W. Robert Godfrey

Dr. Godfrey has given the Reformed community something that I have been looking for in a book which would be suitable to pass on to Christians of other persuasions. He treats many of the Reformed distinctives in a welcoming manner, presenting each within the context of his own journey from his introduction to the Refomed faith as a nominal believer in high school to his current position of President of Westminster Semminary California. I especially appreciated his exhortation in the last show more chapter to return the Psalter to its rightful place in Reformed liturgy. Unfortunately some aspects of the Reformed faith were neglected such as the Presbyterian form of Church government and the place of church discipline. The offices of elder and deacon received only scant attention. Also, his nostalgic depiction of his early experiences in a Reformed congregation appear somewhat idealistic and not in tune with the reality of sin within even the best of churches. But this remains a very good introductory primer that I plan to give out to friends and relatives that view my own commitment to the Reformed faith as some form of cultic legalism. show less

It is at the Synod of Dordt (1618-1619) that the Calvinistic orthodoxy was forged on the anvil of Arminianism. The Calvinistic orthodoxy has often been described as the five points of TULIP - although the Synod of Dordt developed what has become known as the five points, the acronym TULIP was not part of the formulations at Dordt.

TULIP does not sum up Calvinism. Even if it does sum up the discussions at the Synod of Dordt - although the order here was ULTIP. Godfrey, a professor of church show more history at Westminster Seminary, California, in this fresh look at the Canons of Dordt, makes a pertinent point:

“Calvinism is summarized in full confessional statements such as the Heidelberg Catechism, the Belgic Confession, and the Westminster Confession of Faith.”

The aim of this book is to help Christians “appreciate the important work of the Synod of Dort in the history of the church.” Godfrey focuses on the ”fundamentally religious convictions of the synod and the canons.” In this Godfrey does an excellent job. He succeeds in showing the importance of the synod and of the canons in Reformed theology. What is missing, however, is a critical engagement with the philosophical presuppositions that were inherent in the confession - South African, Christian philosopher, Bennie van der Walt, has done this, though his main work is in Afrikaans, a useful summary in English is found here . This though is undoubtedly beyond Godfrey’s remit. And Godfrey seems happy with the Reformed scholasticism that is at times evident in the confessions.

The first part of the book examines the historical and theological background to the synod and goes on to look at the character and the work of the synod.

The second part provides a new ‘Pastoral’ translation and in part 3 there is an extremely accessible and engaging exposition of the canons. This alone is worth the price of the book. There are several appendices, including a helpful brief biography of Arminius And a detailed outline of the canons.

Godfrey has succeeded in what he set out to do. Anyone who wants an introduction to the synod and its canons could do no better than start here. show less

I think the biggest problem with critics of reformed theology and Calvinism is that they actually have no idea what reformed theology and Calvinism is. This book would be an excellent resource for someone who is new to this theology or to someone who has spent all of their time and energy speaking out against it without having studied it.

The book is not too weighty or academic, it would be suitable for the average person. Part three is an exposition on the Canons of Dort and it was easily show more my favorite part of the book. That's not to say other parts of the book are bad though.

There are times that it does seem like the topics are being repeated but that is expected with a book like this because there is only so much you can do.

I'd recommend this book. Really enjoyed the read. Godfrey is a fantastic author with a plethora of knowledge on the Reformation and what it actually means and how it applies to your life today.

*Disclaimer: I received this eARC from Reformation Trust Publishing via NetGalley* show less

Saving the Reformation is a helpful introduction to the Canons of Dort. The book consists of the historical background, a new translation of the canons, and a brief exposition. In addition, appendix one critically engages with the traditional understanding of Arminius' part in the controversy that led to the synod of Dort. Additional appendices offer further helps for studying the canons. If you want to better understand the Canons of Dort, this book is an excellent place to start.