Reformation Riches for the Contemporary Church
Liberation for Both Skeptics and Burned-Out Evangelicals
Imprint: Wipf and Stock
"Whether it is described as recovering treasures of gold, removing the clouds to reveal the clearest and bluest of skies, replacing fast food with delectable and healthy cuisine, or coming out of the valley to behold the most amazing Alpine splendor, rediscovering the glorious biblical truths which were recovered during the Reformation is extraordinarily liberating and invigorating."
The biblical teachings of the Protestant Reformation five hundred years ago freed Christians from many of the same forms of bondage that, ironically, have now reappeared in much of contemporary evangelical Christianity. Many evangelicals now find themselves trapped on performance-based treadmills, enslaved by neurotic introspection, and often just burning out and walking away from the church. Whether it's being fixated on "my performance" (legalism) or "my inner experience" (mysticism) or some other exhausting entanglement, there is, thankfully, a way out.
Protestant evangelical churches need to rediscover the liberating treasures of biblical Christianity that were recovered in the Protestant Reformation. This book encourages burned-out evangelicals to take another look--from a Reformation perspective--and begin basking in the good news and all of its vast riches. Through a series of thought-provoking essays, this book also introduces other skeptics to an undiluted and robust Christianity.
David Bruins is a practicing attorney. He attended Calvin College, Rutgers University-Newark (BA, summa cum laude; Phi Beta Kappa), and Villanova University School of Law (JD). He has previously served as an elder in the United Reformed Church (URCNA) and as a deacon in the Christian Reformed Church (CRCNA). He and his wife, Maureen, reside in New Jersey outside of New York City. They have four grown children and three grandchildren.
"We need more books like this one, which bridges the gap between the Reformation's priceless recoveries and the modern church's blind spots. What would the Reformers say to today's church? Here we have a thorough yet compact answer, full of fresh and accessible theological and historical insights. Readable, conversational, digestible."
--Zac Hicks, Author; Canon for Worship and Liturgy, Cathedral Church of the Advent, Birmingham, AL
"David Bruins applies his seasoned legal background to contemporary issues facing the Christian church and does so with remarkable candor and insight. This volume should be read by every serious Christian interested in mining the riches of the Reformation for its impact on their vocation and on their corporate Christian life."
--Craig Parton, Trial Lawyer; Author; United States Director of the International Academy of Apologetics
"With unswerving clarity, Bruins more than delivers on his promise of unwrapping the lost treasures of the Reformation--a project that could hardly be more urgent for a church sunk in performancism and relevance-chasing. His passion for the 'really, really good news' of the authentic Gospel of Jesus Christ is as infectious as his grasp of the material is masterful."
--David Zahl, Director, Mockingbird Ministries
"This is indeed a sampling of 'vintage liberating treasures that were recovered during the Reformation.' You're not Reformed? No matter. A great many of these treasures can be appreciated by all Christians--in no small part because of the engaging way Bruins has conveyed them."
--Mark Galli, Editor in Chief, Christianity Today
"As a pastor it is a delight to recommend a work like Reformation Riches for the Contemporary Church. I pray the Lord will use this book mightily for the church of this generation."
--Kenneth Jones, Senior Pastor, Glendale Missionary Baptist Church, Miami, FL
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