Disciple Dojo – JMSmith.org

With the resurgence of what’s been called “The New Calvinists” in the past decade or so, Reformed Theology has been gaining steam among a new generation of Christians. (See the Christianity Today cover story “Young, Restless and Reformed” for a fuller treatment of it.)

Among evangelicals, particularly the 35 and under crowd, Reformed theology has been simply seen as “what the Bible teaches” and “what evangelicals believe.”  Due to the successful ministries of dynamic authors, preachers and speakers such as Louie Giglio, John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Kevin DeYoung and Josh Harris, Calvinist/Reformed theology is ranked, according to Time magazine, 3rd on the list of Top 10 Ideas that are Changing the World Right Now.  That’s pretty darn impressive, and many many people are coming to Jesus based on the ministries of such men.  For that, I am thankful.

However, the New Calvinists have not been without their detractors–particularly from the Emergent Church movement (for an example of a respectful, but sharp criticism, click here).  This has created some…shall we say, tension…among evangelical Christians (I’ve actually had someone de-friend me on Facebook because I challenged some of the ideas she continually put forth from the teachings of various popular New Calvinist preachers!)

However, this need not be the case.  Those of us who are not part of the Reformed/Calvinist stream of tradition still have much to learn from many of the gifted brothers and sisters within their theological ranks.  I can attest to this personally, having sat under amazing Reformed/Calvinist teachers at Gordon-Conwell, and this is why I’m so glad to have gone to an interdenominational seminary rather than one from a single doctrinal tradition.  I was challenged, encouraged, strengthened and edified by many Reformed/Calvinists…and I continue to learn from them to this day!

However, as in most areas of Biblical study, the best gems often remain hidden behind the glamorous “big names” who the average Christian sees as representative of the cream of the crop.  This is not a blanket slight against any of the Christian celebrities among the New Calvinist readership (both in print and on iTunes), but if all you know of theology is what you’ve read from John MacArthur or Mark Driscoll, you are missing out on the better minds Reformed/Calvinist theology has to offer.

So I wanted to share a few names that you may or may not be familiar with, but who I believe represent some of the best there is in Biblical/Theological thinking, writing and teaching, period…and all of whom are Reformed/Calvinist.  Even when I find myself disagreeing with them (which of course I do on a number of issues), I have nothing but respect and admiration for their work:

D.A. Carson – I’ve often remarked lightheartedly that Carson is “my favorite Calvinist!”  Carson is a brilliant scholar whose work has challenged and blessed me in my ministry time and time again.  Some of his works I’ve gained from reading are “The Inclusive Language Debate,” “Exegetical Fallacies,” “The Sermon on the Mount,” and pretty much any commentary he’s written.

Tim Keller – Among the names on this list, Keller’s is probably the most well-known among the general populace.  His book “The Reason for God” was a bestseller…and rightfully so!  Unlike the stereotype of the New Calvinist as combative, argumentative and dogmatic (which, like all stereotypes, is not universally true…though, like all stereotypes, does contain an uncomfortable kernel of truth), Keller’s demeanor in writing and speaking is warm, humble and inclusive, yet convicting and challenging at the same time.

Bill Mounce – I’m partial to Mounce, not only because I learned Greek through his “Basics of Biblical Greek” textbook (along with thousands of other seminarians throughout the past decade!), but also because he’s not afraid to let the text of Scripture challenge some Reformed/Calvinist doctrinal assumptions.  He’s also extremely charitable in handling theological differences.  For instance, while he was a translator of the uber-popular ESV Bible translation (the de facto translation among the New Calvinists) and one of its most vocal advocates, he also agreed to be a contributing editor of the NIV2011 translation, which takes the place of the much-hated-by-New-Calvinists TNIV translation.  Mounce knows that when it comes to Bible translations there’s room at the table for both formally-equivalent and dynamic-equivalent translations. Kudos to Bill for being an example of true Biblical translation scholarship in contrast to the many misleading reactionary stances like that of the SBC which often circulate within Conservative Evangelical circles.

Tremper Longman/Peter Enns/Bruce Waltke – Despite the recent controversies between these three OT scholars and various Reformed/Calvinist institutions, all three have done amazing work in Hebrew Bible scholarship.  Their  books and commentaries are fantastic and though they may be demonized by some online, they are well worth reading!

Duane Garrett – Another phenomenal OT scholar and editor for one of the best study Bibles on the market, the Archeology Study Bible.  Garrett’s book “Rethinking Genesis” is a wonderful exploration of the deficiencies of older critical hypotheses regarding the composition and authorship of the Torah (also known as “Documentary Hypotheses”) that so many OT scholars still unfortunately cling to and which is still the standard fare in mainline OT scholarship.

Gordon Hugenberger – Besides a fantastic last name, Hugenberger is one of the best lecturers I’ve ever heard.  He’s also the teaching Pastor at Boston’s oldest and largest evangelical church, the historic Park Street Church (well worth attending sometime if you’re ever in Beantown!).  Hugenberger was a contributor to the ESV Study Bible as well, and even when I disagree with him I still have tremendous respect for his work.

J.I. Packer – The “Dean of evangelical Theologians!”  Packer is wonderful and despite being thoroughly Calvinistic in his theology, he doesn’t make it his emphasis.  Along with John Stott, (the “Dean of evangelical Pastors!”) is one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century.

Greg Beale – As someone who teaches the Book of Revelation, I am indebted to Beale’s work.  His commentary in the NIGTC series is, without a doubt, the finest and most thorough commentary on Revelation in print.  Period.  Hands down.  ANYONE who attempts to teach or preach from Revelation and is not familiar with Beale’s work is driving with a cracked windshield at best!

This is by no means an exhaustive list; there are many, many other scholars, pastors and theologians within the Reformed/Calvinist tradition who I deeply admire.  But these are some that anyone who prides him- or herself on a love of theological study and doctrine (something the New Calvinists hold in high regard…as we all should!) should make it a point to read and learn from.

JM

ps: I’ve NEVER come across a similar list from a Reformed/Calvinist perspective regarding non-Reformed scholars and theologians.  But I’d be VERY interested in reading one if any of my Reformed/Calvinist brothers or sisters would care to share one with me!  

Posted By: jm in Biblical Scholarship, Biblical Theology, Blog, Hebrew Bible, New Testament, Theological issues
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