The Westminster Confession stands as an important part of the church’s theological dialogue, shaping those in the Reformed tradition. John Leith focuses on the background and character of the assembly that wrote this document. After placing the Confession in its historical, political, cultural, and theological contexts, Leith examines its major themes—the Bible, the lordship and sovereignty of God, the covenant, and the Christian life. Finally, he looks at the question of the Westminster Confession as normative, authoritative theology.
The Westminster Confession should be neither idolized nor rejected, says Leith. “It should be accepted for what it is, a remarkable theological achievement of the Reformed community in the seventeenth century, and received with gratitude for the guidance that it may give for the theological task today.”
