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Synopsis of a Purer Theology
Finally, a classic of Reformed Orthodoxy that won’t break the bank.
Over the past decade, the project of Protestant resourcement has exploded, giving pastors, scholars, and lay-people access to the great thinkers who shaped their tradition. Despite this great progress, many treasures of Reformed theology remain obscured from the lay-person, confined to academics with a working knowledge of Latin and Biblical languages–or, if translated, affordable only by libraries with large budgets.
Synopsis of a Purer Theology
, otherwise known as “the Leiden Synopsis,” is one such work. Collecting theological disputations delivered at the University of Leiden in the early 1600s, it is one of the most historically important and theologically comprehensive handbooks of Reformed theology, being a key influence for many Reformed theologians including Herman Bavinck, Abraham Kuyper, Karl Barth, Louis Berkhof, and Richard Muller. And yet, it has remained largely forgotten and left to a handful of Latin-reading scholars.
Now for the first time, the Davenant Press has published this significant work in a full English-only translation, in an affordable and concise two-volume set that includes introductory material to orient the reader to the text.
The
Synopsis
offers both a snapshot of the state of confessional theology in the 17th-century Dutch Reformed tradition, and also an enduring example of how the project of systematizing doctrine can serve the church. The Leiden professors modeled thoroughness and clarity of thought in the face of confusion, and a vision of irenic Christian unity over brittle doctrinal uniformity.
As Protestants endeavor both to recover their forgotten heritage and to pass it down to the next generation, we need examples of how this has been done before us. The
Synopsis of a Purer Theology
will serve to bring such illumination and perspective to a generation desperately in need of its boldness, clarity, and wisdom.
Publication Details
- Publisher: Davenant Press
- ISBN: 1-949716-15-5
- Publication Date: June 10, 2023
- Editor: William Den Boer & Riemer A. Faber, Translated by Riemer A. Faber
- Price: $89.95
Endorsements
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“The Leiden theology faculty was the ‘Sorbonne’ of Reformed orthodoxy. And the Leiden Synopsis represented the consensus after the Synod of Dort. Weaving into its exegetical arguments support from patristic and medieval sources, the authors display the catholic and evangelical spirit of Reformed theology. Avoiding internecine disputes, the Synopsis focuses on the doctrines that all Reformed Christians confess. Given its spirit, scope and learned arguments, it deserves to inform the tradition today as it did so persuasively in the past.”
— Michael Horton, J. Gresham Machen Professor of Systematic Theology and Apologetics, Westminster Seminary California
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“The Leiden Synopsis is a codification of Reformed orthodoxy, concise and precise in its presentation of early modern Reformed theology. The translators, editors, and publisher are commended for making this monumental work available in English. Indispensable for any serious scholar and student in Post-reformation Reformed theology.”
— Adriaan C. Neele, Vice President, Professor of Historical Theology and Homiletics, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary
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“Doctrinal controversy brings strife but it also brings clarity and precision to doctrinal formulation, which is a blessing. This benefit of debate is no less true of the Leiden Synopsis , written in the wake of the Arminian controversy. This collection of theological disputations is grounded in Scripture, razor sharp in its distinctions, and conversant with the history of doctrine. No serious student of theology can afford to ignore this theological work.”
— J. V. Fesko, Harriet Barbour Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Reformed Theological Seminary, Jackson, Mississippi
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“The Leiden Synopsis is one of the most significant translation projects in recent memory. This set of disputations is already considered essential for work in Reformed theology, and so I am delighted that Davenant is making it available for a wider audience. For Reformed pastors and theologians, the Leiden Synopsis proves to be a profoundly useful companion, and I have no doubt that it will be a significant aid in the work to retrieve Reformed Scholastic theology.”
— Kyle Strobel, Associate Professor of Classical Theology, Talbot School of Theology, Biola University.
More Endorsements (6)
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“ Every English-speaking Reformed pastor and student would do well to own these two outstanding volumes. That may sound hyperbolic, or even cliché, but it’s true. This is an invaluable resource that can serve as a wise, reliable, profound, and easy to use (which does not mean simple) reference for anyone interested in defining and defending Reformed theology.”
— Kevin Deyoung, Pastor of Christ Covenant Church
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“In the Christian faith, we cannot do without each other, but we need the insights of each. In The Leiden Synopsis , Reformed theology from the best theologians of the time comes together, resulting in a finely crafted rendition of the Christian faith. For the study of Christian faith and Reformed theology, this handbook is indispensable today.”
— Professor Dr. Willem van Vlastuin, Professor of the Theology and the Spirituality of Reformed Protestantism, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Dean of the Hersteld Hervormd Seminary, and Director of the Jonathan Edwards Centre Benelux
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“Through the publication of the Synopsis in English, the essence of Reformed theology is no longer exclusively available to traditional, Western historiography and church history. Its original Latin format limited its impact to professional theologians and specialised philologists focusing on theology, while its religious core remained inaccessible not only to the general public but also to geographical venues beyond the West. Now, however, this treasure of theological insights is no longer the appanage of expert scholars; from lay people to academics with vested interests in religion, the Synopsis will become accessible to every person who wishes to know more about Reformed theology regardless of whether one lives in the West, the East or the Global South. This is an achievement with unprecedented possibilities for Reformed theology and its rich ecclesiastical tradition.”
— Professor Corneliu C. Simuț, Aurel Vlaicu University (Romania)
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“Having taught theology at Leiden University myself for several years, I can only rejoice over this republication and translation of one its most outstanding and influential theological products ever: the so-called Leiden Synopsis . It is a great benefit to so many pastors, scholars and interested lay people alike that this complete survey of solid Reformed-scholastic theology is now becoming widely available and accessible. We definitely owe the debt of gratitude to the editors, translator and all those who provided so many illuminating comments that really help readers to grasp and contextualize the text.”
— Gijsbert van den Brink, Professor of Theology and Science, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam
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“Davenant does theology and church a great service with offering this selection of the Leiden Synopsis . That deep and highly relevant source of reformation theology becomes now available to even a much wider community, what the Synopsis deserves and the community needs. I’m also very happy that the great efforts of Riemer A. Faber and William den Boer can be made fruitful for all interested in clear, biblical theology. There is no doubt that this publication will find many readers.”
— Herman Selderhuis, Theological University Apeldoorn / REFORC
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“Set forth in the wake of Dort, the Leiden Synopsis has enjoyed critical influence on Reformed thought since the early seventeenth century. This accessible, single-volume edition of Riemer Faber’s hailed English translation—with fresh editorial guidance by William den Boer and Faber—is a ready resource for learning today from the Leiden faculty’s attempt to read scripture in conversation with those who came before.”
— Christina Larsen, Associate Professor of Theology, Grand Canyon Theological Seminary & College of Theology
