Overview
In this 69 page monograph, A Biblical Case for Natural Law, professor David VanDrunen explains the elements of a historic, Reformed, orthodox doctrine of natural law. After defining the term and showing how natural law is rooted in God’s creation of man in His image (imago Dei), VanDrunen
- explains how natural law fits within redemptive history from a covenantal, two-kingdoms view,
- examines the Scriptural loci classici of natural law (Rom. 1:19-20; Rom. 2:14-15),
- and demonstrates instances where natural law is used throughout the Old and New Testaments.
While acknowledging that the doctrine of natural law is “[e]mbraced by some and spurned by others” (1) and that it “remains an issue of perennial interest and controversy” (69), this brief book does not engage in polemics; rather, it is simply a short, positive statement of natural law’s elements. (For some initial scholarly engagement in VanDrunen’s work, see the “related reviews” below.) However, a useful introductory bibliography (pp. 71-74) directs interested readers to classic texts in order to engage further study.
Usefulness to the Church
Two features make this book especially helpful: (a) its introductory nature and (b) its two-kingdoms context for relating to other Reformed doctrines. On the former, the book avoids detailed technical jargon, and it is written concisely. And at only 69 pages, even slow readers like me can finish it with only a couple of cups of coffee :-).
On the latter, VanDrunen sets natural law within its organic doctrinal relations (i.e. covenant theology, redemptive history, common grace), and by doing so he provides concise introductions to these interrelated concepts that will be especially helpful for readers without a background in Reformed theology.
Accordingly, though I realize that natural law is a doctrine related most directly to ethics, I found VanDrunen’s introduction of the “two kingdoms” concept (ch. 3) a particularly helpful context for understanding related Reformed doctrines and practices, such as:
- the spirituality of the church (its nature, mission, and jurisdiction),
- special office in the church,
- the mission of the church,
- the Kingdom of God,
- eschatology,
- and Reformed worship.
Related Reviews
- Professor Nelson D. Kloosterman’s brief review of A Biblical Case for Natural Law, and VanDrunen’s brief reply.
- Kloosterman’s expanded review
- VanDrunen’s expanded reply to Kloosterman
- Review by Rev. Danny Hyde
- Review at Creed or Chaos
Related Elsewhere
- Editorial: What Is the Church For? by Gregory Edward Reynolds
- The Spirituality of the Church by D. G. Hart and John R. Muether
- Machen and the Regulative Principle by D. G. Hart and John R. Muether
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