Book Review: What is Reformed Theology? By R.C. Sproul
July 12, 2005 Posted by Roger Overton
Growing up in a Baptist church, I knew very little about
Reformed theology. When I started attending a “Reformed” church my only concern
was how dogmatically they might teach Calvinism- which in my mind had something
to do with TULIP and God forcing people to believe in Him. I have no doubt that
many others have seen Reformed theology in a similar light. In What is
Reformed Theology? Dr. R.C. Sproul attempts to distill the doctrines of the
reformers into a simple and accessible format, and correct many of the
misunderstandings many of us have had of it.
Dr. Sproul begins in the introduction affirming that what is
being discussed is not a Reformed religion, but more appropriately Reformed
theology. It is “not merely a religion without theology. It is driven first and
foremost by its understanding of the character of God.” (20)
The book is divided into two parts. The first consists of
five chapters on the foundations of Reformed theology- 1) Centered on God 2)
Based on God’s Word Alone 3) Committed to Faith Alone 4) Devoted to Prophet,
Priest, and King 5) Nicknamed Covenant Theology.
Part two is Dr. Sproul’s explanation of what is commonly
known as TULIP- 6) Humanity’s Radical Corruption 7) God’s Sovereign Choice 
Christ’s Purposeful Atonement 9) The Spirit’s Effective Call 10) God’s
Preservation of the Saints.
Throughout the book Dr. Sproul draws Reformed theology up
against Roman Catholicism and Pelagius, periodically against Dispensationalism,
and at a couple of points against Lutheranism. This is often helpful in order
to more fully understand the Reformed position, but I suspect at some points
the opposing views are short changed and dismissed without a fair hearing.
This is not a book defending Reformed theology. Anyone who
reads this hoping that it is will be rather disappointed. It is more accurately
a description of Reformed theology. The Westminster Confession and Reformed
thinkers are cited almost as much, if not as much, as the Bible. Many points of
Reformed theology that are described are not argued for, though he does take up
arguments for and/or against a few doctrines.
As a descriptive work it’s fairly well done. However, I’m
afraid there is a limited audience who will appreciate this book. Those
educated and trained in theology will likely find the book simplistic. Those
who aren’t may find it hard to follow. Dr. Sproul goes into some great
explanations of terms like justification, but in the process he uses other
terms that he doesn’t even bother to define. There is a glossary, however it
only contains foreign (Latin and Greek) words that he uses. A more substantive
glossary would have been very helpful for this book.
For me, and I suspect others from similar backgrounds,
What is Reformed Theology? is helpful in bringing to bear the big
picture of Reformed theology, as well as the history of the doctrines. R.C.
Sproul is enjoyable and informative, as he usually is. I recommend this book to
anyone seeking to understand Reformed theology, though, they will likely need
to look elsewhere to be persuaded of it if they’re not already.
Related posts:
- Book Review: Essential Truths of the Christian Faith by R.C. Sproul
- Book Review: TULIP by Duane Edward Spencer
- Young, Restless, Reformed Bloggers
- Book Review: Salvation Belongs to the Lord by John M. Frame
- Book Review: God of Promise by Michael Horton
- Book Review: Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport by Richard Mouw
Posted in Book Reviews, Main Page, Roger's Posts, Theology
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July 12th, 2005 at 9:08 am
So where else should one look if one needs to be persuaded. Any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jeremy
July 12th, 2005 at 10:33 am
Sinners in the Hands of a Good God by David Clotfelter.
It was Pastor Clotfelter who put the stone in my shoe that eventually made me a Calvinist.
July 12th, 2005 at 11:42 am
“So where else should one look if one needs to be persuaded. Any suggestions?”
Try “Putting Amazing Back Into Grace” by Michael Horton.