The uniqueness of a reformational worldview, is the subject of chapter 4 of van der Walt's The Eye is the Lamp of the Body. 

 

Here van der Walt draws upon Colson and Pearcey, Wolters, and Walsh and Middleton to examine the contents of a Christian worldview.  He looks at some of the reasons for the lack of impact of such a worldview and then argues for the unique characteristics of a reformational worldview, a view that is world transformative and is able to move both hearts and minds.  He concludes with looking at how this worldview can be communicated effectively by drawing upon the work of Stephen Garber.  Van der Walt’s strength is that he is able to synthesise different authors views and provide an excellent summary and review, but he does more than that, he develops them in such a way that his own voice is not lost.

 

He finishes by looking at three aspects of a reformational worldview: the name, the way and the people. 

 

The name reformational does not mean it belongs to a specific denomination, it cuts across confessions.  By reformational is meant something dynamic.

 

The reformational way is not simple, easy or safe - rather it is liberating. It does not offer simple solutions.  It requires hard work; reforming and transforming God's good creation isn't safe or easy. However, serving the living God brings liberation and joy.

 

A reformational person is a realistic person - they are a people who take seriously  God's creation and also takes seriously their responsibility in creation. They can also be idealistic - "for no one can work for a greater, more glorious cause than for the kingdom of God".

 

 To ponder

How useful is the description reformational to describe theis perspective?  Are any other terms to be prefered and why?

 

 

 

 

A reformational approach to Christianity emphasises the transformative and restorative implications of the Lordship of Christ. Christianity has a certain dynamism as in Christ we find the root of a new life, a fullness to life, that brings restoration and renewal to the brokenness of the world in which we live. This emphasis leads reformational Christians to seek new directions in all spheres of life, going to the root of things in order to challenge what does not bring glory to God and blessing to neighbours.

The purpose of this blog is to take the first steps in bringing this reformational perspective to bear on Christian action in the context of the UK. We hope to provide a (virtual) focal point for reformationals in the UK which is open to dialogue with other Christians, and sympathetic or interested non-Christians, in the UK.

As part of the joint commitment to share and promote reformational thought and action in the UK made at the UK Reformationals' colloquium (October 06) held in Leeds, we are pleased to be associated with the work of the West Yorkshire School of Christian Studies (WYSOCS) which hosted the colloquium and provides the organisational focal point for reformationals in the UK.