Introducing the Reformed Faith: Biblical Revelation, Christian Tradition, Contemporary Significance

I thought this was a great work. I was expecting something dry, because it is about Reformed Theology! But McKim writes in a wonderful manner that provides both depth and readability. What I thought would be another dry seminary-type book is a wonderful resource for pastors, laypersons, and those who are interested in understanding the Reformed understanding of scripture.

I purchased this book and its companion "Handbook To Reformed Theology" as texts for the Seminary class I am teaching - Intro to Reformed Theology. The things I like about it: Organization - each chapter - excellent, solid breakdown of major headings, with a short easily accessible overview in non-technical language, followed by practical, immediate questions for discussion and meditation. It is easily supplemented by additional reading so that it can be used in a variety of settings - from the local church or para-church elementary studies to more advanced levels such as my course. The things that are disappointing. I would not characterize this book as "thoroughly" or "strongly" Reformed. McKim departs from Reformed emphases in several directions, all of which tend to diminish the force of its major tenets. His view of Scripture and Revelation allows for too much "progress" in man's understanding in a decidedly Barthian manner - i.e. pg. 21 - "In our time and in every time, God's message will come to us, through the words of human writers. God will continue to be revealed, to reach for us in love with the story of salvation in Jesus Christ..." etc. This is illustrative of the general tone of the work. His ecumenicalism falls fairly radically short of the traditional Calvinist insistence on the limits of the Gospel and is much closer to the so called "Emerging Church" movement than I am entirely comfortable with. There are many who will see this as a breath of fresh air I suppose and I don't particularly wish to argue that. My main point is this - though McKim's ideas may be appealing, it is a blurring of categories to assign them the label "Reformed" in a strict sense. I give the book four stars - 3 in theology, 5 in organization. It's a good book to discuss because it brings the points of agreement and disagreement into clear definition. So, though I disagree with my brother on significant issues, yet I commend his contribution to the dialog.

This is a great book to read and understand. It has been suggested to use it as a Sunday School lesson following up after teachings from the Mighty Acts of God by Arnold B. Rhodes revised by W. Eugene March.