Institution of Elenctic Theology Volume I Part I (Paperback)

Francis Turretin is the most renowned scholastic Reformed theologian. His Institutes of Elenctic Theology served as the systematic theology textbook for seminaries for many years. The presentation of doctrine, in its question-and-answer format, makes the reader feel part of the exposition. This work, translated directly from Latin by eight of the most recognized Latinists and scholastic experts, marks a watershed moment in academic theological publications. In a Latin America accustomed to importing its knowledge from the United States, this offers a purer way of doing theology.

Turretin's theology critically influenced Puritan theology. Though relatively forgotten in history, Turretin's work is an important text read by students of Theology. John Gerstner considered Turretin "the most precise theologian of the Calvinist tradition."

As its title indicates, this work is elenctic or polemical in nature; that is, it is a method that seeks to persuade others of the truth of a matter while exposing the inconsistencies and errors of opponents. In this case, and being a Reformed scholastic treatise, it seeks to defend the orthodox position expressed mainly in the Canons of Dort. This defense was primarily carried out through a robust biblical foundation, which of course, did not preclude the use of the Church Fathers, medieval or contemporary theologians. Definitely, this book will help with Paul's imperative: the exercise of intelligent and practical piety.

Francis Turretin (October 17, 1623 - September 28, 1687).

Swiss Protestant theologian. Turretin is especially known for openly opposing Socinianism, Arminianism, the school of Saumur led by Moise Amyraut, called Amyraldianism, a heretical theology which replaced the doctrine of limited atonement with a universalist theology:

"Jesus died for all men to make a way to heaven possible for everyone, provided they are willing to initiate conversion."

Turretin was a defender of Calvinist Orthodoxy represented by the Synod of Dort, and was one of the authors of the "Formula Consensus Helvetica" which defended the formulation of the double predestination of the Synod of Dort and the verbal inspiration of the Bible.

Turretin was educated in Geneva, Leiden, Utrecht, Paris, Saumur, Montauban, and Nîmes. He was a pastor and professor of Theology in 1653.

Among his main works is the "Institutes of Elenctic Theology" (3 parts, Geneva 1679-1685). This work became the standard text in Reformed Protestantism until it was replaced at Princeton University by Charles Hodge's theology text in the late 19th century. This massive work of Reformed scholasticism extends to almost 1,800 pages in its Latin edition.

Turretin's theology critically influenced the theology of the Puritans. Although relatively forgotten in history, Turretin's work is an important text read by students of Theology. John Gerstner considered Turretin "the most precise theologian of the Calvinist tradition."

When we compare Turretin's works with the voluminous works of Luther and the writings of Calvin, Turretin's surpass them, and this is with great respect to the great Reformers.

Pages: 150

Dimensions: 15.24 x 22.86 x 2.41 cm