Reformed Forum

Christ the Center was pleased to have Darryl G. Hart back to talk about his book Deconstructing Evangelicalism. Hart points out that Evangelicalism actually is an umbrella term used to unite conservative Christians from different traditions. There never has been a generic Evangelical. The panel discussed the different senses of the word “Evangelical” and noted that the use of the word today in America is more or less governed by the rise of Neo-Evangelicalism in the mid-twentieth century. Perhaps it is best to identify oneself by one’s denominational affiliation. Listeners will find this discussion timely and fascinating.

Gamble, Richard C. The Whole Counsel Of God. Presbyterian & Reformed Pub Co, 2008.

Hart, D. G. A Secular Faith: Why Christianity Favors the Separation of Church and State. Ivan R. Dee, Publisher, 2006.

—. Defending the Faith: J. Gresham Machen and the Crisis of Conservative Protestantism in Modern America. P & R Publishing, 2003.

—. Deconstructing Evangelicalism: Conservative Protestantism in the Age of Billy Graham. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2004.

Hart, D. G., and John R. Muether. Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism. P & R Publishing, 2007.

Marsden, George M. Fundamentalism and American Culture: The Shaping of Twentieth Century Evangelicalism, 1870-1925. New York: Oxford University Press, 1980.

Muller, Richard A., and Rowland S. Ward. Scripture and Worship: Biblical Interpretation and the Directory for Public Worship. Westminster Assembly and the Reformed faith. Phillipsburg, N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Darryl G. Hart, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

The panel of Christ the Center had the privilege of interviewing Dr. Philip Graham Ryken, Senior Minister of historic Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, with regard to his doctoral dissertation, Thomas Boston: Preacher of the Fourfold State. Dr. Ryken has authored many other books, including Galatians and 1 Timothy in the Reformed Expository Commentary series, The Heart of the Cross, Message of Salvation, and The Doctrines of Grace: Rediscovering the Evangelical Gospel with James Montgomery Boice. In this interview, Dr. Ryken explains the significance of Boston as a preacher, theologian, and pastor with regard to his sermons on the fourfold state of man (i.e. man in the state of innocence, man in the state of nature [corruption], man in the state of grace, and man in the state of glory or condemnation). Among other things, we talked with Dr. Ryken about Boston’s literary dependence, his contribution to the understanding of union with Christ, his use of illustrations in preaching, and other valuable works written by Boston. We hope this interview will serve as a helpful introduction to the life and writings of Thomas Boston, preacher of the fourfold state.

Boston, Thomas. Human nature in its fourfold state : of primitive integrity, entire depravity, begun recovery, and consummate happiness or misery. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1964.

Case, Thomas. The morning exercise methodized … London: E.M.for Ralph Smith, 1660.

Fisher, Edward. The marrow of modern divinity. [Mikrofiche-Ausg.]. Boston Mass.: Henchman, 1743.

Ryken, Philip. Thomas Boston (1676-1732) as preacher of the Fourfold state, 1995.

Willison, John. An example of plain catechising upon the Assembly’s Shorter Catechism … with a preface briefly demonstrating the truth of the Christian revelation … Philadelphia: Printed and sold by D. Hogan, 1806.

—. Sacramental meditations and advices proper for communicants on sacramental occasions : together with a short Christian directory, proper for all Christians intending Heaven. Brookfield [Mass.]: Printed by E. Merriam & Co., 1818.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Phil Ryken

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Dr. Peter Lillback, President of Westminster Theological Seminary, in Philadelphia, Pa., Senior Minister of Proclamation Presbyterian Church, in Bryn Mawr, PA, and President of the Providence Forum, talked with the panel of Christ the Center about his book The Binding of God: Calvin’s Role in the Development of Covenant Theology, published in the Texts & Studies in Reformation & Post-Reformation Thought series by Baker Book House. Dr. Lillback has contributed numerous articles to various publications and journals, and is the author of George Washington’s Sacred Fire and Wall of Misconception. Dr Lillback has set out to offer an objective reading of John Calvin in regard to his view of a covenant and the role that it plays in theology. The Binding of God is a significant contribution to the understanding of the covenant concept in church history.

Bullinger, Heinrich. De Testamento seu foedere Dei unico & aeterno. Tiguri: In aedibus Christoph. Frosch, 1534.

Lillback, Peter. The binding of God : Calvin’s role in the development of covenant theology. Grand Rapids Mich. ;Carlisle Cumbria [England]: Baker Academic ;;Paternoster, 2001.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Peter A. Lillback

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

On this week’s show, Jeff and Camden discuss The Law is Not of Faith, The Incarnation in the Gospels, and The New Media Frontier.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington

Noted apologist Dr. James White joins the panel on Christ the Center to discuss the challenges of apologizing to Muslims. Dr. White is Director of Alpha & Omega Ministries and has authored several books on apologetics as well as having been involved in several formal debates on various issues. Listen in on a very interesting discussion of Christian apologetics and the challenge of Islam.

White, James R. King James Only Controversy, The: Can You Trust the Modern Translations? Bethany House, 2009.

—. Scripture Alone. Minneapolis, Minn.: Bethany House, 2004.

—. The God Who Justifies. Bethany House, 2007.

—. The Potter’s Freedom : a defense of the Reformation and a rebuttal of Norman Geisler’s Chosen but free. Amityville, NY: Calvary Press Publ., 2000.

Participants: Camden Bucey, James White, Jason Pickard

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

The Reformed Media Review is now your place for current discussion of reformed media online. We’ve split our current book discussion out to its own show so we can get the latest news to you on time. On today’s episode, we discuss several new and forthcoming books including Concise Reformed Dogmatics and Christless Christianity and Jeff reviews Joel Beeke’s Living for God’s Glory.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy

Dr. Stephen Nichols, research professor of Christianity and culture at Lancaster Bible College, joins the Christ the Center panel for an interesting discussion about his new book, Getting the Blues. Nichols discusses his interest in blues music and shows how the blues touch upon biblical themes. This is an utterly fascinating discussion, even for those who are not otherwise drawn to blues music. Listeners will come away wanting to crack the covers of this unusual book.

Callahan, Allen Dwight. The talking book : African Americans and the Bible. New Haven: Yale University Press, 2006.

Cone, James H. The spirituals and the blues : an interpretation. Maryknoll, N.Y.: Orbis Books, 1992.

Ellington, Duke. Black, Brown and Beige. Audio CD. Sbme Special Mkts., 2008.

Greef, W. de. The writings of John Calvin : an introductory guide. Louisville: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008.

House, Son. Son House. Hollywood :: Capitol,, 1995.

Johnson, Robert. The Complete Recordings. Audio CD. Sony, 1990.

King, B.B. One Kind Favor. Audio CD. Geffen Records, 2008.

Lecerf, Auguste. An Introduction to Reformed Dogmatics. London: Lutterworth Press, 1949.

Lomax, Alan. Deep River of Song: Mississippi – Saints and Sinners. Audio CD. Rounder Select, 1999.

Mackay, John L. A study commentary on Isaiah. EP study commentary. Faverdale North, Darlington, England: Evangelical Press, 2008.

Mohler, R. Albert. Desire and deceit : the real cost of the new sexual tolerance. Colorado Springs, Colo.: Multnomah Books, 2008.

Nichols, Stephen. Jesus Made in America: Cultural History from the Puritans to the Passion of the Christ. Downers Grove Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 2008.

—. The Reformation : how a monk and a mallet changed the world. Wheaton Ill.: Crossway Books, 2007.

Nichols, Stephen J. Getting the blues : what blues music teaches us about suffering and salvation. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Brazos Press, 2008.

Patton, Charlie. The Best of Charlie Patton. Audio CD. Yazoo, 2003.

Turner, Steve. Hungry for heaven : rock ‘n’ roll & the search for redemption. Downers Grove, Ill.: InterVarsity Press, 1995.

Waters, Muddy. The Definitive Collection. Audio CD. Geffen Records, 2006.

Participants: James Dolezal, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Stephen J. Nichols

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center welcomes Dr. Carl Trueman, vice president for academic affairs and professor of historical theology at Westminster Theological Seminary in Philadelphia and author of several books including The Claims for Truth: The Trinitarian Theology of John Owen, John Owen: Reformed Catholic and Renaissance Man, Luther’s Legacy, Protestant Scholasticism, The Wages of Spin, and Minority Report, for a discussion of the history of Trinitarian theology and the theology of John Owen. Among the many aspects of Trinitarian theology discussed were the Nicene Creed and the Chalcedonian formula. Particular individuals who come in for comment, in addition to John Owen, include the Cappadocian Fathers (Gregory of Nyssa, Gregory Nazianzus, and Basil the Great), Athanasius, Augustine, Thomas Aquinas, Jonathan Edwards, Karl Barth, and Cornelius Van Til. Trueman specifically highlights the contribution of Owen to Trinitarian theology and practice with his emphasis on the believer’s communion with each person of the Godhead and Owen’s understanding of the Holy Spirit as the bond of communion and communication between the divine and human natures of the one person of Jesus Christ. Listeners will go away from this episode with a renewed appreciation for the importance of understanding the God of Scripture as Triune.

Augustine. On the Trinity. Cambridge UK ;;New York: Cambridge University Press, 2002.

—. Tractates on the Gospel of John. Washington, D.C.: Catholic University of America Press, 1988.

Ayres, Lewis. Nicaea and Its Legacy: An Approach to Fourth-Century Trinitarian Theology. Oxford; New York: Oxford University Press, 2006.

Edwards, Jonathan, and Sang Hyun Lee, ed. The Works of Jonathan Edwards. Vol. 21, Writings on the Trinity, Grace and Faith. New Haven, Conn.; London: Yale University Press, 2003.

Gibbon, Edward, and D. M. Low. The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire. New York: Harcourt, Brace, 1960.

Hanson, R. P. C. The Search for the Christian Doctrine of God: The Arian Controversy, 318381. Baker Academic, 2006.

Letham, Robert. The Holy Trinity: In Scripture, History, Theology And Worship. P & R Publishing, 2005.

Owen, John. Communion with God. Edinburgh; Carlisle, PA: Banner of Truth Trust, 1991.

—. Epistle to the Hebrews. Banner of Truth, 1996.

—. Of communion with God the Father, Sonne, and Holy Ghost, each person distinctly in love, grace, and consolation, or, The saints fellowship with the Father, Sonne, and Holy Ghost, unfolded. Oxford: Printed by A. Lichfield … for Tho. Robinson, 1657.

Owen, John, and W. H. Goold, ed. The Works of John Owen. London: Banner of Truth Trust, 1965.

Owen, John, R. J. K. Law, and London. Banner of Truth Trust. The Spirit and the Church. Puritan paperbacks. Edinburgh: Banner of Truth Trust, 2002.

Trueman, Carl R. John Owen. Ashgate, 2007.

—. Luther’s Legacy: Salvation and English Reformers, 1525-1556. Oxford [England]; New York: Clarendon Press ; Oxford University Press, 1994.

—. Minority Report: Unpopular Thoughts on Everything From Ancient Christianity to Zen-Calvinism. Fearn Ross-shire Scotland: Mentor, 2008.

—. The Claims of Truth : John Owen’s Trinitarian Theology. Carlisle, Cumbria: Paternoster Press, 1998.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Carl Trueman, Jeff Waddington, Nick Batzig

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

John Muether, professor of church history and director of the library at Reformed Theological Seminary/Orlando and historian of the OPC, talks with the Christ the Center panel about his recent book Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman, the latest volume in the American Reformed Biography series published by Presbyterian and Reformed Publishing. Professor Muether discusses various aspects of the life and thought of Van Til, including his involvement in the so-called Clark/Van Til controversy, his critical analysis of Karl Barth, his interaction with his Christian Reformed Church critics, and his involvement with the founding and first several decades of existence of Westminster Theological Seminary and the OPC. Like the book, our conversation with Professor Muether will leave the listener longing to hear more.

Bahnsen, Greg L. Van Til’s Apologetic: Readings and Analysis. P & R Publishing, 1998.

Beale, G. K., and D. A. Carson. Commentary on the New Testament Use of the Old Testament. Baker Academic, 2007.

Berding, Kenneth., and Jonathan Lunde. Three views on the New Testament use of the Old Testament : single meaning, unified referents. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 2008.

Cowan, Steven B., and William Lane. Craig. Five views on apologetics. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan Pub. House, 2000.

Hart, D. G., and John R. Muether. Seeking a Better Country: 300 Years of American Presbyterianism. P & R Publishing, 2007.

—. With Reverence and Awe: Returning to the Basics of Reformed Worship. P & R Publishing, 2002.

Muether, John. Cornelius Van Til: Reformed Apologist and Churchman. Phillipsburg N.J.: P&R Pub., 2007.

Muller, Richard A. Christ and the Decree: Christology and Predestination in Reformed Theology from Calvin to Perkins. Grand Rapids: Baker Academic, 2008.

Van Til, Cornelius. Christianity and Barthianism. P & R Publishing, 2004.

—. Christianity and Idealism. Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1955.

—. Defense of the Faith. P & R Publishing, 1967.

—. The confession of 1967, its theological background and ecumenical significance. Philadelphia: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1967.

—. The new modernism an appraisal of the theology of Barth and Brunner, Philadelphia Pa.: Presbyterian and Reformed Pub. Co., 1946.

—. Why I believe in God. Philadelphia: Committee on Christian Education, Orthodox Presbyterian Church, 1966.

VanGemeren, Willem. The Law, the gospel, and the modern Christian : five views. Grand Rapids, Mich.: Zondervan, 1993.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, John Muether, Nick Batzig

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

The Christ the Center panel talk with Dr. Russell Moore, senior vice president of academic administration at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky, about the relationship of the kingdom of Christ and politics and culture. Dr. Moore, has written a book, The Kingdom of Christ: A New Evangelical Perspective, which served as the basis of the discussion. The already/not yet nature of the kingdom was discussed as was the fact that kingdom was not be confused with any political platform. Join us for a timely conversation.

Gribben, Crawford. The Irish puritans : James Ussher and the reformation of the church. Darlington (England) ; Auburn (MA): Evangelical Press, 2003.

Helm, Paul. John Calvin’s ideas. Oxford ;;New York: Oxford University Press, 2004.

Henry, Carl. The uneasy conscience of modern fundamentalism. Grand Rapids Mich.: Wm. B. Eerdmans Pub. Co., 1947.

Horton, Michael. People and place : a covenant ecclesiology. 1st ed. Louisville Ky.: Westminster John Knox Press, 2008.

McCormack, Bruce. Orthodox and modern : studies in the theology of Karl Barth. Grand Rapids MI: Baker Academic, 2008.

Moore, Russell. The Kingdom of Christ : The New Evangelical Perspective. Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway Books, 2004.

Participants: Camden Bucey, Jeff Waddington, Jim Cassidy, Nick Batzig, Russell Moore

Mentioned in this episode:

Christ the Center 1000 Live in Austin, TX

Christ the Center 1000 Summit

Christ the Center 1000

Christ the Center 1000 Summit