Sean Michael Lucas

In the past I was put off by this book's silly cover art, which is a shame because I found the content excellent and helpful. It's particularly geared toward those who are coming into a Presbyterian church from a more baptistic/non-denominational setting, and it makes a positive, non-triumphalistic case for (primarily PCA) Presbyterian identity in an age that sees little use for denominations. It's divided into sections on doctrine (sovereignty, grace, covenant, ecclesiology, sacraments), show more practice (piety, worship, governance), and "stories" that frame and give shape to the previous two areas--in other words, history. Unsurprisingly coming from Sean Lucas, this last section is top-notch, particularly on the American stuff. It admittedly confirms my bias that historians often make some of the most clear-eyed pastors. :)

On the whole, it's a learned, pastoral, and wonderfully accessible book. show less

This should be required reading for every Presbyterian - it's important to understand what you're doing in worship and why. Clear and concise - well written - easy to understand (Reformed faith is for thinkers!).

The stories help develop a knowledge of the history of Presbyterianism - all good.

Professor and Pastor Sean Michael Lucas has written a book on Jonathan Edwards' theology vision. Considering the vast amount of information available and the size of this work I think the author did justice too his subject. Though one may need too read this work more than once to gain full insight into New England’s' theologists material as this is written more like an abstract than a book for the general public. I have objections with various aspects of Edwards interpretations but the show more book is worth reading and study though I disagree with many of Edwards conclusions.

A comprehensive outline of Jonathan Edwards thoughts and works during the Great Awakening in New England makes this book part of Americas, and especially New England’s, history. A theology and church that Edward’s grandfather tried too make more inclusive Edward made it more exclusive with his interpretations of purity of church that he put into practice. The author give us a clear insight into Edward’s model of how too combine his theological beliefs with his pastoral practice. The quotes from Edwards sermons and diary’s place his theology into proper context.

A clear look at the subjects view too purify his church in his time with rejection of other denominations and Christian groups. This shows his thoughts both light and dark with no glossing over. And for that I give the author credit. This combined and condense work is worth a read too understand the climate of New England at that time and the forces at work during what leads up to a very important time in Americas history. show less

Biography on one of the more well known southern Presbyterian theologians. I say well know, and yet Dabney is becoming less well known as time passes on. The author gives detail of his young life and his love of learning and then takes us through his time prior to the civil war, his service during the war and post civil war life. It also talks of the end of the theologians live as he was somewhat outcast to Austin TX. Lucas gives a full picture of Robert Dabney as he certainly presents his show more strong points, but he lays out the faults as well. In some cases Lucas comes across a little to strong in his defense of Dabney, but I don't want to overly criticize him for his passion, since that is what allowed me learn more of this reformed theologian. One of the points I can take away form this study into the life of Dabney is that it is always vital for us to check our selves against scripture. show less