What is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics

Every Christian should want to know more about God. This knowledge comes from listening and reading the Word of God. Theology, more specifically Reformed theology, is the way we can accomplish this knowledge more effectively. This book is a very good and balanced introduction to Reformed Theology, always grounded in Scripture, R. C. Sproul gives us an effective introduction to the TULIP Calvinistic acronym, Luther motivations, and where Reformed Theology differs from Roman Catholicism theology. I highly recommend it.

Most Americans call themselves Christian, yet much confusion exists as to what “Christian” actually means. Some Christians call themselves “Reformists” or “Calvinists” but lack a comprehensive understanding of what these labels actually mean. R.C. Sproul clarifies the confusion in What is Reformed Theology? by helping the reader to answer two fundamental questions from the Reformed perspective: (1) What do you believe? and (2) Why do you believe it? Consequently, this book is an intellectually engaging and doctrinally sound introduction to the foundational doctrines of Reformed Theology and the five main points of Calvinism. As the author writes on page 163, “The primary axiom of all Reformed theology is this: ‘Salvation is of the Lord.’” What is Reformed Theology? solidifies this core idea in two parts. The first discusses the foundation of theology which is principally theocentric (God-centered). Hence, the resultant foundational stones (based on the Bible alone, committed to faith alone, devoted to Christ, and structured by three covenants) all result from this theocentric posture. The second part of the book clarifies the five main points of Calvinism or the specific doctrines unique to Reformed theology: total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace and perseverance of the saints. Throughout What is Reformed Theology?, Sproul does what he always does: provide clear, concise and Biblically sound arguments to support his claims. He engages heavily with the Westminster Confession of Faith and cites numerous renowned theologians (Calvin and Luther) to clarify central ideas. What I appreciate most about this book is that Sproul does not simply write, “This is how it is.” Rather, and particularly for claims that are more controversial (e.g. limited atonement), he raises the loudest objections from other schools of theological thought, and masterfully responds with coherent counter-arguments. In fact, Sproul’s treatment of Christ’s purposeful atonement (Chapter 8) is a theological masterpiece that makes an airtight case and defense for limited atonement, or the idea that Christ’s sacrifice on the Cross made certain the salvation of the elect only. Ultimately, one would have to search very hard to find a subpar book from R.C. Sproul (and you would end up empty handed). What is Reformed Theology? is no exception and an excellent introduction to the Reformist perspective and undoubtedly will lay the foundation from the Church Fathers who “got it right.” For Bible students, pastors, church leaders or the generally curious, this is a fantastic place to start.

As a student of Scripture that disagrees slightly with Calvin, but is in ministry with some Reformed people, I picked up this book in hopes of understanding Reformed theology. Dr. Sproul's book does a superb job of this. The book is designed to center around the central themes in Reformed theology. He begins with what Reformed theology is not, and gives a short description of how Reformed theology came to be. He does not use the standard terms in his descriptions, like the 5 Solas or the 5 points of Calvin, aka TULIP. Basically, Sproul uses the evidence he proposes to work into these terms instead. He discusses how Reformed theology relates to other Christian theologies, namely Catholicism and Lutheranism. In my ministry, I have been in contact with some from the Reformed theology that puts their beliefs in pretty harsh language when comparing it to others' theology. Sproul makes his case without this harsh language, which I thought refreshing. His discussion is scholarly without being too much for lay-people to understand. He discusses the history and controversies throughout, and many early and current theologians. He does not ignore the arguments used against ideas such as perseverance of the saints, and gives the opposition a fair shake. This is a superbly written and thorough introduction to Reformed theology. He does not go to tradition or teachings of others first and then go to Scripture as some do in their defense of Reformed theology. And, he follows the Christian precept given in 2 Tim 4:2 telling us to carefully instruct by speaking in less harsh tones. Overall, this is a perfect book to learn about Reformed theology's teachings.

Dr Sproul is gifted with making the deeper truths of Scripture understandable. This book is an example of that. I found myself reading it three times because it affected me profoundly. At first, this book is a "high level" overview of Reformed Theology (as it is distinguished from broad evangelicalism and Roman Catholicism especially and explains what doctrines are held in common, as well). While Reformed theology is composed of "the five points of Calvinism" and covenant theology as a framework, it is more than that, including a starting point doctrine of God that is controlling and related to every other doctrine. Along the way, the book deals with some of the profound truths of Scripture such as how Jesus can be both man and God in an easy-to-read format. It conveys a sense of history with such events as the Council of Nicea in which the broader Church established these doctrines. It took a couple read-throughs to digest these and now has greatly helped my understanding of them. Not only is this book a good overview with good substantive explanation of key points but it useful as a reference text or as text for a Sunday school class. This book has the quality and information of many books all wrapped up in one. Absolutely outstanding.

I remember listening to a recent conference where Dr. Alistair Begg said something that resonated with me. He didn't start out as part of Reformed Christianity; rather he read his Bible and found that's where it led him. Finding myself in much the same boat, I appreciate Dr. Sproul's attempt in this book to function as an introduction to what Reformed Theology truly is, and not what it is perceived to be. Few things in our church are poorly understood or misrepresented as the ideas generically filed under "Calvinism". In this relatively short (240 p.) but informative volume, R.C. Sproul works to explain the core tenets of the larger body of Reformed Theology in straightforward terms. Those who have read some of Sproul's other works will know his witty, warm style is usually excellent for teaching, and it serves him well here. In the first part of this book, Sproul examines the foundations of Reformed Theology, and explains why it is indeed centered on God and God's Word. Part two, which I think will be of supreme importance and interest to those who have only heard of Calvinism secondhand, goes through the familiar "TULIP" acrostic (Total Deprivation, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, Perseverance of the Saints). Sproul explains and works through what each of these mean, clearing up some misconceptions along the way. Sproul also frequent points out through the work the differences between Reform Theology and Arminians, Pelagians, and other varying views. He does this without much in the way of vitriol or harshness. Some of these opposing views probably could have been explored and compared/contrasted a bit more fully in a longer book, but given the length of the book, I can't fault this too much. After all, it's an introduction to Reformed thought, not an all-out debate among major positions. If you have a friend who thinks because you're a Calvinist, you see everyone as a robot, human responsibility as a joke, or denying the need for a holy life, this would be an excellent starter book to have them read. Sproul explains why Reform Theology is powerfully rooted in the Bible. If you're starting to attend or considering attending a church that adheres to Reform Theology, this would be a very helpful read. There are only a few illustrations and charts, but they are very helpful for relaying some of the content in a memorable way. Don't expect this to be a full-on, in-depth of Calvinism; there are some elements of that here, but it functions much better as an introductory or overview text. In this, I think Sproul exceeds admirably.

Dr. Sproul is the Senior Minister of Preaching and Teaching at Saint Andrew's, a congregation in Sanford, FL. He is the founder and chairman of Ligonier Ministries. Sproul is the executive editor of Tabletalk magazine and the author of over 70 books. Originally released in Grace Unknown in 1997, this revised version was published in 2005. Sproul begins the book by giving a historical then a scriptural background of reformed theology. To see where we are going we must first see where we have been and why we are taking the journey. In the second half of the book Sproul explains what Reformed theology is and how it impacts us today and how alters our view of eternity. The author tells us Reformed theology applies the doctrine of God relentlessly to all other doctrines, making it the chief control factor in all theology. When we engage in the quest to understand God, it is theology. When our quest is limited to understanding how people react to theology, it is religion. The modern church needs this type of teaching. The author delivers these weighty doctrines at a level people in the pews can comprehend and digest. Sproul has made the subject matter pleasurable and understandable for all. For those who whish to learn and be challenged Sproul is a master communicator of complex topics. Dr. Sproul's book is superb for teachers and students and is clear enough to be beneficial to both new learners and theologians. This is a great book to better understand faith in Christ.

A compelling primer for newcomers that illuminates complex ideas without dumbing them down. This book invites a deeper reflection on the character of God and means of grace, and the unity of God’s redemptive plan across the biblical arc. As usual Sproul’s prose is compact, logical and marked by clear definitions. 5 stars

Very good book explaining the details of this theology.