What is Reformed Theology? Understanding the Basics

As a student of Scripture that disagrees slightly with Calvin, but is in ministry with some Reformed people, I picked up this book in hopes of understanding Reformed theology. Dr. Sproul's book does a superb job of this. The book is designed to center around the central themes in Reformed theology. He begins with what Reformed theology is not, and gives a short description of how Reformed theology came to be. He does not use the standard terms in his descriptions, like the 5 Solas or the 5 points of Calvin, aka TULIP. Basically, Sproul uses the evidence he proposes to work into these terms instead. He discusses how Reformed theology relates to other Christian theologies, namely Catholicism and Lutheranism. In my ministry, I have been in contact with some from the Reformed theology that puts their beliefs in pretty harsh language when comparing it to others' theology. Sproul makes his case without this harsh language, which I thought refreshing. His discussion is scholarly without being too much for lay-people to understand. He discusses the history and controversies throughout, and many early and current theologians. He does not ignore the arguments used against ideas such as perseverance of the saints, and gives the opposition a fair shake. This is a superbly written and thorough introduction to Reformed theology. He does not go to tradition or teachings of others first and then go to Scripture as some do in their defense of Reformed theology. And, he follows the Christian precept given in 2 Tim 4:2 telling us to carefully instruct by speaking in less harsh tones. Overall, this is a perfect book to learn about Reformed theology's teachings.

Mr.Sproul makes a clear distinction between the theology of the Roman Catholic Church and the Reformed Church. The Reformed church is not a denomination but a true interpretation of the Bible, the most important book written. He clearly lays out point by point the differences which are understandable. God has penned his message by chosen men and women. Man and the church want to interpret it to fit their view which puts man in bondage to the church instead of looking to God. It's faith alone and the grace of God not man that is the Way, and the Truth. Bob Ostrich

Most Christians have heard of Reformed theology. Most think they have a good handle on it. But experience has shown me that few really know it as well as they think they do. And that goes for people who claim to be Reformed as much as those who do not. This cannot be said of R.C. Sproul. Not only does Sproul have an amazingly broad but detailed grasp of Reformed theology, but he has also been gifted with the ability to explain complex theology in a way that is both interesting and understandable. That is no common gift. What Is Reformed Theology?, which was formerly published under the more obscure title Grace Unknown, is Sproul's attempt to help others understand the basics of Reformed theology. Surprisingly, only fifty percent of the book is dedicated to a discussion of the Five Points. The first half provides the foundations for Reformed theology which so many similar books have overlooked. Without first understanding the foundations, the reader will have a much more difficult time understanding the Five Points. And so Sproul begins by discussing God's sovereignty; the importance of Scripture as the only infallible rule for our faith; faith alone; Christ's threefold office of Prophet, Priest and King; and Covenant Theology. Each of these is explained in detail, yet with sufficient precision that they are simple enough to understand. The second half of the book is an examination of the Five Points of Calvinism: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and Perseverence of the Saints. Like many other theologians, Sproul has come to see that this acrostic, while helpful, does as much to obscure the points as it does to clarify them. Sproul prefers to speak of Radical Corruption, Sovereign Choice, Purposeful Atonement, Effective Calling and Preservation of the Saints. These terms do much to clarify common misunderstandings. For example, it is easy to assume from the term "Total Depravity" that Reformed Christians believe humans are exactly as evil and depraived as they could be - their depravity is total. Yet Reformed theology teaches that while humans are corrupt, and even radically corrupt, they are so in extent, not in degree. Depravity extends to every aspect of the person, but thanks to the grace of God the degree may be more or less. I must note that as helpful as this book is, it is not one to give your unsaved friend. Sproul assumes knowledge of the Bible and of Christian theology. Even a young Christian may have a difficult time wrestling with some of the terms and concepts. It is ideal, though, for the Reformed believer who is seeking to clarify his beliefs or for the non-Reformed Christian who wants to understand what Reformed theology is all about. Accessible, biblical and educational, this is one of the best books I have read on the subject, and it just so happens that I have read quite a few. Sproul has done Christianity a service by so clearly articulating the foundations and beliefs of Refor

R.C. Sproul brings years of instructional experience into this book, explaining various aspects of Reformed theology in ways that are not rushed and yet include all of the information needed to have a firm grasp of Reformed theology. The book could be used as a primer for a seminary education, but does not come across as a dry and dusty tome. It is extremely well-balanced, explaining the why's as much as the what's of theology. For example, when discussing the fundamental differences between Roman Catholic theology and the theology of the Reformation, Sproul goes to great lengths to make sure we understand what Rome did and did not teach and what teachings were and were not authorized by Rome. The differences highlighted in the book are actually quite subtle and are very well explained in this book. Missing from the Roman Catholic formula for justification is the crucial word alone. It is not an exaggeration to say that the eye of the Reformation tornado was this one little word. -Page 66. As the five solas are examined, the word "by" is also highlighted as an essential element. I have centered my attention on the main words such as "Fide" or "Scriptura" since this theology was introduced to me, but Sproul was able to explain the solas in such a way that each word is vital to our understanding of the corresponding disagreement between Rome and the Reformers. Throughout the very generous first half of the book, Sproul was a model of one who defends truth in a spirit of love. There were many sections I felt compelled to read twice, just to take in his explanation of Catholic and Protestant doctrinal differences. These are responses worth modeling when discussions with Catholic apologists wish to discuss justification among other matters. It's not just a matter of mimicking the words used by Sproul, but the very loving way in which these matters of protest are presented. Each of the five points of the TULIP are well defined and well defended, both for what they mean and also what they are often mistaken to mean. I took a great amount of interest in how they would be described by a respected professor of systematic theology and apologetics. Sproul did not disappoint to answer the most common objections to each of the five points, and did so again with a loving heart. I can only say this based on the tone of his responses in the book, and it serves as a wonderful example of how well this man expresses both the facts that may not be welcome to all ears and the love that must drive a servant of Christ if one is to honor our treasure. I never thought I'd do this, but I believe I will use the dedication that R.C. Sproul used at the beginning of the book to help me close this review. To Jim Seneff: A layman who embraces Reformed theology, loves Reformed theology, and lives Reformed theology. After reading this book, I have a clearer understanding of what it means to live Reformed theology. A religion can be embraced and even loved on a certain le

**** For over two decades, RC Sproul has renewed his readers' and listeners' minds through his radio program, teaching tapes, and books. His latest book weaves together several of his finest lessons in a compact, highly readable form that explains several difficult doctrines of the Reformed branch of Christianity. If you approach this book with a firmly Pelagian mindset, be warned, there is a good chance that by the end you will be converted to St. Augustine's position on the subjects covered in Calvin's TULIP. Dr. Spoul's logic is easy to follow, though it never talks down to the reader. Throughout, he continually affirms the sovereignity of God, whether in discussing the five solas, predestination, or clearing up the thorny question of Hebrews, chapter six verse six. If all educational materials were this readable, we might all be a bit smarter. ****