Thursday, February 14, 2019

Book Review: Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort by Robert Godfrey

Over the years, there has been a resurgence of Reformed Theology. Many have reading books from men such as John Calvin, John Owen, and Jonathan Edwards. Some have embraced a Reformed confession whether it is the Westminster Confession or the London Baptist Confession. These confessions are just simply an affirmation of what the Bible teaches. These statements of faith has been around for hundreds of years.

Of course over the years, Reformed Theology has been assaulted by those outside of it. Many have defined Reformed Theology and have written books on the subject. 400 years ago, there was a document was written in response to these attacks on Reformed Theology called the Canons of Dort. Robert Godfrey's latest book, Saving the Reformation: The Pastoral Theology of the Canons of Dort, takes us through what this document is all about.

Godfrey gives us the historical and theological background as to why the Canons of Dort were written. Godfrey clarifies that this is not a confession but rather "a clarification and defense of some points in the Belgic Confession and the Heidelberg Confession." So in a sense, you can say that the Canons of Dort is a commentary to the two confessions that Godfrey mentions.

The next part of the book is the entire Canons of Dort in five heads of doctrine with Godfrey giving his own interpretation to it. The heads of doctrine deal with predestination, Christ's death, the corruptions of humans, conversion, and the perseverance of the saints. Each head of doctrine express what it affirms based on what God has revealed in His Word and what it rejects. This is followed by an exposition by Godfrey on the Canons of Dort.

This was good book on a document from years ago that defended the Christian faith. Not to mention it is also a good read on church history. This book is another great edition to add to your study on the Reformation and church history.

Thanks Reformation Trust for letting me review this book.

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