Foundations 89 (Spring 2026)

Issue 89 of Foundations: An International Journal of Evangelical Theology, published by Affinity, is now available from here (requiring an email address for a link to a downloadable pdf, though check here) which includes the below essays on the topic of adoption.

Donald John MacLean

Editorial

Tim Trumper

The Recovery of Adoption: A Brief Progress Report

Talk of the neglect of the doctrine of adoption has become commonplace over the last decades. Less recognised is that this awareness has arisen from a slowly developing concern to recover the doctrine. Thus, the author, participant in the endeavour for thirty-plus years, explains why the recovery became necessary, identifies Robert S. Candlish’s 1864 Cunningham Lectures on the Fatherhood of God as its dawn, and traces the emergent interest in adoption down to the present via the disciplines of historical, biblical, and systematic theology. Various phases of the recovery are traversed, and numerous tensions (methodological, exegetical, linguistic, and structural) are highlighted. Their resolution promises the matured exposition and application of adoption, and calls for the methodological renewal of classic systematics. Aspects of this renewal and its benefits are mentioned, for adoption can only be said to be finally recovered once the doctrine is fully and satisfactorily (re-)integrated into the discipline of systematic theology.  

David McKay

Adoption in the Old Testament

Although the language of adoption is not used in the OT, and the possible examples of adoption practice are few, the concept of adoption is present and significant. Israel is described by the Lord as his son, as at the time of the Exodus, and the relationship established by the Lord is fundamentally covenantal. The relationship between God and the king of Israel is also stated in terms of an adoptive father/son relationship. The concept of kingship in Israel is thus profoundly different from that common in other nations. The ultimate fulfilment of prophetic references to the king as God’s son is found in the person and work of the Messiah, the Son of God incarnate. In the NT context, believers in union with the Son become the adopted children of God and share in a fulness of blessing beyond that experienced by OT believers.

Dan Peters

Preaching a Comfortable Doctrine: the Doctrine of Adoption

The Puritan notion of ‘a comfortable gospel’ (that is, a gospel that minsters comfort to believers) is worthy of consideration by contemporary preachers. The article argues that the doctrine of adoption ought to be a key component of ‘comfortable’ preaching. The various benefits of preaching adoption are delineated, including its impact on a congregation’s holiness and prayerfulness. It is proposed that other, quite specific needs are met when adoption is homiletically prominent: a lifeline is extended to those who have wandered from the faith; and the parents of wanderers also receive valuable help. Attention is given to the benefit the pastor himself yields from prioritising this doctrine in his preaching. Finally, the influence of the seminary on the pulpit is noted, and the implications of that for the preaching of adoption are considered.

Malcom Maclean

A Family Dispute About Adoption

In 1862, a trust was set up to fund a lectureship in honour of William Cunningham, the recently deceased Principal of the Free Church College in Edinburgh. Two years later, Robert S. Candlish delivered six lectures on the theme of The Fatherhood of God, and a year later, in 1865, they were published for the first time. Over the next five years, four further editions of the lectures appeared. Changes in those editions were caused by responses made to the lectures. Candlish claimed that previously very little attention had been given to the doctrine, but his treatment of the theme ensured that a lot of attention was given to his ideas. This article aims to identify the main features of his lectures and also some of the responses made to him. 

Book Reviews

Centre for Public Christianity (November 2020)

The Centre for Public Christianity has posted two ‘Life and Faith’ podcasts, related to the current US elections: one (here) with Krish Kandiah on ‘the joys and challenges of caring for children in great need’, and one (here) in which ‘a poet, a philosopher, a jazz musician, and a couple in their fiftieth year of marriage explore the counterintuitive idea that freedom requires constraints’.

Knowing and Doing (Summer 2018)

The Summer 2018 edition of Knowing & Doing – ‘A Teaching Quarterly for Discipleship of Heart and Mind’ – from the C.S. Lewis Institute is now available online (from here), and contains the following articles:

Joel Woodruff

President’s Letter: You Too Can Be an Evangelist like Billy Graham

In this President’s Letter, Joel Woodruff reflects on three biblical principles he learned from Billy Graham that he hopes to live out. He believes that if each of us were to follow these simple biblical principles as exemplified in the life of Billy Graham, we too would be given opportunities to become evangelists as we share the hope we have as sinners saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.

Lindsey Scholl

The Remarkable Dorothy L. Sayers

Dorothy L. Sayers, author of sixteen novels, ten plays, six translations, and twenty-four works of non-fiction, was an accomplished writer in multiple genres. In this article, Lindsey Scholl notes that Sayers had a hard-hitting, humorous, competent style, and argues that reading her would benefit many Christians today, particularly those inclined to use their faith as a cover for sloppy thinking. Scholl introduces readers to the body of Sayers’ work, and also to her colorful, confrontational personality.

Thomas A. Tarrants

The Place of Fasting in the Christian Life

Tom Tarrants observes that judging from recent research and anecdotal evidence, it appears that very few professing Christians in America think fasting has a place in the Christian life. He observes, however, that from the earliest days of the church, fasting has been recognized as an important way to draw near to God, deepen one’s relationship with Him, and seek His help in times of special need. Tarrants explains that if you desire a deeper, more intimate and fruitful relationship with God, or if you need His help in a time of real need, fasting is an important means of grace to practice. This article will provide helpful understanding and practical guidance for anyone who wants to experience this blessing.

Stan Wallace

Two Exceptional Women and One Extremely Fortunate Son

Stan Wallace always knew he was adopted, and nearly 55 years later would visit with his birth mother by phone and in person. In this article, Wallace shares lessons he has learned from the examples of his birth and adoptive mothers, and how his experience has helped him understand the meaning of adoption into the family of God.

Mark R. Talbot

The Importance of Vocation

In this first article in a two-part series addressing vocation and calling, Mark Talbot discusses the importance of a biblical view of vocation. He addresses the questions: What were we made for?, What are we made to be?, and How are we able to fulfill our vocation?

Jim Phillips

An Encouragement to Read Thomas à Kempis’s The Imitation of Christ

Before there was Oswald Chambers (My Utmost for His Highest) or other noted devotional writers, a disciple longing to follow Jesus would read The Imitation of Christ by Thomas à Kempis, written between 1420 and 1427. It has been said that Thomas à Kempis used or alluded to more than a thousand Scriptures. In this article, Jim Phillips encourages readers to pick up this classic book and benefit from wisdom that is relevant to all people, for all time, without chronological bias.

Gerard Manley Hopkins (1844-1889)

Poem: God’s Grandeur

In each issue of Knowing and Doing we include a poem as part of our desire to promote discipleship of the heart and mind. Poems stir affection, inspire devotion and stimulate emotions. No wonder the Scriptures contains so many of them! And by the way, C.S. Lewis loved poetry.

Thomas Aquinas (1225-1274)

Short Reading from a Classic Christian Book: Five Ways to Prove the Existence of God

A short reading from a classic Christian book by Thomas Aquinas that we hope will be a blessing to you.