The Formation of Christian Doctrine
Digital Logos Edition
Overview
The Formation of Christian Doctrine is a high-level academic study of the history of Christian doctrinal development. The book distinguishes at length between the scholarly term “inventio” (making explicit what is implicit in the biblical revelation) and the idea of “invention” (presenting a novelty as Christian teaching that conflicts with the biblical revelation).
Specifically, The Formation of Christian Doctrine identifies biblical inerrancy as an inventio but sees the “priesthood of believers” concept as a license to believe “whatever teaching seems right to me.”
Sure to be of interest in academic circles, even to those who might disagree with the author, this book will appeal to three major groups: Evangelicals in relation to the twentieth-century development of a detailed doctrine of biblical inerrancy, Baptists in light of both biblical inerrancy and the seventeenth-century development of believer’s baptism, and Roman Catholics because of their respect for tradition and interest in such a challenging conservative Protestant perspective as is found here.
- Invites the reader to join the free churches in catechizing and enacting the truth of Scripture
- Seeks to foster frank but fruitful discussions within and without the free-church tradition
- Attempts to move readers to a renewed appreciation for the contributions of the free-church theological tradition
Top Highlights
“A review of their contents may prepare the reader for what to expect in the text. First, there is the first book written by Joseph Ratzinger in his role as Benedict XVI, the bishop of Rome. Appropriately, the book concerns the early ministry of Jesus Christ, and the foreword discusses some fundamental principles of New Testament interpretation. As Benedict tackles the problems created by the acids of the modern historical-critical method, he is careful neither to appropriate that method uncritically nor to jettison it entirely. Historical criticism is ‘an indispensable tool,’ but one must ‘recognize the limits’ of the method.” (Page xii)
“Interacting with the Old Testament witness, the author of the book of Hebrews concluded that the Word of God is a living, active, searching, and judging instrument of God (Heb 4:11–13). In apparent opposition to the critical approach, Scripture pictures the Word not as an object that is examined but as the subject who examines. The Word may be said to read the human being as the human being hears the Word.” (Page 26)
“John’s fundamental prioritization of divine election and the invisible church are as equally anathema to this free churchman as Benedict’s fundamental prioritization of the Roman magisterium and extrabiblical tradition.” (Page xiv)
“First, the communal form of discipleship was the focus of the earliest English and American Baptists” (Page 20)
“Often, where a Protestant might refer to God, a Catholic speaks of the church.” (Page 41)
"If you are participant in the 'Baptist Experiment, Malcolm Yarnell's The Formation of Christian Doctrine is the most important book in the past fifty years. More important, this volume is the most significant guide for navigating the confusing waters of the contemporary tempest. If you are not a Baptist but maintain the slightest curiosity about why Baptists have charted a dissenting and exclusive, to say nothing of lonely, path, here is the tome that will not only answer your questions but also precipitate the thoughtful stroking of your academic beard. If I could prevail upon every pastor in Baptist life to read just one book, I would plead that it be this volume."
Paige Patterson, PhD, president, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary
"Learned in its analysis, theologically and spiritually astute, and deferential to the judgment of the gospel, this study of the foundation and development of Christian doctrine from the perspective of the believers' church will enrich its own tradition and provide much foor for thought to others."
John Webster, PhD, DD, FRSE, professor of Systematic Theology, King's College, University of Aberdeen
"The Formation of Christian Doctrine is a masterful introduction to the study of theology and theological method by one of Southern Baptists' most brilliant thinkers. Malcolm Yarnell provides a wide-rangings survey of the various theological traditions and models, enabling his readers to see the issues and challenges in each approach, while developing a thoroughgoing approach to theology consistent with the best of the believers' church tradition. Yarnell rightfully contends that theology must be in conversation with the academy, while calling for Baptist theology to be confessional, unapologetically biblical, and offered in service to the church. This book will not only help advance the work of theology in Baptist life, but will impact discussions regarding the self-identity and mission of Baptists in general and Southern Baptists in particular. I heartily commend this volume."
David S. Dockery, PhD, president, Union University
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