A provocative call out of denominationalism toward what the author deems "reformational catholicity."

Leithart sets forth his understanding of the history of Christianity in the West over the past 500 years, his conviction regarding the impending end of denominationalism as we know it, and his desire for what he calls "reformational Catholicism."

Leithart has previously written and spoken regarding the "end of Protestantism" as the Mainline declines and Evangelicalism follows soon after; he affirms the central emphases of the Reformation but would like to see further rapprochement with Rome (as long as Rome also recognizes what he deems valid in the Reformation). He also has written much about the perichoretic relational unity within the Trinity and how such is the model for unity among believers in John 17:20-23.

It is refreshing to see a robust voice among Protestants crying out regarding the difficulties, problems, and outright sin manifest in the denominationalism inherent in Christendom. It is great to see a Protestant recognize the importance of the unity of the church according to the truth. It is good to hear a Protestant recognize the hollow emptiness of what has passed for the ecumenical movement in the past century. It is wonderful to have a Protestant recognize the importance of returning to weekly communion. He even recognizes that "faith alone" is only mentioned once in Scripture, in james 2, and is denied, and that attempts to suppress James betrays a not-so-"Sola Scriptura" ideology.

And yet I find the work ultimately quite disappointing because Leithart blithely assumes throughout the basis of current ecumenism. To Leithart the disagreements regarding practice and doctrine which has gripped Christendom for 500 years ultimately proves intractable; for some reason, insistence remains on agreement with the first millennium creeds, but disagreements about church practice and doctrines among various Protestant churches can remain "safely" in the "disputables" camp. Thus, throughout, he assumes that the true unity of the church can only happen when Catholics, Protestants, and the Orthodox come together to be one.

His almost complete silence regarding the Restoration Movement is therefore quite telling. There have been plenty of Christians for over 200 years proclaiming that denominationalism is wrong, that the Church of Christ must be one, and calling for everyone to set aside the creeds and denominationalism according to the traditions of men in order to become simply Christians and seek to do Bible things as the Bible teaches. This group has been derided as sectarian by those who wish to continue to adhere to various doctrines not taught in Scripture and who uphold all of these denominational structures; and yet, if we are to be one as God is one in Himself, that unity cannot just brush all sorts of real and substantive disagreements under the table as if they are not really that important in the end.

It is great, therefore, for Leithart to see the light regarding denominationalism and unity among the people of God. Unfortunately, he will not find it in "reformational Catholicism," words unfamiliar to the New Testament. But he could find it in a return to pure apostolic Christianity as set forth in the Scriptures and within the association of those who seek to follow God according to what is made known in Scripture and eschewing all the organizations and organizational trappings of mankind.

**--galley received as part of early review program ( )