Princeton Seminary, by Gary Steward

Gary Steward. Princeton Seminary (1812-1929): The Leaders’ Lives and Works. Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R, 2014.

We live in a day when doctrinal novelty, particularly the kind that flirts with heterodoxy, is fashionable. As a result, biblical truth is compromised. If only evangelicals would listen and learn from Charles Hodge who could say that nothing new ever came out of Old Princeton! If you are serious about Reformed theology and being faithful to time-tested, biblically rooted doctrine—the kind Hodge could boast about—then look no further than Gary Steward’s introduction to Old Princeton. Steward’s work is a feast for those who are theologically hungry, and I know of no other book that makes Old Princeton more accessible, clear, and relevant for today’s layman. Gary Steward, a Credo Magazine editor and a good friend, not only paints the historical background, but looks at the theology of men like Archibald Alexander, Samuel Miller, Charles Hodge, Archibald Alexander Hodge, and many others, focusing on topics such as atonement, the church, and religious experience.

Here is my commendation for the book, as well as several others.

I know of no other book that so brilliantly resurrects the theologians of Old Princeton for today’s layman. Certainly Steward’s engaging, accessible, and eloquent work is the new go-to book for the reader unacquainted with the giants of Old Princeton.

-Matthew Barrett, Associate Professor of Christian Studies, California Baptist University

“Gary Steward is a careful and trustworthy historian. He excels at retrieving wisdom from the past for the edification of God’s people today. In this accessible introduction, Steward writes as an unashamed admirer of the Old Princeton theologians, commending the way in which they holistically integrated what so many tend to separate. This is a wise and winsome entry point for study of a neglected but important chapter in church history.” —Justin Taylor, Crossway Books

“An entrée to the major figures of Old Princeton. It is an entrée, therefore, into the greatest tradition of Reformed theology in America, one that was deep, true, vital, and rigorous. This study is a gift to the church. It is informative, careful, and engagingly written.” –David F. Wells, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

“The quality and achievement of Princeton Seminary’s leaders for its first hundred years was outstanding, and Steward tells their story well. Reading this book does the heart good.” –J. I. Packer, Regent College

“Gary Steward is to be commended for providing an intelligent and edifying introduction to the theology and leaders of Old Princeton. …The tone is warm and balanced, the content rich and accessible, the historical work careful and illuminating. I hope pastors, students, and anyone else interested in good theology and heartfelt piety will ‘take a few classes’ at Old Princeton. This book is a tremendous resource toward that end.” –Kevin DeYoung, University Reformed Church (RCA)

“The giants of Old Princeton, marked by that marvelous combination of learning and piety, have left an impact for the gospel of Christ that only eternity will be able to measure. Their story is one that deserves to be retold, and we are indebted to Gary Steward for capturing its essence and telling it so well. For anyone interested in Old Princeton, this is a must-read.” –Fred G. Zaspel, Reformed Baptist Church of Franconia

Also, don’t miss the short video where Gary introduces the book.
 

Princeton Seminary (1812-1929): Its Leaders’ Lives and Works from Gary Steward on Vimeo.

Matthew Barrett (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) is Assistant Professor of Christian Studies at California Baptist University, as well as the founder and executive editor of Credo Magazine. Barrett is also Senior Pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church. He is the author and editor of several books, including Salvation by Grace: The Case for Effectual Calling and Regeneration. Two forthcoming books include, Owen on the Christian Life and God’s Word Alone: The Authority of Scripture. You can read about Barrett’s other publications at matthewmbarrett.com.