by William Cunningham
in ePub, .mobi & .pdf formats
Do we really have to know anything about these theological and doctrinal contentions that disrupted the Reformed Churches in the Netherlands so long ago? Our answer would be an emphatical yes!
We should get excited about church history because we should be vitally interested in Christ's church-gathering work throughout the ages. Understanding church history will enable us to understand the religious issues of today. In particular, understanding the Arminian Controversy of the 1600s will make clear to us that many, if not most, North American churches trace their origins to this time in history. Understanding what the Synod decided will make us realize that in these Canons we have one of the most authoritative and valuable expositions of Calvinistic theology - a confession and valuable tool to refute the errors of Arminianism also today.
The study of the history of theology throws light on both truth and error. It helps us to recognise old heresies when we meet them in modern dress, and introduces us to the classical elucidations of truth which overthrow them for all time. William Cunningham’s 2-volume Historical Theology, derived from his lectures given at New College in Edinburgh from 1847–1861, tells the story of the church through the history of its theology. In volume two, among other important theological ideas, Cunningham chronicles the history and theolgy of the Arminian controversy.
-----
Table of Contents:
Sec. 1. Arminius and the Arminians
Sec. 2. Synod of Dort
Sec. 3. The Five Points
Sec. 4. Original Sin
Sec. 5. Universal and Effectual Calling
Sec. 6. Efficacious and Irresistible Grace
Sec. 7. The Decrees of God
Sec. 8. Predestination—State of the Question
Sec. 9. Predestination, and the Doctrine of the Fall
Sec. 10. Predestination, and the Omniscience of God
Sec. 11. Predestination and the Sovereignty of God
Sec. 12. Scripture Evidence for Predestination
Sec. 13. Objections against Predestination
Sec. 14. Perseverance of the Saints
Sec. 15. Socinianism—Arminianism—Calvinism