Wilson was gracious to me in all of these private interactions, but he made it clear that if I disagreed with him publicly I would be undermining his work for God’s kingdom. As he wrote in one e-mail, “either you remain out . . . Continue reading →
Federal Vision
Heidelcast 56: Why We Can’t Move On (2)
Sometimes it might have seemed that we haven’t had to contend for the gospel but the historical reality is that we were kidding ourselves. In every case where the gospel has been seriously challenged, whether by Pelagius, medieval semi-Pelagianism, Trent in the . . . Continue reading →
What Is True Faith? (10) A Glorious Omission
In part 9 we considered the role of the gospel in the Spirit’s work of creating new life and granting faith. We saw that there is no tension between the direct, supernatural working of the Spirit and his use of means in . . . Continue reading →
Heidelcast 55: Why We Can’t Move On (1)
There is a certain amount of pressure within the NAPARC world to “move on” from the Federal Vision. In the next three episodes we’re going to consider why that is and how Reformed folk, particularly ministers and elders (but laity too), should . . . Continue reading →
Heidelcast 54: The Story Of The Meyers Case (Pt 2)
For those who are outside the Reformed churches, the so-called (and self-named) Federal Vision movement probably seems like a tempest in a teapot. For those of us, however, who worship in Reformed churches, the FV is no theoretical discussion. There have been . . . Continue reading →
Heidelcast 53: The Story Of The Meyers Case And State Of The FV Controversy (Pt 1)
The self-described and so-called Federal Vision movement has been troubling the confessional (NAPARC) Reformed and Presbyterian denominations since before it had a cool name. It presents itself as Reformed theology but is only Reformed in the way that Arminius was Reformed. He . . . Continue reading →
Biblicists And Federal Visionists Together
In this systematic theology, Frame has not overwhelmed us with the scholarly apparatus characteristic of so much theological literature, and as he certainly is capable of doing. Instead, he has chosen to enter into conversation with his reader, showing how he has . . . Continue reading →
"Sola Fides" is not Sola Fide
I’m reading Rowan Williams on Arius. Early in the book he uses the expression “sola fides.” In context, he seems to be making an indirect reference to the Protestant doctrine of sola fide. I’ve seen this in other writers. When I first noticed . . . Continue reading →
The Narcissistic End Of Reformational Catholicism
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 →
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 →
A Form For Penitent Ex-Federal Visionaries
To all whom this these presents do come, I hereby declare that I really and heartily believe in form and substance what the Reformed churches confess, that God declares sinners righteous sola gratia, sola fide, only on the ground of the imputation . . . Continue reading →
For Those Just Tuning In: What Is The Federal Vision?
In talk radio, the host is supposed to “reset” the show at regular intervals. He is to remind listeners of which show they are listening to and on what network or station. One reason why the host does this is that some . . . Continue reading →
See It For Yourself: Piper On Wilson, Baptism, And The FV
Heidelcasts responding to these comments: Heidelcast episode #2: A Gentle Rebuke to Brother John (pt 1) Heidelcast episode #3: A Gentle Rebuke to Brother John (pt 2)
For Elders Thinking Of Inviting Arminius Into Their Pulpit
From the time he entered the pastoral ministry, James Arminius (c. 1559–1609) was a controversial figure but he was also a minister in good standing in the Reformed Churches. Despite the intense controversy that his views and teaching generated, views that fractured . . . Continue reading →
A Response To Rachel Held Evans Regarding Wilson And The Definition Of “Reformed”
Jonathan Merritt published a critique of Doug Wilson this morning on his Religion News Service. For younger readers, who might not remember the Federal Vision (FV) controversy, Wilson is the leader of the de facto denominational home of the FV, the Communion of . . . Continue reading →
How The FV Won The West, Er, The PCA
It is certainly a good thing for the FV that the evangelical middle has such a short memory (does anyone know what happened in 2007?). It is also a good thing for the FV that the evangelical middle has so much fear . . . Continue reading →
Jonestown and the Reformed Movement
On 18 November 1978, more than 900 people died in “Jonestown,” Guyana in one of the most spectacular examples in modern times of the danger of cults and sects. Jonestown was a settlement on the northeast coast of an ignored South American . . . Continue reading →
When Denoms Disappoint: Setting Priorities (UPDATED)
UPDATE Below 7/9/13 Original Post July 2, 2013 On June 20, 2013 the General Synod of the Reformed Church in America, the mainline (liberal) and oldest Dutch Reformed denomination in the US removed the “conscience clause” from its Book of Church Order. . . . Continue reading →