Perspectief 2019-43

Perspectief 112 Bookreview Dordt in context gives an instructive account of the contemporary context in which the Synod occurred and the Canons were produced (45-79), particularly with respect to the significance of the latter 16 th century, Dutch Reformed theologian Jacobus Arminius (45-67), and the production of the Five Articles after Arminius’ death (1609) under the leadership of Simon Episcopius. Also relevant here for understanding the Canons is its precursor in the 1611 Affirmations in the document of the “counter remonstrance” that is a preliminary response to the Re- monstrants. However, this work is not merely an essay in historical theology. Van den Brink also gives a Reformed theological orientation, in light of the principle of catholicity, of the distinc- tively Reformed accents in the Canons of Dordt regarding the doctrine of divine election and its corresponding theological issues (80-104, 122-139, 140-181). Briefly, attending to catholicity is a way doing theology involving the whole church throughout its diverse ec- clesial history of theological expressions. It is an antireductionist notion prohibiting the absolutizing of any one reception of the Gospel, say, the Reformed confessions, creeds, and theology. Yet, according to Van den Brink, catholicity is compatible with embracing the fundamental stance of the Reformed tradition. “Samenvattend zouden we kunnen zeg- gen dat in de gereformeerde theologie bepaalde opvattingen, commitments, accenten en zelfs debatten die we in the breedte van de katholieke kerk aan treffen geïntensiveerd worden: krachtiger benadrukt en met meer passie gevoerd, vanuit de haar typerende grondhouding” (131; 139). There are four theological issues considered by Van den Brink throughout this work, par- ticularly in his evaluation of the Canons (87-104) but also in his biblical theological reflections on the doctrine of election and reprobation (140-181). 1. Mystery, problem, and ecclesial warrants. What is the mystery of the Gospel pertaining to divine election made known to man by faith’s knowledge in divine revelation? Briefly, the mystery is the priority of divine grace and hence the gratuitous character of God’s saving work in Christ and of his call to salva- tion (168-169). The distinctly reformed accent is the sovereignty of God’s election in Christ and the sovereignty of grace in election (134-135). Thus, the revealed truth of our salvation