The Theology of the Heidelberg Catechism: A Reformation Synthesis

by Lyle D. Bierma

Overview

The Heidelberg Catechism, first approved in 1563, is a confessional document of the Protestant movement considered one of the most ecumenical of the confessions. Published to coincide with the catechism's 450th anniversary, this book explores the Heidelberg Catechism in its historical setting and emphasizes the catechism's integration of Lutheran and Reformed traditions in all of its major doctrines. An appendix contains a translation of the Heidelberg Catechism recently prepared and adopted by three of the Reformed denominations that recognize the catechism as one of their confessions: the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Reformed Church in America, and the Christian Reformed Church in North America.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780664238544
Publisher:	Westminster John Knox Press
Publication date:	08/30/2013
Series:	Columbia Series in Reformed Theology
Pages:	264
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Lyle D. Bierma is Dean of the Faculty and the Jean and Kenneth Baker Professor of Systematic Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary. He is the author of Covenant Theology of Caspar Olevianus, The Doctrine of the Sacraments in the Heidelberg Catechism, and An Introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments vii

List of Abbreviations ix

1 Introduction 1

2 Theme and Structure of the Heidelberg Catechism: Q/A 1-2 13

Theme of Comfort 13

Threefold Structure 21

3 Law and Gospel: Q/A 3-19 29

4 Providence and Predestination: Q/A 20-28 41

Faith and the Apostles' Creed 41

Providence 44

Predestination 49

5 Christ and the Holy Spirit: Q/A 29-64 53

The Work and Person of Christ 53

The Work of the Holy Spirit 64

6 The Sacraments: Q/A 65-85 71

The Debate 71

Lutheran Elements 73

Reformed Elements 83

7 Covenant: Q/A 65-85 90

The Place of Covenant in Ursinus's Works 91

Covenant in the Heidelberg Catechism 95

Conclusion 100

8 Good Works and Gratitude: Q/A 86-129 101

Good Works, Gratitude, and the Law 103

Good Works, Gratitude, and Prayer 109

9 Ecumenical Reflections on the Heidelberg Catechism 116

The Heidelberg Catechism's Ecumenical Limitations 116

The Heidelberg Catechism's Ecumenical Spirit 120

The Heidelberg Catechism's Ecumenical Potential 123

Appendix: CRC-RCA-PC(USA) Translation of the Heidelberg Catechism (2011) 131

Notes 201

Bibliography 231

Index 243

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

"Lyle Bierma achieves several things at once in this remarkable work. His careful sleuthing into the theological sources and historical factions behind the Heidelberg Catechism will surely make this a definitive work on this important Reformation document. At the same time, his accessible and clear writing about the theological topics of this warmly embraced confession makes this a wonderful aid for Reformed and Lutheran Christians who want to understand their faith more deeply. And finally, Bierma helps us see how the ecumenical theology and spirit of the catechism can be of continuing importance for both the Reformed and Lutheran traditions."
—David L. Stubbs, Professor of Ethics and Theology, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan

"Bierma's metaphor for this defining text of the Reformed tradition is surprising: '...a grafting of Reformed branches on a Lutheran vine.' He brings the whole Catechism and each of its parts into lucid conversation with the documents that have been suggested as sources. He makes his case thoroughly and convincingly."
—Gary Neal Hansen, Associate Professor of Church History, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa

Editorial Reviews

"Lyle Bierma achieves several things at once in this remarkable work. His careful sleuthing into the theological sources and historical factions behind the Heidelberg Catechism will surely make this a definitive work on this important Reformation document. At the same time, his accessible and clear writing about the theological topics of this warmly embraced confession makes this a wonderful aid for Reformed and Lutheran Christians who want to understand their faith more deeply. And finally, Bierma helps us see how the ecumenical theology and spirit of the catechism can be of continuing importance for both the Reformed and Lutheran traditions."
—David L. Stubbs, Professor of Ethics and Theology, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan

"Bierma's metaphor for this defining text of the Reformed tradition is surprising: '...a grafting of Reformed branches on a Lutheran vine.' He brings the whole Catechism and each of its parts into lucid conversation with the documents that have been suggested as sources. He makes his case thoroughly and convincingly."
—Gary Neal Hansen, Associate Professor of Church History, University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, Dubuque, Iowa

From the Publisher