This Conference will be held in Dingwall Church (D.V.) on September 6 and 7. The theme of the Conference will be, “The Theology of the Reformation”.
Many influences of a secular nature combined to bring about the Reformation when it did occur. The Renaissance had opened the minds of men to fresh creative thinking; social unrest and friction between the nations making up the Holy Roman Empire made them impatient of the all-pervasive influence and unbending dogmatism of the Roman Church; even Henry VIII’s wish to divorce an undesired spouse played a part.
Appreciation of the real meaning of the Reformation can only be gained, however, when the truly spiritual impulse which underlay it has been unlocked. It was spiritual motives alone which constrained Luther to face the combined powers of the Empire with the words, “Here I stand, I can do no other. So help me, God.” A similar constraint lay upon John Knox when he slaved in the galleys till a door of utterance was once more opened to him. After his exile from Geneva to Strasburg, John Calvin returned again only because of his desire to build there what Knox called “the most perfect school of Christ on earth”.
These men had all tasted of the power of God’s living Word and this had put them out of love with the commandments of men with which the Romish Church was cluttered. Likewise they had drunk deeply of the bitter waters of spiritual depravity and bondage, and hence could no longer thole the lukewarm medieval theology which halted between two opinions — acknowledging the grace of God while at the same time apportioning merit to man. Finally while the Roman Church had laid great stress upon numerous works as the basis for salvation, the Reformers emphasised trust alone in the redeeming work of Christ.
Out of these truths grew the three watch-words which express the kernel of Reformation theology — sola Scriptura, sola gratia, sola fide. It is hoped at this year’s Conference to examine each in turn. Three doctrinal papers on each of these topics will be introduced by a paper on medieval theology and concluded by a paper on the out-working of these principles in the life of the early Scottish Reformed Church.
Conference Timetable
Tuesday, 6th September:
- 2.30 p.m. — The Theology of the late Medieval Church — Rev. S. F. Tallach, Broadford.
- 7 p.m. (public) — By Scripture Alone — Rev. D. MacLean, Glasgow.
Wednesday, 7th September
- 10 a.m. — By Grace Alone — Mr Trevor Hunt, Treasurer of the Reformation Translation Fellowship.
- 2.30 p.m. — By Faith Alone — Rev. H. R. M. Radcliffe, Mission to the Jews.
- 7 p.m. (public) — The Application of these Principles in the history of the Early Scottish Reformed Church — Rev. Ian R. Tallach, Perth.
As in previous years, office-bearers, members and students are invited along with the ministerial body.
S.F.T.