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

by Donald K. McKim

In this book, Donald McKim examines Reformed beliefs on sixteen theological topics, including Scripture, the Trinity, sin, salvation, the person of Jesus, and Baptism. He also discusses distinctive emphases of the Reformed faith and shows how Reformed beliefs relate to the broader ecumenical family of Christian teachings.

Genres: Theology

261 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2001

About the author

Donald K. McKim is an American Presbyterian theologian and editor. He works as Academic and Reference Editor for Westminster John Knox Press.

McKim studied at Westminster College, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and the University of Pittsburgh. He has taught at Memphis Theological Seminary and the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary.

McKim is known for his 1979 book The Authority and Interpretation of the Bible: An Historical Approach. Co-authored with Jack B. Rogers, it was Eternity magazine's "Book of the Year" in 1980. In the book, Rogers and McKim argued that the Bible was infallible but not inerrant.

Donald Keith McKim was born in New Castle, Pennsylvania to Keith Beatty and Mary Alisan (Leslie) McKim.

Reviews

[Erica Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Succinct, clear, enjoyable

[Kyle · Rating 3 out of 5]

A friend of mine described this book as "the best introduction to the Reformed faith you could ever read." I'm not here to debate that claim, but I think he's on to something. This book is well written and has something to offer anyone interested in learning more about the Reformed tradition. It's simple style makes it accessible to anyone aged high school or above while it's rich endnotes provide further information and areas for further exploration for the further advanced in theological reflection.



My favorite aspect of this book was its structure. Eash chapter covers a topic of Reformed doctrine (i.e. the Bible, the work of Jesus Christ, creation, sin, etc.). Each chapter then discusses the doctrine under the headings of Biblical Basis, traditional understanding, reformed emphasis, and comtemporary significance. Thus, the doctrines emerge not in a vacuum but in the larger context of history. It makes it easy to chart the various developments in reformed theology.