Reformed Forum hosted an online symposium on February 29, 2024, featuring a series of thought-provoking sessions designed to explore the intersections of theology, history, and the contemporary challenges facing the church. This panel discussion featured Alan Strange’s insightful book, Empowered Witness (Crossway). The session examined Strange's exploration of the spirituality of the church doctrine, a pivotal biblical concept developed in the nineteenth century, and its relevance in today's politically charged environment. Emphasizing the necessity for the church to prioritize its spiritual mission over earthly political and social agendas, Strange's work is a clarion call to refocus on the Great Commission. C. N. Willborn, D. G. Hart, and Timon Cline offered their perspectives on the book. Then, Dr. Strange responded and engage with their insights. This panel was an engaging analysis of the historical and contemporary roles of the church, appealing to both thoughtful laypeople and church leaders. Watch the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QujQOzuiJR4

Strange, Willborn, Hart, and Cline — Panel Discussion on Empowered Witness

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In this episode, we commemorate the centennial of the Auburn Affirmation, exploring its profound impact on the Presbyterian Church (USA) and the broader Christian community. We explore the theological crossroads of the early twentieth century, marked by the rise of modernism and the publication of The Fundamentals. We discuss the significant events that led to the Auburn Affirmation, including Harry Emerson Fosdick’s influential sermon and the subsequent controversies that reshaped American Protestantism. Reflecting on these historical developments, we consider the ongoing relevance of confessional fidelity and integrity in today’s church. Join us as we examine how the Auburn Affirmation’s call for theological tolerance challenges our understanding of doctrinal adherence, and how we can navigate these waters with a commitment to both truth and unity. This episode offers valuable insights into maintaining the church’s distinct witness and enduring relevance in a pluralistic society.

Danny Olinger | The Auburn Affirmation at 100

In this installment of Van Til Group, we turn to pp. 73–77 of Cornelius Van Til's classic book, The Defense of the Faith. In this section, Van Til critiques both Roman Catholicism and certain strands of Evangelicalism for their approach to human autonomy and the nature of sin. Van Til argues that Roman Catholicism, as represented by Thomas Aquinas, assigns too much autonomy to human consciousness, even before the Fall, which undermines the Scriptural notion of authority and total depravity. He contends that Aquinas views fallen man as not entirely different from Adam in paradise, thus diminishing the need for grace. Similarly, Van Til criticizes C.S. Lewis, representing a segment of Evangelical thought, for conflating metaphysical and ethical issues and for not adequately emphasizing human disobedience to God as the root of ethical problems. Both perspectives, according to Van Til, fail to uphold the biblical doctrine that only through faith and complete reliance on the triune God of Scripture can true ethical behavior be achieved.

Van Til Group #13 — Roman Catholic and Evangelical Views of Sin and Human Consciousness

Dr. Daniel Borvan traces the tumultuous journey of the French Reformed Church from its formation, through periods of severe persecution, to its current role within the modern Protestant landscape. This session offers a comprehensive look at the church’s theological, cultural, and social contributions over the centuries. This session was delivered at the Reformed Forum Symposium on the Reformation in the Francophone World (https://reformedforum.org/symposium-on-the-reformation-in-the-francophone-world).

Dan Borvan | The Church Under the Cross: An Overview of the French Reformed Church

Camden Bucey provides a preview of our upcoming symposium scheduled for Saturday, May 18, 2024. In this event, we will explore pivotal moments and figures in the history of the Reformed tradition. This event will feature four presentations and related discussions on critical theological developments and historical events that have shaped the Protestant Church, particularly within the French-speaking world. Whether you are a scholar, student, or simply passionate about church history and theology, this symposium offers enriching insights into the enduring legacy and challenges of the Reformed tradition. Sessions  Dan Borvan: The Church Under the Cross: An Overview of the French Reformed Church David Noe: Theodore Beza at the Colloquy of Poissy (1561) Marty Klauber: The Eucharistic Theology of Jean Mestrezat Stephen Davis: The War of the Camisards (1702–1704): Huguenot Resistance Under Louis XIV  Visit https://www.reformedforum.org/francophone for more information. We also include the first two lessons in Dr. Carlton Wynne’s  new course on John Calvin’s Institutes of the Christian Religion, Books 1–2. Chapters  00:00:07 Introduction 00:02:29 Symposium on the Reformation in the Francophone World 00:06:57 Overview of the French Reformed Church 00:11:30 Beza at the Colloquy of Poissy 00:13:12 The Eucharistic Theology of Jean Mestrezat 00:15:12 The War of the Camisards (1702–1704) 00:18:09 Carlton Wynne’s Course on Calvin’s Institutes, Books 1-2 00:23:38 Introduction to Calvin’s Institutes 00:52:03 John Calvin the Man 01:26:01 Conclusion 

The Reformation in the French-Speaking World

In this episode, we introduce the Gospel of Mark. We also explore how Mark introduces us to the person of Jesus Christ and the Gospel. Of special interest is the redemptive nature of the Gospel. This is shown by Mark's high Christology (Jesus is God), John's baptism, and Jesus' successful resistance of Satan's temptation. 

Strange, Willborn, Hart, and Cline — Panel Discussion on Empowered Witness

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