Reading Leithart’s original piece with Sanders’ reaction and Leithart’s own clarification in mind, it looks like the Reformational catholicism for which Leithart is calling is really himself. After all, it exists “only in pockets” and is mainly a “hope.” Nothing wrong with . . . Continue reading →
2013 Archive
Downtown Escondido

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Are God’s Demands Always Gracious? (Updated)
David Robertson is pastor in the Free Church of Scotland. He has a blog and recently he reviewed Tullian Tchividjian’s latest book, One Way Love. There has been some back and forth and most recently Robertson has written an Open Letter. In . . . Continue reading →
Resources On Fencing The Lord’s Table
Some HB readers have been discussing the question of fencing the Lord’s Table. Fencing is a figurative way of speaking. There aren’t literal fences in Reformed Churches. It’s a way to describe the Reformed attempt to apply Paul’s instruction in 1Corinthians 11:27–32. . . . Continue reading →
Everything Does And Does Not Come Down To Triperspectivalism
One final note: whether you think this is a really good systematic theology or one of the most important in the last generation or two, probably depends on how much you get into tri-perspectivalism. I have friends who find Frame’s triads of . . . Continue reading →
What Is True Faith? (4) Against Rome, QIRC, And Blind Faith
In part 3, we compared the Romanist (Tridentine) definitions of faith and justification to the Reformed definitions of faith and justification. According to Rome, in the Council of Trent, anyone who teaches that sinners are declared righteous before God only (sola) on . . . Continue reading →
What Is True Faith? (3) The Romanist Condemnation Of True Faith
In part 2 we considered the nature of assent. There is a third aspect to the Reformed definition of faith: trust. This is the crux of the disagreement between Rome and the Reformation over nature of faith in the act of justification. . . . Continue reading →
The Politics Of Sexual Identity
It also explains the politics of sexual identity. While it is true that homosexuality has been a common phenomenon in many societies throughout history, it has now achieved the novel status of defining the very essence of a person. Some Christians do . . . Continue reading →
The Collapse Of The Therapeutic Revolution
In the end the therapeutic revolution appears to have gotten one thing terribly wrong. And that one thing is its opening premise: the reduction of the moral to the therapeutic. Wilfrid McClay | “The Family That Shoulds Together,” The Hedgehog Review 15 . . . Continue reading →
Evidence Of Agrarian Life In North County

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How You Can Help Victims Of Typhoon Haiyan/Yolinda (Updated Again)
UPDATE Mon Nov 11, 2013. The reported numbers of injured and dead are much greater today than Saturday. See below for more information on how to help and whom to contact. § UPDATE #1 The NYT is now reporting that the Red Cross . . . Continue reading →
On Traveling From Münster To Geneva
In 1535 the Reformation was about 14 years old. The Protestants had gained some legal status within the Empire but its existence was by no means secure. Internally it was wracked with dissension over the moral and theological implications of the doctrine . . . Continue reading →
Grammar Guerilla: Your And You’re (Updated)
Several years ago I began to notice that young people were verbally articulate but their ability to speak well did not necessarily translate into an ability to write well. More recently it seems that verbal skills are suffering. There are a variety . . . Continue reading →
Heidelcast 48: Making Some Sense Of The Republication Debate Pt 1: History
Parts of the confessional Reformed world in North America are in the midst of a controversy over whether it is biblical, confessional, and historically Reformed to teach that the Mosaic covenant was, in some sense, a republication of the covenant of works. . . . Continue reading →
Lake Hodges On A Sunny November Saturday

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Calvin: Resolutely Adhere To The Exclusive Particle
When you are engaged in discussing the question of justification, beware of allowing any mention to be made of love or of works, but resolutely adhere to the exclusive particle. John Calvin | Commentary on Galatians 5:6, (1548) RESOURCES Subscribe To The . . . Continue reading →
And Now For Something Completely Different: Football, Teamwork, And Grace
Contra Leithart: No, The Reformation Isn’t Over
Before You Reject At Least Understand It
In a post on the First Things blog today, Peter Leithart declares the “End of Protestantism.” It’s not at all clear, however, that he understands what he wants to end. He begins with a sociological observation about contemporary English non-conformists and uses . . . Continue reading →
Striking At The Vitals Of Religion: Understanding The Federal Vision (Links Updated)
Enough time has passed since the FV matter was addressed decisively, ecclesiastically, in 2007, that not everyone may be equally aware of what it is and why it matters. Here are some resources: Covenant, Justification, and Pastoral Ministry: Essays by the Faculty . . . Continue reading →
ARP: The FV Is Unacceptable
The “New Perspective on Paul,” and the “Federal Vision,” are in conflict with the teaching of Scripture and as such they are unacceptable. The Synod of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (2009) RESOURCES Subscribe To The Heidelblog! The Heidelblog Resource Page Heidelmedia . . . Continue reading →