Who would have guessed that something as austere as Calvinism would become a hot topic in today's postmodern culture? At the five hundredth anniversary of John Calvin's birth, new generations have discovered and embraced a "New Calvinism" with fervor and zeal, finding in the Reformed tradition a rich theological vision. In fact, Time cited New Calvinism as one of "10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now." Letters to a Young Calvinist provides pastoral and theological counsel, encouraging converts to and participants in this tradition to find in Calvin a vision that's even bigger than the New Calvinism might suggest. Noted Reformed philosopher James K. A. Smith contends that much of what traffics under the banner of New Calvinism reduces "Reformed" to a narrow concern with Calvinistic soteriology. Smith introduces New Calvinists to the "world-formative" Christianity that was unleashed with the Reformation, presenting the Reformed tradition as an Augustinian renewal movement within the church catholic. Offering wisdom at the intersection of theology and culture, he also provides pastoral caution about pride and maturity. The creative and accessible letter format invites young Calvinists into a faithful conversation that reaches from Paul and Augustine through Calvin and Edwards to Kuyper and Wolterstorff. Together these letters sketch a comprehensive vision of Calvinism that is generous, winsome, and imaginative. - Publisher.
Reviews with the most likes.
Short Review: I had intended to read this several years ago when it first came out and I was exploring the rise of the new reformed movement. In some ways I wish I had, because I might have better understood the differenced within the Reformed movement. But in other ways I am glad that I did not because I think I am better able to understand Smith now with greater context to his work and I now appreciate some of his focus on the Reformed movement as covenantal theology, not soteriology.
These letters really are more about discipleship and maturity than Reformed theology. So any Christian can really gain from reading about how one more mature Christian writes to another that is seeking their own path. The one sided letter method reminds me of CS Lewis' Letters to Malcolm because I haven't read any of the many other ‘Letters to a young...” that this is roughly based on.
As always, even though I am not reformed, nor likely to move very far in that direction, I am continually impressed and encouraged by Smith's work.
My full review is on my blog at http://bookwi.se/letters-to-a-young-calvinist/
Books
7 booksIf you enjoyed this book, then our algorithm says you may also enjoy these.
