By the way folks, here’s something you may be a interested in. It’s a gathering of apologists up near Harrisburg PA.
I’ve sent in my money and plan on being there (if the Lord don’t come and the creek don’t rise, of course).
While I’ve never spoken with the hosts, the speakers seem to be of pretty good repute though obviously I can’t categorically vouch for them. I can’t vouch for their teaching ability either.
Still and all, it should be, at a minimum, an interesting excursion and a couple of days away.
Now I should warn you that they are pretty much Reformed Presbyterian in nature. Though that isn’t a bad thing by any means from my point of view.
Hey, thanks for the publicity! I am the “host” of the “show” and appreciate you getting the word out about the conference. We have some great speakers lined up and will hopefully encourage others to be pro-active in this type of ministry.
You are right, Calvary OPC is reformed (me too), but the speakers are on both sides of the aisle (e.g. J.P. Holding and R.K. McGregor Wright), but I plan to have no bar room brawls!
Anyway, look forward to meeting you.
BTW: This is the first time I have seen this blog. Regarding the title of it, you might be interested James White’s new book (not release yet) titled Pulpit Crimes. I believe it is due out before November of this year. AOMin is also doing a conference on this particular theme.
In reference to what we are doing, this conference may also be of interest.
I have no problem with the reformed aspect. I just wanted to make sure the readers knew where the host church stood. Pretty much to avoid a barroom brawl.
I’m looking forward to meeting you all.
And again, maybe some of the readers will attend.
Melvin
Could you explain the difference between “reformed” and “unreformed” for those out there who may not know.
Thanks,
PL
Melvin’s Note: No problem.
The basic aspects of Reformed theology are the following:
1. Centered on God
2. Based on God’s Word alone
3. Committed to faith alone
4. Devoted to Jesus Christ
5. Structured by three covenants (redemption, works and grace)
(The above is quoted from R. C. Sproul, a modern Reformed theologian and philosopher)
The basic statements of Reformed theology are as follows:
1. Sola Scriptura: The Scripture Alone is the Standard
2. Soli Deo Gloria! For the Glory of God Alone
3. Solo Christo! By Christ’s Work Alone are We Saved
4. Sola Gratia: Salvation by Grace Alone
5. Sola Fide: Justification by Faith Alone
Most of these items seem very obvious. But when they were being promoted inspite of the Catholic church during the Reformation, they represented a major return to Biblical Christianity.
But even within Reformed theology there are some division. For example, most Reformed folks go for infant baptism. Reformed folks don’t believe the baptism saves the baby. He or she still has to makes a personal confession of faith. In most denominations, this baptism is “replaced” with a Christening or a dedication. But this goes back to another difference: Dispensationalism vs Covenant Theology. And that’s another story altogether.
One thing about those Reformed boys is they do try to think everything through. And that’s a good thing. This page does a pretty good job of laying out the basic doctrine of the Reformed view.
Hello All,
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Melvin, you can edit as needed, but I wanted to put in a plug for a couple of good resources (Reformed) if possible.
The brothers over @ RBA (young, educated and thoughful) have some good things brewing, although in another vein. Anthony’s book is a must read also for a well rounded understanding of the black expereince from the lens of a biblically based and historically grounded Reformed perspective.
Click on link(s) below:
http://www.reformedblacksofamerica.org/index.php
http://www.cyrene.org/
**Note: I’m working on the Hebrews text**