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What is Reformed Theology?: Understanding the Basics

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Growing up in a Baptist church, I knew very little about Reformed theology. When I started attending a "Reformed" church my only concern was how dogmatically they might teach Calvinism- which in my mind had something to do with TULIP and God forcing people to believe in Him. I have no doubt that many others have seen Reformed theology in a similar light. In What is Reformed Theology? Dr. R.C. Sproul attempts to distill the doctrines of the reformers into a simple and accessible format, and correct many of the misunderstandings many of us have had of it.

Dr. Sproul begins in the introduction affirming that what is being discussed is not a Reformed religion, but more appropriately Reformed theology. It is "not merely a religion without theology. It is driven first and foremost by its understanding of the character of God." (20)

The book is divided into two parts. The first consists of five chapters on the foundations of Reformed theology- 1) Centered on God 2) Based on God's Word Alone 3) Committed to Faith Alone 4) Devoted to Prophet, Priest, and King 5) Nicknamed Covenant Theology.

Part two is Dr. Sproul's explanation of what is commonly known as TULIP- 6) Humanity's Radical Corruption 7) God's Sovereign Choice 8) Christ's Purposeful Atonement 9) The Spirit's Effective Call 10) God's Preservation of the Saints.

Throughout the book Dr. Sproul draws Reformed theology up against Roman Catholicism and Pelagius, periodically against Dispensationalism, and at a couple of points against Lutheranism. This is often helpful in order to more fully understand the Reformed position, but I suspect at some points the opposing views are short changed and dismissed without a fair hearing.

This is not a book defending Reformed theology. Anyone who reads this hoping that it is will be rather disappointed. It is more accurately a description of Reformed theology. The Westminster Confession and Reformed thinkers are cited almost as much, if not as much, as the Bible. Many points of Reformed theology that are described are not argued for, though he does take up arguments for and/or against a few doctrines.

As a descriptive work it's fairly well done. However, I'm afraid there is a limited audience who will appreciate this book. Those educated and trained in theology will likely find the book simplistic. Those who aren't may find it hard to follow. Dr. Sproul goes into some great explanations of terms like justification, but in the process he uses other terms that he doesn't even bother to define. There is a glossary, however it only contains foreign (Latin and Greek) words that he uses. A more substantive glossary would have been very helpful for this book.

For me, and I suspect others from similar backgrounds, What is Reformed Theology? is helpful in bringing to bear the big picture of Reformed theology, as well as the history of the doctrines. R.C. Sproul is enjoyable and informative, as he usually is. I recommend this book to anyone seeking to understand Reformed theology, though, they will likely need to look elsewhere to be persuaded of it if they're not already.

Most Christians have heard of Reformed theology. Most think they have a good handle on it. But experience has shown me that few really know it as well as they think they do. And that goes for people who claim to be Reformed as much as those who do not. This cannot be said of R.C. Sproul. Not only does Sproul have an amazingly broad but detailed grasp of Reformed theology, but he has also been gifted with the ability to explain complex theology in a way that is both interesting and understandable. That is no common gift.

What Is Reformed Theology?, which was formerly published under the more obscure title Grace Unknown, is Sproul's attempt to help others understand the basics of Reformed theology. Surprisingly, only fifty percent of the book is dedicated to a discussion of the Five Points. The first half provides the foundations for Reformed theology which so many similar books have overlooked. Without first understanding the foundations, the reader will have a much more difficult time understanding the Five Points. And so Sproul begins by discussing God's sovereignty; the importance of Scripture as the only infallible rule for our faith; faith alone; Christ's threefold office of Prophet, Priest and King; and Covenant Theology. Each of these is explained in detail, yet with sufficient precision that they are simple enough to understand.

The second half of the book is an examination of the Five Points of Calvinism: Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and Perseverence of the Saints. Like many other theologians, Sproul has come to see that this acrostic, while helpful, does as much to obscure the points as it does to clarify them. Sproul prefers to speak of Radical Corruption, Sovereign Choice, Purposeful Atonement, Effective Calling and Preservation of the Saints. These terms do much to clarify common misunderstandings. For example, it is easy to assume from the term "Total Depravity" that Reformed Christians believe humans are exactly as evil and depraived as they could be - their depravity is total. Yet Reformed theology teaches that while humans are corrupt, and even radically corrupt, they are so in extent, not in degree. Depravity extends to every aspect of the person, but thanks to the grace of God the degree may be more or less.

I must note that as helpful as this book is, it is not one to give your unsaved friend. Sproul assumes knowledge of the Bible and of Christian theology. Even a young Christian may have a difficult time wrestling with some of the terms and concepts. It is ideal, though, for the Reformed believer who is seeking to clarify his beliefs or for the non-Reformed Christian who wants to understand what Reformed theology is all about.

Accessible, biblical and educational, this is one of the best books I have read on the subject, and it just so happens that I have read quite a few. Sproul has done Christianity a service by so clearly articulating the foundations and beliefs of Reformed theology. Needless to say, I give it my recommendation.

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.

I read this book several years ago under it's original name--Grace Unknown. This new title, I think, is a better one, as it is more specific to what the book is - an explanation of the basics of Reformed Theology. One of Sproul's gifts is making things that could be complicated easy enough for the ordinary person to understand, and that's what he accomplishes in this book.

The basics of reformed theology are laid out for us in two sections, five chapters each. The first section has four chapters that correspond to four of the five solas of Reformation Theology, plus a chapter that explains the Reformed view of the covenants. The second section's five chapters each explain one of what we commonly call "the five points of Calvinism."

I'd forgotten, over the years, anything about the first section of this book except for the chapter on the covenants. Perhaps this is because this part of the book was more unfocused than the last part, with bits and pieces that seemed just a little haphazard, and it wasn't always clear exactly how everything fit into the whole. If you want a short explanation of the covenants of Covenant Theology, however, the chapter Nicknamed Covenant Theology will serve you well.

The second section of What Is Reformed Theology? explains the five points of TULIP, but Sproul renames them with names that more accurately reflect the ideas behind the points. Total Depravity becomes Humanity's Radical Corruption, for instance. Sproul doesn't exhaustively defend each of these points, but that's not his purpose. His purpose is more to explain exactly what each point is, although he does explain some of the reasons for believing each of the points to be right and also gives defenses to some of the more common arguments made against the five points.

If you don't know much about Reformed Theology, What is Reformed Theology? would be a good primer for you. You may not agree with Reformed Theology after reading it, but you will have a better understanding of it. If you like to argue against Reformed Theology, and people on the other side keep telling you you're misrepresenting their viewpoint, you might want to read this book so you can focus your arguments on what those who hold to Reformed Theology really believe. And if you're Reformed, this book is a good review of the basics of your theology.

**** For over two decades, RC Sproul has renewed his readers' and listeners' minds through his radio program, teaching tapes, and books. His latest book weaves together several of his finest lessons in a compact, highly readable form that explains several difficult doctrines of the Reformed branch of Christianity. If you approach this book with a firmly Pelagian mindset, be warned, there is a good chance that by the end you will be converted to St. Augustine's position on the subjects covered in Calvin's TULIP. Dr. Spoul's logic is easy to follow, though it never talks down to the reader. Throughout, he continually affirms the sovereignity of God, whether in discussing the five solas, predestination, or clearing up the thorny question of Hebrews, chapter six verse six. If all educational materials were this readable, we might all be a bit smarter. ****

R.C. Sproul brings years of instructional experience into this book, explaining various aspects of Reformed theology in ways that are not rushed and yet include all of the information needed to have a firm grasp of Reformed theology. The book could be used as a primer for a seminary education, but does not come across as a dry and dusty tome. It is extremely well-balanced, explaining the why's as much as the what's of theology.

For example, when discussing the fundamental differences between Roman Catholic theology and the theology of the Reformation, Sproul goes to great lengths to make sure we understand what Rome did and did not teach and what teachings were and were not authorized by Rome. The differences highlighted in the book are actually quite subtle and are very well explained in this book.

Missing from the Roman Catholic formula for justification is the crucial word alone. It is not an exaggeration to say that the eye of the Reformation tornado was this one little word.
-Page 66.

As the five solas are examined, the word "by" is also highlighted as an essential element. I have centered my attention on the main words such as "Fide" or "Scriptura" since this theology was introduced to me, but Sproul was able to explain the solas in such a way that each word is vital to our understanding of the corresponding disagreement between Rome and the Reformers.

Throughout the very generous first half of the book, Sproul was a model of one who defends truth in a spirit of love. There were many sections I felt compelled to read twice, just to take in his explanation of Catholic and Protestant doctrinal differences. These are responses worth modeling when discussions with Catholic apologists wish to discuss justification among other matters. It's not just a matter of mimicking the words used by Sproul, but the very loving way in which these matters of protest are presented.

Each of the five points of the TULIP are well defined and well defended, both for what they mean and also what they are often mistaken to mean. I took a great amount of interest in how they would be described by a respected professor of systematic theology and apologetics. Sproul did not disappoint to answer the most common objections to each of the five points, and did so again with a loving heart. I can only say this based on the tone of his responses in the book, and it serves as a wonderful example of how well this man expresses both the facts that may not be welcome to all ears and the love that must drive a servant of Christ if one is to honor our treasure.

I never thought I'd do this, but I believe I will use the dedication that R.C. Sproul used at the beginning of the book to help me close this review.

To Jim Seneff: A layman who embraces Reformed theology, loves Reformed theology, and lives Reformed theology.

After reading this book, I have a clearer understanding of what it means to live Reformed theology. A religion can be embraced and even loved on a certain level, but it takes a theology, a deeper understanding of God, for one to live according to their faith where it truly matters. That place is the heart, and Reformed theology fully endorses a change of the heart that the desires of man will follow.

If you want to understand the 'fundamentals' of evangelical Christianity, then start with this great theological book! Excellent for teachers and students alike!

I purchased this book to begin a study of Reformed Theology, and on the whole was not dissapointed. Dr. Sproul is very clear and engaging as a writer, and it is easy to understand.

My dissapointment comes with the 2nd part of the book, where he discusses Calvinism. He tends at times to obfuscate the meaning of the more objectional doctrines (Unconditional Election, Irresistible Grace) so that it doesn't seem so harsh, as is the typical objection to Calvinism. Also, he paints all semi-pelagians in a heretical light.

A good introductory text on Reformed Theology (which is more than Calvinism). All Christians will benefit from reading this, not just those in the Reformed camp.

I love RC Sproul! He is one of my top 2 favorite non-Catholic Christian authors, and this book was just great. Before reading this I thought I had a pretty decent understanding of Reformed Theology. Not so much. Dr. Sproul lays out in a systematic way the tenants of Reformed Theology and filled in many holes and misconceptions that I had.

The book is in two parts. The first part discusses foundational Reformed issues like sola fide and sola scriptura while the second part is divided into 5 chapters each devoted to a letter in the acronym TULIP, all the while contrasting them with differing views like the Armenian and Catholic. Although the purpose of the book is to present Reformed Theology to the reader as opposed to argue for its validity, Sproul does take the time to try and defend his positions against some common objections. One thing that Sproul convinced me of was the coherence of Reformed Theology. While I disagree with all of TULIP, I do see (as Sproul argues in the book) essentially all of TULIP following from one's understanding of grace and man. In fact, once one admits to total depravity, I think the rest is easily seen to follow. So that was interesting. Many misconceptions about things like "double predestination" and others have been cleared up. Studying other faiths helps one see and defend their own faith, and this is precisely what this book has done for me.

One side remark: In the last chapter on the Perseverance of the Saints, Sproul mentions the Dark Night of the Soul. I didn't think Protestants had heard of that. However, I don't think he quite understands it correctly. He said that the dark night is this time of agony and despair (which is accurate) but he was talking about it in the context of the Perseverance of the Saints, which means he was talking about how even though you are saved, you may not "feel" like it. Now there is some truth in that as well, but that doesn't quite hit on the essence of the dark night. It is my understanding that the dark night is the despair and loss of the feelings of closeness to God that one feels when undergoing the passive purification of the senses; that is, when God is purging you of your reliance of your senses. This is part of growing in charity, and I think to discuss it in the context of eternal security isn't quite right. I was very taken back when he mentioned it, but I think there is a little bit of disconnect in Dr. Sproul's understanding of it.

Sproul's clearly written book helps readers understand the basics about Reformed theology. The first half of the book is loosely based on the five solas of the Reformation while the second half of the book takes up an explanation of the five points of Calvinism. Chapter 3, on the idea of sola fide, is particularly helpful in drawing distinctions between the Reformed view of justification and the Catholic view. Many who are not from a Catholic background may find long-held assumptions about the Catholic understanding of justification do not square with reality. Sproul, while not endorsing Catholic theology, seems to do a better job than most evangelical authors of explaining it.

I would have appreciated a fuller discussion in chapter 5 of Covenants and Covenant theology as compared to Dispensationalism in particular. There is also no mention of the connections of the covenant of circumcision with paedo-baptism, but perhaps these topics were too far afield for an introductory work.

Where Sproul does his best work is in the second half of the book, where he describes the five points of Calvinism. He brings clarity without sacrificing the force of any of the five points. There are areas where he does not go into great detail (double predestination for example) which may disappoint some readers, but this work introduces the topic and is not an exhausitive treatment. Finally, Sproul does a good job showing the logical consistency of the five points and how they stand or fall together. This book is well worth the attention of anyone who wants to understand the theology of the Reformers better.