Phil Johnson addresses Dave Hunt's (What love is this)

[BBAS 64]

Good Day,

Just found this on the web;

Dave Hunt released a thick (444-page) book titled, What Love Is This? Calvinism’s Misrepresentation of God. As the subtitle suggests, Mr. Hunt is strongly opposed to Calvinism. In effect, he says Calvinism is a different gospel. He also suggests that the teaching of Calvinism so misrepresents God that Calvinists are guilty of worshiping a god of their own making. He has such harsh words for Calvinists that many readers have concluded he is consigning Calvinism to the dung-heap of the cults—and in several places one might even get the impression he is not too sure about the salvation of anyone who is committed to Calvinism as a system of theology

Phil has a MP3, and a .pdf documemt that looks at Dave Hunts book.

http://www.swordandtrowel.org/philarticles.htm (http://www.swordandtrowel.org/philarticles.htm)

Peace to u,

Bill

[GrinningDwarf]

If you like Phil Johnson's article, then you'll love the book Debating Calvinism, by Hunt and James White. It's set up in a debate format between White and Hunt...and it's amazing that Hunt even allowed it to be published.

[Iosias]

When I told a friend of mine that I was a Calvinist she handed me a copy of Hunt's What love is This? After 99 pages I put it down thinking he does not even understand what Calvinism is. In those pages his argument ran...Calvinism is wrong because calvin used the Latin Vulgate and burned Servetus.

[Cajun Huguenot]

When I told a friend of mine that I was a Calvinist she handed me a copy of Hunt's What love is This? After 99 pages I put it down thinking he does not even understand what Calvinism is. In those pages his argument ran...Calvinism is wrong because calvin used the Latin Vulgate and burned Servetus.
Dave Hunt is a propagandist and pamphleteer who is not overly concerned with getting things right (making sure that he is being truthful) or with scholarship.

The good news is Christ's Gospel will prosper despite "Christian apologists" like Dave Hunt.

God save us from "brothers" like this.

Coram Deo,
Kenith

[Cajun Huguenot]

I would like to make another point. We rightly get upset when the Dave Hunts of this world do a hatchet job on Calvinism. We need to get just as up set when our own people (Gary North, John MacArthur, etc...) so hatchet jobs on others who are not in our own camp.

In Christ,
Kenith

[Behe's Boy]

Just like we have our "hypers" so Arminiasm has its own. Hunt is a classic example..

[Sojourner1]

If you like Phil Johnson's article, then you'll love the book Debating Calvinism, by Hunt and James White. It's set up in a debate format between White and Hunt...and it's amazing that Hunt even allowed it to be published.

I've read Hunt's book and I'm on his mailing list for his newletter. I wasn't real impressed with Hunt's book...I will definitely be getting the book "Debating Calvinism" which you recommended (next stop Amazon online :)).

[GrinningDwarf]

I've read Hunt's book and I'm on his mailing list for his newletter. I wasn't real impressed with Hunt's book...I will definitely be getting the book "Debating Calvinism" which you recommended (next stop Amazon online :)).


Cool! Have you seen my Basic Reformed Annotated Reading List? I put it together for some neighbor's interested in Reformed theology, and I keep it around for instances just like this!! You could find it on a couple of other threads...but since I'm not gonna search for it to tell you which threads, here ya go...


Basic Reformed Annotated Reading List




Putting Amazing Back into Grace: Who Does What in Salvation? By Michael Horton; 1991; Baker Books: This is a good entry-level layman’s introduction to Reformed theology. Horton’s book is very ‘reader friendly’. Horton examines such basic Reformed positions as the 5-points of Calvinism, the effect of the fall upon man, and free will. Horton also explains the Reformed views of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. One drawback is that Horton does not really examine covenant theology in this book.


What is Reformed Theology? Understanding the Basics by RC Sproul; 1997; Baker Books: This book, as indicated by the title, covers the basics of Reformed theology. Sproul’s book is a little more technical than Horton’s book, in that Sproul sprinkles Latin theological terms throughout; however, he always explains them and includes a glossary of foreign terms at the back of the book. This is a solid book that sketches covenant theology and the 5-points of Calvinism.


The Doctrines of Grace: Rediscovering the Evangelical Gospel by James Montgomery Boice and Philip Graham Ryken; 2002; Crossway Books: A very reader friendly presentation of the 5-points of Calvinism. The opening chapter is titled ‘Why Evangelicalism Needs Calvinism’, and the final two chapters are titled ‘The True Calvinist’ and ‘Calvinism at Work’. I believe that Boice makes a compelling case for the relevance of Calvinism to modern Christianity. If someone were to choose one book on Reformed theology, this would be a good one.


Chosen by God by RC Sproul; 1986; Tyndale: This book deals specifically with the Reformed views of predestination, free will, and foreknowledge, and how they operate in our salvation. This was the book that convinced me that Reformed theology actually handles the scriptures more accurately than any other viewpoint I have encountered in Christianity.


Willing to Believe: The Controversy Over Free Will by RC Sproul; 1997; Baker Books: A detailed look at the views of free will over the centuries of Christianity. Sproul covers the views of Pelagius, Augustine, Semi-Pelagians, Martin Luther, John Calvin, James Arminius, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Finney, and Lewis Sperry Chafer. If you are a Christian, you will find your position on free will described in this book, and compared to all of the other views.


God of Promise: Introducing Covenant Theology by Michael Horton; 2006; Baker Books: This book is an excellent primer on covenant theology. What is covenant theology? It is an opposing view to the omnipresent dispensational view. Dispensationalism breaks human history down into seven different time periods in which God worked using different methods with different peoples, and is largely responsible for the prevalent end-times view of premillenial, pre-tribulation rapture. Covenant theology interprets scripture to say that God basically only works in two ways…the covenant of works and the covenant of grace.


Debating Calvinism: Five points, Two Views by Dave Hunt and James White; 2004; Multnomah Publishers: From the back cover: “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.” Hunt actually verbalizes many of the objections raised by those reading the above books. It is useful to read White’s responses to those objections.

[xapis]

If you like Phil Johnson's article, then you'll love the book Debating Calvinism, by Hunt and James White. It's set up in a debate format between White and Hunt...and it's amazing that Hunt even allowed it to be published.

Yes... but a fair warning: Hunt's sections are painful (litaerally) to read. Hunt did nothing to advance his position. In fact, for anyone teetering between the two positions, this book ought to give you a firm shove into the Reformed camp.

;)

[Iosias]

SECTION 1.- Of Reprobation (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Cause_of_God_and_Truth/Part%203/section_01.htm)
SECTION 2.- Of Election (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Cause_of_God_and_Truth/Part%203/section_02.htm)
SECTION 3.- Of Redemption (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Cause_of_God_and_Truth/Part%203/section_03.htm)
SECTION 4.- Of Efficacious Grace (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Cause_of_God_and_Truth/Part%203/section_04.htm)
SECTION 5. - Of the Freedom of the Will of Man (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Cause_of_God_and_Truth/Part%203/section_05.htm)
SECTION 6. - Of the Perseverance of the Saints (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Cause_of_God_and_Truth/Part%203/section_06.htm)
SECTION 7. - Of the Prescience and Providence of God (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Cause_of_God_and_Truth/Part%203/section_07.htm)
SECTION 8. - The state and case of the Heathens (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Cause_of_God_and_Truth/Part%203/section_08.htm)


1. Of the Internal Acts and Works of God; and of His Decrees in General. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_01.htm)
2. Of the Special Decrees of God, Relating to Rational Creatures, Angels, and Men; and Particularly of Election. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_02.htm)
3. Of the Decrees of Rejection, of Some Angels, and of Some Men. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_03.htm)
4. Of the Eternal Union of the Elect of God Unto Him. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_04.htm)
5. Of Other Eternal and Immanent Acts in God, Particularly Adoption and Justification. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_05.htm)
6. Of the Everlasting Council Between the Three Divine Persons, Concerning the Salvation of Men. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_06.htm)
7. Of the Everlasting Covenant of Grace, Between the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_07.htm)
8. Of the Part Which the Father Takes in the Covenant. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_08.htm)
9. Of the Part the Son of God, the Second Person, Has Taken in the Covenant. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_09.htm)
10. Of Christ, as the Covenant-Head of the Elect. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_10.htm)
11. Of Christ, the Mediator of the Covenant. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_11.htm)
12. Of Christ, the Surety of the Covenant. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_12.htm)
13. Of Christ, the Testator of the Covenant. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_13.htm)
14. Of the Concern the Spirit of God Has in the Covenant of Grace. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_14.htm)
15. Of the Properties of the Covenant of Grace. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_15.htm)
16. Of the Complacency and Delight God Had in Himself, and the Divine Persons in Each Other... (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_2/book2_16.htm)


1. Of the Manifestation and Administration of the Covenant of Grace. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_4/book4_01.htm)
2. Of the Exhibitions of the Covenant of Grace in the Patriarchal State. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_4/book4_02.htm)
3. Of the Exhibition of the Covenant of Grace Under the Mosaic Dispensation. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_4/book4_03.htm)
4. Of the Covenant of Grace, as Exhibited in the Times of David, and the Succeeding Prophets, to the Coming of Christ. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_4/book4_04.htm)
5. Of the Abrogation of the Old Covenant, or First Administration of it, and the Introduction of the New, or Second Administration of it. (http://www.pbministries.org/books/gill/Doctrinal_Divinity/Book_4/book4_05.htm)

[TigerBunny]

Cool! Have you seen my Basic Reformed Annotated Reading List? I put it together for some neighbor's interested in Reformed theology, and I keep it around for instances just like this!! You could find it on a couple of other threads...but since I'm not gonna search for it to tell you which threads, here ya go...


Basic Reformed Annotated Reading List




Putting Amazing Back into Grace: Who Does What in Salvation? By Michael Horton; 1991; Baker Books: This is a good entry-level layman’s introduction to Reformed theology. Horton’s book is very ‘reader friendly’. Horton examines such basic Reformed positions as the 5-points of Calvinism, the effect of the fall upon man, and free will. Horton also explains the Reformed views of baptism and the Lord’s Supper. One drawback is that Horton does not really examine covenant theology in this book.


What is Reformed Theology? Understanding the Basics by RC Sproul; 1997; Baker Books: This book, as indicated by the title, covers the basics of Reformed theology. Sproul’s book is a little more technical than Horton’s book, in that Sproul sprinkles Latin theological terms throughout; however, he always explains them and includes a glossary of foreign terms at the back of the book. This is a solid book that sketches covenant theology and the 5-points of Calvinism.


The Doctrines of Grace: Rediscovering the Evangelical Gospel by James Montgomery Boice and Philip Graham Ryken; 2002; Crossway Books: A very reader friendly presentation of the 5-points of Calvinism. The opening chapter is titled ‘Why Evangelicalism Needs Calvinism’, and the final two chapters are titled ‘The True Calvinist’ and ‘Calvinism at Work’. I believe that Boice makes a compelling case for the relevance of Calvinism to modern Christianity. If someone were to choose one book on Reformed theology, this would be a good one.


Chosen by God by RC Sproul; 1986; Tyndale: This book deals specifically with the Reformed views of predestination, free will, and foreknowledge, and how they operate in our salvation. This was the book that convinced me that Reformed theology actually handles the scriptures more accurately than any other viewpoint I have encountered in Christianity.


Willing to Believe: The Controversy Over Free Will by RC Sproul; 1997; Baker Books: A detailed look at the views of free will over the centuries of Christianity. Sproul covers the views of Pelagius, Augustine, Semi-Pelagians, Martin Luther, John Calvin, James Arminius, Jonathan Edwards, Charles Finney, and Lewis Sperry Chafer. If you are a Christian, you will find your position on free will described in this book, and compared to all of the other views.


God of Promise: Introducing Covenant Theology by Michael Horton; 2006; Baker Books: This book is an excellent primer on covenant theology. What is covenant theology? It is an opposing view to the omnipresent dispensational view. Dispensationalism breaks human history down into seven different time periods in which God worked using different methods with different peoples, and is largely responsible for the prevalent end-times view of premillenial, pre-tribulation rapture. Covenant theology interprets scripture to say that God basically only works in two ways…the covenant of works and the covenant of grace.


Debating Calvinism: Five points, Two Views by Dave Hunt and James White; 2004; Multnomah Publishers: From the back cover: “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.” Hunt actually verbalizes many of the objections raised by those reading the above books. It is useful to read White’s responses to those objections.
Do you have an online version of this GD? Funds are short in the TB household.

[GrinningDwarf]

Do you have an online version of this GD? Funds are short in the TB household.


On-line versions of the books? I'm not sure there are any, since none of them are in the public domain. The oldest one was published in 1986. Sorry 'bout that.

[TigerBunny]

On-line versions of the books? I'm not sure there are any, since none of them are in the public domain. The oldest one was published in 1986. Sorry 'bout that.
No worries. I'm currently working my way through Vincent Cheung's books online along with a bunch of other stuff.

[TigerBunny]

Thank you AV1611...I'll dig through as I'm able. :)

[Christiangal01]

No worries. I'm currently working my way through Vincent Cheung's books online along with a bunch of other stuff.
what specifically are you reading?