Within The Bounds of Orthodoxy?
An Examination of Both the Federal Vision and the New Perspective on Paul
http://www.biblelighthouse.com/covenants/within_the_bounds_of_orthodoxy.htm
by Joseph Minich – April, 2006
This essay is neither a defense nor a sustained critique of either the Federal Vision or the New Perspective on Paul. The exclusive aim of this presentation is to ask the question, “Can advocates of either of these positions be considered as within the bounds of Reformation orthodoxy?” That is, whether or not one agrees with one or the other of these movements, or whether or not one agrees with how they word certain things, can they nevertheless be interpreted in such a way as to be within the broad parameters of the Reformed faith?
Endorsements:
“I have read the article, and my judgment is that it is a wonderful piece. It is by far the best thing I’ve ever read on the Federal Vision and/or New Perspective. I hope this essay gets the widest possible distribution. People concerned with these issues, whatever their persuasion, need to meditate deeply about it. And it provides a model of careful, thorough, thoughtful theological criticism. Mr. Minich . . . has a great future as a Reformed theologian.”
- Dr. John Frame, Reformed Theological Seminary
“One of the disappointing things about the ‘Federal Vision’ controversy has been the unwillingness of so many to make a serious effort to read FV writers with charity and seek to be sure they understand the position accurately before critiquing it. Joseph Minich has done both and I am indebted to him for the time and effort he has put forth in this excellent essay. He has fairly and accurately presented my position (and the position of others) and has laid the foundation for serious interaction. I pray that Joseph’s work will bear much fruit in the months ahead as we continue to discuss these positions.”
- Pastor Steve Wilkins, Auburn Avenue PCA
If this is all new, check out James Jordan’s series, How To Do Reformed Theology Nowadays, and also The Closing of the Calvinistic Mind.
February 17th, 2010 at 9:27 am
Did you know that Joseph Minich retracted his defense of FV?
http://johannesweslianus.blogspot.com/2009/07/fv-defender-retracts.html
February 17th, 2010 at 9:55 am
Hi Wes
His article stated that it was neither a defense nor a critique, but I’ll check it out.
I don’t agree with everything under the FV banner. I guess the issue is whether or not it should be attacked vehemently as it has been.
Thanks for your comment,
Mike
February 17th, 2010 at 10:12 am
A bit more info. I’m a baptist. I believe that the FV says a lot of good things about baptism, but the reason they don’t make sense to those within more “traditional” Reformed thinking is because they are applied to infants. So I believe you are both right, but both wrong. Baptism confers a Covenantal union with the body of Christ, the church, but only for believers. Salvation is a submission to the authority of the Head, baptism to the delegated authority of the Body. The only reason their ultra-baptism becomes “mystical” is because they baptize infants. So instead of their beefier approach to the efficacy of baptism improving things, it actually makes things worse.
That’s my 2c, anyhow.