The Roots of Reformed Moral Theology

We are pleased to welcome Dr. Bruce Baugus to our program to discuss his book, The Roots of Reformed Moral Theology, published by Reformation Heritage Books. In this comprehensive work, Dr. Baugus delves into the foundational elements that have shaped moral theology within the Reformed tradition. He provides both historical and theological contexts, covering a range of topics including the Old Testament’s influence on Reformed moral thought, the significance of the Ten Commandments, the Reformation’s impact on moral theology, and its evolution in the modern era. Additionally, Dr. Baugus explores the practical applications of Reformed moral theology for contemporary Christian living. This conversation serves as a continuation of a dialogue that began during our online Symposium on Reformed Moral Theology, held in August 2023. In the symposium’s concluding session, Dr. Baugus and Dr. David VanDrunen each presented their perspectives on the role of law in the Gospels, with a particular focus on the Sermon on the Mount as recorded in the Book of Matthew. The session also featured an interactive discussion between the two scholars and T. David Gordon. Dr. Bruce P. Baugus is Professor of Systematic Theology & Apologetics at Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He earned a PhD in Philosophical Theology from Calvin Theological Seminary (2009) and served on the faculty of Reformed Theological Seminary in Jackson, Mississippi, for fourteen years (2008–2022) prior to joining Puritan Reformed. He is also the editor of China’s Reforming Churches (RHB, 2014) and has contributed numerous chapters, articles, and papers. Dr. David VanDrunen is Robert B. Strimple Professor of Systematic Theology and Christian Ethics at Westminster Seminary California. Chapters 00:00:07 Introduction 00:07:33 Moral Theology and Christian Ethics 00:12:49 Understanding the Roots of Moral Theology 00:15:10 Historical Developments in Reformed Moral Theology 00:18:38 A Distinctly Reformed Moral Theology 00:21:47 Moral Theology and Aquinas 00:23:51 The Law of Moses in the Reformed Tradition 00:33:53 Jesus and the Law 00:37:21 Jesus Showing the Climactic Character of His Coming 00:44:25 An Enduring Moral Law 00:51:51 The Redemptive-Historical Significance of Jesus’ Coming 00:54:46 The Law and the New Covenant People 01:03:01 The Natural Order and the New Creation 01:07:44 Conclusion Participants: Bruce Baugus, Camden Bucey, David VanDrunen