Reformed Catholicity: Decennial Reflections

In late 2015, Reformed Catholicity: The Promise of Retrieval for Theology and Biblical Interpretation was published. We began that book with the lines: “We rejoice in the fact that this book is not suggesting a new path but is offering analysis of what we see occurring around us already. So we give thanks for friends and exemplars of Reformed catholicity and of renewal through retrieval” (vii). A decade has passed. The world seems a very different place in many respects. Our joy and gratitude remain the same, as there are still many encouraging trends in Christian theology, particularly as practiced in the Reformed tradition. Translations and critical editions make access to key texts increasingly possible for theologically interested readers. Journal articles and monographs continue to offer nuanced engagement of any number of topics, figures, and trajectories. A host of exegetes study Scripture with the benefit of engaging richly with its reception by the church through the ages. A range of series and dogmatic projects model the use of retrieval in a host of ways. It is a time to harvest in terms of theology in a Reformed and catholic vein.

We are gratified that the language of Reformed catholicity has encouraged many, challenged others, and been developed in a range of ways. We take hope in observing with thanks the many inspiring things afoot in the world of Christian divinity. Hope marks theological practice in as much as God provides many to hear his Word and testify thoughtfully before the world. Rather than the authors seeking to offer an update to the manifesto, this journal issue includes seventeen reflections that seek to consider the book and what now needs saying regarding the practice of Reformed catholicity for this and future years. With so many theological resources available, we continue to need guiding lights to help us make principled progress. These essays provide perception, direction, and wisdom that serve well in that regard. For these friends and exemplars and their thoughtful engagements found in this journal issue, the authors are grateful.