Institution of Elenctic Theology Volume I Part II (Paperback)

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

Turretin's theology critically influenced Puritan theology, and although relatively overlooked in history, Turretin's work is an important text read by theology students. John Gerstner considered Turretin "the most precise theologian in 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 regarding the truth of an issue 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 primarily in the Canons of Dort. This defense was carried out mainly through a robust biblical foundation, which, of course, did not prevent the use of the Church Fathers, medieval or contemporary theologians. Definitely, this book will help in 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, and the School of Saumur, which was led by Moise Amyraut, called Amyraldianism, a heretical theology that replaced the doctrine of limited atonement with a universalistic theology:

“Jesus died for all men to make a path 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 "Helvetic Consensus Formula" which defended the double predestination formulation 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 within 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 the Latin edition.

Turretin's theology critically influenced Puritan theology, and although relatively forgotten in history, Turretin's work is an important text read by theology students. John Gerstner considered Turretin "the most precise theologian in 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 1.5 cms