Tabletalk Magazine, August 2006: The History of the Church in the Sixth Century
Overview
Upon entering a discussion of the sixth century, one often finds little with which he is familiar. Yet despite such unfamiliarity, the work of God through the church of Christ endured — even through the Dark Ages. For this reason, the theme of the August 2006 issue of Tabletalk focuses on the sixth century. While by no means intended to provide a complete history of this century, Tabletalk will aim to present several of its highlights by exploring its historical and theological ramifications.
Contributors include R.C. Sproul along with Sinclair B. Ferguson, Andrew Hoffecker, Tom N. Nettles, R.C. Sproul Jr., Carl R. Trueman, and Gene Edward Veith. Tabletalk features articles about topics central to the Christian faith and daily, in-depth Bible studies.
The 2006 Bible studies take a careful look at the book of Genesis.
- "The Light of Glory" by Burk Parsons
- "The Battle for Grace Alone" by R. C. Sproul
- "Gregory 'The Great'" by Tom J. Nettles
- "The Benedictine Rule" by Andrew Hoffecker
- "Boethius the Philosopher Theologian" by Carl R. Trueman
- "Our Glorious Inheritance in Christ" by Burk Parsons
- "Our Great Reward" by Derek W. H. Thomas
- "The Justifying Faith of Abraham" by Warren A. Gage
- "More Than Talk" by Chris Larson
- "Columba, Missionary to Scotland" by Sinclair B. Ferguson
- "Bread and Circuses" by R. C. Sproul Jr.
- "Back to Barbarism" by Gene Edward Veith
Top Highlights
“Pelagius objected strenuously to Augustine’s understanding of the fall, of grace, and of predestination. Pelagius maintained that the fall affected Adam alone and that there was no imputation of guilt or ‘original sin’ to Adam’s progeny. Pelagius insisted that people born after the fall of Adam and Eve retained the capacity to live lives of perfect righteousness unaided by the grace of God. He argued that grace ‘facilitates’ righteousness but is not necessary for it. He categorically rejected Augustine’s understanding that the fall was so severe that it left the descendents of Adam in such a state of moral corruption that they were morally unable to incline themselves to God. The doctrines of Pelagius were condemned by the church in 418 at a synod in Carthage.” (Pages 4–6)
“Why does God allow evil to happen to good people? As he languishes in his cell, the Lady Philosophy appears and explains to him why it is that an omniscient God can yet allow innocent suffering: while God knows and see all things at all times, past, present, and future, in a single moment or act of His being, yet the possibility of evil is something that He must allow if human beings are to have any significant freedom. Evil and suffering are, if you like, the price worth paying for liberty.” (Page 18)
“The operative word in Augustine’s view is that regenerating grace is monergistic. It is the work of God alone.” (Page 7)
“Men are looking for better methods; God is looking for better men. Men are God’s methods.’” (Page 55)
“Fourth, in like manner he asserted his authority over churches” (Page 10)
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- Title: Tabletalk Magazine, August 2006: The History of the Church in the Sixth Century
- Executive Editor: R. C. Sproul
- Editor: Burk Parsons
- Series: Tabletalk
- Publisher: Ligonier Ministries
- Publication Date: August 2006
- Pages: 63