Aug 20, 2009
Richard Gaffin's recommendation for Dr. Barcellos' dissertation
Geerhardus Vos has observed that Reformed theology “has from the beginning shown itself possessed of a true historic sense in the apprehension of the progressive character of the deliverance of truth. Its doctrine of the covenants on its historical side represents the first attempt at constructing a history of revelation and may be justly considered the precursor of what is at present called biblical theology.” This is a clear indication of the substantive continuity and harmony he saw between his own biblical-theological work and earlier Reformed theology. In his view the orthodox Reformed confessions with the theological framework they entail, far from being hostile, are quite hospitable toward, in fact anticipate, giving greater, more methodologically self-conscious attention, as he did, to the redemptive-historical substance of Scripture.
Richard Barcellos, in a thoroughly researched, persuasively argued and clearly written manner, shows the soundness of Vos’s self-perception. By means of a large-scale comparison of his work with that of the towering instance of 17th century Reformed orthodoxy, John Owen, Barcellos brings to light undeniable lines of affinity and the deeply rooted compatibility there is between the two. If Vos may be said to be the father of a Reformed biblical theology, then, in the author’s words, Owen is “a grandfather (among many others) of a Reformed biblical theology.” Those interested in Reformed theology, in particular issues of theological method, are indebted to Barcellos for this most welcome and helpful study.
Richard B. Gaffin, Jr.
Professor of Biblical and Systematic Theology, Emeritus
Westminster Theological Seminary
Download and read samples from Dr. Barcellos' dissertation HERE
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