Editorial
DJ is the Editor of Foundations. He is also an Elder at Cambridge Presbyterian Church and Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at Westminster Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Among those who know me I mention Rahab and Babylon; behold, Philistia and Tyre, with Cush – “This one was born there,” they say. (Ps. 87:4, ESV)
One of the glorious things spoken about the church in Psalm 87 is the future diversity of God’s people. From vastly differing nations, God’s people will be united in one worshiping people. This edition of Foundations sees something of that theme. From articles on neo-Calvinism, Puritanism, and Methodism, to the sad attitude of the 18th and 19th century American church to slavery the diversity of God’s people (and the occasional failure of the church to honour that diversity) is on display. An article on the value and meaning of the word “missionary” today also reflects on the diversity of God’s people.
Jonathan Bayes provides a review article on an important book from Cory Brock and N. Gray Sutanto, Neo-Calvinism: A Theological Introduction (Bellingham: Lexham Press, 2022). In an appreciative interaction with the book, Bayes focuses on the doctrine of common grace. Whilst highlighting special salvific grace, the Reformed tradition has always held to a clear doctrine of common grace. In some ways, neo-Calvinism accented that earlier emphasis, and therefore the emphasis in Bayes’ review is appropriate and needed.
Continuing the theme of neo-Calvinism, Steve Bishop considers Abraham Kuyper’s doctrine of Scripture. It is vital to hold together the truths of “the infallible truth and divine authority” of Scripture as “immediately inspired by God” (Westminster Confession of Faith 1:5,8) and the differing styles, language and modes of thought of the various books of Scripture. Bishop helpfully unfolds Kuyper’s approach to this. Not all will agree, nor prefer Kuyper to Warfield (to the extent they differ), but Kuyper is an important figure, whose works are worthy of careful engagement.
Lee Gatiss takes us to the era of Puritanism, and to the great theologian and pastor John Owen. In particular, the article focuses on the pastoral value of Owen’s trinitarian theology and Owen’s key contribution that “we have distinct communion with him as Father, as Son, and as Holy Spirit.” Gatiss helpfully contextualises Owen and the theological landscape of his time. He then treats us to a warm and thoughtful unfolding of Owen’s teaching.
This is followed by a short article from Roger Fay on John Wesly, a figure who in key respects differed sharply from the theology of Owen, and from neo-Calvinism. Fay considers Wesly’s “conversion” experience of May 1738 and, contrary to much scholarship, argues for its importance to Wesly’s ongoing life and thought.
Ian Shaw’s article is the first instalment of two on the attitude of some (principally American) theologians on the topic of slavery and race. It is important that we consider honestly the failure of leading reformed theologians on these topics. Some of the quotes from Shaw make hard reading, and further reflection will follow in the second instalment in the next edition of Foundations.
Thorsten Prill rounds out this edition with a consideration of the word “missionary”. This article considers how the word has been understood historically and how it is used today. Prill argues for the usefulness of the word and that the preaching of the gospel, the planting of churches and the training of church leaders lie at the heart of “missionary” work.
I trust these articles, and the four insightful book reviews in this issue, are all of help for the church.
Dr Donald John MacLean
Editor of Foundations
Elder, Cambridge Presbyterian Church and Assistant Professor of Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary (UK).
July 2024
Book Review: Providing for Pastors: How to Give Time, Energy, and Money to Support the Work of Pastors
Book Review: The Holy Spirit
Book Review: Christianity and Science
Missionary – What’s in a Word? A Critical Discussion of a Disputed Term
Slavery, the Slave Trade and Christians’ Theology – Part 1
John Wesley and Aldersgate
John Owen and Relating to God as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit
Abraham Kuyper: Inspiration, Revelation, and Scripture
Review Article: Neo-Calvinism: A Theological Introduction
Editorial