Customer Reviews:
Becoming anchored in the TRUTH.......2007-07-24
Having been, by God's grace, regenerated 34 years ago, I happily attended church, read the Word, prayed, taught women's Bible study - and believed that I (did you read that?) chose to 'ask Jesus into my heart' and save me!
I have, during these 34 years, believed the doctrines of: free-will, dispensationalism, semi-works salvation (Baptist style). THEN, Reformation theology was presented to me. I balked, fought against it, considered it a lie. Next, I read 'The Five Points of Calvinism' and God revealed His truth through it. I have read many, many books on Reformation theology since, and NOW it is ALL so clear...God's eternal plan, why the five 'solas' described in this book are the basis for understanding God's character, His master plan. I have a two-word suggestion for you: BUY IT!
Excellent Scripture References.......2007-05-09
This book is a great introduction to the main points of Calvinism. The author provides an easy-to-follow outline that provides relevant scripture for each point.
Great reference..........2007-01-09
Does the title give it away? This book is an update from the highly acclaimed book from Steele and Thomas and is great primer on what exactly Calvinism is. It is not exhaustive and was not meant to be but seems to be more a "dictionary" of sorts for reference on the 5 points. For each section it gives the defense and expalantion of the point, then gives you reference material for more reading.
This book is great to keep on your book shelf to reference verses in the Bible for the different doctrines, but if you are looking for a complete defense of the doctrines of Grace you will be disapointed.
The works that I especially found interesting was the appendix which went of a lot of tough questions that are posed to Calvinist based on Scripture and also those questions that are asked outside of the camp of Calvinism.
In my humble opinion if you know very little on these doctrines pick up this book alongside "A Journey in Grace" and you will at least be introduced to where you should go next.
Calvinism Succinct and Concise.......2006-08-25
This little book's title says it all, The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, Documented. [This review refers to an earlier version.] For the sake of disclosure, I do not hold to even one point of Calvinism. I reject Calvinism in whole and in every part. Nevertheless, this book easily gets five stars. It's my favorite reference on Calvinism.
This is the ultimate starting point if one desires to learn about Calvinism. The book is in three parts. Each part is succinct and concise. This is the Cliff's Notes of Calvinism.
Part one compares and contrasts the five points of Arminianism with the five points of Calvinism along with some brief historical information. Whether Arminianism is presented fairly or not is of little relevance, since this book is about Calvinism, not Arminianism. This is an excellent overview of the five points of Calvinism, and it serves to quickly lay the foundation for the rest of the book.
Part two presents the five points of Calvinism in a slightly expanded form with each point and sub-point supported by numerous Scriptures. This is the meatof the book as promised in the title. There are not a lot of philosophical arguments here, just statements of Calvinist doctrine, and Bible texts to support those statements with key words of the texts in italics. The is the best, most concise, presentation of Calvinism one is likely to find anywhere. I find it my most often used reference for Calvinist verses.
Part three is a listing of works on Calvinism for further study. There are references to general works, works concerning the particular points of Calvinism, and even pamphlets about Calvinism. This is an excellent compendium of Calvinist sources.
The appendix presents the Calvinist view of foreknowledge as found in Romans 8:29. The newer version has considerably more material.
When it comes to learning about Calvinism, there is no better starting place than this book. And, not only is this book the very best starting point, but the multitude of references will supply an ongoing source of Calvinist doctrine for those who wish to study further.
The 5 points.......2005-12-28
I received this book the day after Christmas and completed it the following day. It's definitely not an exhaustive book on the topic of Calvinism. However, the author makes it clear that wasn't his intention. If you are examining the topic for the first time this may be a good place to start. The book starts out by examining the 5 points of Arminianism next to the 5 points of Calvinism. Preceding the historical interdiction there is a short explanation for each of the 5 points following a string of scriptures. In the middle of the book is an exhaustive list of recommended books for further study. My favorite section of the whole book was the appendix. Out of the 8 sections of the appendix I most liked the section that answered the meaning of the word "Foreknew" in Romans 8:29...Another book outside of this one that conveys the Reformed stereological position is RC Sproul's book "Chosen by God" Sproul goes more into the philosophical questions that often arise with this topic.
Book Description
A centuries-old belief system is put to the test as two prominent authors examine and debate the subject of Calvinism from opposing viewpoints. James White, author of The Potter's Freedom, takes the Calvinist position. Dave Hunt, author of What Love Is This, opposes him. The exchange is lively and at times intense as these two articulate men wrestle over what the Scriptures tell us about God's sovereignty and man's free will. This thought-provoking, challenging book provides potent responses to the most frequently asked questions about Calvinism.
Is God free to love anyone He wants?
Do you have any choice in your own salvation?
It’s time to find out.
Calvinism has been a topic of intense discussion for centuries. In this lively debate, two passionate thinkers take opposing sides, providing valuable responses to the most frequently asked questions about Calvinism. Only you can decide where you stand on questions that determine how you think about your salvation.
Story Behind the Book
The subject of Calvinism has been hotly debated for many years, and now two prominent authors and researchers will debate this controversial topic in a book debate. This project came about when Mr. Hunt wrote
What Love is This- Calvinism’s Misrepresentation of God. Mr. Hunt was challenged by many on the Calvinist bench and he eventually agreed to do a debate in a book format. The books purpose is to get you to think and come to your own conclusions
Customer Reviews:
Good topic, leaves reader frustrated.......2007-06-29
The topic is not new, and it's been written/spoken about numerous times. Does God foreordain salvation? Or is it something He merely has knowledge of man's free will choices? In this book, Dave Hunt--who admittedly just began his study of the topic in 2000--and James R. White go toe to toe to determine which view is more scriptural. The topics are varied, with the first half of the book starting with James White, and then the other person getting a turn, for a total of three turns per topic. Unfortunately, I think this book will leave readers frustrated for several reasons:
1) the two become quite contentious, especially in their rebuttals and rejoinders. Hunt seems especially testy and uses some strong loaded words and ad hominem attacks that were, IMHO, not necessary. White gets frustrated because Hunt so often misunderstands his points and creates straw men. (I especially got tired of him saying that Calvinists don't believe in evangelization because why do they need to--this is one tired argument that he kept up throughout the book. In fact, I know many more Calvinists who are active in evangelism compared to my Arminian friends whom I am always telling that, if they they really did believe that it is up to a person to decide for or against God, they should plan many more evangelistic outings than they currently do.)
2) the two debaters often seem to talk past each other. I'm wondering if this debate would have been better in person, though I'm thinking they may have ended up in fisticuffs by the end. But I wonder if they would have been "nicer" in a public forum. Were they really that angry as their written words sounded? As they say about the danger of e-mails, they can be read in a wrong way. I wonder if this wasn't the case here.
3) Hunt did not seem the best representative for the Arminian position since he admittedly is not an Arminian, though he holds to all the postions, including no "P," which is not always the case with Arminians. So often he ignored White's points made in the previous section and came up with very poor exegesis on some of the vital verses used by White.
What I do like about the book is that Christians should not be scared to disagree. They can vigorously dialogue about these important issues and still understand that the essentials are in place. The book is worth a read, though it really seemed to bog down for me in the final 100 pages. But Christians need to know both sides before making up their mind about such an important issue, and this could be a good place to find out what the two sides are saying.
Debating Calvinism by Dave Hunt and James White.......2007-03-10
This is a fascinating but exasperating book. Both authors go toe to toe, but their toes -- and fists -- never really get close to each other. They both seem to be making rebuttals to thin air, perhaps because both are somewhat uncomfortable with their respective positions? Hunt, the quasi-Arminian, does a slightly better job of attempting to address his opponent's points directly. White seems to spend more time on fewer points, trying to make a more solid case for them, but would have done better briefly making the case against more points. Thus, I think he barely loses on "points" (and I am on his side). Hunt, though, appeals more to human sentiment than to the stark reality of Scripture and the wisdom of God. His back never falls prostrate to the mat simply because White never takes the open knock-down opportunities given him. Perhaps the ground rules were too stifling in the creation of this written debate. Highly engaging and engrossing, this book leaves the reader longing for a real contest -- and the Calvinist reader for a due victory.
Salvation.......2007-02-16
Dave Hunt is essentially worthless. I wish that I had a better word for him, but worthless seems to sum it up. I have his book "What Love is This", and it is the same character assassination represented in this book only much more long and drawn-out (nearly 500 pages).
James R White is an extremely skilled theologian and apologist. So if you are looking for a balanced debate book on the issue of calvinism, then this isn't the book for you. White is miles above Hunt on every level.
I recommend this book for White's sections.
Since I am writing a book as well that touches on this subject I will pose a few questions for you to answer yourself. Did Jesus die and rise to save me, or to make it possible for me to save myself by faith? Could I stand in front of Jesus and say, "If it wasn't for me believing and having faith, then you couldn't have saved me." Who are the elect, and what does the Bible mean when it talks about predestination?
Debating Calvinism.......2007-01-10
Again James White presents evidence that critics can only counter with emotion and misrepresentation from all over the map. Hunt has a hard time answering scripture with scripture. He'd rather take 15 verses and chop them into 3-4 word segments than simply explain whole texts in their context.
A confusing issue, no matter how its debated........2006-12-29
Does John Calvin successfully define the underlying truths of Scripture in his "Institutes," (ergo, "Calvinism,") or is his perspective built more upon the philosophical rational of early church theologian, Augustine? This is the central issue behind the book, Debating Calvinism.
Both James White and Dave Hunt, (like there proponents,) are well convinced of their respective positions. Each holds to his opinions tenaciously, and tries to point out the errors and fallacies of the other. When reading this book, I was struck with how philosophically oriented James White is, as he continually refers to Reformed confessions and creeds, (which are supposed to be based purely on Scripture.) Dave Hunt takes the logical conclusions of these philosophies and points out the grave errors associated with them - which are not simply theological, but practical in nature.
Since John Calvin is at the eye of the hurricane, it is quite revealing to examine his works alongside his writings. While he is esteemed by many today as being a humble, faithful man who tried his best to implement his beliefs in a Christ-like way, the evidence says otherwise. As Hunt very pointedly describes, John Calvin was a very autocratic and narrow-minded dictator of an isolated Swiss city in the 1500's. His entire history in this city is one of zeal, power, and vengeance according to his ideas and beliefs of God and His justice. Using the Old Testament Mosaic Laws as his guide, he "instituted" an entire civil code of justice that left the occupants with little room for personal freedom or theological differences.
As Hunt points out very tellingly, for someone who was so understood about the inability of unregenerate souls to do holiness and good, his system of rules and punishments were the equal to anything the Roman Catholics had been guilty of in their history. (Including the Inquisition!) People were beheaded, burned, stoned, drowned, tortured, fined, banished, imprisoned, whipped, pilloried, humiliated, made to publicly beg for mercy wearing a hair shirt, etc. Throughout all, Calvin remained resolute and unrepentant, (bragging to a friend how he had "exterminated" one such heretic, Michael Servitus.)
Calvinists would do well to examine these works, since "by their fruits ye shall know them." Though White and company instinctually distance themselves from all these, (accentuating Calvin's charitable works instead,) Hunt rightly points out these crimes are all in keeping with the worldview that Calvin's philosophy draws: "The righteous must defend God and godliness at all costs." Which is always akin to "fighting for peace."
True Christian religion follows Jesus Christ. We know Him by His works, (as we are known by ours.) 1 John 3:7, "Let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous." The early church both knew this and practiced it. They understood the philosophies behind Calvin's "perseverance of the saints," and rejected them as Gnostic heresies. (Read them yourself in a dictionary of Early Christian beliefs.)
Whereas Augustine supposed the elect could never perish eternally, Calvin was the first to adamantly declare it. The historical record shows this quite plainly, as Calvinist John Jefferson Davis described in an article titled: "The Perseverance of the Saints: A History of the Doctrine" [Journal of Evangelical Theological Society 34:2 (June 1991)].
White and Hunt have been good friends in the past, (as many from both sides of this debate have been over the years.) Apart from rooting for one's side, we are rather to obey Him.
"Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind." and, "Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us, to the glory of God."
Customer Reviews:
One of the best short treatments of Calvinism in print.......2007-10-03
I bought this book from Amazon last year, and I was greatly impressed with it. One of the most important points it stresses is that the Calvinism-Arminianism debate is actually improper, because there exists a THIRD (more biblical) alternative that is neither Calvinist nor Arminian. Alas, that point is forever lost on critics from the Reformed camp especially, who have been brainwashed by their elders into believing that all non-Calvinists like Bryson are "Arminians".
And predictably, some reviewers are upset because Bryson dares to insinuate that their sacrosanct Reformed tradition departs from scripture on the salvation issue -- which it surely does. Dave Hunt explains the details of all that in his 600-page book, but George Bryson does a very admirable job in pointing out the basic scriptural weaknesses of Calvinism in this relatively brief volume. And, in spite of reviewer accusations to the contrary, I believe Bro. Bryson does so with a gracious spirit.
Way to go, George! :-)
Michael.......2007-08-30
I have just finished reading two books from non-Calvinists: Dave Hunt's What Love is This? and George Bryson's The Five Points of Calvinism.
I think my comments about Hunt's book also apply here. They are as follows:
To my mind, Bryson's work represents yet another example of a pot being offended by the Potter (Romans 9:20-21). Like many of Jesus' followers long ago, many people today--including Bryson--reject the Lord's own teaching on the sovereignty of God in salvation (e.g., John 6:35-45) and instead conform Scripture to their presuppositional theology.
Calvinism is indeed the biblical gospel, and takes seriously the whole counsel of God, particularly the deadness of man in sin and the sovereignty of God in salvation.
On a personal note, I find myself moving away from fads, fluff, and man-centered teachings that characterize much of contemporary church life. I am discovering the deep well of Reformation theology (i.e., God-centered and God-glorifying theology), especially the doctrines of grace, the five solas, and other characteristics of Calvinism, which is indeed but another name for biblical Christianity.
With its great emphasis on the sovereignty and glory of God, the invincibility of God's grace, the authority of Scripture, etc., Reformed theology has been cool, clear water for this thirsty soul.
In an era of superficial, fad-driven, and man-centered Christianity, the ancient paths are looking better all the time.
It is high time for those of us in the American church to get out of the "kiddie pool" and start swimming in the deeper waters of God! Kiddie Christians can have their Hunts, Brysons, "KJV only" beliefs, etc.--they are welcome to them. As for me, I want to explore the deep waters of God's grace.
Interestingly, about the time I finished Bryson, I dipped into Abraham Kuyper's great work, Lectures on Calvinism. One word describes Kuyper's work: Brilliant.
I came away from my reading of Kuyper with a greater regard for both Kuyper and Calvinism. Moreover, reading Kuyper's work has brought me to a place of greater awe for the Sovereign of this world and all worlds: The Triune God.
What a world of difference between Bryson's anti-Calvinist diatribe and Kuyper's Lectures on Calvinism. The latter soars, while the former sinks ... and stinks!
Concise, Fair, Irenic, Primer on Calvinism.......2007-06-25
Hats off to George Bryson for the best concise guide on the Five Points of Calvinism that I have read to date. In all fairness to Calvinists of all stripes Bryson devotes the first half of this small format 120 page book to letting the Calvinists describe their own system--from the donkey's mouth so to speak. Since there are so many flavors of Calvinism, he graciously presents their "soft" and "hard" takes on the T.U.L.I.P. The second half is his rebuttal to each of the five points using Scripture.
Bryson rightly points out, as I have in other reviews, "that there is no Calvinism without [all] the Five Points. I agree with Bryson and mainstream Calvinists that there is no such beast as a "moderate" or "3, 4-point Calvinist". The five points stand or fall as a unit. Fortunately, being a "non-Calvinist" doesn't mean you are an Arminian either. A moderate or mediate view disagrees with both of the extremes. Biblicists, whether they realize it or not, actually disagree with all five points and not just Limited Atonement. Bryson correctly says "As long as Christians think the Calvinist doctrine of Total Depravity is simply that all have sinned; or that the Calvinist distinctive of unconditional election is that salvation is unmerited; or even that the Calvinistic view of perseverance can be equated with the doctrine of "once saved always saved," they will continue to incorrectly think of themselves as Calvinists." I wish some of our leading biblical/dispensational theologians and teachers would wake up to this fact and stop confusing other believers by calling themselves a "something or other Calvinist"!
Other insights include, "The problem with the Calvinistic view of perseverance is similar to the problem of the Arminian view of perseverance. That is, in Calvinism and Arminianism, justification and sanctification are hardly (if at all) distinguishable.", and "Calvinism denies the believer assurance whereas Arminianism denies the believer security." Not much of a choice!
Finally, Bryson couldn't have summed up Calvinism any better "A person will either be saved or damned FOR all eternity because they were saved or damned FROM all eternity". To paraphrase the Calvinist professor James Daane; all roads in Calvinism lead to reprobation. Too long to quote here, but please be sure to check out the quote on page 118 from Calvinist theologian John S. Feinberg...very candid and telling remarks about his own system!! This little book is highly recommended; and I look forward to reading Bryson's in-depth book entitled "The Dark Side of Calvinism: The Calvinist Caste System".
An Excellent Summary of Calvinism and Where it Has Strayed from the Scriptures.......2007-04-11
Have you been confused by the five points of Calvinism (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, Perseverance of the saints)? Are you wondering if the teachings of Calvinism are truly in harmony with the Bible? If so, this book will be of great help to you. In this book George Bryson holds up the five points of Calvinism and carefully compares them with God's Word, showing very clearly where proponents of Calvinism have departed from Scripture. Paperback, 126 pages. For a more thorough treatment on this topic I highly recommend Chosen But Free by Dr. Norman Geisler.
Short, Cliched, Doesn't Analyze the Important Bible Passages........2007-04-08
The cover illustration claims that George Bryson found the doctrines of Calvinism "wanting". This little book, however, is so short (only 113 pages) that one has to take the claim as boastful, to the point of being absurd. This tiny book fails to engage important passages of Scripture which (appears to) support Calvinism
For instance: there is no study of Romans chapter 9; Ephesians chapter 1; the second half of John chapter 6; Acts 13:46; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; or Romans 8:28-30. Various sayings of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, and/or Luke, where He attributes knowledge of Him to a special revealing action of God? There's nothing here. George Bryson doesn't engage anything substantial. He gives abbreviated summaries of the five points of Calvinism in the first half of the book, then dismisses them lightly in the second half. You would think those passages don't exist.
Would you agree that, to demonstrate that Calvinism is untrue, one should demonstrate to the reader that there are better interpretations of "5 point" passages of Scripture? The thousands of Calvinistic theologians and preachers over the centuries, from Augustine to Luther and Calvin to Spurgeon to Jonathan Edwards to John MacArthur, Al Mohler, and R.C. Sproul, weren't uneducated people. They didn't just make up some zany theory out of sheer imagination. Just repeatedly saying, "But then that contradicts 2 Peter 3:9", or "But then that would mean...", as Bryson does, isn't good quality argumentation. If you're going to call John Piper or Douglas Moo wrong, then you need to prove it. Pitting George Bryson against John Piper on this topic is like pitting my six-year-old daughter at the Putt-Putt against a pro golfer.
Therefore, I describe this book to you as fluff. There are much better non-Calvinist books, better in the sense that the writers do the work of thorough theologians. Picirelli wrote a good one. Leroy Forlines is worth a look. Don't bother with this. The only people who will be convinced are baby Christians who don't know their Bibles and have never been exposed to the other side.
Book Description
TULIP is a popular acronym for the five points of Calvinism-total depravity, unconditional election, limited atonement, irresistible grace, and perseverance of the saints. In this book, these five points are not only concisely explained in the light of the Bible but are also helpfully contrasted to the corresponding five points of Arminianism. The differences between Calvanistic and Arminian beliefs are also summarized at the end of the book for quick reference. Anyone looking for an accessible explanation of this somewhat difficult and controversial doctrine, or looking for help in explaining it to others, will find this an invaluable resource. TULIP has had steady sales since its original Baker publication in 1979, and there is now nearly 55,000 copies in print.
Customer Reviews:
Great Learning Tool.......2007-01-10
Bought this book as a kind of introduction to my deeper understanding of Christianity. It had great material and I highly recommend it.
Few High Points in this Five Points Book.......2006-07-27
Many Christians appropriately associate the acronym TULIP with Calvinism, but often get stuck trying to remember what each letter stands for, or more importantly, what each point means. Duane Edward Spencer's book, TULIP, is often described as a classic work for explaining the five points.
TULIP, after a brief foreword and preface, begins with a summary of the five points of Arminianism, to which the five points of Calvinism are a response. The following chapter compares the two systems of thought to bring clarity to the distinctions. Next is a foundational chapter on the will of God, followed by chapters on each of the five points (Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and Perseverance of the Saints) and a concluding chapter. At the back of the short book are selections from the Westminster Confession of Faith (1648), a summary of the historical background of the debate, and a point-by-point comparison of the two-systems.
The best part of the book is the point-by-point section at the end. It contains an objective and concise explanation of each point with supporting scripture as promoted by both sides. Aside from that, I didn't find the book very helpful. Take, for example, this error: "Total Depravity, according to the giants of the Protestant Reformation (such as Luther, Calvin, and Know) meant that man was as bad off as man could be." (32) This would be true if a qualifier were added that it is meant in regards to man's relationship with God. However, the way it's stated it sounds as if man can do nothing good in any sense (as if Oscar Schindler saving countless Jewish lives was bad), and this is not the general teaching of Reformed theology.
Worse than that is the uncharitable attitude with which Spencer wrote this book. "Thus we have two diametrically opposed positions. One is an opinion, based on the reasoning of the carnal mind (Which is ever at enmity with God), and the other is a fact based on Scripture." (64) As much as I agree with Spencer that false theology is opposed to God, and that Arminianism is false theology, such rhetoric is not likely to endear the Arminian reader to consider his case. This book perpetuates the notion that Calvinists are arrogant, mean-spirited Bible thumpers (unfortunately some are, but not all).
In my opinion, a far better book on the five points is The Sovereign Grace of God by James R. White (available through his ministry). For a great book that introduces and defends Reformed theology in a personal and friendly manner, read David Clotfelter's Sinners in the Hands of a Good God.
Simple Treatment of Calvinism.......2004-09-13
In this work, Spencer seeks to introduce his readers to Calvinism with a brief introduction into the popular "Five Points of Calvinism" (or TULIP). While the book gives a brief introduction into each point, Spencer is limited in his "proof" texting or biblical exegesis of Calvinistic verses. Further, Spencer often glosses over key Arminian arguments and verses and never really dives into the history of Arminian thought and theology.
However, the book is good for those interested in a short reading of Calvinism. My sister used this book in her Bible studies at their Presbyterian church and found it to be easy to read, understand, and enjoyed the lively debates that insued from the book.
For a better treatment of Calvinism's Five Points see THE FIVE POINTS OF CALVINISM by David N. Steele. For an excellent work on Arminism see Robert Picirilli's GRACE, FAITH, FREE WILL.
Elementary but helpful.......2004-01-06
As a student of theology, I must agree with many of the comments above. This book really doesn't represent either side entirely, sometimes distorts and decontextualizes scripture, and tends to pick on Arminian theology inappropriately. But what do you want for ten bucks and eighty pages? If you're looking for serious academic theology then read Berkhof or Erickson. This is a good summary book to get people started in thinking through the differences between Calvinist and Arminian theological standpoints. It is written in colloquial English for the average student, and does reasonable justice to the viewpoint. I say he accomplished what he set out to do.
How Not To Argue for Calvinism.......2003-07-28
I picked this book up because, though I knew generally what the five points of Calvinism were, I wanted to learn more about the arguments and scriptural support for the Calvinist viewpoint, and this book seemed like a good place to start, as it was short and seemed to fairly compare and contrast the Arminian and Calvinist viewpoints. After reading this book, I have to say that I sincerely hope that these are not the best arguments that Calvinism has to offer. If they are are, then Calvinists are in deep trouble.
While Spencer claims to be demonstrating the truth of Calvinism from scripture, he really attempts, unsuccessfully at that, to force Calvinism on to Scripture. His argument, in a nutshell is "We should be Calvinists because Jesus was a Calvinist," though he also fails miserably in attempting to force Jesus's words to conform to Calvinist doctrine. Take for example the classic statement of Christian faith given in John 3:16, "For go so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believed in him should not perish but have eternal life." Spencer goes through some terribly tortured reasoning, hand waving, and redefining of terms to argue that "world" doesn't really mean the whole world, just the elect, and that "whosoever" doesn't really mean everyone, just the elect. In a few instances, Spencer only quotes parts of verses, making them appear to support his argument, leaving out the rest of the verse which would serve to undermine his argument. (See his handling of 2 Peter 3:9) He also quotes verses that have absolutely nothing to so with soteriology, forcing them to somehow support the Calvinist viewpoint. Indeed, since his appeals to scripture consist of quoting single verses or even parts of verses out of context, the book comes across as nothing so much as a long exercise in proof texting and apriorism.
Given that some very intelligent people in history have been Calvinists-- Luther immediately springs to mind--and given that some very well-read, well-educated, and intelligent people today are Calvinists, I have to believe that there are valid, sound, scripturally based, and well-reasoned arguments for Calvinism. If those arguments exist, however, they are not to be found in Spencer's book.
Product Description
A Closer Examination of The Five Points of Calvinsim
Customer Reviews:
Not worth reading,,,,.......2007-01-13
I read this book recently. Dr. Page demonstrated throughout this book that he really doesn't understand the theology of Calvinism. This book is comedy, not an honest logical critique of Reformed Soteriology.
Book Description
Concise guide explains the five points of Calvinism, known as TULIP, in clear, contemporary language. Also includes The Belgic Confession of Faith, the Heidelberg Catechism, and more.
Customer Reviews:
A wonderful, informative book........2005-09-18
This is the best book by far I've ever read on the TULIP doctrines. Scripture proof is abundant throughout. If someone is unclear about these Bible doctrines, hand them this book. There are some great discussion questions at end of every chapter, so it would be ideal for a Bible study at your home or church. A wonderful book! I would highly recommend it to all.
Best book I have read about the Five Points of Calvinism.......2004-04-08
Edwin Palmer does a good jog explaining and defending the Five Points of Calvinism. I recommend this book to any person, Calvinist or Arminian, who is interested in learning about this topic.
Helpful guide to TULIP.......2003-04-21
Palmer's book is a helpful guide to the so-called Five Points of Calvinism. He tells us at the very beginning of his book that there is much more to Calvinism than these 5 points, and that they were not invented by Calvin. It is also worth pointing out that they are a response to a submission to the Church of Holland and not an original statement by Calvinist believers.
I found Palmer's presentation compelling. I think that if you believe the Bible is authoritative, he has shown that the so-called five points are its teaching [along with much, much else].
Palmer's short account of Calvin's perseverance despite opposition and all sorts of illnesses is also a worthwhile feature of this book.
If you want to pursue this topic further, I also recommend Loraine Boettner's Reformed Doctrine of Predestination and Wayne Grudem's Systematic Theology for more detailed treatments.
Palmer's handles Scripture better than similar books........2002-07-03
Palmer does a better job than other authors covering this area. He does far more biblical exegesis (which you'd expect from the Executive Secretary of the NIV Bible), and his exegesis is generally more precise. (I've long wished Sproul would revise his Chosen by God to include more exegesis.) Palmer's methodology is sound. He raises the issues, then let's Scripture prove his (and its) point, but not in the "list of prooftexts" way that Steele & Thomas take. He exposits the passages he relies upon to bolster his argument, which is helpful. Unlike a few authors with similar books who shall remain nameless, Palmer is not an angry man, and doesn't have a chip on his shoulder or a proverbial axe to grind. He isn't teaching "against those terrible Arminians"--he simply wants his fellow Christians to understand our neediness and God's grace--a grace he models in response. His treatment of predestination is solid, biblical and uncompromised... and kind.
What is needed when considering this difficult subject.......2001-06-14
A Scriptural study guide is exactly what one needs when making a decision on Calvinism vs. Arminianism. More often than not, when people are first confronted with Calvinism view of God's sovereignty and salvation, they rebel against it. The concept simply goes against the natural mind's idea of how things should be. But for the Christian, our personal feeling of how things "should be" should not be the determining factor on what to believe. The only thing that matters is: what do the Scriptures teach?
So if you are struggling with this topic, get this book and go through the studies. And most importantly, look up all of the Scripture references. And for more help in this regard, you might want to check out the three chapters on this subject in my book "Scripture Workbook: For Personal Bible Study and Teaching the Bible." These chapters list hundreds of verses upholding the absolute sovereignty of God and the five points of Calvinism.
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T.u.l.i.p.: The Five Disputed Points of Calvinism
Ben Lacy Rose
Manufacturer: Providence House Publishers
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Binding: Paperback
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Simply Christian: Why Christianity Makes Sense
ASIN: 1577360214 |
Book Description
Never before have the five disputed doctrines of Calvinism—Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace, and the Perseverance of the Saints—been presented in such an attractive and winsome manner. T.U.L.I.P. is written in clear language that persons in the pews can understand. For that reason, this book is being embraced by a broad spectrum of Christians who follow the Reformed tradition and is becoming recognized as an outstanding summation of the complex principles of Calvinism.
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A TULIP BY ANOTHER NAME.......2000-09-20
Most people would associate a tulip as being a bulb that grows erect with showy cup-shaped flowers. John Calvin's tulip is certainly not the flower just described but an acronym describing five disputed points of his doctrine. TOTAL depravity, UNCONDITIONAL election, LIMITED atonement, IRRESISTIBLE grace and PERSEVERANCE of the saints are the cornerstone foundations upon which those of the Reformed protestant faith stand. It is also the least desirable topic to preach let alone understand in its minute details. Who wants to bore their congregation into sleep by preaching Calvinist doctrine?
Ben Rose remedies the situation by present us with a book on how to preach and study Calvin's five points. He takes each point and gives a definition of the doctrine, supplies the biblical support for it , explains the doctrine's function in our lives and at the end leaves us questions for reflection, discussion and appreciation for the particular point studied.
As one who is not of the Reformed tradition, I thoroughly enjoyed the book's simplicity, clarity on each point and its brevity. I appreciated Rose's daring attempt to take a complex doctrine and make it accessible and understandable to the congregants. He also emphasizes the need for doctrinal preaching and how it can be done without confusing the laity. This book is great for doctrinal studies, a resource for preaching and a refresher on Calvin's disputed points.
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- The Five Points of Calvinism, by Dabney and Dickinson
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THE FIVE POINTS OF CALVINISM
Robert, Lewis Dabney
Manufacturer: Solid Ground Christian Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
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If Democrats Had Any Brains, They'd Be Republicans
ASIN: 1599250969 |
Book Description
"The best teacher of theology in the United States, if not the world. " - A.A. Hodge, "Dabney was a towering figure in the 19th century American theological world. His exposition of the five points of Calvinism will enrich the reader's appreciation for the doctrines of grace, the glory of the Gospel, the accomplishment of the work of Christ and the security of the believer." - Ligon Duncan.
Customer Reviews:
The Five Points of Calvinism, by Dabney and Dickinson.......2000-07-25
I purchased this book as I sought to more fully understand the issues behind Calvinism, and the specific doctrines generally held by those of that dispensation.
I was very pleased to find a thorough, Biblically backed up presentation of those very issues I had questions about. Not only was each chapter clearly presented in an easy to follow format, but the technical format of the book made it easy on the eyes. The vocabulary used in the text may cause you to keep a dictionary handy during your reading sessions, but other than this I found the book easy to follow.
Those of you seeking to understand what the 'five points of Calvinism' are and the manner in which they apply in a practical fashion to your life would do well to read this text.
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