R. J. Gore, Jr.
Författare till Covenantal Worship: Reconsidering the Puritan Regulative Principle
Om författaren
Verk av R. J. Gore, Jr.
Taggad
Allmänna fakta
- Födelsedag
- 1955
Medlemmar
Recensioner
Statistik
- Verk
- 4
- Medlemmar
- 148
- Popularitet
- #140,180
- Betyg
- 3.6
- Recensioner
- 1
- ISBN
- 1
In this book, Gore uses the Puritan interpretation, and attempts to define "regulative principle" narrowly. But his goal is clear: he rejects the Puritan strict doctrine and argues in favor of a little more relaxed approach -- "whatever is consistent with covenant faithfulness is appropriate" (10).
I appreciate the author's approach to his argument. Gore first frames his discussion in a more general term (chapter 1). Using the Westminster Confession of Faith and the Directory, he explores the historical and theological background of the regulative principle (chapters 2 and 3). Calvin, through his writings (chapter 4) and his practice in Geneva (chapter 5), presents a more moderate approach to the regulative principle, Gore argues. Here the author begins to emphasize the importance of adiaphora. Chapter 6 is devoted to argue against the Puritan interpretation by pointing out their errors in hermeneutics and historical practices. Gore continues his argument in Chapter 7 from the "life as worship" viewpoint. Finally, the author offers the alternative from a Reformed perspective -- covenantal worship (chapter 8).
"Covenantal worship" is worship that is rooted in the continuous covenant between God and His people through the Old and New Testaments. Gore goes on an explain the characteristics of covenantal worship -- simple, orderly, free, catholic, culturally sensitive, balanced, Christ-centered; it glorifies and edifies.
This book focuses on the discussion on the theological foundations of worship. Such foundations are crucial in our understanding of why and how we worship. Without such foundations, the discussion on styles, music selections, instrumentation, etc., will not be fruitful. From this perspective, this book is a fulfilling read. But if you are looking for "practical" guidelines on worship style and music selection, you won't find them in this volume.… (mer)