Pocket Dictionary of the Reformed Tradition by Kapic Kelly M.;Vander Lugt Wesley;

Author:Kapic, Kelly M.;Vander Lugt, Wesley; [Vander Lugt, Wesley]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 2033958
Publisher: InterVarsity Press
Published: 2013-03-07T00:00:00+00:00

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natural theology. Theology utilizing reason, experience and observation of creation to gain *knowledge of God or proofs of his existence. For *Calvin, humans have an awareness of God (sensus divinitatis) and encounter some of his attributes in nature, but sinful minds inevitably distort this awareness and prevent saving knowledge. *Neo-Calvinists such as Abraham *Kuyper, however, were open to some measure of natural theology as a result of *general revelation and *common grace. In response to this openness and particularly to the position of Emil *Brunner, Karl *Barth adamantly opposed natural theology, asserting the impossibility of knowledge of God apart from his revelation in Jesus Christ.

neo-Calvinism. A tradition with roots in nineteenth-century Holland, especially in the theology of Abraham *Kuyper and Herman *Bavinck, which was later developed philosophically by Herman *Dooyeweerd and rose in influence across North America. A major emphasis of this tradition is the detailed division of the created order into various spheres or aspects governed by God-given norms. Whereas the structure of each aspect is incorruptibly good, the direction of each has been distorted by the fall, and the purpose of God’s gracious redemption is to repair this brokenness. Consequently, this perspective contributes to a *worldview encompassing every area of life and ordered according to the biblical narrative of creation-fall-redemption-consummation. Commitment to Christ’s *sovereignty over and redemption of every inch of the universe influenced a strong affirmation of *vocational calling and a holistic view of divine and ecclesial *mission. Believing that by his *grace God is restoring all things to their original glory, neo-Calvinists are known for their dedication to some form of cultural transformation while being careful to maintain *sphere sovereignty. This positive stance toward *Christ and culture is often evident in a willingness to engage the arts, as exhibited in the work of Francis *Schaeffer and Hans Rookmaaker. It is important to distinguish neo-Calvinism from the recent resurgence of *Reformed theology, particularly in North America, among those often called the New Calvinists or neo-Reformed.

neo-orthodoxy. See dialectical theology.

Nevin, John Williamson (1803–1886). American theologian, professor and cofounder with Philip *Schaff of Mercersburg theology. Upon his graduation from Princeton Theological Seminary, Nevin worked as a theology professor at Western Theological Seminary before joining the German Reformed Seminary in Mercersburg. His German Reformed convictions led him to oppose both revivalism and *Princeton theology with a unique fusion of German idealism and American *Reformed theology. The resulting Mercersburg theology was characterized by a dependence on the *Heidelberg catechism, an understanding of the *atonement as accomplished by the person of Christ instead of his work, substantial *ecumenism, criticism of revival and a central focus on the *sacraments.

New Lights. Supporters of theologians and preachers in the First *Great Awakening, such as Jonathan *Edwards and George *Whitefield, who emphasized the importance of spiritual experience and *piety in the Christian life. New Lights defended the Great Awakening against the *Old Lights, arguing that spiritual awakening was the work of God leading to true *conversion and real Christian experience, although they did not condone organized revivals, deemed spiritually and socially chaotic.

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