Book Review: Theonomy Old and New: A Reformed Baptist Assessment by Sam Waldron and Tom Hicks

I am sure many of you have heard of theonomy. Well, if you have not, do not fear, many in the church has not either. I have to admit the first time I heard this word was when an elder at my former church mentioned he saw in on a bumper sticker. 

Theonomy is not discussed that often in most churches so there is some confusion as to what exactly it is. If you find yourself in not knowing what theonomy is, do not fear for we are going to look at it together in this review of Theonomy Old and New: A Reformed Baptist Assessment from Sam Waldron and Tom Hicks.

This book is divided into two parts looking into old theonomy which is what Sam looks at and new theonomy which is what Tom will address. In part one, Sam Waldron states that theonomy "means God-law. To believe in theonomy is to believe God's law." Theonomy is make God's civil and judicial laws in society. 

Continuing on discussing old theonomy, Sam Waldron goes through the foundations for the nature of a theocratic kingdom and the ethics associated with it. This is followed by a historical look into theonomic ethics along with what theonomists believe the Bible says about which Waldron gives a rebuttal. One thing that Waldron notes is those who to theonomy are postmillennialists which both him and Hicks are not. They are Amillennialists. Sam shows what postmillennial theonomy is followed by a biblical critique of it.

In the next part of the book, Tom Hicks deals with new theonomy. Hicks points out that new theonomy is a continuation of old theonomy although they are not constitutional conservatives saying that the constitution republic that is America is a problem because it does not abide by the judicial law of the Old Testament. Hicks continues with addressing new theonomy in regard to understanding positive and moral law along with the general equity of old covenant judicial law. 

Theonomy is an issue that truly needs to be understood through the lens of Scripture which is what Waldron and Hicks do in this book. Everyone in the church needs to get this book and consider what is being communicated on this subject.

I received this book from G3 Press in exchange for an honest review.