PAUL HELM

This is a detailed examination of the theological innovations of Kevin Vanhoozer and John Franke. Each proposes that doctrinal and systematic theology should be re-cast in the light of postmodernity. No longer can Christian theology be foundational,or have a stable metaphysical and epistemological framework. Vanhoozer advocates a theo-dramatic reconstruction of Christian doctrine, replacing the timeless propositions of the purely cerebral theology of the Reformed tradition in favor of a theology that does justice to the polyphony of multiple biblical genres. Franke holds that theology is part of a three-way conversation between Scripture, tradition, and culture, with an uncertain outcome. This study shows that each of these proposals is based on misunderstanding and exaggeration, and that the case against foundationalism is unclear and unpersuasive. It is argued that Vanhoozers appeal to revelation as divine speech-acts is not as radical as he thinks, and his epistemology is weak. In the hands of postmodernity, Christian theology abandons its exactness and the standards of care that are a notable feature of doctrinal constrictions. The book will be of importance to those with interest in Reformed theology or Christian theology more generally. It provides a clear assessment of the impact of the postmodern mindset on theology.

A providencia secreta de Deus (1558) foi a terceira resposta de Joo Calvino a escritos que tomou como sendo de um conterraneo frances, Sebastian Castellio (1515-1563). Calvino prefacia essa defesa de seu ponto de vista quanto a providencia divina exibindo o material de Castellio em forma de catorze artigos ostensivamente extraidos dos escritos do reformador, com comentarios anexados a cada um."A robusta defesa que Calvino faz da direço providente de Deus na Historia e um lembrete excelente da preocupaço vital e do desejo do reformador frances de ser rigorosamente biblico, e, desse modo, glorificar a Deus. Eis um padro de metodo e de reflexo teologicos verdadeiramente digno de emulaço." (Michael A. G. Haykin, professor de Historia Eclesiastica Southern Baptist Theological Seminary)"O tratado de Calvino a respeito da providencia secreta de Deus mostra o reformador em sua forma teologicamente melhor e polemicamente mais aguçada. Como Lutero havia feito, ele demonstra por que a doutrina da soberania divina se encontra no coraço da Reforma, e por que ela e de tanta importancia doutrinaria, pastoral e eclesiastica. E de esperar que esta ediço apresente a uma nova geraço o pensamento de Calvino a respeito desse tema vital." (Carl R. Trueman, Deo Academico e vice-Reitor Westminster Theological Seminary)