Reformation Heritage Books is the publisher of A Faith Worth Defending: The Synod of Dort’s Enduring Heritage. This book is edited by Jon Payne and Sebastian Heck. Some of the contributors to this book include: Michael Horton, Christopher Gordon, Joel Beeke, Daniel Hyde, Cornelis Venema, and J.V. Fesko. That’s certainly an amazing team of contributors!
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A Faith Worth Defending
I would be ecstatic if this book were to reach the hands of today’s Calvinists! Many people (thankfully) accept what is called the 5 Points of Calvinism. Unfortunately, however, many of those individuals and churches don’t study Calvin himself or even the historical context and the rich teachings that came from that context. The 5 points of Calvinism are essentially a simplified summary of the Canons of Dort, which is a beautiful defense of Reformed doctrine that was written in 1618-19 as a response to Arminian objections to the Belgic Confession.
This book consists of eleven chapters that are written by the above contributors (plus others not listed) that covers a lot of terrain. Considering this book is less than 200 pages, there is much to enjoy and consider in this book.
The first chapter by W. Robert Godfrey gives a historical sketch of the Synod of Dort. If you enjoy history, you will love this chapter! The second chapter by Lyle Bierma provides a historical and theological comparison of the 3 different confessions that make up what is called the 3 Forms of Unity (Belgic Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, and the Canons of Dort). Chapters four through eight dealt primarily with the actual content of the canons, while the remaining chapters took a rather pastoral approach to the teaching of Dort.
Conclusion
I found this book to be very enlightening and encouraging to my faith! As the reader takes time to consider God and His sovereignty in salvation, there is a joy and peace that comes along with it. I hope that many Christians will take the time to learn more about their Reformed heritage, especially that of the Synod of Dort! I highly recommend this book. Tolle lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to Reformation Heritage Books for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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