Reformed Confessions Harmonized

Rating:
Summary: Very Helpful Tool
Review: Thanks Joel Beeke & Sinclair Ferguson for giving us such a wonderful tool. With the growing interest in reformed theology, there could not be a more helpful tool then this harmony of the great reformational creeds and bibliography by doctrine of great reformed books.

In the harmony section the reformed creeds/confessions used are the Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Second Helvetic Confession, Canons of Dort, Westminster Confession, Westminster Shorter Catechism, and Westminster Larger Catechism. Doctrine by doctrine each of these creed/confessions is laid out side-by-side so the reader can eaily compare how each of these documents handled the great doctrines of the Bible. Instead of having 5-7 different books in front of you, now you can all these reformed statements of faith before you.

The bibliography section also goes doctrine by doctrine. Beeke and Ferguson give a list of important reformed authors covering the doctrines found in the creeds/confessions. They at times will make brief comments as to the strenght or weakness of the books listed.

This is a great tool for anyone teaching doctrine or wanting to learn it. Makes a great gift for your pastor, seminary student, or anyone who likes to really dig deep into the historic creed faith of Christianity. You won't be dissappointed!

Rating:
Summary: An invaluable reference tool for the Reformed theologian
Review: The Scottish Presbyterian leader Sinclair Ferguson and Joel Beeke, an American seminary Professor, have both edited and compiled a wonderful and resourceful reference book for the Reformed Christian. This book offers a well-organized presentation of the major Reformed catechisms or confessional creeds side-by-side with the creeds reorganized to cover the various doctrines. The book cover doctrines such as: theology (the doctrine of God); anthropology (the doctrine of man); christology (the doctrine of Christ); soteriology (the doctrine of salvation); ecclesiology (the doctrine of the church); and eschatology (the doctrine of last things.) It features seven confessional creeds: the Belgic Confession of Faith (1561); the Heidelberg Catechism (1563); Second Helvetic Confession (1566); Canons of Dort (1618-19); and the various Westminster confessions (1647-48). The doctrines are annotated with footnotes and an extremely helpful bibliography of theology resources is included.

Rating:
Summary: Classic Confessions and Bonus Bibliography
Review: This is an well organized harmony of the (according to the authors) most important Reformed Confessions. The best feature in my opinion, however, is the wonderful annotated bibliography which accompanies it. Each theme of the confessions is aligned with the best Reformed books on each topic. Standard Reformation era and Puritan works are recommended along with the latest contributions to each field, with suggestions for begining and advanced study. A major resource that I'd love to see expanded and put into a book by itself. Note: Since I originally wrote this review, the Bibliography HAS been reissued under another seperate cover. It is not, However, expanded. Hopefully another edition will do that.