Rediscovering the Natural Law in Reformed Theological Ethics

by Grabill, Stephen J.

• ISBN13: 9780802863133
• ISBN10: 0802863132
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-09-15
• Publisher: Eerdmans Pub Co

Summary

Is knowledge of right and wrong written on the human heart? Do people know God from the world around them? Does natural knowledge contribute to Christian doctrine?While these questions of natural theology and natural law have historically been part of theological reflection, twentieth-century Protestant theologians' radical reliance on revelation has eclipsed this historic connection. Stephen Grabill attempts the treacherous task of reintegration of Reformed Protestant theology with natural law by appealing to reformation era theologians such as John Calvin, Peter Martyr Vermigli, Johannes Althusius, and Francis Turretin who carried over and refined the traditional understanding of this key doctrine.In "Rediscovering the Natural Law in Reformed Theological Ethics" Stephen Grabill calls Christian ethicists, theologians and laypersons to take another look at this vital element in the history of Christian ethical thought.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	ix
Introduction	1	(20)
1. Karl Barth and the Displacement of Natural Law in Contemporary Protestant Theology	21	(33)
2. Development of the Natural-Law Tradition through the High Middle Ages	54	(16)
3. John Calvin and the Natural Knowledge of God the Creator	70	(28)
4. Peter Martyr Vermigli and the Natural Knowledge of God the Creator	98	(24)
5. Natural Law in the Thought of Johannes Althusius	122	(29)
6. Francis Turretin and the Natural Knowledge of God the Creator	151	(24)
Conclusion	175	(17)
Notes	192	(70)
Bibliography	262	(35)
Index	297