Paul's Passing Thoughts

I just finished reading “The Shaking of Adventism” by Geoffrey Paxton. The book was published in 1978 and is an inside look into historical events surrounding the Australian Forum during its apex. Paxton was one of the AF3, and wrote most of the Australian Forum’s  articles published in Present Truth magazine which was the Forum’s theology  journal.

The book clearly articulates present-day New Calvinism while crediting Robert Brinsmead with rediscovering the Reformation gospel. Paxton only notes two primary sources that helped Brinsmead develop the centrality of the objective gospel outside of us (COGOUS) doctrine that is the heart and soul of New Calvinism: the Reformers, and Seventh-day Adventist leaders. The only exception is the mentioning that a well-known SDA teacher studied under  G.C. Berkouwer, a gospel contemplationist quoted often by New Calvinists such as Michael Horton. The Forum also quoted Berkouwer extensively.

Paxton’s thesis is the following: Adventists have always claimed to be the guardians of Reformation doctrine, so the idea that the Reformation was rediscovered through them should be no surprise. COGOUS is clearly defined as the original Reformation doctrine. Paxton documents the historical events that paved the way for Brinsmead’s “discovery.”

Without any exception, the book strongly supports the position of “The Truth About New Calvinism.” More to come after I get back from celebrating my first year with Susan.  Our anniversary is tomorrow.

May your new year be blessed by our Lord,

paul