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In the third volume of this new translation of Petrus Van Mastricht's Theoretical-Practical Theology, Mastricht begins with a discussion of the decrees of God and how they establish His eternal purpose for everything. He then shows how the decrees are carried out in creation and in God's continual providence. The volume concludes with Mastricht's treatment of the apostacy of Adam from his original estate and the devastating effects of sin that followed. This is an important volume for learning how God governs all things, even the rebellious actions of those good things He created. Jeff Waddington, Dan Ragusa, and Camden Bucey speak about several of the unique positions Van Mastricht held, including his somewhat mediating view between infra- and supralapsarianism, his argument against Copernicanism, his view of the third heaven, and his view of angelic and demonic activity.
Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey discuss the value of reading and studying the works of B. B. Warfield. Jeff has written an article in our forthcoming newsletter wherein he identifies Warfield as a theological “renaissance man.” With significant works covering topics from New Testament textual criticism to apologetics and the doctrine of salvation, the “lion […]
Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey discuss the value of reading and studying the works of B. B. Warfield. Jeff has written an article in our forthcoming newsletter wherein he identifies Warfield as a theological "renaissance man." With significant works covering topics from New Testament textual criticism to apologetics and the doctrine of salvation, the "lion of Princeton" remains a towering figure in the Reformed and Presbyterian tradition.
Jeff Waddington reviews Jonathan Edwards and the Immediacy of God by John Carrick. Jonathan Edwards is one of the outstanding figures in the history of the Christian church—he was, quite simply, a man of towering intellect and towering spirituality. But it has been noted, even by his friends and admirers, that his thought is also […]
Jeff Waddington reviews Jonathan Edwards and the Immediacy of God by John Carrick. Jonathan Edwards is one of the outstanding figures in the history of the Christian church—he was, quite simply, a man of towering intellect and towering spirituality. But it has been noted, even by his friends and admirers, that his thought is also marked at times by certain idiosyncrasies which inevitably introduce certain complexities into his philosophical-theological system. This study contends that the theme of divine immediacy is the controlling theme and the correlating principle within Edwards's thought. It analyzes the theme of divine immediacy in the thought of Jonathan Edwards under four major heads: creation, the will, ecclesiology, and spiritual experience. Indeed, Dr. Carrick claims that the theme of the immediacy of God is the Ariadne's thread, which runs with consistency through the multiple aspects of Edwards's philosophical, theological, ecclesiological, experiential, and homiletical interests. But sometimes a man's strength is also his weakness, and it would appear that Edwards's profound commitment to the concept and the reality of the immediacy of God entails significant problems for his entire philosophical-theological system. Edwards's concept of divine immediacy finds its supreme expression, surely, in his doctrine of continuous creation; but is it not the case that this doctrine of continuous creation is in conflict with his determinism, that its tendency is to destroy the moral responsibility of man, and that it makes God both the author and the actor of sin? In short, is it not the case that Edwards's Ariadne's thread is, in fact, also his Achilles' heel?
Jeff Waddington reviews A Goodly Heritage: The Secession of 1834 by Cornelis Pronk. In A Goodly Heritage, Cornelis Pronk surveys the history of the Secession of 1834, beginning with the events leading up to this important spiritual movement and subsequently following its long journey through the Netherlands and North America until 1892. He then focuses […]
Jeff Waddington reviews A Goodly Heritage: The Secession of 1834 by Cornelis Pronk. From the publisher: In A Goodly Heritage , Cornelis Pronk surveys the history of the Secession of 1834, beginning with the events leading up to this important spiritual movement and subsequently following its long journey through the Netherlands and North America until 1892. He then focuses on a small minority that decided to continue as the original Christian Reformed Church, considering its growth and how it formulated theological positions in relation to several other Reformed denominations. Throughout, special attention is given to the doctrines of covenant, baptism, and the Holy Spirit's ministry in applying salvation. This work not only explains the concerns of De Cock and other fathers of the Secession. It presses beyond the early years of the reform movement to present a larger picture of the developments of Secession theology and the contributions made by its main representatives.
Ryan Noha poses several questions submitted by our listeners and views. Along with Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey, the panel discusses Thomas and Van Til on the doctrine of God, how the eternal decree relates to the well-meant offer of eschatological life in the covenant of works, aspects of our union with Christ, and several matters of eschatology.
Ryan Noha poses several questions submitted by our listeners and views. Along with Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey, the panel discusses Thomas and Van Til on the doctrine of God, how the eternal decree relates to the well-meant offer of eschatological life in the covenant of works, aspects of our union with Christ, and several […]
Shawn Ritenour, Professor of Economics at Grove City College, speaks about the basics of economics and the Christian principles upon which the study must be based. Dr. Ritenour is the author of Foundations of Economics: A Christian View (Wipf & Stock). Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Shawn Ritenour
Shawn Ritenour, Professor of Economics at Grove City College, speaks about the basics of economics and the Christian principles upon which the study must be based. Dr. Ritenour is the author of Foundations of Economics: A Christian View (Wipf & Stock). Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Shawn Ritenour
David Woollin of Reformation Heritage Books and Matthew Robinson of Media Gratiae discuss Puritan: All of Life to the Glory of God. Centered around a feature-length film, the full box set includes books, thirty-five Sunday school lessons, and other resources for education. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Woollin, Jeff Waddington, Matthew Robinson
David Woollin of Reformation Heritage Books and Matthew Robinson of Media Gratiae discuss Puritan: All of Life to the Glory of God. Centered around a feature-length film, the full box set includes books, thirty-five Sunday school lessons, and other resources for education. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Woollin, Jeff Waddington, Matthew Robinson
Jeff Waddington, Glen Clary, and Lane Tipton speak with Camden Bucey about his book, Karl Rahner, and contemporary issues regarding Rahner, modern Roman Catholicism, and contemporary theology. Arguably the most influential Catholic theologian of the twentieth century, Karl Rahner (1904–1984) developed a theology that has influenced much of post-Vatican II Catholicism and its modern inclusivist […]
Jeff Waddington, Glen Clary, and Lane Tipton speak with Camden Bucey about his book, Karl Rahner, and contemporary issues regarding Rahner, modern Roman Catholicism, and contemporary theology. Arguably the most influential Catholic theologian of the twentieth century, Karl Rahner (1904–1984) developed a theology that has influenced much of post-Vatican II Catholicism and its modern inclusivist approach to missions. Despite his impact, little has been written on Rahner from a Reformed perspective. In this introduction and critique, Camden Bucey guides readers to an understanding of Rahner’s theology as a whole. Beginning with Rahner’s trinitarian theology, he moves through each of the traditional departments of theology to show how Rahner developed one basic idea from beginning to end. Rahner set out to explain how God communicates himself to humanity, whom he created specifically for the purpose of fellowship with him. Once we trace this thread, we gain a deeper understanding of his thought and its reach today. Buy the Book P&R Publishing Amazon WTS Books Endorsements for the Book “If you want to understand present-day Roman Catholicism, you must come to terms with Vatican II (1962–65). Everything that Rome now teaches and does is filtered through it. But if you want to understand Vatican II itself, you need to know about Karl Rahner. . . . Part of the confused and naive attitude of contemporary evangelicals toward Rome depends on the lack of awareness of both Vatican II and Karl Rahner. This lucid book is a helpful introduction to this seminal Roman Catholic theologian whose language contains all the key Christian words (e.g., Trinity, Christ, humanity), but whose meaning is significantly different from that of straightforward biblical teaching. It is time that Reformed theologians do their homework in grasping what is at stake with contemporary Roman Catholicism.” —Leonardo De Chirico, Pastor, Breccia di Roma; Lecturer, Historical Theology, IFED, Padova, Italy; Director, Reformanda Initiative “Roman Catholic apologists often boast about their church’s antiquity but seldom mention modern Roman Catholic theology, which often sounds as modern as liberal Protestantism. Karl Rahner, one of the most influential Roman Catholic theologians of the twentieth century, whose prominence was evident at the Second Vatican Council, is one of the best examples of Roman Catholicism’s modernity. Camden Bucey’s fair-minded and careful assessment of Rahner’s theology is valuable in itself, but doubly so for anyone wanting an introduction to modern Roman Catholicism’s own contribution to liberal Christian theology.” —D. G. Hart, Distinguished Associate Professor of History, Hillsdale College “Though Karl Rahner is among the most significant Roman Catholic theologians of the twentieth century, he is little known (and seldom read) by evangelical and Reformed theologians. Camden Bucey’s fine study offers an excellent summary of Rahner’s Trinitarian theology that promises to redress this problem. He not only provides a helpful explanation of Rahner’s well-known Trinitarian axiom (‘the “economic” Trinity is the “immanent” Trinity’), but also locates it within the broader context of Rahner’s anthropocentric theology. While Bucey critically engages Rahner’s theology from a Reformed perspective, he does so throughout in a careful, irenic, and constructive fashion.” —Cornelis P. Venema, President and Professor of Doctrinal Studies, Mid-America Reformed Seminary https://vimeo.com/377350960
Mountains appear throughout the Bible as an important symbol of God meeting with man. In this episode, we trace the biblical-theological theme of mountains in an effort to understand more deeply God’s plan and purpose in bringing his covenantal people to glory. Participants: Camden Bucey, Glen Clary, Jeff Waddington
Doctrine is not optional for the body of Christ. Yet, neither is it to be pursued in abstraction. Christians must speak the truth in love, applying that truth in the changing circumstances of daily life. Using the biblical metaphors of a shepherd and a pilgrim, Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey comment on a variety of […]
Doctrine is not optional for the body of Christ. Yet, neither is it to be pursued in abstraction. Christians must speak the truth in love, applying that truth in the changing circumstances of daily life. Using the biblical metaphors of a shepherd and a pilgrim, Jeff Waddington and Camden Bucey comment on a variety of challenges in the ministry and the importance of presenting every person mature in Christ (Col. 1:28). https://vimeo.com/358120644
Jeff Waddington speaks about the characteristics of natural and special revelation and their relationship to one another. Jeff recently delivered a lecture at Westminster Theological Seminary on the subject. https://youtu.be/Rli32nwewxw
Dr. Jeff Waddington, from The Reform Forum podcast, joins Dale to have a conversation about Thomas Aquinas. Subscribe to our podcast! Show Notes: The Glory of God's Grace: Deification According to St. Thomas Aquinas, by Daria Spezzano Thomas Aquinas (Great Thinkers Series), by K. Scott Oliphant
Jeff Waddington spoke at the fifth annual Reformed Forum Conference, which was held October 5–7, 2018 at Hope OPC in Grayslake, Illinois. The theme of the conference was “Seeing God: The Deeper Protestant Conception.” The speakers addressed important theological challenges and controversies facing the contemporary Reformed church by exploring the theologies of Thomas Aquinas, Karl Barth, and Geerhardus Vos on the beatific vision and glorification of man. Watch on YouTube
Jeff Waddington previews his address for the 2018 Theology Conference. He speaks about Pseudo-Dionysius, a key influence upon Thomas Aquinas. Dionysius attempted to integrate neoplatonism with Christianity. The result was a Christianization of the great chain of being. Register for the upcoming conference. Reading List Daria Spezzano, The Glory of God's Grace: Deification According to St. Thomas Aquinas Dominic Legge: The Trinitarian Christology of St. Thomas Aquinas Lawrence Feingold: The Natural Desire to See God According to St. Thomas and His Interpreters Hans Boersma, Seeing God: The Beatific Vision in Christian Tradition [embed]https://youtu.be/L4sTPjFyBPU[/embed]
In this episode, we speak to David Woollin of Reformation Heritage Books about several new and exciting projects from the publisher. Participants: Camden Bucey, David Woollin, Glen Clary, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy
Jeff Waddington speaks about his chapter in the new festschrift for Vern Poythress, Redeeming the Life of the Mind (Crossway). Jeff's chapter, titled, "Jonathan Edwards on God's Involvement in Creation," is an examination of "Miscellanies," no.
Camden Bucey and Jeff Waddington discuss the image of God and whether man retains the image after the fall into sin.
East of Eden considers Jonathan Edwards’s sermon, “Blessed Struggle,” which was delivered in 1735. Participants: David Filson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig
East of Eden considers Jonathan Edwards’s sermon “The Sorrows of the Bereaved Spread before Jesus,” which was delivered in 1741. Participants: David Filson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig
Jeff Waddington speaks at the 2016 Reformed Forum Theology Conference held at Hope Orthodox Presbyterian Church in Grayslake, Illinois on October 8, 2016.
East of Eden considers the Theology and experiential application of Jonathan Edwards’s sermon “Self-Examination and the Lord’s Supper” from 1 Corinthians 11:28–29 and delivered first March 21, 1731. Participants: David Filson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig
Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, and Camden Bucey discuss reading lists, New Year's resolutions, church planting, and much more in this free form discussion.
Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, and Camden Bucey discuss the nature and purpose of polemical theology on our 400th episode.
The panel discusses Jonathan Edwards’s sermon, “A Divine and Supernatural Light” delivered at Northampton and subsequently published in 1734. Participants: David Filson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig
Nick Batzig, Jeff Waddington, and David Filson discuss a sermon by Jonathan Edwards circa 1747. Participants: David Filson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig
Jeff Waddington compares Alvin Plantinga and Jonathan Edwards on the perennial question regarding the relationship between the intellect and the will in anthropology.
Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, and Camden Bucey discuss the importance of intellectual discipline for cultivating the life of the Christian mind.
Jeff Waddington introduces several new or recent books, includes titles on Junius, Jonathan Edwards, and Cornelius Van Til. Vos’s Reformed Dogmatics Finding God in Solitude by Donald Whitney Jonathan Edwards and the Psalms: A Redemptive-Historical Vision of Scripture by David Barshinger Jonathan Edwards and the Life of God by R. Ross Hastings A Treatise on True Theology by […]
Jeff Waddington introduces several new and recent books includes titles on Junius, Jonathan Edwards, and Cornelius Van Til.
East of Eden continues a discussion of the life and ministry of Jonathan Edwards. See here for part 1 of this discussion. Biographies of Edwards: Jonathan Edwards: A Life, and A Short Life of Jonathan Edwards, by George Marsden; Life of Jonathan Edwards, by Samuel Miller Participants: David Filson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig
In this episode of East of Eden, Dr. Sean Michael Lucas discusses his helpful new volume on the theological vision of Jonathan Edwards. In God’s Grand Design: The Theological Vision of Jonathan Edwards, Dr. Lucas gives serious consideration to the redemptive-historical foundation of Edwards’ theology. Participants: David Filson, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig, Sean Michael Lucas
We had the opportunity to sit down with Jeff Jue, Associate Professor of Church History at Westminster Theological Seminary. Dr. Jue is an expert on the eschatological views of the ... Related posts:Cornelius Van Til: A Life Van Til’s Trinitarian Theology The Pastor and the Academy
The Christ the Center panelists engage Dr. K. Scott Oliphint, professor of apologetics and systematic theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, in a wide-ranging discussion about Cornelius Van Til ... Related posts:Preliminary Issues Regarding the Attributes of God Cornelius Van Til: A Life Van Til and Barth
Christ the Center welcomes Dr. Carl Trueman, vice president for academic affairs and professor of historical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and author of several books including The ... Related posts:Luther and Media The Theology of Jonathan Edwards Van Til’s Trinitarian Theology
Lane G. Tipton joins the panel again to discuss Cornelius Van Til's particular formulation of Trinitarian theology. Dr. Tipton is Associate Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary (PA) ... Related posts:Biblical Theology and the Westminster Standards A Brief History of Trinitarian Thought Puritan Theology
Christ the Center had the honor to interview the newest faculty member of Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, Rev. Dr. David Garner, who also serves as the institution’s vice president ... No related posts.
The Christ the Center panel had the privilege of talking with Dr. Tim Witmer, professor of practical theology, coordinator of the PT department, and supervisor of the mentored ministry program ... Related posts:Pastoral Ministry: Learning or Doing? Cultural Relevance, Mercy Ministry and the Social Gospel A Life in the Preaching Ministry
Christ the Center revisited with Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, professor of biblical and systematic theology, emeritus, at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, about the significance of Pentecost for redemptive history ... Related posts:Sanctification and the Gospel The Eschatology of Adoption The Atonement and Covenant Theology, Part 2
Dr. Richard B. Gaffin, Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia, joined the Christ the Center panel to discuss the nature of the gospel ... Related posts:Perspectives on Pentecost Cultural Relevance, Mercy Ministry and the Social Gospel The Rule of Love