Household of Faith
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In Household of Faith, Kyle Borg offers a clear and accessible introduction to Presbyterianism. Throughout the book, Borg draws on personal anecdotes, making complex theological concepts relatable and engaging. His conversational tone and personal reflections make the book both easy to read and thought-provoking.
Children in God’s Covenant Family
As I read the book, I found several insights about Presbyterian theology that stood out. Borg presents a compelling case for understanding the inclusion of children in God’s covenant family. He writes, “Simply, the promises given to the Patriarchs—including God’s promise that He is God to us and our offspring—are now, in Christ, made to the Gentiles” (see also Gal. 3:14). This argument underscores the Presbyterian view that the covenant promises extend to the children of believers, making the case for infant baptism as a sign of inclusion in God’s covenant.
He goes on to explain the distinction between baptism and the Lord’s Supper in Presbyterian practice: “Even though infants are baptized, they are not invited to come to the Lord’s Table.” This nuanced explanation helped clarify the significance of these ordinances within the tradition.
Elders, Courts, and Sessions
Another key distinction is the Presbyterian view of church governance. Borg contrasts Presbyterian polity with Congregationalism, noting that in Presbyterianism, “elders exercise rule in the church, not the popular vote of the membership.” This insight was valuable in understanding the structure of authority and leadership within the church.
The book highlights the difference between teaching elders and ruling elders, further elaborating on the roles and responsibilities of church leaders. He explains the “courts of the church"—the structures responsible for doctrine, order, and discipline—and introduces the concept of a "session,” which is a meeting of the elders to discuss and make decisions. Additionally, Borg briefly mentions the practice of a cappella singing, which is an important aspect of many Presbyterian worship services – and something I want to learn more about as a worship leader!
Understanding and Respect
While I remain a Reformed Baptist, I have gained a deep appreciation for my Presbyterian brothers and sisters through this book. I am grateful for Borg’s work, which fosters greater understanding and respect among Christians of different traditions. Household of Faith not only highlights the theological and practical similarities and differences between our traditions but also reminds us that we worship the same God.
I received a media copy of Household of Faith and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow Dive In, Dig Deep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter.