1 Contents of Francis Turretin’s Institutes of Elenctic Theology (1679-85) Translated by George Musgrave Giger. Edited by James T Dennison, Jr. (Phillipsburg, NJ: P&R Publishing: 1992-97) First Topic Theology Ref. I Should the word “theology” be used in the Christian schools, and in how many ways can it be understood? I.1 II Whether there is a theology and its divisions I.3 III Whether natural theology may be granted I.6 IV Is natural theology sufficient for salvation; or is there a common religion by which all promiscuously may be saved? We deny against the Socinians and Remonstrants. I.9 The Object of Theology V Are God and divine things the objects of theology? We affirm. I.16 The Genus of Theology VI What is the genus of theology? I.18 VII Is theology theoretical or practical? I.20 VIII Is human reason the principle and rule by which the doctrines of the Christian religion and theology (which are the objects of faith) ought to be measured? We deny against the Socinians. I.23 IX Does any judgment belong to reason in matters of faith? Or is there no use at all for it? I.28 X May the judgment of contradiction be allowed to human reason in matters of faith? We affirm. I.32 XI Is there any use of the testimony of the senses in mysteries of faith; or ought it to be entirely rejected? We affirm the former and deny the latter. I.34 The Use of Consequences XII Are the doctrines of faith and practice to be proved only by the express word of God? May they not also be legitimately proved by consequences drawn from Scripture? We affirm the latter. I.37 XIII Is there any use of philosophy in theology? We affirm. I.44 Fundamental Articles and Errors XIV Are some theological topics fundamental, others not; and how can they be mutually distinguished? I.48 Second Topic The Holy Scriptures I Was a verbal revelation necessary? We affirm. I.55 The Necessity of Scripture II Was it necessary for the word of God to be committed to writing? We affirm. I.57 III Were the sacred Scriptures written only occasionally and without the divine command? We deny against the papists. I.60 The Authority of the Holy Scriptures IV Are the holy Scriptures truly authentic and divine? We affirm. I.62