The Calvinism Debate
Publisher Description
I have examined Calvinism many times during the past four decades and have read materials such as Calvin’s Institutes; Arthur Pink’s The Sovereignty of God; the Westminster Confession of Faith; Iain Murray’s Spurgeon vs. the Hyper-Calvinists; Debating Calvinism: Five Points, Two Views by Dave Hunt and James White, to name a few. As best as I know how, I have studied these materials with the sole desire to know the truth and to follow it wherever it leads. I have made a considerable effort to understand Calvinism properly and not to misrepresent it (though I have learned that a non-Calvinist will ALWAYS be charged with misrepresentation). The chapters in this book include The Central Errors of Calvinism, Beware of Quick Prayerism, Calvin’s Camels (Scriptures that contradict Calvinism), Calvinism’s Proof Texts Examined, and What about Hyper-Calvinism?
Customer Reviews
Very helpful and informative
I grew up in a Calvinistic family that believes in the four points. All of my years the systematic theology were almost hush hush. I asked about it but the explanation were not simple. I finished reading this book in a week and my eyes were open. Also I read about the dangers of reformed theology and I had always believe what Jesus said that were the opposite of predestination. I no longer doubt and have to worry about what to believe. The bible is all I need to seek answers and preach the truth instead of following and relying on man made theology. This book is highly recommended. Beware of the errors and flaws of Calvinism and Arminianism.
Disappointing Exegesis
I'm not a Calvinist, but I must say that this book does not seem to take the issues seriously enough. Exegesis of particular verses seems more like quick dismissals and are not thought out clearly enough. I would be interested to see how David's exegesis of Romans 9 would work if it were explained in terms of Paul's flow of thought. It would probably fall apart.
Many argument simply do not answer the actual objections that are raised by Calvinists. When passages from John 6 are interpreted by the use of passages that occur later in John, Calvinists would say that is reading verses back into scripture after a firm conclusion has already been established. Yet, argument like this are not brought up. This particular argument is brought up regularly by James White, whom David Cloud references early on in his book.
An example of thorough exegesis would be by Brian Abasciano's commentary on Romans 9. While I have yet to agree with some of Abasciano's claims, I consider it truly deal with the issues. Sorry for the harsh review, but after all of the studying I have done, I just don't see this as a serious work. It does represent Calvinism accurately at times (not fully though), but it fails to respond convincingly.
Absolutely free and worth every dime
There are much better places to find a better argument against Calvinism this thing.