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 Listen to an episode of Reformed Media Review entitled Concise Reformed Dogmatics. (Reformed Forum)
"This should be on the bookshelf of every pastor and student who wants to read Reformed theology at its best."
- Carl R. Trueman, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia
" . . . a wellspring of the best that our confession has to offer . . ."
- Michael Scott Horton, Westminster Seminary, California
This is not what you think!
...it is NOT a dry, impenetrable, scholastic tome.
It IS:
• a strikingly clear and readable systematic theology
• built on the Dutch Reformed tradition of Calvin and Bavinck
• up-to-date; interacts with contemporary theological issues
Publisher's Description: Doctrine and life form a unity, the authors believe, and the knowledge and study of theology are of direct importance to ethics, preaching, and the life of faith.
This full treatment of Reformed systematic theology is accessible to church officers and interested lay readers, as well as teachers and students of theology. As in the celebrated Dutch edition, it is formatted with two visually distinct levels of discussion for use either as an introduction to theology or in advanced study.
Drs. J. van Genderen and W. H. Velema provide a complete, single-volume discussion of the many themes that belong in a dogmatics handbook: revelation, God, the decree of God, creation, providence, man as God's image, sin, Christ the mediator, the covenant of grace, salvation, the church, the means of grace, and eschatology. They take into account contemporary problems and deal critically with views of modern theology.
"It is our heartfelt wish that this dogmatics, in which we, in keeping with our confession, recognize Holy Scripture to be the sole binding standard, may help readers to understand what is believed in the church on the basis of the Bible. Dogmatics is focused on the knowledge and service of God. The highest purpose to which we set ourselves in articulating Christian doctrine is the glorification of the name of the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." - From the preface
995 Pages
Published November 2008
About the Authors:
Dr. J. van Genderen was a professor at the Theological University of the Christian Reformed Churches in the Netherlands in Apeldoorn. He taught dogmatics, the history of doctrine, and symbolics (the creeds).
Dr. W. H. Velema is a professor emeritus at the Theological University of the Christian Reformed Churches in the Netherlands in Apeldoorn. He taught, among other subjects, apologetics, ethics, and homiletics.
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"When an 800 page book has "Concise" in its title, we expect a different perspective. Indeed, this book comes from the Netherlands, the land of Kuyper and Bavinck, where three- and four-volume theology texts are the rule. Indeed, Concise Reformed Dogmatics is immersed in the theological traditions and dialogues of continental Europe, though its main allegiance is to the Scriptures by which, the authors say, all dogmas must be tested. English speaking Christians should be better acquainted with the perspective of our European brothers. In this book we will get that broader picture, while being reminded that good, solid Reformed theology can be found in many locations. So the book edifies in both its similarities and its differences from the way we formulate doctrine."
- Dr. John Frame, Professor of Systematic Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary
"At a time when there seems to be renewed interest in the Reformation and, specifically, the Reformed stream, this concise theology is a wellspring of the best that our confession has to offer in the desert of American religion. This is a treasure to be read again and again, making the heart leap for joy!"
- Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary, California
"For all but a few English speakers, insight into the world of contemporary confessional Dutch Reformed theology is limited to occasional glimpses. This translation opens a helpful, orthodox, window on discussions in the Netherlands and beyond and is a welcome contribution to the renaissance of Reformed dogmatics in our time."
- R. Scott Clark, Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology, Westminster Seminary, California
"In the context of postmodernism's challenge, this 'Dogmatics' connects us with historic Christian doctrine. As a 'Reformed' dogmatics, this summary of classic Calvinism is textured with biblical richness and confessional fidelity. But equally important is the word 'Concise,' for this promises us the kind of accessibility and utility so difficult to package with responsible scholarship. The authors, translators, and publisher have served our generation well!"
- Nelson D. Kloosterman
"This translation is a most welcome example of contemporary conservative dogmatic theology in our post-conservative age."
- Derek W. H. Thomas
"Biblically based, confessionally rooted, and committed to the best of the Reformed tradition, notably Calvin and Bavinck. The authors are conversant with twentieth-century figures from Barth to Pannenberg. They explore a wide range of Dutch theologians. And they engage critical exegesis of Scripture, intellectual movements such a verificationism in philosophy, and social trends such as feminism. The church's mission and pastoral practice are never out of view. Even those who might disagree here and there with a detail will be well rewarded by this thorough and thoughtful work."
- John Bolt
"Concise Reformed Dogmatics is both a great introduction to Reformed theology and a fine example of how such theology can interact in a positive and helpful way with contemporary systematics. Clearly written, nicely laid out, and beautifully produced, this should be on the bookshelf of every pastor and student who wants to read Reformed theology at its best."
- Carl R. Trueman, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Professor of Historical Theology and Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia
"The appearance of this work in English is most welcome. Written from a confessionally Reformed perspective, with a special affinity for the work of Calvin and Herman Bavinck, it is alert to contemporary issues and problems without obscuring its primary concern to show the biblical basis of doctrines. Without sacrificing depth, it succeeds admirably with the wider circle of readers it has in view - other theologically interested persons as well as pastors, and teachers and students of theology."
- Richard B. Gaffin Jr.
Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus' Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia
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