Divine Covenants and Moral Order: A Biblical Theology of Natural Law (Emory University Studies in Law and Religion

by David VanDrunen

This book addresses the old question of natural law in its contemporary context. David VanDrunen draws on both his Reformed theological heritage and the broader Christian natural law tradition to develop a constructive theology of natural law through a thorough study of Scripture.

The biblical covenants organize VanDrunen's study. Part 1 addresses the covenant of creation and the covenant with Noah, exploring how these covenants provide a foundation for understanding God's governance of the whole world under the natural law. Part 2 treats the redemptive covenants that God established with Abraham, Israel, and the New Testament church and explores the obligations of God's people to natural law within these covenant relationships.

In the concluding chapter of Divine Covenants and Moral Order VanDrunen reflects on the need for a solid theology of natural law and the importance of natural law for the Christian's life in the public square.]>

Genres: Theology, Politics

594 pages, Paperback

First published April 30, 2014

Reviews

[Norman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This represents the riches of a significant undertaking by Dr. Van Drunen as he lays out, in extensive detail, the biblical teaching concerning matters as varied as justice, religious freedom, punishment, vice, virtue, wisdom, and covenant theology. His argument for religious liberty is very carefully constructed and worth a careful reading by anyone who has struggled with the undergirdings of our embrace of religious pluralism in public policy.

[Kevin Sheth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Controversial, but a fantastic biblical theology of a distinctly Reformed natural law ethic. There are quite a few areas that still need some further reflection, particularly in thinking about the content of pre-redemptive revelation and the substance of the Mosaic covenant. In what specific way the Mosaic covenant has protological AND redemptive aspects remains to be evaluated. Nevertheless, VanDrunen has provided, in some ways, a landmark work for the Reformed tradition in developing a natural law ethic that affirms divine inspiration and a Vossian eschatology.

Second read: It is still one of my favorite books five years later and most of the recent debates and discussions around Christian political theory would be thoroughly improved if Divine Covenants and Moral Order was read more widely.

[Lance Kinzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find myself again grateful for VanDrunen's detailed, careful and thoughtful engagement with a wide range of critical theological issues. A scholarly work of this caliber that considers the question of natural law in the context of Reformed Covenant Theology was long overdue. Most highly recommended.

[Dwayne Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the book I've needed to read for a long time. I'd actually recommend that you read it before his first book on the topic, which set up the historical legitimacy of Natural Law theology in the Reformed tradition. This book is the meat of his argument in terms of establishing a Biblical case for natural law and using natural law as a hermeneutic to explain cryptic or difficult ideas in Scripture. If an important test of a theory is its usefulness as a hermeneutic (I think Kline said that), then DVD makes a very strong case for natural law here.

By using categories of natural law, DVD is able to unravel confusing passages in the OT and draw essential distinctions in the NT. I can't stress how surprising, helpful, and interesting this book is. I especially appreciate the clarity of his prose - state the argument, make the argument, review the argument. You almost don't have to take notes. It's easy to go back and get the summary arguments simply from reading the first pages of each chapter.

[Daniel Crouch · Rating 4 out of 5]

I began VanDrunen’s book hostile to his project and skeptical of the premise. It seemed counterintuitive to root natural law, that which is inherent and common to all people, in the biblical framework of covenants, a doctrine both specific and historical. Yet by the end of his work, despite some questionable Reformed assertions regarding God’s retribution and the literalness of the biblical account, he won me over to a vision of natural law that pervades the scriptural narrative and is reinforced by the pre-redemptive covenants.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Robust yet readable, and important for contemporary debates. This book clarified some of the questions I had about VanDrunen's proposal from his "Politics After Christendom," especially the issue of idolatry and the Noahic covenant's prohibitions.

[Nathan Douthit · Rating 5 out of 5]

An extraordinarily helpful book on natural law, framing it within the contexts of the covenants. Rewarding, engaging, and thought provoking. Many Protestant traditions are impoverished in natural law theology, but this book fills that space admirably.

[Mike · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic biblical-theological defense of natural law with some very winsome suggestions for application. Too often, those with Reformed Two Kingdoms views get criticized for being cloistered away from society. VanDrunen provides a rebuttal to this on the basis of natural law. The implications from the ideas in this book are far-reaching, and have given me much to think about for not just Christian duty - but common human duty - to pursue justice, equity, and human flourishing in society.

[Daniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unique contribution in that he traces natural law through the lens of the biblical covenants, but the book becomes repetitive in many places.

[Ryan Cavanaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read and vital for all pastors and theologians to wrestle with even if you don't agree with every argument.