Gospel Centered

Geneva 1519 - 1559 & John Calvin

Wed, 21 Apr 2010 21:10:34 +0800

Abstract

This essay highlights the changes in Geneva from 1519 – 1559, with special emphasis on John Calvin’s role. The essay is divided into two parts, before and after the Reformation of 1536. It examines the events leading up to Geneva’s independence and notes the beginning of the estrangement of the Catholic Church. Upon Calvin’s arrival, the Reformation was already well underway. Admittedly, the sheer number of both political and religious factors in play is beyond the limits of this essay. Therefore while Calvin’s work in the city is briefly discussed, the bulk of argument is devoted to why and how his contributions affected Geneva in such a dramatic way. The common notion that Calvin introduced morality beyond a level the city bargained for is also addressed.

Read the full paper here.

Book Review - Can We Believe Genesis Today?

Fri, 5 Mar 2010 20:56:41 +0800

Abstract

Can we believe Genesis today? by Ernest Lucas presents much of today’s debate regarding Genesis in a scholarly yet easy to read manner. The book discusses the nature and role of science before examining Genesis 1 – 12 with special attention to issues such as evolution and the age of the earth etc., concluding with several short essays on independent topics relevant to Genesis. Lucas asserts that science and the Bible are complementary views of reality where faith is a common prerequisite. At the same time, Lucas attempts to harmonize the biblical account in Genesis with that of modern scientific evidence though at times do seem to favour the latter strongly. Nevertheless, the book is a helpful overview of the modern debate regarding Genesis and remains a good primer on the topic.

Read the full review here.

Document Study - Adversus Haereses 3.1.1

Mon, 22 Feb 2010 01:08:28 +0800

Here is an analysis of Irenaeus’ Adversus Haereses 3.1.1 with a view of interpreting it for its historical significance. It analyzes the key historical issues dealth with in the document, the historical background of the issue, and the historical development which folowed.

“In the second century, a trend of apologetic work emerged where increasing misrepresentations of Christian truth drove early Christian leaders to focus on refuting false teachings in addition to proclaiming the gospel among pagans. Among the earlier variants of heresy was Montanism, which began as an ascetic movement and of whose followers Irenaeus counselled Bishop Eleutherus in Rome to maintain fellowship with. Besides Montanism, Marcion also promoted his own teaching that the righteousness-demanding God of the Old Testament was distinct and separate from the merciful God of the New. In addition to these, the most ominous heresy in Irenaeus’ day however, was Gnosticism. His main work Adversus haereses (Against Heresies) was a detailed apologetic to these Gnostics.”

Read it here.