I'll first say that reading Doug Wilson makes me smarter, and as someone who studied English literature for 4 years, I am impressed with his prose. This observation is merely stylistic/aesthetic about the writing as an object, not so much that content of the claims herein. I think my limited background in Reformed Theology kept me from truly grasping the import of Wilson's claims. I enjoyed what I read and was helped at times. Most helpful was the discussion of those who are on the wrong track in the faith and how they are still a part of the covenant community, not banished never-were-Christians. This results, for me, in a high view of the Church and the importance of my duty to be patient and honest with those with whom I disagree. They may be wrong, but they are still Christians. This book is written in the maelstrom of controversy regarding the Federal Vision within confessionally Reformed churches. I am beginning to read the books of those who are a part of what is identified as the FV movement, so I can't comment on this book in relation to other FV books or criticisms of the FV. What I can say is that I don't think what is contained herein is heresy, as some have suggested. It is one thing to say it falls outside the bounds of historic Reformed theology (which I am not saying it does or does not), it is quite another to say it falls outside the bounds of orthodoxy (which it clearly does not). Again, I'm not as well versed in Reformed theology, so all the wrangling with presuppositions and such contained in this book are somewhat lost on me. That's why I gave it three stars - not because it doesn't merit 4 or 5, but because it was pretty heavy lifting. I'm glad I got the job done, but it gave me a sore back. ( )

I'll first say that reading Doug Wilson makes me smarter, and as someone who studied English literature for 4 years, I am impressed with his prose. This observation is merely stylistic/aesthetic about the writing as an object, not so much that content of the claims herein. I think my limited background in Reformed Theology kept me from truly grasping the import of Wilson's claims. I enjoyed what I read and was helped at times. Most helpful was the discussion of those who are on the wrong track in the faith and how they are still a part of the covenant community, not banished never-were-Christians. This results, for me, in a high view of the Church and the importance of my duty to be patient and honest with those with whom I disagree. They may be wrong, but they are still Christians. This book is written in the maelstrom of controversy regarding the Federal Vision within confessionally Reformed churches. I am beginning to read the books of those who are a part of what is identified as the FV movement, so I can't comment on this book in relation to other FV books or criticisms of the FV. What I can say is that I don't think what is contained herein is heresy, as some have suggested. It is one thing to say it falls outside the bounds of historic Reformed theology (which I am not saying it does or does not), it is quite another to say it falls outside the bounds of orthodoxy (which it clearly does not). Again, I'm not as well versed in Reformed theology, so all the wrangling with presuppositions and such contained in this book are somewhat lost on me. That's why I gave it three stars - not because it doesn't merit 4 or 5, but because it was pretty heavy lifting. I'm glad I got the job done, but it gave me a sore back. ( )