The Puritan View of Substantive Biblical Law
- History & Biography
- Publisher: Wipf and Stock
- Published: 2021
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Publisher's Description
The Puritans, who settled in America in the early 1600s, believed that if they followed God's laws as individuals and as a society, God would prosper them. America would become "the new Israel," God's light for the rest of the world. The Rev. Dr. George Gatgounis wrote The Puritan View of Substantive Biblical Law both as a constitutional attorney and a biblical scholar. He did much of the research at Harvard, which was founded by the Puritans to train their clergy. Despite its outward appearance of harshness--such as the dozen transgressions that merited the death penalty in the Massachusetts Bay Colony--Puritan society was founded on the consent of the citizens. At the center was individual spirituality. That spirituality was to be maintained by a strict observance of the Sabbath, which centered around biblical preaching. Certainly there is no going back to a Puritan society in this postmodern era. But perhaps there is something to be learned to guide our way forward.
Endorsements (2)
“George Gatgounis has once again given to us a look at the matter of law in a way that most cannot. Adding to his former work on Calvin, the Magistrate, Dr. Gatgounis now provides for us the development of Biblical Law as understood by the Puritans. His knowledge of this subject is supported by his training in law and in theology. We find in Gatgounis’s book on the Puritans a look at their society, gifts, and their vision of a Christian community. I highly recommend it.”
“This volume provides a much-welcomed and detailed study of Puritan jurisprudence and its foundation in Puritan exegesis and theology. The study clearly articulates the linkage between Puritan theology, Puritan spirituality, and Puritan society. More than a historical and theological study, readers will find much upon which to reflect concerning the heritage of sources, purpose, and functions of law in contemporary society. Readers across many disciplines should find helpful information within these pages.”
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