Book Review
Dictionary of the Presbyterian
Reviewed by John H. Adams, April 26, 2000
Here’s a test:
1. What have Presbyterians historically said about the Bible?
2. What does TULIP stand for?
3. What role did Presbyterians play in the American Revolution and the Civil War?
4. Who was the Presbyterian “prophet-warrior” of the 19th century?
5. What does “preparationism” have to do with election?
6. Explain the evolution of “neo-orthodoxy.”
7. How did the theology of Jacob Arminius conflict with Reformed beliefs?
8. What are the major premises of Calvinism?
9. What have Presbyterians historically said about capitalism?
10. What Presbyterian confession defined reconciliation as the “peculiar need” of its generation?
11. What’s the difference between Presbyterianism and congregationalism?
12. What was known as “Princeton theology” and is it relevant today?
13. Trace the history of the Presbyterian Church in America from its origin to today.
With the help of the Dictionary of the Presbyterian & Reformed Tradition in America, an anthology of essays by more than 100 writers, you can pass the test and, to boot, do an excellent job of preparing a sermon or Sunday school lesson.
The Dictionary is chock full of great information about ministers, missionaries, evangelists, lay leaders, theologians, educators, beliefs, practices, confessions, historical events, movements and struggles.
It’ll fit nicely on your book shelf, but we don’t believe you’ll leave it there long.