)" by John Calvin. Offers access to a publisher's introduction. Examines the need for reformation and answers some objections to reformation. Notes that the text has been grammatically revised to reflect greater conformity to contemporary spelling, punctuation, and usage and that chapter divisions and headings have been added merely as an aid for contemporary readers, but are not part of the original text. Provides information on ordering a print form of the document that include scripture and subject indexes. Links to the home page of Still Waters Revival Books (SWRB) in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.