“This volume is the most comprehensive treatment of Olevian’s theology published to date. Reflecting an impressive breadth of research and depth of analysis, it delivers on its promise at the beginning to move beyond my own work on Olevian’s covenant thought by placing his doctrine of the covenant in context of his theology as a whole. In doing so, it offers, one might say, a duplex beneficium. First, it secures Olevian’s reputation as a significant theologian in his own right and not simply as the failed reformer of Trier, the court preacher of Heidelberg, or an author of the Heidelberg Catechism. Second, it accurately identifies his place in the development of Reformed theology as it passed from the Age of Reformation to the Age of Orthodoxy. A stellar addition to this series in historical theology.”

-Lyle D. Bierma, Professor of Systematic Theology, Calvin Theological Seminary, Grand Rapids, Michigan

“Dr. Clark’s book is a very welcome addition to the growing literature on the development of Reformed Orthodoxy in the Reformation and post-Reformation period. In a series of carefully argued chapters, he places Olevian’s thought in historical context and, by so doing, puts to rest a number of misconstructions of doctrinal development during this time while shedding new light upon the relationship of the theology of Olevian to that of the Heidelberg Catechism, of John Calvin, and of the wider Reformed world. This is a book that should be ready by all students and scholars interested in the theology of the period in general and of Olevian in particular.”

-Carl R. Trueman, Professor of Church History and Historical Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia

“Clark’s study of Caspar Olevian’s doctrine of the covenant and its ‘twofold benefit,’ justification and sanctification, is a fine and needed addition to the literature on the developing Reformed tradition during the sixteenth century. Contrary to the claim of some who advocate a ‘Calvin against the Calvinist’ approach to the development of the Reformed tradition, Clark demonstrates that Olevian’s work was ‘in Calvin’s line.’ Since Olevian was an important contributor to the writing of the Heidelberg Catechism, Clark’s study also sheds light upon that great Reformed confession.”

-Cornelis P. Venema, President and Professor of Doctrinal Studies, Mid-America Reformed Seminary, Dyer, Indiana

R. Scott Clark is Professor of Church History and Historical Theology at Westminster Seminary California. He is the general editor of the Classic Reformed Theology series, author of Recovering the Reformed Confession, and co-editor (with Carl R. Trueman) of Protestant Scholasticism: Essays in Reassessment.

Ames’s method in this book is not an analysis of the Catechism itself. Rather, he chooses a particular text of Scripture that supports the main thoughts for a given Lord’s Day. While the exposition is directly from the Bible, Ames’s doctrinal conclusions interact with the corresponding Questions and Answers of the Heidelberg Catechism.

Joel R. Beeke and Todd M. Rester’s introduction provides valuable background on Ames and his work. Rester’s fresh translation from the Latin opens several avenues of interest for modern day English readers. Historians of 16th and 17th century thought will value the critical English translation of a much neglected text, and the fact that it demonstrates the interaction between English Puritanism and the Dutch Further Reformation. Reformed pastors will also take interest in this, as it provides another important resource on a classic doctrinal standard.

Read R. Scott Clark’s Introduction here.

If you would like to pre-order a copy of the first volume of the Classic Reformed Theology Series, you can do so buy calling (616) 977-0599 or by simply going to Reformation Heritage Books website.

The editorial board will consist of,
•    Joel R. Beeke, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
•    J. Mark Beach, Mid America Reformed Seminary
•    W. Robert Godfrey, Westminster Seminary California
•    Michael S. Horton, Westminster Seminary California
•    Joel E. Kim, Westminster Seminary California
•    Herman Selderhuis, Theologische Universiteit Apeldoorn
•    Paul R. Schaefer, Grove City College
•    Carl R. Trueman, Westminster Theological Seminary

Richard Muller says of this series,
“This is an important project that promises to make available in good editions and translations a series of eminent works of Reformed theology from the era of orthodoxy. These volumes will offer students of the Reformed tradition an invaluable resource and will hopefully stimulate interest in the highly refined and carefully defined thought of an era that was formative of the Reformed faith and that assured its intellectual and spiritual vitality for later generations.”

Dr. R. Scott Clark has a little more information in dealing with this series on his own blog.

]]> http://heritagebooktalk.org/2008/09/10/classic-reformed-theology/feed/ 1 Dewalt amescovercrt10910081