Christ and the Decree: Christology and Predestination in Reformed Theology from Calvin to Perkins - eBook

“[Muller] has made an analysis of the thought of leading Reformed thinkers during the latter half of the sixteenth century, with regard to the relation of their thought concerning the person and work of Christ to predestination, and has come to what appear to be valid conclusions. . . . The book will certainly be effective in answering those who wish to turn Reformed theology into simply a system rationally deduced from the doctrine of predestination, for the author has shown that the doctrine is not the central or controlling factor in the system.” —W. Stanford Reid, Sixteenth Century Journal

“Richard Muller does his homework. His is one of few books in recent memory to address seriously the systematic-theological issues inherent in the debate concerning the relationship of predestination and Christology in the thought of Calvin and his successors. This study is a welcome addition to the secondary sources in the field. Students—whether they finally agree or disagree with Professor Muller’s views—will want to read thoroughly his carefully researched arguments. . . . One will . . . find a wealth of valuable research and trenchant observations in an area of Reformed thought which often is neglected, and even more often treated only with superficial scholarship. . . . This book is worthy of reflection and argument.” —Michael Jinkins, Scottish Journal of Theology

“It is rare nowadays to read a scholarly analysis of the Reformation and post-Reformation literature which renders a faithful interpretation of the theology of the Reformers. Richard A. Muller’s masterful study . . . provides a welcome breath of fresh air for current studies in the history of doctrine. The author has achieved a notable contribution to the study of the doctrine of Christ in decretive theology.” —Mark W. Karlberg, Westminster Theological Journal

Back by demand, this seminal work on the relationship between Calvin and the Calvinists is once again available with a new contextualizing preface by the author. It offers a succinct introduction to Muller’s thinking and the early development of Calvinism/Reformation thought.

Richard A. Muller (Ph.D., Duke University) is P. J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology at Calvin Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the author of numerous books, including The Unaccommodated Calvin, After Calvin, and Post-Reformation Reformed Dogmatics. He also serves as the editor for the Texts and Studies in Reformation and Post-Reformation Thought series.