The reformed tradition always reforming? : a historical-theological study of the doctrine of justification in the works of John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards and N.T. Wright

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study examines the work of John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, and N.T. Wright onthe doctrine of Justification. As a comparative study in theology, this work aims to discoverareas of continuity and discontinuity between these three theologians. Since all three areidentified, or self-identity, with the Reformed theological tradition, it seeks to discernwhether the Reformed tradition has been historically open to change, development andtransformation in the articulation of doctrine. An underlying question in the study of Calvin,Edwards, and Wright on Justification is what it means to faithfully embody a theologicaltradition while standing critically within it. As this pertains to the Reformed tradition, thequestion is whether this robust theological tradition is in fact a 'living tradition, open tofresh insight and re-articulation from succeeding generations of scholars. In this sense, thestudy examines whether the Reformed tradition has been generally faithful to the principlesof semper reformanda and sola scriptura.The work briefly traces the historical development of the doctrine of Justificationthrough some of the major periods of church history. This is followed by chapters on Calvin,Edwards, and Wright, one chapter each, in order to examine their major works on the subject.This analysis takes note of how each one defines particular subjects related to Justification.These include the notions of 'justification itself, 'faith, 'the righteousness of God,'imputation, and the place of obedience and good works in relation to justification. Thesections on Calvin, Edwards, and Wright also include some discussion of scholarly response,reception, or evaluation of each one's work.The final chapter discusses the idea of 'tradition as a dynamic, living, and on-goingconversation about doctrine. This section also focuses on some of the main areas of agreement and disagreement in the views on Justification between Calvin, Edwards, andWright.The overall aim is to take one of the principle theologians of the ProtestantReformation, and the Reformed tradition in particular – John Calvin – and to see how latertheologians, in different historical contexts, develop, build upon, react to, or contribute toCalvin's doctrine. Edwards represents 18th century Puritan-influenced American Colonialistsand the Reformed theology of their day. N.T. Wright represents 20th and 21st century EnglishBiblical scholarship. Wright approaches the subject of Justification as an Anglican NewTestament specialist and historian. Since both Edwards and Wright are associated with theReformed tradition and have found commentators and respondents within that tradition, theybecome important voices for discerning the direction this doctrine has taken since the time ofthe Reformation.Ultimately, one hopes that if a living theological tradition is discernible anddemonstrable, this can contribute positively to the current debates on Justification within theReformed churches, further encouraging the semper reformanda principle. Furthermore, onehopes that a living Reformed tradition will enable improved ecumenical relationships andlead to greater unity in the universal Church which has often been divided over the doctrineof Justification. Perhaps the work of Calvin, Edwards, and Wright can assist today'sReformed theologians by pointing us in a constructive way forward.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University