W. Robert Godfrey

Dr. W. Robert Godfrey is a Ligonier Ministries teaching fellow and chairman of Ligonier Ministries. He is president emeritus and professor emeritus of church history at Westminster Seminary California. He is the featured teacher for the six-part Ligonier teaching series A Survey of Church History. His many books include God’s Pattern for Creation, Reformation Sketches, An Unexpected Journey, Learning to Love the Psalms, and Saving the Reformation.

  • The Puritans in New England Media Resource by

    When the Puritans came to the New World, they had no intention of establishing a new religion. What they did want to do, however, was bring their old world religious ideal into reality. Despite the inherent difficulties in their new environment, the Puritans found some measure of early success. But as time passed, internal challenges added to the external. In this lecture, Dr. Godfrey will summarize the religious foundations of the American colonies, looking especially at the Puritans’ desire to maintain a pure church. View Resource

  • Continuing the Reformation Media Resource by ,

    The Reformation was a turning point in the history of the church. And in its aftermath, Protestants wanted to continue along the trajectory set by the Reformers. They sought to further develop a theology which was reformed according to Scripture, and to continue to purify, discipline, and grow the church. Accordingly, there were many internal challenges facing the fledgling Reformed church. And in addition to these internal challenges, there were many external challenges. In this lesson, Dr. Godfrey will explain the major challenges that faced the Reformed church as it sought to be a faithful witness in an ever-changing world. View Resource

  • Wesley and Whitefield Media Resource by

    The religious climate in England in the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries was cold and dry. Onto this barren landscape came George Whitefield and John Wesley, whose powerful preaching and novel methods played an important role in kindling hearts and stirring religious affection. In this lecture, Dr. Godfrey will introduce both of these men, the spiritual context within which they worked, and the results of their ministries. View Resource

  • Puritan Piety Media Resource by ,

    Inward apathy toward the Lord masked by outward obedience is a real and constant threat in any church. Keenly aware of this danger, the Puritans zealously proclaimed the importance of heart-felt affection for the Lord. They sought to nourish genuine faith and piety especially through passionate preaching, Bible studies, and conscientious Sabbath observance. Though frequently portrayed as joyless legalists, we will see in this lesson that in reality, Puritans were more frequently characterized by their pursuit of joyful, sincere devotion to the Lord. View Resource

  • Puritan Politics Media Resource by ,

    During the mid-seventeenth century, England was embroiled in a civil war between the king’s forces and those of parliament. The aftermath of this conflict saw political change and much theological reflection. It was during this time period that the Westminster Assembly met to reform doctrine, church government, and worship. In this lecture, you will study this tumultuous time period, focusing on the connection between the Puritans and politics. You will also come to a better understanding of the climate within which the Westminster Assembly took place. View Resource

  • The Enlightenment Media Resource by

    The Enlightenment had a profound effect on Western thought. During this period, some sought to reconcile the Christian faith with modern thought, while others tried to cut themselves completely from their Christian moorings. But even those who set out to uproot the Christian influence upon society ended up adopting suspiciously similar ideas. In this lecture, Dr. Godfrey will show us how the church navigated through the Enlightenment, pointing out the different responses to this new challenge. View Resource

  • The Great Awakening Media Resource by

    The Great Awakening was a time of great religious interest that began in New England and spread throughout the American colonies. It was spearheaded by the great preacher George Whitefield, and aided by America’s most prominent pastor and theologian, Jonathan Edwards. In this lecture, Dr. Godfrey will explain the history of this influential movement, focusing on its key figures. He will also look back to England and revisit the ministry and influence of John Wesley during this time period. View Resource

  • Puritan Views of Assurance and Conversion Media Resource by

    Assurance of one’s salvation is an important part of Protestant faith, and one of the many marks that sharply distinguishes it from Roman Catholicism. In the seventeenth century, however, many within Puritan circles struggled with this issue. In this lecture, Dr. Godfrey will explain this struggle. He will also spend considerable time discussing the Puritan understanding of conversion, and will show that the very idea of conversion has changed dramatically over the past few centuries. View Resource

  • Scholastic Theology Media Resource by ,

    One might think of scholastic theology as dry, nitpicky, and irrelevant, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Many scholastic theologians were learned, lively, and deeply concerned not just about orthodoxy, but also piety. Although their writings are often challenging, Christians today can benefit greatly from these past saints. In this lecture, Dr. Godfrey will survey the scholastic movement, pointing out its importance and relevance for the church—past and present. View Resource

  • Questions and Answers #1 Media Resource by , , , ,

    Sinclair Ferguson, W. Robert Godfrey, Steven Lawson, Albert Mohler, and R.C. Sproul answer questions ranging from addressing how we should speak with those who have embraced a homosexual lifestyle, to the use of images of Jesus and recent movies featuring biblical themes. Questions: How do US army chaplains stay faithful to God and His truth, and provide the gospel to same-sex couples? How do they stay faithful amidst the persecution? (00:13) I have a son who has entered in to a homosexual lifestyle. How do I handle this, how do I act, what do I say? (02:58) I have … View Resource

  • Do Not Love the World Media Resource by

    Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world. Historically, many have found this a difficult goal to achieve. In this session, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey will explore why the church finds the world so appealing, the biblical warnings against loving the world, and what love of the world tells us about our souls, and he will advise us on how to recognize the ways that we love the world. View Resource

  • Against the World Media Resource by

    During the first centuries of the church’s existence, there were times when heresy seemed to have won the day. In this session, Dr. W. Robert Godfrey will reflect on the experience of Athanasius and affirm the calling of Christians to stand against the world, explain that we will have trouble in this world, and remind us of the importance of standing firm against attacks on the person and work of Christ. View Resource

  • The Synod of Dort Media Resource by

    When times of trial and persecution come to an end, the absence of external tension may create opportunities for internal strife and division. With the threat of Spanish invasion no longer uniting the Dutch people, controversy surrounding the teachings of the late Jacobus Arminius began to polarize the Reformed churches in the Netherlands. At the resulting Synod of Dort, church leaders responded to this crisis by officially adopting the doctrinal positions that have become one of the distinguishing marks of Reformed Christianity. View Resource

  • The Dutch Reformation Media Resource by

    The success or failure of the Reformation in a particular region often depended on whether the ruler of the region supported or opposed it. However, the Dutch Reformation was an exception to this tendency. Though bitterly opposed by the Habsburg monarchs, Protestantism attracted a large following in the Low Countries. As religious and political tension led to upheaval and war, the courage and persistence of the Dutch people prepared the way for a free Dutch Republic and the rise of the Dutch Reformed Church. View Resource

  • The Scottish Reformation Media Resource by

    As the teachings of the Protestant Reformation spread throughout Europe, Protestant movements appeared in many different countries. In some areas, the political authorities quickly established Protestantism as the official religion. In nations like France and Spain, the Reformation was eventually suppressed by relentless persecution. However, persecution was not always able to extinguish the Protestant cause. In the case of Scotland, the Reformation took root in spite of government opposition, largely through the diligent and persistent ministry of John Knox. View Resource