The Heidelberg Catechism: The Mercersburg Understanding of the German Reformed Tradition
Ebook
This volume is a collection of essays on the Heidelberg Catechism by John Nevin, a principal representative of the Mercersburg Theology that was birthed in nineteenth-century Pennsylvania. It also contains a critical response by John Proudfit, a more traditionally scholastic Calvinist. In these essays Nevin argued that the Heidelberg Catechism is an essential irenic confessional document that encapsulates the Reformed tradition and also builds bridges to Lutheranism and Roman Catholicism. According to Nevin the use of the Catechism is vital for shaping the identity of Christians and overcoming the dangers of individualism and subjectivism. Nevin's enthusiasm for the Catechism was a function of his understanding of the Christian life as progressive growth in Christlikeness, the church as the nurturing body of Christ, and the sacraments as conduits of Christ's vivifying personhood. These convictions stood in sharp contrast to the non-catechetical sensibilities of most nineteenth-century American Protestants who emphasized the sufficiency of Scripture alone, the church as a gathered community of like-minded individuals, dramatic conversion experiences, and the direct presence of Christ to the individual soul.
“In these writings, John Williamson Nevin interprets the
Heidelberg Catechism as being the best expression of the life of
the German Reformed Church, as it combines reformed teaching with a
deep catholic spirit, and a rational presentation of the faith with
a profound mystical element. The introductions by Lee Barrett
helpfully place these writings in their nineteenth-century context,
and are also quite informative with regard to the composition and
history of the Heidelberg Catechism.”
—Randall C. Zachman, Professor Emeritus of Reformation Studies,
University of Notre Dame
“Nevin’s writings on the Heidelberg Catechism, including his
controversy with Proudfit, are a superb case study of the
catechism’s reception in nineteenth-century American theology.
Strikingly, Nevin finds in the catechism the heart of Mercersburg’s
irenic ‘Catholic and Reformed’ incarnational, mystical, ecclesial,
and sacramental vision, in profound contrast to ‘Puritan,’
Princeton scholastic, Reformed Dutch, revivalist, and even Lutheran
views. Skillful editing and substantive historical notes bring
alive the catechism and Nevin’s insights for contemporary
confessional theology.”
—David J. Gouwens, Professor Emeritus of Theology, Brite Divinity
School
“Nevin’s essays, along with the excellent introductions by Lee
Barrett, are a window into the great debates in the nineteenth
century over what is the key for Protestants in general and the
Reformed tradition in particular. For Nevin it’s all about
incarnation and new life in Christ, finding expression in church,
sacraments, creed, and catechism. Nevin forces us to choose: shall
priority be given to the individual and culture or what is received
in Scripture, creed, and catechism?”
—Peter Schmiechen, Professor of Theology and President Emeritus,
Lancaster Theological Seminary
“The Heidelberg Catechism is one of the most important documents in
the Reformed confessional heritage. The essays of John Nevin in
this collection discuss the document’s history and theology,
address its reception and influence on spiritual and political
life, and offer insights to how the catechism influenced topics
that were the focus of Mercersburg theology. This exceptional book
will be of benefit to anyone with an informed interest in this
catechism.”
—Annette G. Aubert, Lecturer and Visiting Scholar of Historical
Theology and Church History, Westminster Theological
Seminary
- Title: The Heidelberg Catechism: The Mercersburg Understanding of the German Reformed Tradition
- Authors: John Williamson Nevin, III Lee C. Barrett, Richard Christensen, John Williams Proudfit
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Print Publication Date: 2021
- Logos Release Date: 2024
- Language: English
- Resources: 1
- Format: Digital › Ebook
- ISBNs: 9781532698217, 9781532698194, 1532698194, 9781532698200, 1532698208, 1532698216
- Resource ID: LLS:9781532698217
- Resource Type: Monograph
- Metadata Last Updated: 2024-03-22T14:17:44Z
John Williamson Nevin (1803–86) was an innovative and
controversial American theologian. Although reared in
Presbyterianism, Nevin became the premier exponent of the
Mercersburg Theology of the German Reformed Church. He promoted a
view of Christianity as evolving, focused on the incarnation, and
centered in the sacraments.
John Williams Proudfit (1803–70) was a classicist and ecclesial
historian who taught at New York University and New Brunswick
Seminary. His more bibiliocentric Reformed theology motivated him
to passionately and causticly critique Nevin’s work.
Lee Barrett is a professor of theology at Lancaster Theological
Seminary. He has authored several books and articles interpreting
the writings of Søren Kierkegaard, and is a coeditor of the
Mercersburg Theology Study Series.