Reformed Confessions of the 16th and 17th Centuries in English Translation (4 vols.)

by James T. Dennison Jr.

Publisher:

Reformation Heritage

, 2008–2014

Overview

James T. Dennison’s Reformed Confessions compiles English translations of Reformed confessions of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries—in many cases, presenting them in the Anglo-Saxon vernacular for the first time. Such a collection provides the English-speaking world a richer and more comprehensive view of the emergence and maturation of Reformed theology in these centuries, with summaries of Reformed doctrine during a foundational period in Reformed thought.

Each confessional statement is preceded by a brief introduction containing historical and bibliographical background. The confessions are arranged chronologically, with all four volumes presenting a total of 127 documents, covering the years 1523–1693. The final volume also contains indexes for the complete set, covering Scripture references, subjects, and names of people and places.

Key Features

• Offers English translations of Reformed confessional documents of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries
• Provides insight into Reformed theology and history
• Includes introductions by James T. Dennison Jr.

Top Highlights

“Wherefore when this Word of God is now preached in the church by preachers and received of the faithful; and that neither any other Word of God is to be feigned nor to be expected from heaven: and that now the Word of God which is preached is to be regarded, not the minister that preaches; who although he may be evil and a sinner, nevertheless the Word of God abides true and good.” (Volume 2, Page 811)

“Hence all Christians should do their utmost so that everywhere only the gospel of Christ be preached.” (Volume 1, Page 4)

“As tensions mounted, the city council scheduled a public debate (disputation) for January 29, 1523” (Volume 1, Page 1)

“attributes to works of penance what is Christ’s alone, errs and blasphemes God.” (Volume 1, Page 7)

“That some receive the gift of faith from God, and others do not receive it, proceeds from God’s eternal decree.” (Volume 4, Page 122)

Endorsements

A comprehensive collection of the main statements of faith of all Reformed communities considered as orthodox (Waldensian, Zwinglian, Calvinist, and Anglican). Many of these documents are translated into English for the first time. References to existing critical editions are provided systematically. The editor has rendered a great service to modern-day churches which identify with the Zwinglian and Calvinist Reformation and also to all students and scholars not just of theology but of the history of religious institutions and culture of the period. He is particularly to be commended for including the 17th century, thus enabling us to chart the diversity and the development of Reformation communities over nearly two centuries. A must for every library.

—Irena Backus, professor, Institute of Reformation History, University of Geneva

James Dennison’s introductions and comprehensive compilation of sixteenth and seventeenth century Reformed confessions is a magnificent achievement that witnesses powerfully to the rich development, harmony, and piety of the Reformed faith. With the Spirit’s blessing, these volumes will help recover a robust and vital Reformed theology that informs minds, convicts hearts, and moves hands to live exclusively for God’s glory. Every Reformed pastor, professor, seminary student, library, and thoughtful layman should buy and study this remarkable collection.

—Joel R. Beeke, president, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

This is an invaluable compilation that brings together in one volume many Reformed confessions of the first thirty years of the Reformation. The whole series will be most useful both for bringing together what has previously been scattered and for making material available in English for the first time.

—Anthony N.S. Lane, professor of historical theology and director of research, London School of Theology

. . . a highly significant collection of Reformed confessional documents, offering not only the confessions and catechisms found in the older collections but a host of important confessions and catechisms that belong to the history of the Reformed churches but have been either ignored or left untranslated. These documents will provide a substantial resource for the study of the rise and progress of the Reformed faith in the early modern era.

—Richard A. Muller, P. J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology, Calvin Theological Seminary

Through these volumes, James Dennison has provided an invaluable resource for those interested in the history of the Reformation. His compilation of statements of faith and doctrine from across Europe’s Reformed churches includes many texts here translated into English for the first time. These volumes will greatly aid our understanding of the nature and development of the Reformed tradition in early modern Europe.

—Graeme Murdock, senior lecturer in modern history, school of historical studies, University of Birmingham

Product Details

• Title: Reformed Confessions of the 16th and 17th Centuries in English Translation
• Editor: James T. Dennison Jr.
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage
• Volumes: 4
• Resources: 1
• Pages: 3,425
• Christian Group: Reformed
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subject: Reformed Church › Creeds
• ISBN: 9781601780447
• Resource ID: LLS:RFRMD17TPNDXS14
• Resource Type: Church Documents
• Topic: Creeds, Councils, Confessions, and Catechisms

About James T. Dennison Jr.

James T. Dennison Jr. is academic dean of Northwest Theological Seminary in Lynnwood, Washington, where he also serves as professor of church history and biblical theology. He received his BS from Geneva College, and his BD, MDiv, and ThM from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. He was ordained in the UPCUSA, the PCA, and then the OPC.

He is the author of The Market Day of the Soul, editor of Kerux: The Journal of Northwest Theological Seminary, and has also edited various books including Francis Turretin’s Institutes of Elenctic Theology, Geerhardus Vos’ Old Testament Eschatology, and The Letters of Geerhardus Vos.