Confessional Presbyterian Journal

The Confessional Presbyterian Journal is an annual, peer-reviewed publication dedicated to Presbyterian doctrine and practice, produced by Greenville Presbyterian Theological Seminary. Each volume features scholarly articles, biblical studies, and critical reviews grounded in the Westminster Confession of Faith.

Can a Christian Be an Objective Professional Historian? An Unorthodox Autobiographical Review Article of Ian Hugh Clary on Arnold Dallimore’s Historiography

Ryan McGraw ⬩ 2023

Autobiographical review arguing conservative Christian historians should prioritize objective, evidence-based historiography while permitting restrained theological evaluation. Uses Clary’s study of Arnold Dallimore as the case study.

Psallo: Psalm 115:1–9

Todd L. Ruddell ⬩ 2023

Exposition of Psalm 115:1–9 highlighting God’s sovereignty and faithfulness, urging believers to glorify God rather than seek human honor, and to trust amid persecution.

Antiquary: Did George Gillespie embellish his Notes recorded during the Westminster Assembly?

Chris Coldwell ⬩ 2023

Analyzes claims that George Gillespie embellished his Westminster Assembly notes, showing his note-taking practices explain dating discrepancies rather than vanity.

Volume 18

2022

Whither Robert Lewis Dabney?

T. David Gordon ⬩ 2022

A measured appraisal of Robert L. Dabney—minister, scholar, architect, and father—arguing we should judge historical figures in their context rather than simply ’cancel’ them.

Robert Lewis Dabney and the Problem of Original Sin

C.N. Willborn ⬩ 2022

Examines R. L. Dabney’s engagement with theories of Adam’s sin and its imputation—his self-described “agnostic” stance between immediate and mediate views, critiquing Edwards and Hodge.

Robert Lewis Dabney’s War on Sensualism

Frank J. Smith ⬩ 2022

Survey of R.L. Dabney’s 19th‑century critique of sensualism, positivism, materialism, and evolution, defending the spiritual nature of the mind and Christian metaphysics.

Jean Macmath, Mistress Rutherford (1610–1675)

Douglas Somerset ⬩ 2022

Identifies ’Mistress Rutherford,’ author of a 1620–1634 spiritual autobiography, as Jean Macmath (Samuel Rutherford’s second wife) and reconstructs her family background and life.

Reviews and Responses

2022

Reviews: Tipton’s study defends Van Til’s Reformed trinitarian theology and apologetics. Estelle argues the church’s primary mission is spiritual shepherding, not cultural/political transformation.

Opuscula Selecta: William Ames’s Prolegomenon in Psalmum Secundum

Michael Hunter ⬩ 2022

Ames defends a Reformed, synthetic hermeneutic for Psalm 2, rejecting the Roman Catholic fourfold senses and arguing Scripture’s meaning is singular, typological, and Christ-centered.

To Die for a Cause: Robert Lewis Dabney, Confederate Christian

Thomas Haviland-Pabst ⬩ 2022

Study of Robert L. Dabney within the antebellum Southern context, analyzing classical republicanism, honor/chivalry culture, and Southern defenses of slavery.

Deviant Old School Calvinism? Robert Lewis Dabney and the Doctrine of God

Scott Cook ⬩ 2022

Analyzes R.L. Dabney’s departures from Westminster teaching on God’s simplicity, eternity, immutability, impassability, and Trinitarian personhood, shaped by Common Sense realism.

“The Studies and Enjoyments of Heaven”: R.L. Dabney as Churchman and Ecclesial Historian

Sean G. Morris ⬩ 2022

Surveys R.L. Dabney as churchman and ecclesiastical historian, focusing on his Union Seminary teaching and writings on church history and eldership. Places him in the Southern Presbyterian context.

Neither Mysticism Nor Activism: Robert L. Dabney’s “Meditation a Means of Grace”

Peter Sanlon ⬩ 2022

“Make Men Do”: Robert Lewis Dabney and the Power of the Pulpit

Russell St. John ⬩ 2022

Examines Robert L. Dabney’s homiletics: preaching as the pastor’s chief duty, requiring eminent piety, a genuine call, careful preparation, and dependence on the Holy Spirit.

R.L. Dabney: Master of Education

Zachary Garris ⬩ 2022

Profile of R.L. Dabney as a Christian educator and preacher who shaped Southern Presbyterian theology. Covers his seminary teaching, expository preaching, and theological writings.

Mandate or Warrant? The Biblical Grounds for Christian Education and Schooling

Zachary Groff ⬩ 2022

Examines whether Scripture mandates Christian schooling; views child instruction as a covenantal parental and church duty, concluding no explicit mandate but a prudential warrant for such schools.

Paul and the Septuagint Psalter: Reckoning with Intra-Canonical Exegesis Concerning Our Sung Praises

Harrison Perkins ⬩ 2022

Examines Ephesians 5:18–19 and how Paul’s ’psalms, hymns, spiritual songs’ echoes the Septuagint Psalter headings, urging careful intra‑canonical exegesis for corporate worship practice.

Our Visionary Architecture for Foreign Missions

2022

Overview of the PCA’s 1979 MTW Policy Manual promoting a theologically rooted, Presbyterian model for foreign missions, grounded in Westminster standards and covenant theology.

Prophet in the Pulpit, Pastor with the Pen: The Pastoral Christology of John Knox

Alexander Brown ⬩ 2022

Reevaluates John Knox, arguing his letters show a tender, pastoral Christology rather than mere harshness. Knox used Old Testament prophetic rhetoric to call national repentance and faith.

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