The central thesis of Ian McFarland’s book, The Word Made Flesh, seems straightforward enough: the Christology hammered out in the Chalcedonian Definition remains “the most adequate account of Christian convictions regarding Jesus” (p. 3). But upon closer inspection, McFarland’s “Chalcedonianism without reserve” is quite arresting, even provocative. He suggests that the classic distinction drawn between…

The reformer of Geneva, John Calvin (1509-1564) affirmed a greater distinction between the roles of the church and the state in his formulation of the two kingdoms than many of his contemporaries, which perhaps reflects the contentious relationship he often had with the Genevan civil authorities. Nevertheless, he still sees these civil and spiritual governments…

In reading Wright’s response to my essay, it occurred to me that perhaps I did not state my intentions clearly enough. So let me try to be as clear as I can be: I did not set out to write a full review of the book. By no means did I attempt to overturn the…

In my experience, the best reviews and interactions with a book accomplish several tasks which serve would-be readers. Among other things, such interactions fairly interact with the main thesis or theses of the book, pointing out the argument of the author. They also note ways in which the book is situated in the literature of…

Shawn D. Wright’s new book (40 Questions About Calvinism) seeks to provide a fair and irenic account of the doctrine of salvation that is increasingly common in evangelical theology and that is popularly known as “Reformed” or “Calvinist” theology. Despite the proliferation of recent books and articles on topics associated with this, there remains a…

What, if anything, has divine providence to do with disability? This is the opening question of Reinders’s book. For me, there is no ‘if anything’ about it. This is one of the most pressing questions that could possibly be asked. The question of what divine providence has to do with suffering was instrumental in my…

Providence can be difficult to understand in the context of disability; and understanding the contours of this issue and the “conception of the universe, a particular way of looking at the world and our temporal existence in it” (p. 3) that lies behind all answers, is what Hans Reinders’s book Disability, Providence and Ethics: Bridging…

Throughout the history of the church, fasting has been seen as a foundational spiritual discipline, but its proper occasion, practice, and meaning have been open to various interpretations. In looking to David in Psalm 35, John Calvin (1509-1564) elaborates from this example a meaning and application of the practice for the church. He argues that…

As part of our continued partnership with IVP Academic and the Reformation Commentary on Scripture series, we’re pleased to publish this interview with Reformation scholar Herman J. Selderhuis. He was the editor of both volumes on the Psalms in the series, and we are grateful to him for allowing us to wrap up our series…

On and off between the years 1542-1563, Calvin wrestled with and returned to Genesis; his commentaries have been known and loved ever since, especially in the English-speaking world. They remain a well-worn resource for preachers and teachers, with Genesis not the least within the Canon. The Calvin Studies Society translations are widely available. Calvin’s sermons are…

John Calvin on Philippians 4:6   For we are not made of iron, so as not to be shaken by temptations. But this is our consolation, this is our solace: to place (or, to speak more correctly, to unload) in the bosom of God everything that harasses us. Indeed confidence brings tranquility to our minds,…

John Calvin on Luke 24:25-27 This reproof [“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe”] appears to be too harsh and severe considering this person’s weakness; but whoever considers all the circumstances will easily understand that the Lord had good reason for rebuking so sharply those on whom he had long bestowed labor to…