Call for Papers

Reformed Forum is sponsoring a colloquium for the discussion of developing work in the tradition of covenantal apologetics. The Colloquium will be held online via YouTube and Google Hangouts, on Saturday, December 5, from 7pm to 10pm (EST). For the Colloquium Reformed Forum is calling for papers exploring and advancing the defense of the faith in the covenantal tradition. Papers should explore the principles of covenantal apologetics or apply covenantal principles in theological, philosophical, or cultural apologetics.

Submission Guidelines

• Maximum 10k words. Include an abstract of approximately 200 words.
• Submissions are due October 31, 2015, 11:59pm (EST).
• Submit a .doc or .docx file as email attachment to n.shannon@ttgu.ac.kr. Submissions will be prepared for blind review and submitted to the panel.
• Authors must be available to present their papers on the day of the colloquium.
• Selected papers will be announced by November 25.

Colloquium Format

• The Colloquium will run from 7pm to 10pm EST.
• Three papers, selected by the review panel, will be presented.
• Each paper will be scheduled for approximately 35 minutes for presentation and 15 minutes for questions.

Organization

Review Panel:

• Scott Oliphint, Professor of Apologetics and Systematic Theology, Westminster Theological Seminary; author of Covenantal Apologetics: Principles and Practice in Defense of Our Faith (Crossway, 2013)
• James Anderson, Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy, Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte; author of What’s Your Worldview?: An Interactive Approach to Life’s Big Questions (Crossway, 2014)
• William Dennison, Professor of Interdisciplinary Studies, Covenant College; author of In Defense of the Eschaton: Essays in Reformed Apologetics (Pickwick, 2016)

Organizers:

• Nathan Shannon, Assistant Professor of Systematic Theology, Torch Trinity Graduate University, Seoul
• Camden Bucey, President, Reformed Forum

During the weeks and months after our first son was born, I struggled to discern my new identity as a mother. I was no longer defined by my previous role at an inner city homeless shelter, and my new job as a continuous diaper changer seemed somewhat less meaningful and exciting.

We now have two young sons, and I am learning that my role as mother is of utmost importance. Along with my husband, I have been entrusted with the job of training my children to love and obey God. This is not an easy task, and I am thankful for more experienced mothers who are willing to guide and encourage me.

In Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood (WaterBrook Multnomah), Melissa Kruger walks alongside moms, gently teaching us how to glorify and enjoy God in our calling as mothers. Melissa is a mom of three school age children, a teacher of women at Uptown Church (PCA) in Charlotte, North Carolina, and the wife of Mike Kruger, president of RTS-Charlotte. You may know her from her book The Envy of Eve. She has also participated in several episodes of Christ the Center.

Walking with God in the Season of Motherhood is structured as an 11-week devotional Bible study that is designed to help us search the scriptures and apply God’s word to our lives. The chapters cover life purpose, time in God’s Word, prayer, ordering our homes, the fruits of the spirit, and our need for grace.

Each week focuses on a topic and includes four days of Bible study and reflection. The fifth day is a devotional reading. All referenced Bible passages are included in the book, which makes it ideal for marking the passages and making notes. However, women who are used to the ESV will probably be disappointed that most passages are in the NIV translation.

The book has the feel of a Titus 2 mentoring relationship, where an experienced wife and mother uses Scripture and personal experience to teach the younger women how to love their husbands and children. This study can certainly be completed by an individual, but it would surely be a blessing to study alongside other moms, both new and experienced. To such end, Melissa includes a group study guide at the end of the book.

Motherhood can seem like the most difficult of callings, and Melissa’s honest portrayal of her own shortcomings invites women to consider their need for daily grace.

More than anything else in my life, motherhood has exposed my need for grace. . . . In the midst of my weaknesses, I need the soul-strengthening refreshment that can come only from time spent with Jesus. (pp. 1–2)

One of the strongest impressions this study has left on me is the importance of starting my day with time spent praying and reading scripture. Not only does this greatly impact my own heart, but it overflows and blesses my husband and children.

It’s easy to read blogs and think that we can make our homes more peaceful if we implement an organized routine and keep little ones busy with creative activities. But the truth is that only God’s grace will bring lasting joy and peace into our lives.

While moms of all ages will benefit from this study, it is a must-read for mothers of young children who are weary from the daily repetition of laundry and dishes. When I spend time in this study, I feel like a burden is being lifted. Parenting in my own strength is a heavy load to bear. Melissa points me to Jesus and shows that spending time in the Word and prayer will refresh my soul and equip me for being a wife and mom who glorifies and enjoys God.

A children’s book about the creation of the Heidelberg Catechism? Sounds dry. REALLY dry. Surprisingly, William Boekestein’s book, The Quest for Comfort: The Story of the Heidelberg Catechism, provides an engaging history that young readers will understand. With bold illustrations and large type, the book traces the lives of three men (Caspar Olevianus, Zacharias Ursinus, and Frederick III) who were instrumental in creating the catechism.

The main theme of the book is comfort for God’s people. This includes comfort during difficult circumstances, but the real focus is on assurance of salvation and resting in God’s promises. Boekestein discusses the book in depth during Episode 214 of Christ the Center.

As members of the OPC, our family uses the Westminster Standards. However, I think it is valuable for adults and children alike to have an understanding of other catechisms in the Reformed tradition. This book pairs well with Weight of a Flame, which I read and reviewed last month. Olympia Morata’s journey ends (1555) in Heidelberg, Germany, shortly before the Heidelberg Catechism was written (1563).

William Boekestein (M.Div., Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary) is pastor of Covenant Reformed Church in Carbondale, Pennsylvania. He previously taught in a Christian school for several years. He and his wife, Amy, have three children.

Simonetta Carr’s latest book, “Weight of a Flame,” is a historical fiction account of the life of Olympia Morata, a young woman who lived during the Italian Reformation. Written for pre-teen and teenage girls, the biography teaches both history and doctrine in a way that will engage its intended audience.

The book itself is appealing, with a beautiful cover illustration and highly readable typesetting. Carr includes a map, cast of characters, glossary, timeline, and resources for further study. These features show the author’s careful research and overall understanding of her subject matter.

The story covers several years of Olympia’s life, from 1539 to the end of her life in 1555. The chapter headings include dates and locations, which is helpful for following Olympia’s journey. The narrative traces her life from Ferrara, Italy, to Heidelberg, Germany.

An early theme focuses on cultivating and using the gifts God has given to each individual. For Olympia, this means using her mind and language skills for God’s glory. The story also features a loving father/daughter relationship, a godly courtship and marriage, and a heroine whose faith grows strong through trials and persecution. Young girls will be encouraged by Olympia’s example, and they will perhaps consider the strength of their own faith as a result.

Overall, “Weight of a Flame” was both informative and enjoyable. This book is highly recommended.

A note to parents: Young readers could be confused by the frequent use of “Lutheran” to describe Protestants. The author defends this term by saying that it was how sixteenth century Protestants would have referred to each other. Carr also mentions that John Calvin occasionally referred to himself as a Lutheran. Because the term “Lutheran” has a more narrow meaning today, parents might want to discuss these differences.

Simonetta Carr’s latest book appears to have everything a young female reader could want. Romance. Castles. Adventure. Far-away places. And let’s not forget elegant wardrobes. These things are just the backdrop for Carr’s story, though. Set during the Italian Reformation, Weight of a Flame is the story of Olympia Morata, a young woman whose faith burned bright during a time of persecution.

After reading the introduction and first chapter, I am looking forward to completing the book and writing a full review. Classified as historical fiction, it’s already clear that Simonetta Carr researched her story extensively. She includes several pages at the beginning of the book that provide historical details about each character in the story.

I will admit that I know almost nothing about the Italian Reformation. I anticipate that this book will be a pleasant, yet informative, read. Although the intended audience is young readers, I found myself drawn in by the story during chapter one.

Stay tuned for the full review. Normally this would be a Saturday afternoon read, but it might take a while longer with a four month old keeping me busy.