Why Protestants Should Read the Apocrypha:

1) The canonical Scriptures, the Fathers, and the Reformers all reference the Apocrypha and understanding them will increase our literacy with those sources.

2) Understanding inter-testamental history is key to understanding the New Testament.

3) They were highly esteemed by our forefathers in the faith as beneficial and illustrative books.

4) The Apocrypha receive the approbation of our confessions (Belgic Confession, Article 6; Westminster Confession I.III, 2nd Helvetic Confession Chapter 1).

5) Knowing the Apocrypha is helpful in Roman Catholic apologetics.

My recommendation would be to read an RSV-CE or NRSV-CE (Catholic edition).

The question which must be asked is: Who made Mordor so terrible?

Doug Wilson, James White, and their collaborators have long been terrible on central issues.

However, they didn't feel the need to open fire on us until recently. They viewed the left as a bigger enemy.

No longer. We should take note of their own assessment of the situation.

We utterly damn the vanity of those that affirm sacraments to be nothing else but naked and bare signs. No, we assuredly believe that by Baptism we are ingrafted in Christ Jesus to be made partakers of his justice, by the which our sins are covered and remitted; and also, that in the Supper, rightly used, Christ Jesus is so joined with us, that he becomes the very nourishment and food of our souls.

-- Scots Confession Ch. 21, John Knox 1560

DEFINITION OF BIBLICAL THEOLOGY Biblical Theology is that branch of Exegetical Theology which deals with the process of the self-revelation of God deposited in the Bible. In the above definition the term ‘revelation’ is taken as a noun of action. Biblical…

John Calvin on Parental Authority

However unworthy of honor a father may be, that he still retains, inasmuch as he is a father, his right over his children, provided it does not in anywise derogate from the judgment of God....

In condemning, therefore, the vices of a father, a truly pious son will subscribe to God's Law; and still, whatsoever he may be, will acknowledge that he is to be honored, as being the father given him by God....

Paul, therefore, does not simply exhort children to obey their parents, but adds the restriction, "in the Lord;" whereby he indicates that, if a father enjoins anything unrighteous, obedience is freely to be denied him. Immoderate strictness, moroseness, and even cruelty must be born, so long as a mortal man, by wickedly demanding what is not lawful, does not endeavor to rob God of His right. In a word, the Law so subjects children to their parents, as that God's right may remain uninfringed.

Commentary on Exodus [20:12]

Masculinity is the glad assumption of sacrificial responsibility.

-- Doug Wilson

Westminster Larger Catechism 161:

Q. How do the sacraments become effectual means of salvation?

A. The sacraments become effectual means of salvation, not by any power in themselves, or any virtue derived from the piety or intention of him by whom they are administered; but only by the working of the Holy Ghost, and the blessing of Christ by whom they are instituted.