A Defense Of Calvinism

Contrary to what many philosophers believe, Calvinism neither makes the problem of evil worse nor is it obviously refuted by the presence of evil and suffering in our world. Or so most of the authors in this book claim. While Calvinism has enjoyed a resurgence in recent years amongst theologians and laypersons, many philosophers have yet to follow suit. The reason seems fairly clear: Calvinism, many think, cannot handle the problem of evil with the same kind of plausibility as other more popular views of the nature of God and the nature of God's relationship with His creation. This book seeks to challenge that untested assumption. With clarity and rigor, this collection of essays seeks to fill a significant hole in the literature on the problem of evil.

Calvinist theology has been debated and promoted for centuries. But is it a theology that should last? Roger Olson suggests that Calvinism, also commonly known as Reformed theology, holds an unwarranted place in our list of accepted theologies. In Against Calvinism, readers will find scholarly arguments explaining why Calvinist theology is incorrect and how it affects God’s reputation. Olson draws on a variety of sources, including Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience, to support his critique of Calvinism and the more historically rich, biblically faithful alternative theologies he proposes. Addressing what many evangelical Christians are concerned about today—so-called “new Calvinism,” a movement embraced by a generation labeled as “young, restless, Reformed” —Against Calvinism is the only book of its kind to offer objections from a non-Calvinist perspective to the current wave of Calvinism among Christian youth. As a companion to Michael Horton’s For Calvinism, readers will be able to compare contrasting perspectives and form their own opinions on the merits and weaknesses of Calvinism.

The system of theology known as Calvinism has been immensely influential for the past five hundred years, but it is often encountered negatively as a fatalistic belief system that confines human freedom and renders human action and choice irrelevant. Taking us beyond the caricatures, Michael Horton invites us to explore the teachings of Calvinism, also commonly known as Reformed theology, by showing us how it is biblical and God-centered, leading us to live our lives for the glory of God. Horton explores the historical roots of Calvinism, walking readers through the distinctive known as the “Five Points,” and encouraging us to consider its rich resources for faith and practice in the 21st Century. As a companion to Roger Olson’s Against Calvinism, readers will be able to compare contrasting perspectives and form their own opinions on the merits and weaknesses of Calvinism.

With his winsome style and customary mix of wit, wisdom, and warm devotion to his Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, C. H. Spurgeon (1834-1892) explains and defends the Bible's teachings about the grace of God in the gospel. In so doing he helpfully answers several important questions, which young believers sometimes struggle with, such as: How did I become a Christian? Did God love me before I was born? What did Jesus accomplish by his death upon the cross? What can overcome the wickedness of my sinful heart? Will a true Christian persevere in faith? What is the best way to be happy as a Christian? Will the doctrines of grace encourage me to sin or to live a holy life to God's glory?

What Stephen McCaskell has done for us in this book is to bring back the forgotten Spurgeon the Spurgeon who speaks clearly about what the true gospel really is. Conrad Mbewe (PhD, University of Pretoria), pastor, Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia; author, Foundations for the Flock We all have hills we re willing to die on. For Charles Haddon Spurgeon, that hill was Calvinism. God s sovereign work of salvation wasn t a preference it was a matter of life or death. It was the lifeblood of his ministry, and Spurgeon s Calvinism puts this truth on display for all to see. Aaron Armstrong, author, Contend and Awaiting a Savior; blogger at www.BloggingTheologically.com The notion that embracing a high view of God, His word, and His gospel will lead to antinomian carelessness or a loss of evangelistic zeal can only be held disingenuously after acquainting oneself with Spurgeon s Calvinism. Matthew Robinson, producer of Behold Your God: Rethinking God Biblically - www.MediaGratiae.org When preparing for battle a wise General studies the best intelligence before committing troops. Likewise, when it comes to understanding the theology of how God saves, a wise student of the Bible will take the time to see what C.H. Spurgeon said on the topic. Josh Williamson, evangelist, Josh Williamson Ministries - www.JoshWilliamson.org"