The Winter 2024 edition of Foundations has been published

We are delighted to publish the latest issue of our theological journal Foundations. All articles are free to view online or download. You can also purchase a printed copy.

He [Apollos] began to speak boldly in the synagogue, but when Priscilla and Aquila heard him, they took him aside and explained to him the way of God more accurately. (Acts 18:26, ESV)

This 87th issue of Foundations explores a range of theological and cultural issues, including the historical understanding of the biblical text, the church’s response to slavery, and the role of men and women in the church. Ian Shaw continues his study on Christian engagement with the slave trade while Stephen Steele examines the Free Church of Scotland’s stance on the Textus Receptus. Alison Umpleby critiques She Needs: Women Flourishing in the Church, arguing that true flourishing must be grounded in biblical teaching. Apologetics features prominently, with Nick Meader applying Bayesian reasoning to the resurrection and Steve Bishop and Mark Roques critiquing the rise of mysticism.

We trust these articles, and the book reviews in this issue, are all of help for the church.

Articles

Slavery, the Slave Trade and Christians’ Theology – Part Two: Theological Themes

By Ian Shaw

In this second instalment, Shaw reflects on the church’s historical complicity in slavery while also highlighting those who, driven by biblical convictions, opposed it. His analysis underscores both the failures and faithfulness of Christians in addressing this grave moral issue.

Garnishing the Sepulchres of the Righteous: Textual Criticism in the Free Church Fathers

By Stephen Steele

Continuing his exploration of historical views on the biblical text, Steele examines the stance of the Free Church of Scotland’s founding fathers on the Textus Receptus. He argues that they did not treat it as sacrosanct but instead supported alternative readings of the original manuscripts.

Review Article: She Needs: Women Flourishing in the Church

By Alison Umpleby

This review of Nay Dawson’s She Needs is sympathetic to its aims but argues that true flourishing for women in the church requires a clear biblical vision of gender and calling. Umpleby critiques the book for lacking theological clarity on these foundational issues.

Resurrection: Apologetics and Biblical Theology

By Dr Nick Meader

Using Bayesian statistical reasoning, Meader examines the likelihood of the resurrection, applying mathematical probability to one of Christianity’s central claims. His approach provides an analytical perspective on the rationality of belief in the resurrection.

The “Christian” Mysticism of Meister Eckhart and Teres a of Ávila

By Mark Roques & Dr Steve Bishop

This article critiques the growing interest in mysticism, particularly so-called Christian mysticism, within Western culture. Bishop and Roques analyse its theological implications and challenge its compatibility with biblical Christianity.

Book Reviews

Metaphysics and Christology in the Seventeenth Century by Richard Cross
Rev. Dr Thomas Brand

The Oxford Dictionary of the Christian Church (4th edition)
Sam Bostock

Sermons on Job by John Calvin
Dr Lee Gatiss

God and Humanity by Nathaniel Gray Sutanto
Dr Steve Bishop