Presbyterians, as Reformed Christians, are always on the lookout for resources that enlarge our knowledge of Christianity. Our learnings strengthen our faith.
In the last several years, important writings by Reformed theologians have expanded our theological horizons.
J. Todd Billings, a theologian of the Reformed Church of America, was diagnosed with incurable blood cancer. His “Rejoicing in Lament: Wrestling with Incurable Cancer and Life in Christ” tells of his struggles in light of his Christian faith and reflections on Scripture. This is a powerful witness to faith in the midst of deep lament.
Karin Maag of Calvin College has written “Lifting Hearts to the Lord: Worship with John Calvin in Sixteenth-Century Geneva.” Case studies here use primary source materials to provide a close look at emerging Reformed worship.
Elsie Anna McKee of Princeton Seminary has written a magnificent work of nearly 1,000 pages, “The Pastoral Ministry and Worship in Calvin’s Geneva.” It covers all aspects of worship and the work of pastors in Calvin’s time.
“The Cambridge Companion to Reformed Theology,” edited by Paul T. Nimmo and David A.S. Fergusson, is a splendid collection of essays to introduce theological topics, figures, and contexts of Reformed theology. PC(USA) contributors include Bruce McCormack, Cynthia Rigby, and Darrell Guder.
Thomas Christian Currie’s “The Only Sacrament Left to Us: The Threefold Word of God in the Theology and Ecclesiology of Karl Barth” is an excellent treatment of Karl Barth’s views of the church in relation to the incarnate Word, the written Word, and the proclaimed Word. This will strengthen your ecclesiology!
Two Presbyterian theologians, B.A. Gerrish and George Hunsinger, have given us significant works. Gerrish’s “Christian Faith: Dogmatics in Outline” features dialogues with Calvin and Schleiermacher. Hunsinger’s “Evangelical, Catholic, and Reformed: Doctrinal Essays on Barth and Related Themes” provides a fine overview introduction to Barth’s theology.
Recent additions to Westminster John Knox’s “Belief: A Theological Commentary on the Bible” series include Presbyterians Anna Case-Winters (Matthew), David Jensen (1 & 2 Samuel), Thomas Long (1 & 2 Timothy and Titus), Daniel Migliore (Philippians and Philemon), and Amy Plantinga Pauw (Proverbs and Ecclesiastes). Also helpful are John Rigg’s, “The Lord’s Supper in the Reformed Tradition,” John W. Stewart’s, “Envisioning the Congregation, Practicing the Gospel: A Guide for Pastors and Lay Leaders,” and Carlos E. Wilton’s “Principles of Presbyterian Polity.”
Deepen your faith and understanding by reading Reformed theology today!
Donald K. McKim’s recent books are “John Calvin: A Companion to His Life and Theology” and “Moments with Martin Luther: 95 Daily Devotions.”
