Humble Calvinism

Understanding Calvinism in our hearts as well as in our heads

Are we actually living the message of grace? "When a corrective like this comes from within a movement, it is a sign of health" -John Piper Something wonderful is happening in Western Evangelicalism. A resurgence of Calvinism is changing lives, transforming churches, and spreading the gospel. The books are great, the sermons are life-changing, the music is inspirational, and the conferences are astonishing. Will this continue or will we, who are part of it all, end up destroying it? That depends on how we live the message. As "insiders" of the Calvinist resurgence, there are at least eight ways we can mess everything up. Learn what they are and how to avoid killing off a perfectly good theology.

Understanding Calvinism in our hearts as well as in our heads. Understanding Calvinism in our hearts as well as in our heads. Calvinism has an image problem. For far too long it has been synonymous with being argumentative, arrogant, and unloving. Somehow the doctrines of grace often haven't made those who believe them actually gracious. Self-confessed recovering, cranky Calvinist, Jeff Medders wonders whether the love of God has been replaced with the love of Calvinism. It's one thing having the "five points" all worked out in your head, but have they really penetrated your heart? His warm-hearted, challenging (and surprisingly witty) book reveals how a true understanding of "the five points" fuels a love of Christ and his people that builds others up, rather than tearing them down. Medders urges readers to be humble and gracious as well as zealous for the truth, to the praise and glory of Christ and his church.

Calvin’s Calvinism A Translation of 1. The Eternal Predestination of God 2. The Secret Providence of God By John Calvin and translated by Henry Cole, D.D. This unique book constitutes the only original writings of John Calvin devoted “expressly, exclusively, and purposely” to the capital “Calvinistic” doctrines of The Eternal Predestination of God, and The Secret Providence of God. They are Calvin’s own testimony and real mind concerning the doctrines of God’s electing, predestinating and sovereign grace, constitute his own exposition and expression of faith, and beautifully display the spirit in which he held and taught these great Biblical truths. These important treatises were published in 1552 and 1558 respectively and lay locked in the original language of Calvin’s day until translated by Henry Cole, D. D., 300 years later in 1856 under the present title of Calvin’s Calvinism. The first treatise on Eternal Predestination consists of 131 pages; the second on Secret Providence covers 127 pages, the later embracing arguments (Calumnies) against Calvin and his refutation of each particular point. Illuminating “Dedicatory Prefaces” and prefaces by the translator add significance to the main content of this important volume.

In 40 Questions About Calvinism , church historian Shawn Wright tackles many issues about the theological system known as Calvinism. Taking an irenic approach, Wright explains the key doctrines while also contrasting them with Arminianism. The accessible format allows readers to easily look up topics in which they’re most interested, including: • What is the difference between Calvinism and the Reformed tradition? • Does God love all people? • Did Jesus die for the sins of the whole world? • Can people resist the Holy Spirit? • Do Calvinists practice evangelism and missions? “Here is a book to put into the hands of such inquirers whose understanding of Calvinism may have been formed by those who caricature it. The fact that each chapter is a question helps readers go straight to the issue that is dogging them.” —Conrad Mbewe, Kabwata Baptist Church, Lusaka, Zambia “If you are a non-Calvinist seeking answers about Calvinism, you will find a clear and winsome presentation of the position, as well as a response to some key criticisms. If you are a Calvinist looking for a model of how to talk about these things with non-Calvinists, then you will find a helpful and humble model for explaining the Calvinist position and its points of disagreement with Arminianism, in a fair-minded, evenhanded way.” —Ligon Duncan, Reformed Theological Seminary

“There is no such thing as ‘dead Calvinism,’” writes author Ian Hamilton. Calvinism, simply put, is biblical Christianity. No mere human devised theological system, Calvinism is rooted in and shaped by God’s revelation in Holy Scripture. Hamilton asserts that Calvinism is “natively experiential.” In What Is Experiential Calvinism? , the author shows us that Calvinism is far richer and more profound than five points and helps us see that the lives and ministries of those who are true Calvinists pulse with living, Spirit-inspired, Christ-glorifying, God-centred truth.

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.

The book of Job stands in the centre of one of the most complicated problems of life, the interaction between divine sovereignty and human responsibility, one that has provoked much tortuous thought by both Calvinists and Arminians.