Against Calvinism

[Keachian]

From a review:

Yeah that review if accurate on the contents of the book isn't really helping with my objection that the blurbs misrepresent Calvinism

 

[drstevej]

Austin Fischer - MDiv, Truett Seminary

 

[Hammster]

Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities by Roger E. Olson.

Young, Restless, No Longer Reformed by Austin Fischer

You aren't even an Arminian. Your an inclusivist. Why are you promoting Arminianism?

 

[All Souls]

You aren't even an Arminian. Your an inclusivist. Why are you promoting Arminianism?

The two are not mutually exclusive.

 

[All Souls]

From a review:

Source?

 

[All Souls]

Recommendation: Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities by Roger Olson | internetmonk.com

 

[All Souls]

Carl Trueman:

Given the choice, I would always rather have my opinions presented and explained by a competent opponent than an incompetent friend; but my strong preference is for a competent friend to undertake the task. Thus, it is always very useful to have those views with which we disagree explained to us by those who are competent and sympathetic to the views under discussion. Of such is this book by Roger Olson. While few readers of New Horizons will be in much sympathy with Olson's theology, it is nonetheless useful to have a book on Arminianism written by an Arminian.

 

[All Souls]

TMS:

Since this is not a highly technical book, it is valuable as a resource for almost anyone who wants to know what Arminians believe. However, the book will be limited as a polemical resource, since Olson does not engage in detailed argumentation against Calvinist doctrine. Olson’s fairly consistent irenic tone and his call for cordiality and patience should be heeded by Calvinists and Arminians, and those particularly narrow Calvinists. Those who regard classical Arminianism as heresy should receive Olson’s rebuke and acknowledge that Arminians are fellow members of the body of Christ. Overall, Olson’s book is highly recommended for those who want to understand the Arminian-Calvinist controversy better.

 

[Keachian]

I decided to go with Forlines Systematic Theology The Quest For Truth instead of your recommendations which had bad reviews from Arminians

 

[All Souls]

I decided to go with Forlines Systematic Theology The Quest For Truth instead of your recommendations which had bad reviews from Arminians

I am sure you will enjoy it.

 

[Hammster]

The two are not mutually exclusive.

Then your knowledge of one or the other is lacking.

 

[drstevej]

Carl Trueman:

He concludes:

One final criticism: the heavy didactic tone of the book comes over at times as rather patronizing; but if you can cope with this and are also aware of the serious mistakes in Olson's understanding of the scholarship on seventeenth century thought, this is a useful, if flawed, guide to how a leading contemporary Arminian understands his own tradition.

Yeah, that is glowing! And from a personal friend not a Olsen-hater.

Keep Googling.

 

[Hammster]

He concludes:



Yeah, that is glowing! And from a personal friend not a Olsen-hater.

Keep Googling.

So it probably IS an accurate portrayal of Arminianism.

 

[All Souls]

He concludes:



Yeah, that is glowing! And from a friend not a Olsen-hater.

Keep Googling.

It depends what one expects from Olson's book, does it do a good job of rebutting false claims made against Arminianism? Yes. Does it contain some errors that need redressing? Yes. If I am reading Olson expecting him to speak expertly on historical theology then I am an idiot, since (a) his field is that of relating to being a Professor of Christian Theology of Ethics, and (b) his book is published by Zondervan. All this does is illustrate the theology needs to be done in community, and without the grenade launchers.

 

[All Souls]

Then your knowledge of one or the other is lacking.

I wouldn't see myself as an Arminian, but I would love to see your case why an Arminian couldn't be an inclusivist.

 

[Hammster]

I wouldn't see myself as an Arminian, but I would love to see your case why an Arminian couldn't be an inclusivist.

The main reason is that, while Arminianism is wrong on a lot of issues, it's still within the pale of orthodoxy. I can't say the same for inclusivism.

But to be more specific, Arminians do not believe in the security of the believer. Inclusivism has the security of the non-believer.

 

[drstevej]

It depends what one expects from Olson's book, does it do a good job of rebutting false claims made against Arminianism?

Does it cite examples of these false claims or just prop up straw men?

 

[All Souls]

I can't say the same for inclusivism.

It is official Catholic doctrine, so it is hardly unorthodox.