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The Oxford Handbook of Presbyterianism

Online ISBN:
9780190608415
Print ISBN:
9780190608392
Publisher:
Oxford University Press
Book

The Oxford Handbook of Presbyterianism

Gary Scott Smith (ed.),
Gary Scott Smith
(ed.)
History, Grove City College
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Gary Scott Smith, Professor of History Emeritus, Grove City College, Grove City, Pennsylvania

P. C. Kemeny (ed.)
P. C. Kemeny
(ed.)
Religion and Humanities, Grove City College
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P. C. Kemeny, Professor of Religion and Humanities and Interim Dean, Grove City College, Grove City, Pennsylvania

Published online:
12 August 2019
Published in print:
29 August 2019
Online ISBN:
9780190608415
Print ISBN:
9780190608392
Publisher:
Oxford University Press

Abstract

Presbyterianism has a rich, robust, resilient history. Since Presbyterianism began in Scotland in the early 1560s, its adherents have spread to Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, Latin America, Australia, and New Zealand. In some locales and eras, Presbyterians have flourished; in others, they have struggled; in still others, they have experienced both triumphs and defeats. The essays in this handbook explain the historical roots and development, challenges and problems, and successes and failures of Presbyterians all over the world. During their history, Presbyterians have developed a distinctive theology, style of worship, and polity. As a body influenced by John Calvin and other Swiss Reformers, Presbyterianism has emphasized the sovereignty of God, the election of individuals for salvation and service, and the necessity of continual reform to remain faithful to the Scriptures and to adapt the gospel message to various cultural settings. Presbyterian worship has centered around the preaching of God’s word, typically based on the exposition of Scriptural passages, and the celebration of the sacraments of communion and baptism. Presbyterian polity establishes three officers—pastors (teaching elders), ruling elders, and deacons—to lead the church and a series of graded courts to govern their ministry. Differences over doctrine, polity, liturgy, and social issues, as well as ethnic, racial, class, and gender issues, regional factors, and personal conflicts have often produced controversy and even schism among Presbyterians. Presbyterians have also adopted differing theological positions based on their understanding of Scripture, natural theology, philosophy, and life experiences. Throughout their history, Presbyterians have often had an influence in society that exceeds their numbers because of their generally high levels of education, wealth, and status. This continues to be true today for the world’s thirty-three million Presbyterians who belong to hundreds of denominations in more than seventy-five nations.

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