Heinrich Bullinger and the Doctrine of Predestination
ìHeinrich Bullinger and John Calvin were the two theologians most responsible for creating the sixteenth-century Reformed version of Christianity. Yet Bullingerís thought has never been subjected to the intensive study lavished on Calvinís thought. Cornelis Venema takes an important step in filling this gap with this admirably precise and nuanced study of Bullingerís doctrine of predestination.î óRobert M. Kingdon, University of WisconsinìDespite the fact that Heinrich Bullinger was one of the most significant and influential figures in the development of Reformed theology in the sixteenth century, he has not always been interpreted contextually. Cornelis Venema has provided us with a carefully researched and thoughtfully argued reassessment of Bullingerís doctrine of predestination and soteriology. Venemaís work presents a significant challenge to those who find in Bullinger the source of a competing Reformed tradition distinct from Calvin and Reformed orthodoxy.î óR. Scott Clark, Westminster Theological Seminary in CaliforniaìThis is the most careful and complete study of Bullingerís doctrine of predestination in English. In the ongoing debate regarding whether Bullinger was the author of another Reformed tradition or another author of the Reformed tradition, Venema makes a compelling case for the latter. His finely nuanced arguments and ample support from the sources will make it difficult to contend any longer that Bullingerís views of predestination and covenant diverged substantially from John Calvinís.î óLyle D. Bierma, Calvin Theological SeminaryìHeinrich Bullinger was a great and influential Reformer in the sixteenth century. His important work has been sadly neglected or misrepresented in our time. Cornelis Venemaís study provides a lucid, balanced, and reliable account of Bullingerís teaching on predestination. He clears away many misunderstandings and misrepresentations to allow Bullingerís voice to be heard clearly. This is a very valuable book.î óW. Robert Godfrey, Westminster Theological Seminary in CaliforniaCornelis P. Venema (Ph.D., Princeton Theological Seminary) is professor of doctrinal studies and dean of the faculty at Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He has coauthored several books, including, But for the Grace of God, The Promise of the Future, and What We Believe.