Of the three documents that comprise the Westminster Standards, the Larger Catechism has been the most neglected, even by conservative Presbyterians who profess to embrace these Standards. J. G. Vos wrote a series of studies of the Larger Catechism that first appeared in Blue Banner Faith and Life (1946-49) and has never circulated widely. G. I. Williamson has edited Vos's commentary, and P&R is publishing it in book form for the first time. Because the Larger Catechism supplements the Shorter Catechism on such topics as the church and the means of grace, Presbyterians dare not ignore it. This edition of J. G. Vos's commentary will encourage a recommitment to the Larger Catechism.
The Larger Catechism stands as one of the three major doctrinal standards produced by the Westminster Assembly. Often overshadowed by the Shorter Catechism and the Confession of Faith, the Larger Catechism exhibits the Assembly's most mature theological reflection and insight. In this remarkable volume, John Bower provides extensive historical background for the making of this colossal catechism. He traces the history of the Assembly's efforts from the initial call for a catechism, through deliberations on its form and content, and down to the intricate process of monitoring its printing. The centerpiece of the volume is Bower's critical text of the catechism. Painstakingly checked and indexed, the critical text is supported by a four-column comparison of the authoritative manuscripts and printings. Graced with a glossary and a catalog of corrected proof-texts, Bower's text is sure to be the benchmark for future study, modern editions, and foreign translations for years to come. This is the initial volume of the Principal Documents of the Westminster Assembly series. Table of Contents: Introduction: The Making of the Catechism 1. One Catechism for Three Kingdoms 2. Exact and Comprehensive: A New Catechism 3. Completing the Work 4. Manuscripts and Editions 5. Critical Editing Methods and Conventions A Critical Edition of the Larger Catechism Authoritative Texts: A Parallel Column Comparison Series Description Principal Documents of the Westminster Assembly series presents the six chief works authored by the Westminster Assembly for establishing covenanted uniformity of religion in England: the Confession of Faith, the Larger Catechism, the Shorter Catechism, the Directory for Public Worship, the Directory for Church Government, and the Psalter. Each volume will contain a historical introduction, the critical text, and parallel columns comparing original manuscripts and authoritative editions.
This book contains an explanation of the part that the Reformation played in the establishment of the Anglican faith and the divisions within it. The catechism is divided into two main parts: what Christians are to believe about God and His teachings; what Christians must do as part of their Faith. The Larger Catechism is an extended version.
In this book, Alan D. Strange investigates the Westminster Assembly and the Westminster Standards to determine whether they affirmed the imputation of Christ’s active obedience as necessary for our justification. He also gives a survey of church history before and during the Reformation to see how the Assembly relates to the tradition before it. This study also reflects on the relation of imputation to federal theology, modern challenges to the doctrine, and important rules for interpreting the confessional document. Table of Contents: 1. An Initial Approach to the Westminster Assembly’s Understanding of Christ’s Active Obedience 2. Antecedents to Active Obedience in the Ancient and Medieval Church 3. Active Obedience in the Reformation before the Westminster Assembly 4. The Work of the Westminster Assembly and Active Obedience, Part 1 5. The Work of the Westminster Assembly and Active Obedience, Part 2 6. The Imputation of Christ’s Active Obedience throughout the Westminster Standards 7. Active Obedience and Federal Theology 8. The Place of Active Obedience in Confessional Interpretation
Now in a new, attractive format, this comprehensive study manual shows the Westminster Confession to be an unsurpassed summary of biblical teaching for doctrine and life. Book jacket.
In 1643 when the Long Parliament of England called the Westminster Assembly to produce the Westminster Confession, it also asked for a directory of "catechising". The Assembly asked Herbert Palmer to produce a draft of the Larger Catechism. Robert Baillie and other Scottish delegates found the work disappointing. In December 1643 a committee was formed to write the Catechism. In January 1647 the Assembly gave up writing one catechism and split it into two. The Westminster Shorter Catechism was to be "easier to read and concise for beginners" and the Larger Catechism was to be "more exact and comprehensive". The Catechism was completed by the Westminster Assembly in 1647. It was then adopted by the General Assembly of the Church of Scotland in 1648 and by the Presbyterian Synod of New York and Philadelphia in 1788.
