The Larger Catechism: A Critical Text and Introduction (Principal Documents of the Westminster Assembly)

by John Bower

Publisher:

Reformation Heritage

, 2010

Overview

In The Larger Catechism: A Critical Text and Introduction, John Bower provides extensive historical background for the making of this landmark Reformed catechism. He traces the history of the Assembly’s efforts from the initial call for a catechism, through deliberations on its form and content, and down to the intricate process of monitoring its printing.

The centerpiece of this volume is Bower’s critical text of the catechism. Painstakingly researched and indexed, the critical text is supported by a four-column comparison of the authoritative manuscripts and printings. Graced with a glossary and a catalog of corrected proof-texts, Bower’s text is a benchmark for future study, modern editions, and foreign translations.

With the Logos edition, this valuable volume is enhanced by amazing functionality and features. Scripture and ancient-text citations link directly to English translations and original-language texts, and important terms link to dictionaries, encyclopedias, and a wealth of other resources in your digital library. Perform powerful searches with the Topic Guide to instantly gather relevant biblical texts and resources. Tablet and mobile apps let you take the discussion with you. With Logos Bible Software, the most efficient and comprehensive research tools are in one place, so you get the most out of your study.

Key Features

• Features a critical text of the Westminster Larger Catechism
• Presents additional texts in a four-column format ideal for comparing authoritative texts
• Provides a basis for future editions of the text, non-English editions, and future research

Contents

• The Making of the Catechism
• One Catechism for Three Kingdoms
• Exact and Comprehensive: A New Catechism
• Completing the Work
• Manuscripts and Editions
• Critical Editing Methods and Conventions
• A Critical Edition of the Larger Catechism
• Authoritative Texts: A Parallel Column Companion

Series Description

The Principal Documents of the Westminster Assembly Series presents the six chief works authored by the Westminster Assembly for establishing covenanted uniformity of religion in England: the Confession of Faith, the Larger Catechism, the Shorter Catechism, the Directory for Public Worship, the Directory for Church Government, and the Psalter. Each volume will contain a historical introduction, the critical text, and parallel columns comparing original manuscripts and authoritative editions.

Endorsements

The Westminster Standards are today of interest both to the confessional tradition of Reformed Christianity and to a growing number of scholars who see the Westminster Assembly as an important factor in understanding British politics and religion in the seventeenth century. Thus, the arrival of this new series, dedicated to the production of scholarly editions of documents associated with the Assembly, will be greeted with pleasure by both groups. This first volume, a critical edition of the Larger Catechism, will no doubt rapidly establish itself—and the series as a whole—as a standard starting-point for anyone wishing to learn more about Reformed life and thought as articulated by the Westminster Divines.

—Carl R. Trueman, Paul Woolley Professor of Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary

John Bower has produced an excellent critical text of the Westminster Larger Catechism, accompanied by a fine introduction to the document. Given the vagaries of seventeenth-century publication and the existence of two highly significant pre-publication manuscripts, Bower's careful editing of the text and comparative display of both manuscripts and of the two primary printed versions of the Catechism is a major contribution to the study of the Assembly's work. This volume marks an auspicious beginning for a promising series.

—Richard A. Muller, author, Dictionary of Latin and Greek Theological Terms

Product Details

• Title: The Larger Catechism: A Critical Text and Introduction
• Author: John Bower
• Series: Principal Documents of the Westminster Assembly
• Publisher: Reformation Heritage
• Print Publication Date: 2010
• Logos Release Date: 2014
• Pages: 287
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Research Edition
• Subjects: Westminster Assembly (1643-1652) › Larger catechism; Presbyterian Church › Catechisms; Presbyterian Church › Doctrines
• ISBNs: 9781601780850, 1601780850
• Resource ID: LLS:LARGERCATECHISM
• Resource Type: text.monograph.catechism
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-12-20T23:38:23Z

About John Bower

Key to the vitality of the Church today, Dr. Bower believes, is a rediscovery of the faith of our fathers. As the Great Revival of the Reformation is examined, our understanding of the Scriptures is deepened from its treasuries of truth. Our faith is strengthened as it is seen that Reformed doctrine did not originate 500 years ago, but that it is the faith once-delivered to the saints and preserved through the centuries to our day. As not only the writings, but also the times and lives of the Reformers are studied, our faithfulness to the Lord in these times is both challenged and emboldened. In keeping with this high regard for the relevance of Reformation history, Dr. Bower is involved with the Westminster Assembly Project which is seeking to recover and make available in full the doctrinal legacy of this historic convocation (1643-1652). Specifically, Dr. Bower is directing the Transcription Project which is endeavoring to locate, catalog, and transcribe all extant, Assembly-related manuscripts – from correspondence and petitions to personal library lists and completed but unpublished writings. Further information about this research may be found at www.westminsterassembly.org. Dr. Bower also serves as Attending Physician, Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, at Children’s Hospital in Akron, Ohio, and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics and Microbiology/Immunology at the Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine in Rootstown, Ohio.