The Whole Counsel of God, Volume 3: God's People in the Western World (Gamble)

Richard Gamble’s three-volume Whole Counsel of God explores the relationships between exegesis and hermeneutics and between biblical, systematic, and historical theology for the glory of God and the enrichment of his church.

Having closely studied the Old and New Testaments in his first two volumes, Gamble turns to examine how the church has handled God’s holy Word throughout two thousand years of unfolding history in the West. In continuity with the rest of this work, the final installment presents a study of apologetics as well as practical application—integral parts of the whole counsel of God. Readers will follow the development of systematic theology in its context and, learning from the church’s past mistakes, be better able to defend it to the world.

Detailed and well organized, volume three of Whole Counsel of God is packed with instruction on the history of theology, on church anthropology, and on notable Christians throughout history. The breadth and depth of the information this book provides make it an excellent reference source for any classroom, library, or office.

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Author

Richard C. Gamble (PhD, Universitat Basel) is professor of systematic theology at Reformed Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Pittsburgh. He previously taught at Reformed Theological Seminary, Orlando; Calvin College and Seminary; and Westminster Theological Seminary.

Endorsements

“Following the exposition of biblical theology in the first two volumes of The Whole Counsel of God, Dr. Gamble’s third volume surveys Christian thought from the classical Greek period to the present day. This important volume accomplishes three major feats. First, the author’s study of historical theology and philosophy will serve as a masterful encyclopedic reference work on thinkers from Aristotle to Zwingli and beyond. Second, throughout the book, his interfacing of the traditional loci of systematic theology at various junctures reflecting the time period just studied is ingenious and immensely helpful. And third, his treatment of modern and postmodern thought provides a valuable foundation for philosophical apologetics. For me, this volume is the capstone of the three-volume set and is worth the price of the set all by itself.”

—Joel R. Beeke, President, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary

“The Whole Counsel of God: God’s People in the Western World is a remarkable achievement. Gamble’s volume is sweeping, interesting, and, at times, quirky, not unlike the orthodox Protestantism he describes so well. Whether you are an insider or an outsider looking in, Gamble is the place to turn for a serious and accessible account of that tradition.”

—Stephen D. Crocco, Divinity Librarian, Yale Divinity School

“This volume brings Richard C. Gamble’s ambitious integrative theological project—biblical, systematic, and historical—to completion. The coverage is remarkably comprehensive, the judgments careful and well-informed. Seminary students in particular will be well served by a careful reading of this entire project.”

—William B. Evans, Younts Professor of Bible and Religion, Erskine College

“Dr. Gamble’s survey of the development of Latin Christianity will be of great value in college and seminary classes. It completes an ambitious and unique project, providing a synthesis of biblical theology, systematic theology, and church history; it should provide an excellent basis for further detailed study.”

—Robert Letham, Professor of Systematic and Historical Theology, Union School of Theology

“Richard Gamble’s massive project reaches its crescendo in this volume. The prior volumes of the Whole Counsel of God engaged the biblical theology of the Old and New Testaments. Professor Gamble herein addresses the variegated expressions of theology developed throughout the centuries of Christianity. This conclusion of his remarkable achievement is a substantial and insightful guide to the contours of the leading ideas and significant persons of Christian thought, providing a starting point for students and a valuable resource for scholars of all theological traditions.”

—Peter A. Lillback, President, Westminster Theological Seminary 

“Dr. Gamble’s volumes are a gold mine of biblical, theological, historical, and philosophical data, and this third volume is a rich addition to the other two. Any student who will have the advantage of reading and studying this volume will be well equipped and well prepared for Christian engagement with the world of unbelief. I know of no other single source that effectively vacuum-packs such a wealth of useful material, as well as practical insights. I heartily commend this volume to energetic Christian readers; the time needed to work through it will be worth the lifetime of help that it gives to Christians who hope to thoughtfully understand and challenge unbelief in its many forms.”

—K. Scott Oliphint, Professor of Apologetics, Westminster Theological Seminary

“Gamble completes in this volume his massive undertaking of weaving together biblical, systematic, and historical theology, focusing here on the history and development of the Christian faith and people in the Western world. He combines the insights of many years of teaching in these disciplines with a pastor’s heart that renders this volume not only instructive but also edifying. He writes from a transcendental epistemological perspective (Van Tillian) that recognizes the foundational importance of revelation (special and general) for all knowledge. Certainty is located not in our theoretical constructs but in the precepts of Scripture, in which light all our work is to be undertaken. Gamble seeks to faithfully labor in this light, yielding a tome that integrates our understanding of life and doctrine in the West, in both Christendom and its aftermath, under the comprehensive lordship of Christ.”

—Alan D. Strange, Professor of Church History, Mid-America Reformed Seminary