“Unity, clarity, and the rise of Reformed theology.”

In this episode, Tyler and Virginia continue the Confessions portion of their series on Creeds, Confessions, and Catechisms by unpacking the Westminster Confession of Faith (1646). From Henry VIII’s six wives to Bloody Mary, from Scottish resistance to English civil war, they trace the turbulent history that led to the Westminster Assembly. Along the way, they explore the theology, politics, and legacy of this confession that still shapes Reformed churches today.

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🧭 Episode Breakdown
0:00:00 – Opening banter: baby due dates, church move, and overstimulated kids
0:02:57 – Series recap: Creeds → Augsburg → now Westminster
0:05:27 – From Germany to England: 1530s → 1640s
0:08:00 – Three church government systems: Episcopal, Presbyterian, Congregationalist
0:13:03 – Henry VIII & the break from Rome (1534)
0:15:51 – Edward VI & the Book of Common Prayer
0:19:50 – “Bloody Mary” restores Catholicism
0:21:02 – Elizabeth I & the “middle way”
0:23:26 – Puritans and the push for purity
0:27:07 – King James VI/I & the King James Bible
0:32:12 – Charles I, Laud, and sparks of civil war
0:36:01 – Scottish resistance & riots over the prayer book
0:39:05 – Parliament recalled; grievances erupt
0:42:12 – English Civil War: Cavaliers vs. Roundheads
0:43:09 – The Westminster Assembly is convened (1643)
0:45:52 – Who was there: divines, parliament, and Scottish commissioners
0:47:48 – Daily rhythm & slow path to unity
0:49:46 – Tensions: politics vs. theology
0:52:04 – Timeline: 1643 debates → 1646 draft → 1648 approval
0:55:18 – Parliament’s revisions & Scotland’s adoption
0:57:35 – What’s inside: 74 pages of doctrine
0:58:45 – Chapter 1: The Bible’s authority (Sola Scriptura)
0:59:35 – Covenant theology explained
1:04:03 – Predestination: God’s sovereign choice
1:12:31 – Church government & state relations
1:16:53 – Worship & sacraments: baptism and communion
1:34:12 – The Restoration & Westminster outlawed in England
1:35:29 – Scotland holds firm; lasting Presbyterian standard
1:36:51 – Influence beyond Presbyterians; Baptist overlaps
1:38:14 – Final reflections: unity, politics, and lasting framework

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✏️ Key Takeaways

• The Westminster Confession was born out of civil war, political crisis, and the need for clear doctrine.
• Over 120 theologians (“the Westminster Divines”), parliamentarians, and Scottish commissioners worked together to craft it.
• Its careful structure emphasized Scripture’s authority, covenant theology, and God’s sovereignty.
• Alongside the Confession came the Larger and Shorter Catechisms, a Directory for Worship, and a Psalter — a complete reformed framework.
• Though outlawed in England after the monarchy’s restoration, it became the enduring standard for Presbyterian churches worldwide and influenced many Baptist confessions.

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📚 Resources & Mentions

• The Gospel Coalition — What Is the Westminster Confession of Faith?
• Dromore Presbyterian — What Is the Westminster Confession of Faith (and Why Do We Not Subscribe to It)?
• EBSCO Research Starters — Westminster Confession of Faith
• The Gospel Coalition — 9 Things You Should Know About the Westminster Confession of Faith
• GotQuestions — What Is the Westminster Confession of Faith?
• Wikipedia — Westminster Confession of Faith
• Wikipedia — English Civil War
• Wikipedia — Westminster Assembly
• Wikipedia — Westminster Abbey
• Wikipedia — Nonconformist (Protestantism)
• Wikipedia — Church of England
• Wikipedia — Elizabethan Religious Settlement
• Wikipedia — Stuart Restoration

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📌 Next Episode
Episode 7 → The Baptist Faith and Message: modern confessions and Southern Baptist identity.

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❤️ Thanks for listening to the Boles of Life Podcast, where we explore our messy adventures of faith, family, and food.

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