Jeffrey T . Riddle | Piedmont Virginia Community College

Jeffrey T . Riddle

Piedmont Virginia Community College, Humanities, Adjunct

Piedmont Virginia Community College, Humanities, Adjunct |

New Testament and Christian Origins

Address: Charlottesville, Virginia, United States

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301 Followers | 13 Following | —Total Views | 6 Public Mentions

Articles

"Who Wrote the Epistle of James?" Sword & Trowel, Issue No. 1 (2021): 13-16.

Sword & Trowel, 2021

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Jeffrey T. Riddle, "The Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (CBGM): The Newest 'New' Method," in Trinitarian Bible Society, Quarterly Record, Issue No. 635 (April-June, 2021): 12-19.

Quarterly Record, 2021

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Review Article: Garnet Howard Milne, Has the Bible Been Kept Pure? The Westminster Confession of Faith and the Providential Preservation of Scripture, in Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol. 11, No. 2 (July 2019): 225-231.

Puritan Reformed Journal, 2019

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The Ending of Mark as a Canonical Crisis, Puritan Reformed Journal Vol. 10, No. 1 (January 2018): 31-54

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John Calvin and Text Criticism, Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol. 9, No. 2 (July 2017): 128-146.

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Erasmus Anecdotes, Puritan Reformed Journal Vol. 9, No. 1 (January 2017): 101-112.

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Review Article: Poh Boon Sing's "A Garden Enclosed," Puritan Reformed Journal Vol. 9, No. 1 (January 2017): 281-290.

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Richard Baxter and the Multi-Site Movement.9-Marks E-Journal (May/June 2009).

This article uses the pastoral theology of the Puritan Richard Baxter and his "Reformed Pastor" t... more

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Are the Daughters of Philip Among the Prophets of Acts? JBMW Vol 11, No. 1 (Spring 2006): 20-29.

This paper examines the claim that the author of Acts intended to present the daughters of Philip... more

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The 1919 Statement of Belief and the Tradition of Confessional Boundaries, Faith & Mission, Vol. 20, No. 2 (Spring 2003): 40-59.

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Book Reviews

Book Review: Rosaria Champagne Butterfield, The Secret Thoughts Of An Unlikely Convert: An English Professor's Journey Into Christian Faith, in The Reformed Baptist Trumpet, Vol. 3, No. 3 (2012): 22-25.

The Reformed Baptist Trumpet, 2012

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Book Review: Baptist Hymnal (2008), in Evangelical Forum Newsletter, Vol. 5., No. 3 (2008): 58-61.

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Book Review: Iain H, Murray, John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock, in Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol. 4, No. 2 (2012): 238-241.

Puritan Reformed Journal, 2012

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Book Review: Baptist Hymnal (2008), in Evangelical Forum Newsletter, Vol. 5, No. 3 (2008): 58-61.

Evangelical Forum Newsletter, 2008

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Book Review: Dan Lucarini, Why I Left the Contemporary Christian Music Movement: Confessions of a Former Worship Leader, in Evangelical Forum Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 3 (2004): 8.

Evangelical Forum Newsletter, 2004

This book is written by a self-described former "foot soldier" in the movement to drive tradition... more This book is written by a self-described former "foot soldier" in the movement to drive traditional churches to accept contemporary Christian music (CCM) in their worship. He now rejects the use of CCM in evangelical churches and has written this book to expose the dangers of its uncritical acceptance. He summarizes the reasons for his departure, as follows, "Our key premises were that music is amoral; God accepts all music styles; and no one should judge another's preferences or tastes. As I dug into the Bible to prove them right, instead I saw that they were man-centered, illogical, and misrepresentations of basic biblical principles" (34). The author outlines his theological and philosophical objections to the use of CCM. He begins by questioning the wisdom of using contemporary music in order to meet the felt needs of or to appeal to the human worshippers. He calls this the lie of "God accepts us as we are." He makes the serious charge that CCM presents dangers of immorality (by use of secular music), divisiveness (splitting churches between traditionalists and CCM proponents over worship styles), and deception. Among his comments: "Our acceptance of CCM into our worship services has hurt an entire generation of older Christians, has led to church splits, and has created a breeding ground for immorality, selfishness and divisive attitudes in younger generations" (46). Central to Lucarini's argument is the idea that musical style is not morally neutral (amoral) or merely a matter of tastes and preferences. On the contrary, he argues that CCM is based on rock music which "is clearly and unequivocally associated with immorality, especially promiscuous and adulterous sex, glorification of drugs, and rebellion against authority" (91). He thereby raises a question that is seldom heard even in our doctrinally conservative churches: "With what moral dimension is my favourite music associated?" (91). In the closing chapters of the book, the author anticipates and answers typical arguments that are raised for acceptance of CCM. These include the question of whether the use of CCM is justified in order to reach people. Lucarini concludes: "We should not accept just any worldly method to reach the lost. Instead we must discern carefully what methods are acceptable for use in the kingdom of God" (100). Based on the research of John Makujina (Measuring the Music), Lucarini also debunks as evangelical myth the frequently used argument that CCM is justified because past luminaries like Luther and Wesley adapted secular tunes to gospel use. The author further derides the use of blended services and separate services (traditional and contemporary) as a "slippery slope" that inevitably leads to "blurring" that "is almost always towards contemporary shades" (123). In conclusion, I believe that Lucarini's book deserves to be read and discussed by those who lead worship in local churches. Lucarini's report is anecdotal and personal and is certainly not an exhaustive Biblical and theological treatment of this subject. It does, however, raise courageous questions in a direct but not mean-spirited manner about the evangelical church's sometimes uncritical rush to jump on the CCM bandwagon. We would do well to consider prayerfully whether or not the church has been aided or hindered in its faithfulness by making use of worldly musical styles in its services of worship.

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Book Review: Abidan Paul Shah, Changing the Goalpost of New Testament Textual Criticism, in Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol. 14, No. 1 (January 2022): 174-178.

Puritan Reformed Journal, 2022

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Book Review: Elijah Hixson and Peter J. Gurry, eds., Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism, in Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol. 14, No. 1 (January 2022): 166-172.

Puritan Reformed Journal, 2022

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Book Review: Iain H. Murray, Wesley and Men Who Followed, in Faith & Mission, Vol. 21, No. 2 (2004): 87-89.

Faith & Mission, 2004

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Book Review: Iain H. Murray, Evangelicalism Divided: A Record of Crucial Change in the Years 1950-2000, in Faith & Mission, Vol. 20, No. 2 (Spring 2003): 124-125.

Faith & Mission, 2003

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Book Review. Jeffrey D. Johnson, Behind the Bible: A Primer on Textual Criticism, in Reformed Baptist Trumpet, Vol. 3, No. 2 (2012): 29-32.

Reformed Baptist Trumpet, 2012

Book Review Jeffrey D. Johnson, Behind the Bible: A Primer on Textual Criticism (Solid Ground Chr... more Book Review Jeffrey D. Johnson, Behind the Bible: A Primer on Textual Criticism (Solid Ground Christian Books, 2012): 111 pp. Behind the Bible is a booklet written by Jeffrey D. Johnson, pastor of Grace Bible Church in Conway, Arkansas which provides a popular overview and introduction to text critical study of the New Testament. Perhaps a better title would be Behind the New Testament, since the book does not address the text of the Old Testament. An introduction is provided by Dr. Richard Belcher and a back cover endorsement by apologist James White. Content: After the forward by Belcher, the book consists of five chapters: In chapter one, "A Need for Textual Criticism," Johnson notes the necessity for some grasp of text critical issues given the modern proliferation of English translations.

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"Who Wrote the Epistle of James?" Sword & Trowel, Issue No. 1 (2021): 13-16.

Sword & Trowel, 2021

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Jeffrey T. Riddle, "The Coherence-Based Genealogical Method (CBGM): The Newest 'New' Method," in Trinitarian Bible Society, Quarterly Record, Issue No. 635 (April-June, 2021): 12-19.

Quarterly Record, 2021

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Puritan Reformed Journal, 2019

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The Ending of Mark as a Canonical Crisis, Puritan Reformed Journal Vol. 10, No. 1 (January 2018): 31-54

Download

John Calvin and Text Criticism, Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol. 9, No. 2 (July 2017): 128-146.

Download

Erasmus Anecdotes, Puritan Reformed Journal Vol. 9, No. 1 (January 2017): 101-112.

Download

Review Article: Poh Boon Sing's "A Garden Enclosed," Puritan Reformed Journal Vol. 9, No. 1 (January 2017): 281-290.

Download

Richard Baxter and the Multi-Site Movement.9-Marks E-Journal (May/June 2009).

This article uses the pastoral theology of the Puritan Richard Baxter and his "Reformed Pastor" t... more

Download

Are the Daughters of Philip Among the Prophets of Acts? JBMW Vol 11, No. 1 (Spring 2006): 20-29.

This paper examines the claim that the author of Acts intended to present the daughters of Philip... more

Download

The 1919 Statement of Belief and the Tradition of Confessional Boundaries, Faith & Mission, Vol. 20, No. 2 (Spring 2003): 40-59.

Download

The Reformed Baptist Trumpet, 2012

Download

Book Review: Baptist Hymnal (2008), in Evangelical Forum Newsletter, Vol. 5., No. 3 (2008): 58-61.

Download

Book Review: Iain H, Murray, John MacArthur: Servant of the Word and Flock, in Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol. 4, No. 2 (2012): 238-241.

Puritan Reformed Journal, 2012

Download

Book Review: Baptist Hymnal (2008), in Evangelical Forum Newsletter, Vol. 5, No. 3 (2008): 58-61.

Evangelical Forum Newsletter, 2008

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Book Review: Dan Lucarini, Why I Left the Contemporary Christian Music Movement: Confessions of a Former Worship Leader, in Evangelical Forum Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 3 (2004): 8.

Evangelical Forum Newsletter, 2004

Download

Book Review: Abidan Paul Shah, Changing the Goalpost of New Testament Textual Criticism, in Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol. 14, No. 1 (January 2022): 174-178.

Puritan Reformed Journal, 2022

Download

Book Review: Elijah Hixson and Peter J. Gurry, eds., Myths and Mistakes in New Testament Textual Criticism, in Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol. 14, No. 1 (January 2022): 166-172.

Puritan Reformed Journal, 2022

Download

Book Review: Iain H. Murray, Wesley and Men Who Followed, in Faith & Mission, Vol. 21, No. 2 (2004): 87-89.

Faith & Mission, 2004

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Book Review: Iain H. Murray, Evangelicalism Divided: A Record of Crucial Change in the Years 1950-2000, in Faith & Mission, Vol. 20, No. 2 (Spring 2003): 124-125.

Faith & Mission, 2003

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Book Review. Jeffrey D. Johnson, Behind the Bible: A Primer on Textual Criticism, in Reformed Baptist Trumpet, Vol. 3, No. 2 (2012): 29-32.

Reformed Baptist Trumpet, 2012

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Book Review: J. Ryan Davidson, Green Pastures: A Primer on the Ordinary Means of Grace, in Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol 13, No. 2 (July 2021): 258-259.

Puritan Reformed Journal, 2021

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Book Review: David Murray, How Sermons Work, in Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol. 5 No. 1 (2013): 266-268.

Puritan Reformed Journal, 2013

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Book Review: W. Gary Crampton, Grant What Thou Commandest: The Theology of Augustine of Hippo, in Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol. 5, No. 2 (2013): 265-267.

Puritan Reformed Journal, 2013

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Book Review: Faith Cook, Troubled Journey: A Missionary Childhood in War-Torn China, in Evangelical Forum Newsletter, Vol. 6, No. 1 (2009): 13-14.

Evangelical Forum Newsletter, 2009

Book Review Faith Cook, Troubled Journey: A Missionary Childhood in War-Torn China (Banner of Tru... more

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Book Review: D. A. Carson, Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson, in Evangelical Forum Newsletter, Vol. 6, No. 1 (2009); 12-13.

Evangelical Forum Newsletter, 2009

Book Review D. A. Carson, Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson (... more Book Review D. A. Carson, Memoirs of an Ordinary Pastor: The Life and Reflections of Tom Carson (Wheaton, Ill.: Crossway, 2008): 160pp. D. A. Carson, research professor of New Testament at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School, is among the most influential neo-evangelical Biblical scholars of our times. This book is a biographical tribute to his father, who served as a church planter and pastor in French Canada. In the preface, Carson states, Most of us-let us be frank-are ordinary pastors. Dad was one of them. This little book is a modest attempt to let the voice and ministry of one ordinary pastor be heard, for such servants have much to teach us (p. 9). Among other things, this book also reveals how a father's faithfulness can bear fruit in the life of his son.

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Book Review: Albert N. Martin, Preaching in the Holy Spirit, in Puritan Reformed Journal, Vol. 4, No. 1 (January 2012): 336-338.

Puritan Reformed Journal, 2012

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Book Review: Joel Beeke, Striving Against Satan: Knowing the Enemy--His Weakness, His Strategy, His Defeat, in Evangelical Forum Newsletter, Vol. 5, No. 3 (2008): 57-58.

Evangelical Forum Newsletter, 2008

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Book Review: R.T. Kendall, In Pursuit of His Glory: My 25 Years at Westminster Chapel, in Evangelical Forum Newsletter, Vol. 5, No. 1 (2008): 20-21.

Evangelical Forum Newsletter, 2008

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Book Review: E. S. Williams, The Dark Side of Christian Counseling, in Reformed Baptist Trumpet, Vol. 1, No. 1 (2010): 9-10.

Reformed Baptist Trumpet, 2010

Book Review E. S. Williams, The Dark Side of Christian Counseling (Wakeman Trust & Belmont House ... more Book Review E. S. Williams, The Dark Side of Christian Counseling (Wakeman Trust & Belmont House Publishing, 2009): 155 pp. This book, written by a Christian physician in the United Kingdom, is an expose of what the author calls "the Christian Counseling Movement." The book asks two basic questions: Is the type of counseling advocated by the contemporary Christian counseling movement a legitimate part of Christian ministry? And does the church benefit from the attempt to integrate secular psychological studies with Biblical truth? The work begins by noting that "the flame of psychological counseling burns brightly in the Christian church" (p. 7). From church based counseling centers, to courses in psychology and counseling in Christian colleges and schools, to sermons that address "self-esteem," to popular Christian speakers like Larry Crabb and James Dobson, this movement has made deep inroads among evangelical churches.

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Book Review: Metropolitan Hilarion Alfeyev, Jesus Christ: His Life And His Teaching, Vol. 1: The Beginning of the Gospel, in Midwestern Journal of Theology, Vol. 20, No. 1 (2021): 121-124.

Midwestern Journal of Theology, 2021

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A Theological Critique of Multi-Site Ministry

This paper offers a review of the book "The Multi-Site Church Revolution" (Zondervan, 2006) and o... more

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The Doctrines of Grace: An Introduction to the Five Points of Calvinism

Trumpet Books, 2019

This book provides a popular introduction to the Reformed doctrine of salvation, or the doctrines... more

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