Conversations with the Confessions: Dialogue in the Reformed Tradition

by Joseph D. Small (Editor)

Fourteen Presbyterian scholars enter into conversations with the confessions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and examine the major theological themes that make the confessions such foundational commitments of faith. This collection of insightful essays provides readers with a clear understanding of the confessions from different periods of the church's life. These conversations with the confessions found in the PC(USA)'s Book of Confessions include some illuminating commentary on why they were written and demonstrate how they can be used to address major theological issues. This important work will help scholars, pastors, and church leaders interested in studying the Reformed tradition appreciate the role of the confessions in shaping Christian life and faith today.

Paperback

First published July 1, 2005

Reviews

[Matt Crawford]

This was an excellent book on the evolution between the different confessions. It is written by a Presbyterian for other Presbyterians about Presbyterian history. That being said, being a Reformed Confessional Baptist myself, my complaint is the Confession which is dearest to me, the 1689 2nd London Baptist 2nd Confession is neglected and not referenced to.

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest there wasn't a single essay that really stood out. The most helpful aspect of the book was the earlier essays that helped put the creeds in historical context. But because the essays focus on contemporary appreciation of the Presbyterian creeds the historical foundations of our confessions weren't well developed. If you're looking for history of the confessions, look elsewhere. However, if you're looking for the contemporary significance of the various Presbyterian Confessions, this might be a good place to start. Still, the Confessions are far to diverse and rich to be adequately covered in this small of a book.