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Friday, June 29, 2007

Confessions meme

Here's my contribution to the theological confessions "meme":

I confess that I have not yet read Calvin's Institutes all the way though. But I'm making a concerted effort to read a bit most days and I'm just about to start Book IV. I've really enjoyed the exercise. The final chapter in Book III on the resurrection was outstanding.
I confess that Reformed systematic theology is in vital need of reformation. Systematics should arise from exegesis, be informed by biblical theology and be able to face the challenges of the contemporary world. Both Berkhof and Reymond fail in this regard.
I confess that Kevin Vanhoozer's The Drama of Doctrine is the most captivating and stimulating work of theology that I have read in ages.
I confess that Donald Macleod's books on the person and work of Christ have moved me very deeply. (The Person of Christ, IVP & From Glory to Golgotha, Christian Focus).
I confess that I enjoy reading N.T. Wright. His The Resurrection of the Son of God is just brilliant. But I do not agree with the new perspective on Paul.
I confess that when it comes to Karl Barth, I can't see what all the fuss is about. He had a defective view of biblical revelation, Christ's human nature, election etc. etc. His Church Dogmatics is mind-numbingly long. I find interacting with Barth-influenced bloggers a bit frustrating because they tend to dismiss all appeals to Scripture as "proof texting".
I confess that I am more and more convinced that Reformed theology is faithful to Scripture.
I confess that penal substitution is the key to understanding the cross of Christ.
I confess that I find it a bit embarrassing when I meet people in real life who have read my blog.

7 comments:

michael jensen said...

well, I should like to meet one day...

Great interview with Benny M by the way.

Guy Davies said...

Yes, it would be good to meet up some day. If you plan on revisiting Stourhead or something, let me know.

Matt Turner said...

Do you know who coined the term meme?

Guy Davies said...

Matt,

It was Richard Dawkins in The Selfish Gene. Alister Mcgrath questions the whole concept in his Dawkins' God. See a review here:

http://exiledpreacher.blogspot.com/2006/01/dawkins-god-by-alister-mcgrath_06.html

Family Blogs said...

Hi Guy,
I've referenced your Calvin 'confession' in a recent post on my own blog. I'm trying to set up a forum of readers who would commit to reading the 'Institutes' in the space of a year. I'd value your feedback on it as a concept.

Guy Davies said...

Oh, thanks. I was hoping that no one has noticed that one. ;-)

J. K. Jones said...

There's some really good stuff in your confessions.