Reforming Apologetics (Common Notions)
Summary
Dr. Fesko’s overall goal is to show that Anthony Burgess’s views on common notions, which are also implicit in the Westminster Standards, are in line with a prior tradition extending through the early modern Reformed period back to Aquinas (at least). Nevertheless, a caution is in order: The Synopsis was “a theological work written by three professors who served as delegates to the Synod of Dordt (1618-19)” and it addresses (among other things) the topics of natural law and common notions. Fesko reviews these instances and concludes: The works of other divines, such as George Gillespie and Anthony Tuckney, show that the Westminster theologians had no problem with the idea of common notions and viewed it as “part of a shared catholic doctrinal heritage.” (p. 42) Turretin serves as a further witness to the continuity of the Reformed tradition on this issue. By drawing the concept of common notions chiefly from Romans 1:19 and 2:14-15, they were following the teaching of Scripture and specifically the apostle Paul’s claims regarding the works of the law divinely inscribed on the heart. This is important for Fesko because common notions provide the crucial point of contact in apologetics between the believer and the unbeliever; in particular, a natural knowledge of moral norms and the existence of God.