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Letters to a Young Calvinist Paperback
An Invitation to the Reformed Tradition
by James K. A. Smith;
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Letters to a Young Calvinist
Full Product Description
Who would have guessed that something as austere as Calvinism would become a hot topic in today's postmodern culture? At the 500th anniversary of John Calvin's birth, new generations have discovered and embraced a "New Calvinism," 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." This book provides pastoral and theological counsel, inviting converts to this tradition to find in Calvin a vision that's even bigger than the New Calvinism might suggest. Offering wisdom at the intersection of theology and culture, noted Reformed philosopher James K. A. Smith also provides pastoral caution about pride and maturity. The creative letter format invites young Calvinists into a faithful conversation that reaches back to Paul and Augustine, through Calvin and Edwards, extending to Kuyper and Wolterstorff. Together they sketch a comprehensive vision of Calvinism that is generous, winsome, and imaginative.
Letters to a Young Calvinist by James K. A. Smith was published by Baker in December 2010 and is our 46054th best seller. The ISBN for Letters to a Young Calvinist is 9781587432941.
Reviews of Letters to a Young Calvinist
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Featured Review
Letters to a Young Calvinist
Alan Hill, via The Good Book StallThis book consists of 23 fictitious letters written to a young Christian man who has just embraced the Reformed faith. The author admits that they are partly autobiographical drawing on his own spiritual journey.
Professor Smith’s aim is to show that the Reformed faith is much broader than TULIP. At this level, the book admirably succeeds. He introduces the young man (and us) to the wide range of theology that encompasses the Reformed faith. The author is at his best when, in the early chapters, he warns against pride and emphasises that the Reformed faith is all about grace. As the book progresses he begins to explore issues that only budding theologians or seminary students might consider.
Professor Smith is not your usual Calvinist. He has Pentecostal leanings and is part of the so -called post modern Christian movement. He seems to be in favour of the ordination of women.
Although the book is aimed at those new to the Reformed faith, I am not sure they would benefit from reading it. This is partly because the book goes from quite simple concepts to quite deep ones very quickly and partly because of some unusual views promoted. He also assumes that the reader is interested in reading spiritual giants such as Augustine, Edwards and Calvin.
Overall, for those who have a love for theology this is an engaging and thought provoking read, but it should be read with care and discernment.
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Specifications
Details for Letters to a Young Calvinist
| Author / Artist | James K. A. Smith |
| Book Format | Paperback |
| Publisher | Baker (December 2010) |
| Weight | 144g |
| Number of Pages | 160 |
| Thickness | 14 mm |
| Height | 170 mm |
| Width | 120 mm |
| ISBN | 9781587432941 |
| ISBN-10 | 1587432943 |
| Product Code | 3700651 |
| Page last updated | 25th February 2017 |
