The Westminster Assembly: Reading Its Theology in Historical Context

Drawing on new primary source material, it considers the Assembly’s theology in terms of the unfolding development of doctrine in the Reformed churches, in connection with the preceding and current events in English history, and locates it in relation to the catholic tradition of the western church. The book asks exactly what the divines meant at each stage of their task. At a time when claims are made that particular theologies represent historic Reformed doctrine, it is particularly important to grasp what this actually is.

- New primary source material - looks at ‘original intent’ of the authors - doesn’t get bogged down in minor distractions - applies important lessons for the confessional church today

For those who revere the work of the Westminster Assembly, Prof. Letham’s comprehensive study is a blessed gift. Making judicious use of primary sources recently made available, and avoiding anachronistic and misleading attempts to make the Assembly’s work more “relevant” to our times, the author has positioned that work firmly and clearly in its own time, with the paradoxical result that the Assembly’s debates and decisions come to life again and speak powerfully to us today. When you next study or teach the theology of the Westminster Assembly, this will be the first book you will turn to.

About the Author: Robert Letham, Presbyterian pastor and theologian, teaches Systematic Theology at the Wales Evangelical School of Theology, formerly Evangelical Theological College of Wales. Previously he was Senior Minister of Emmanuel Orthodox Presbyterian Church Wilmington Delaware for 17 years. He has taught at London Bible College (now London School of Theology), and most recently was Adjunct Professor of Systematic Theology at Westminster Theological Seminary Philadelphia and Visiting Professor of Theology at Reformed Theological Seminary, Baltimore / Washington DC. Letham received his MAR and ThM at Westminster Theological Seminary (Philadelphia) and PhD from Aberdeen University in Scotland.

Specifications: Paperback, 432 pages