Journal: Westminster Theological Journal
Volume: WTJ 65:2 (Fall 2003)
Article: Abstracts Of Recent WTS Doctoral Dissertations
Author: Anonymous

WTJ 65:2 (Fall 2003) p. 357

Abstracts Of Recent WTS Doctoral Dissertations

Reflections On The Life And Thought Of Robert Lewis Dabney With Particular Reference To His Views On Divine Sovereignty And Human Free Agency

David Frank Coffin, Jr.

Robert Lewis Dabney was once numbered among the champions of historic Reformed Theology. Today, however, he is largely unknown. Though popular reprints have kept him from complete obscurity, in academic circles Dabney remains a neglected figure. This dissertation seeks to make a small contribution toward overcoming this neglect. First, in chapters giving an historical exposition of his work, one of the chief subjects of his concern—the doctrine of divine sovereignty and human free agency—is highlighted. Second, in appendices providing the most comprehensive listing of Dabney’s published works, sermon manuscripts, and literary interests available to date, further study and critical appreciation of Dabney’s thought are facilitated.

Chapter one shows how Dabney’s background, training, and reading contributed to the formation of his thought. Chapter two reviews Dabney’s preaching concerning the sovereignty of grace, the sinner’s “inability,” and the call to responsibly exercise faith. Chapter three considers Dabney’s teaching on this subject at Union Theological Seminary, reviewing his method of instruction and the content of his teaching as preserved in his Syllabus and Notes. Chapter four takes up Dabney’s controversy with B. M. Palmer concerning the ability of sinners, or lack thereof. Chapter five turns to the conflict between Dabney and Charles Hodge (and others) concerning the primacy of the intellect or will with respect to the seat of original sin and holiness. Chapter six examines Dabney’s literary combat with A. T. Bledsoe, focusing particularly on the latter’s assertion of a contra-causal freedom in man. Chapter seven considers the critique of Dabney set forth in John L. Girardeau’s peculiar “Reformed” version of the Arminian power of contrary choice. Chapter eight turns to Dabney’s labor on the subject at the University of Texas, examining the relevant portions of Dabney’s deeper investigations into moral philosophy, particularly in his last and crowning work on the subject, The Practical Philosophy. A final chapter surveys Dabney’s life and work more broadly, showing how questions concerning the sovereignty of

WTJ 65:2 (Fall 2003) p. 358

God and man’s free-agency were of great practical concern, while noting that Dabney’s understanding of the topic was central to his thought in a number of other areas.

WTJ 65:2 (Fall 2003) p. 359

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