David W. Hall (1) (1955–)

This volume examines Calvin’s thought and impact on political ideas. Not only does it set forth the Reformer’s political ideas in his own words from multiple sources but it also shows how his germinal political ideas were furthered and spread by his disciples, both in Europe and to the West.

Calvin’s political formulations on republicanism, decentralized government, and open democracies provide one of his most lasting contributions. Calvin’s disciples—beginning with Theodore Beza, show more Francois Hotman, John Ponet, and John Knox—spread many of the ideas that are now widely accepted in free governments. Historically, there is a clear before and a discernible after in terms of governmental forms, and Calvinism is one of the major fuel rods for that massive change. Calvin contributed and buttressed ideas like the consent of the governed, open elections, checks-and-balances within government, civil liberty, the right to oppose tyrannical governments, and the need for constitutionalism. Moreover, these seed ideas would not have grown without the support of the clergy and churches who regularly taught these ideas as having divine precedent. show less

Overall this book is a good exposition of Calvin's thought. However, some of the chapters are better than others. I especially appreciated Dr. Horton and Dr. Beeke's chapters.

Difficult to understand at times (a little too smart for me), though refreshingly decisive and clear about definitions. Don't make this your first book on hermeneutics as it was for me. I am not too sure about ISPA, but it is an interesting explanation of NT use of the OT.

Are the Genesis creation days 24 hours long? Ages of time? Or a literary framework? In The Genesis Debate, three teams of evangelicals committed to the infallibility and inerrancy of Scripture tackle this question head-on by presenting and defending their respective views in a lively, yet friendly, forum.
J. Ligon Duncan III and David W. Hall defend the view that the Genesis creation days are six, sequential days, each 24 hours long (the 24-hour view). Hugh Ross and Gleason L. Archer defend show more the view that the Genesis creation days are six sequential ages of time of unspecified but finite duration (the day-age view). And Lee Irons with Meredith G. Kline defend the view that the Genesis creation days are presented as normal days, but that the picture of God's creating in six days and resting on the seventh is figurative (the Framework view).
Whether you are new to the creation-day debate or have followed it for some time, The Genesis Debate will deepen your understanding and strengthen your faith. show less