Book 1/Chapter 14 The Realm of Wickedness (section 14) 1. Why should we not yield to idleness? 2. How great are the forces against us? The Ongoing War (section 15) 1. What is the status of our relationship to the devil? 2. What does Calvin mean by “consummate depravity”? The Devil Originally Good (section 16) …
The Hinge Upon Which All Turns
In this book, N.T. Wright hopes to accomplish an “outflanking” maneuver (p. vii) in order to make much of the ongoing controversy over Paul irrelevant. And that is a great idea, if he can pull it off. Outflanking, when it works, can result in a decisive settlement. Outflanking, when it does not work, can be …
Angelic Help
Book 1/Chapter 14 More About Angels (section 8) 1. What does Calvin think about sketching detailed hierarchies for the angels? Why? 2. How many angels are there? 3. What sort of body do angels have? 4. What must we be careful not to do in discussing this subject? Angels As Real Creatures (section 9) …
First, Glance Over the Blurbs
Let the review begin! And let it begin with the easy stuff. I begin by looking over the blurbs, and those represented here include well-respected theologians — a respect well-deserved, I might add — but then there are some blurbs from some folks right off the emergent fruit farm. I conclude from all this that …
Taking the High Road, That’s Me
I just picked up the new book on justification by N.T. Wright, his response to John Piper’s book. A friend recommended that I review it now, before reading it, in order to remain fully objective. As tempting as that suggestion sounds, I will aim for higher, nobler book review, with actual citations and page numbers.
Angels and Gods
Book 1/Chapter 14 Vain Discussion of Angels (section 4) 1. What is our one rule in discussions of angels, according to Calvin? 2. What is the content of such empty speculations? 3. What does the fellow called Dionysus contribute to our knowledge of angels? 4. What is a theologians task? Scriptural Discussion of Angels (section …
Six Day Calvinism
Book 1/Chapter 14 Creation of the World and Man (section 1) 1. Should men try to “get behind” God’s act of creation? 2. Why did God give us an account of the creation? 3. Why did God tell us how old the world is? 4. Any other reason? 5. How old does Calvin believe the …
The Early Fathers and the Trinity
Book 1/Chapter 13 The Essence of God (section 25) 1. Is the essence of “Godness” shared by all three persons? 2. If the Father only is the essence of God, what does this do to the other two persons? The Subordination of Christ(section 26) 1. In what sense is the Son not subordinate to the …
Other Rascals
Book 1/Book 13 Other Rascals (section 23) 1. According to other false teachers, where do Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit “get” their deity? 2. What antithesis must we not admit? 3. What is the argument from Romans 14:11? 4. From Hebrews 1:10? 5. Hebrews 1:6? 6. Does the Son have His own being? 7. …
True Trinitarian Demeanor
Book 1/Chapter 13 Difference Within the Godhead (section 18) 1. Why must we be cautious in discussing this subject? 2. What are the characteristics of each person within the Trinity? 3. What Scripture does Calvin use in defense of the filioque? Relations Within the Godhead (section 19) 1. Is the Father the same person as …