Reformed Theology in America: A History of Its Modern Development

Rating:
Summary: Nice gentle introduction
Review: It's a collection of essays, in 3 parts: Princeton, Dutch and Southern Reformed Theologies, each part has an introductory essay and 2 or 3 essays on crucial men in that section and their theology. So 12 essays, 12 writers, about 8 theologians, but it doesn't suffer from the usual essay collection disjointedness, if you were unaware of the multiple authors, i don't think you would detect it in the reading, nice. Additionally, it is very well documented and referenced, not just each essay but the book itself contains a 33 pages bibliography, thus certainly adding to my perception that this is an excellent recommendation for a early read in anyone's studies of either the theologies or the men discussed.

I particularly appreciated the essays on Dabney and Hodge, from pg 229. "We whose unperceived blind spots will be deplored by future Christian generations will not speak too harshly of Dabney, who was marked by the fallennes of his own time and culture, as we are by ours. The way forward is to see beyond him by standing on his shoulders-- and on those of all the saints and doctors of the church in all ages."

In Princeton: C. Hodge, BB. Warfield, Machen, in Dutch: L. Berkof, H. Dooyeweerd, C. Van Til, in Southern: R. Dabney, Thornwell. There is a larger Eerdmans edition that apparently has 5 streams with 2 theologians represented in each group, i will look for it, to read what i missed out on. Since it is a collection, start with the person you most admire and read on, the only essay i didn't like was Dooyeweerd, which tells you more about me then it does about the essay, i am afraid. It is suitable for a small group discussion to a Sunday School class, which is why i am reading it. A nice book, deserving of wide appeal and reading.

Rating:
Summary: Great Overview of Reformed Thought
Review: Not only does this book introduce the reader to the history of Reformed theology, but it also gives great explanations of each segment. In my opinion, the two best chapters are Herman Dooyeweerd in North America by C.T. McIntire and Cornelius Van Til by Wesley Roberts. Although short, the chapter on Van Til gives a very good explanation of his epistemology and methodology.

Rating:
Summary: Good overview of Reformed American traditions
Review: This book was very helpful when I was trying to get a grasp on how the American Reformed tradition has developed. The introductory essays to each of the three traditions (Princeton, Southern, and Dutch) are especially good. A few writers allow modern evangelical sensibilites to infiltrate their essays (e.g. the article on Dabney in reference to his support of the South), but still a great book.