I was encouraged by a book review I came across yesterday. "Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist's Journey with the New Calvanists" (Crossway Publishing, 2008). Collin Hansen is the author.
Apparently, when "the emerging church was all the rage" Hansen couldn't understand why "he didn't know anyone who was emerging." He decided to travel, and interview. What he discovered was a resurgence in reformed theology among young evangelicals. Apparently, the search is on for deeper historic roots. Postmodernism and cultural relativism have failed to produce satisfaction, and there is a growing desire for a Christianity that requires deep committment. The Puritan writers are filling a need here.
Hansen writes: "Firsthand experience with pain and brokenness has deeply ingrained disillusionment in many young Americans." The young people he interviewed say that "a culture about nothing" is not a fulfilling one to live in. One 25 year old said: "Self-focus isn't feeding our hearts." The antidote for this? Systematic theology, and a foundational understanding of the Sovereignty of God. We have become a culture "starved for transcendence." (Timothy George) And reformed theology is meeting that need.
The concluding observation of Young, Restless, Reformed is that this new interest in reformed theology is producing a new zeal for holiness and a passion for evangelism, and, "that is not a revival of Calvanism. That's a revival."
This book was reviewed in Touchstone Magazine, May 2009, by Jocelyn Mathewes.
I haven't read it myself, but some friends at college were greatly influenced by it. It is an encouraging report!
ReplyDeleteEarlier this year Time Magazine (of all places) identified the "New Calvinism" as one of the "ten ideas changing the world now". God is indeed on the loose.
ReplyDeleteWe have "Young, Restless, Reformed: A Journalist's Journey with the New Calvinists" in the bookstore if any out there are interested.
There was an article in "Christianity Today" a year or so ago on the growing emergent movement. However, it went on to say that it is second to a larger movement of young adults immersing themselves in purtian teaching and reformed theology, led by men like John Piper. My heart rejoiced when I read this wonderful news. The Truth reigns!
ReplyDeleteI'm old, tired and Reformed. The years have flown by since I was first introduced to Reformed Truth in 1974. These truths, which God has revealed in His word, have carried me all these years.
ReplyDeleteI could never imagine living a Christian life as a Pelagian. The uncertainty, the confusion, the frustration, the unrest. Thank God for those who propagate the truths of the Word of God. They endure forever.
As the old hymnwriter wrote..."May I never outlive my love to Thee".
JR
Yes indeed! I'm among those who've been around long enough to know that there is greater interest in sound doctrine (biblical orthodoxy), godly living (biblical orthopraxy) and impassioned worship (biblical doxology) than there was 50 years ago! These developments do have the markings of revival.
ReplyDeleteO Lord come even more an restore your church!
TMS