About Heidelblog

The Heidelblog has been in publication since 2007. It is devoted to recovering the Reformed confession and to helping others discover Reformed theology, piety, and practice. Meet all the HB contributors»

Audio: On The Heidelberg Catechism With Scott Clark

by Heidelblog on September 11, 2026 | Comment

In this episode of the Credo Podcast, Dr. Scott Clark, president of the Heidelberg Reformation Association, joins Matthew Barrett for a discussion about the Heidelberg Catechism and Clark’s new book, The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological, and Pastoral Commentary. In this conversation, . . . Continue reading →

The Scandal And Coverup Of Sexual Abuse In British Evangelicalism

by Heidelblog on September 10, 2026 | Comment

A British barrister’s “horrific” and violent abuse of more than 100 children and young men was covered up within the Church of England for decades, according to the conclusion of a damning report. John Smyth QC is believed to be the most . . . Continue reading →

Butterfield Contra The Premise Of Celibate Gay Theology

by Heidelblog on September 9, 2026 | Comment

Celibate gay theology–which claims to uphold a traditional biblical view of sexuality– believes the “born this way” lie and has become the default compromise in evangelical churches and parachurch ministries. Celibate gay theology embraces homosexual orientation and identity but disallows gay sex. . . . Continue reading →

Ninth Circuit Enjoins Washington State’s Attempt To Force A Christian Mission To Hire Employees Who Reject The Mission’s Convictions

by Heidelblog on September 8, 2026 | Comment

The panel affirmed the district court’s preliminary injunction prohibiting the enforcement of the Washington Law Against Discrimination (“WLAD”) against the Union Gospel Mission of Yakima, Washington—a Christian ministry—for preferring and hiring co-religionists for non-ministerial roles. WLAD prohibits employment discrimination based on several . . . Continue reading →

Religionless Spirituality Isn’t Just A Weigh Station

by Michael Horton on September 7, 2026 | Comment

It is well known that many westerners today describe themselves as “spiritual but not religious.” Paul Heelas and Linda Woodhead define “spirituality” as a life based not on external authorities and expectations but “in deep connection with the unique experiences of my . . . Continue reading →

Is Praise And Worship Music A New Evangelical Sacrament?

by W. Robert Godfrey on September 5, 2026 | Comment

Recent Evangelical experiments in worship are particularly significant for two reasons. First, they represent the most widespread changes in Protestant public worship since the Reformation. While various changes in worship had occurred earlier, they came much more slowly and were much less . . . Continue reading →

On Hosea 6:7 As A Proof For The Covenant Of Works

by Heidelblog on September 3, 2026 | Comment

The fourth view, following the Vulgate, holds that Hosea 6:7 refers to the covenant that Adam broke in Eden. C. F. Keil says, “the local expression ‘there,’ refers to the place where the faithless apostasy occurred, as in Ps. xiv.5.” Robertson concludes, . . . Continue reading →

Ligon Duncan On Why You Should Embrace Reformed Covenant Theology

by Heidelblog on September 2, 2026 | Comment

Covenant theology is the Bible’s way of explaining and deepening our understanding of: (1) the atonement (the meaning of the death of Christ); (2) assurance (the basis of our confidence of communion with God and enjoyment of his promises);(3) the sacraments (signs . . . Continue reading →

Pastoral Abuse Is Not Leadership

by Heidelblog on September 1, 2026 | Comment

By 2014, Mars Hill Church in Seattle had grown to 15,000 members across 15 locations. Mark Driscoll, the church’s co-founding pastor, was one of the most influential evangelical voices in America. Then it all collapsed. The charges against Driscoll didn’t involve heresy. . . . Continue reading →

Dozens Of Congregations To Leave The EPC To Form New Denomination

by Heidelblog on August 31, 2026 | Comment

In June, the Evangelical Presbyterian Church voted to accept a “pastoral letter” that critics say opens the door to ordaining celibate, same-sex attracted individuals — a decision that has drawn sharp criticism from within the denomination. Now some of those churches have . . . Continue reading →

D. G. Hart On American Liberty And Religious Dissent

by Heidelblog on August 29, 2026 | Comment

June is the usual month for the convening of Presbyterian assemblies, but the jewel in the crown of Presbyterian reforms, replacing bishops with lengthy committee meetings, seems less impressive today than it did in 1560 when the Scots held their first General . . . Continue reading →

You Shall Not Make Pictures Of Jesus

by Heidelblog on August 28, 2026 | Comment

“It’s a new storybook Bible for children!” as I looked to my wife from the kitchen table. She rolled her eyes in that familiar way and glanced over to the stack of similar books collecting dust. “Will it make the pile?” “Not . . . Continue reading →

Video: Is Roman Catholicism Right About Tradition?

by Heidelblog on August 28, 2026 | Comment

What does the Bible actually mean when Paul tells the Thessalonians to hold fast to the traditions they were taught “either by spoken word or by letter”? Rome has long leaned on that verse to defend a body of unwritten apostolic teaching . . . Continue reading →

Review: Celebrities for Jesus: How Personas, Platforms, And Profits Are Hurting The Church By Katelyn Beaty

by DeMyron Haynes on August 27, 2026 | Comment

It is my opinion that one of the more detrimental developments in modern evangelicalism has been the rise of the celebrity pastor. While the church has always been tempted to elevate gifted and influential leaders beyond their proper place, our digital age . . . Continue reading →

Nebraska Sued For Pressuring Families To Attend Public School

by Heidelblog on August 27, 2026 | Comment

As parents in Lincoln, Nebraska send their children back to school today, the New Civil Liberties Alliance is filing the Jacobsen v. Spellerberg lawsuit on behalf of two families in the District Court of Lancaster County, challenging the state’s K-12 education system’s . . . Continue reading →

John Witherspoon: Presbyterian Pastor

by Heidelblog on August 26, 2026 | Comment

John Witherspoon is most famous for being the only clergyman to sign the Declaration of Independence. The most crucial part of that sentence is the recognition that Witherspoon was, from the age of 20 until his death at the age of 71, . . . Continue reading →

Advice From A Seasoned Pastor

by Heidelblog on August 25, 2026 | Comment

I was ordained in 2000 and in the years since, I’ve learned some things about pastoral ministry. In what follows, I’ll share ten practical tips. These go beyond what should be understood by every pastor: keep your focus on the gospel, preach . . . Continue reading →

The Council Of Ephesus (AD 431) Contra Pelagius Et Al

by Heidelblog on August 24, 2026 | Comment

When there had been read in the holy Synod what had been done touching the deposition of the most irreligious Pelagians and Coelestines, of Coelestius, and Pelagius, and Julian, and Praesidius, and Florus, and Marcellian, and Orontius, and those inclined to like . . . Continue reading →

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