Much of what was controversial more than 300 years ago when Robert Barclay wrote An Apology for the True Christian Divinity still exists in contemporary religious debate. This Quaker theologian confronts with boldness issues of individual concern such as the dynamics of redemption, the Bible and authority, and eternal security. He also addresses crucial matters for the corporate life such as the nature of the church, its ministry and sacraments, gathered worship, and the relationship between church and state. As Barclay develops these issues, a Christianity emerges in which Christ's revelation through the Spirit is central to each aspect. It is a faith that challenges shallower concepts and is enhanced by the drama of intense opposition that Barclay encountered.
The Apology has always been the classic systematic statement of the Quaker faith. But the lucid prose of the original text suffered the same hardening of the linguistic arteries that overtook the King James Version of the Bible. Obscure words and sentence structure have been eliminated in this edition, and the addition of annotations enhances the text.
Whether you are an ecumenist trying to understand beliefs that were significant to Methodism, challenging to Calvinism, and frequently in rapport with Catholicism; or a Quaker seeking a better understanding of your own faith; you will find Barclay's Apology enlightening.
