Introduction to Reformed Scholasticism

This work supplies a long-standing need in the field of early modern studies by providing a basic introduction to Reformed Scholasticism. Although technical studies abound and interest in the subject continues to rise, until the appearance of this work by Willem van Asselt and his colleagues, students of history have lacked a concise guide to help them navigate the difficult waters of Reformed Scholasticism. This book carefully defines the phenomena of scholasticism and orthodoxy, concisely surveys the era, notes the most significant thinkers together with the various trajectories of thought, and references the relevant secondary scholarship. In short, this Introduction to Reformed Scholasticism surveys the topic and provides a guide for further study in early modern Reformed thought.

Endorsements 

“Willem van Asselt is one of the foremost scholars in the recent studies of the nature of Reformed Orthodoxy and Scholasticism, and its relationship, theologically, philosophically, and pedagogically, with late medieval thought. The field is highly technical and somewhat daunting to students; but here Dr. van Asselt and his colleagues have distilled their vast learning into a book which will be a sure guide to the field. I cannot think of a better introduction to the study of this significant, though often neglected and misunderstood, chapter in the development of Christian thought.”
—Carl R. Trueman, Professor of Historical Theology and Church History, Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia

“An invaluable introduction to Post-Reformation Reformed thought, van Asselt and is colleagues have done a masterful job in surveying the field and providing the basic starting point for further research. This work is especially recommended for seminary students and for all who have interest in the development of Reformed theology.”
—Martin I. Klauber, Affiliate Professor of Church History, Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, Deerfield, Illinois

“This translation and updating of Inleiding in de Gereformeerde scholastiek makes available for the first time to English readers a splendid and much-needed introduction and guide to the world of Reformed Scholasticism. It is exemplary in the clarity of its exposition and the conciseness of its analysis, and refreshing in its sympathetic assessment of the intellectual and theological integrity and catholicity of scholastic theology. Its blend of lucid overview and more detailed case studies of ‘representative examples’ works especially well in conveying the nature of the texts under discussion, while the step-by-step ‘reading guide’ that instructs students how to set about analyzing a piece of scholastic theology should be required reading not just for students of historical theology but (dare one suggest?) for a good many professional practitioners as well. This introduction should swiftly become indispensable not just for budding historians of theology, but for all students of intellectual history whose research involves the study of works written in the tradition of Reformed Scholasticism.”
—Anthony Milton, Professor of History, University of Sheffield

“This Introduction to Reformed Scholasticism provides a valuable resource for the study of the various trajectories of early modern Reformed thought. It is not merely an introductory survey. It is a significant guide for the further study of the era.”
—Richard A. Muller, P. J. Zondervan Professor of Historical Theology, Calvin Theological Seminary

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgments

1. Early Influences: Birth through the Cambridge Years
2. Stisted, Chelmsford, and Bury St. Edmunds
3. Tivetshall, Norwich, and Mendlesham
4. Under Warwick’s Hospitable Roof
5. Rotterdam
6. Return to England: Burroughs and Politics
7. Burroughs the Preacher
8. Stepney, Cripplegate, and Cornhill
9. Burroughs the Westminster Divine
10. Burroughs the Independent
11. Gangraena and Irenicum
12. Burroughs’s Death and Legacy

Epilogue
Appendix: The Works of Jeremiah Burroughs
Subject Index