Calvinism: A Biblical and Theological Critique

by David L. Allen; Steve W. Lemke

Publisher:

B&H

, 2022

Overview

Calvinism is on the rise both in seminary classrooms and in church life. Yet the weaknesses that have plagued it historically remain relevant today; in particular, a view of salvation that can weaken gospel presentations.

In Calvinism: A Biblical and Theological Critique, editors David Allen and Steven Lemke lead a team of top-notch scholars in carefully critiquing five-point Calvinism. Sections are devoted to its core commitments, historical issues, biblical and theological issues, and ministry issues, providing a wide-ranging assessment of Calvinism’s foundations and implications.

Fair-minded, deeply informed, and focused on the gospel, Calvinism: A Biblical and Theological Critique will benefit students, pastors, lay leaders, and anyone wanting to better understand the downsides of Calvinist teaching.

Key Features

• Examines core commitments, historical issues, biblical and theological issues, and ministry issues
• Beneficial for students, pastors, and lay leaders
• Provides a wide-ranging assessment of Calvinism’s foundations and implications

Contents

• Introduction by David L. Allen and Steve W. Lemke, editors

SECTION ONE - A Biblical and Theological Critique of the Soteriology of Five-Point Calvinism

• Chapter 1 A Critique of Total Depravity by Adam Harwood
• Chapter 2 A Critique of Unconditional Election by Leighton Flowers
• Chapter 3 A Critique of Limited Atonement by David L. Allen
• Chapter 4 Is God’s Grace Irresistible? A Critique of Irresistible Grace by Steve Lemke
• Chapter 5 A Critique of Perseverance of the Saints by Ken Keathley

SECTION TWO - Historical Issues with Calvinism

• Chapter 6 Calvinism Is Augustinianism by Kenneth Wilson
• Chapter 7 Dissent from Calvinism in the Baptist Tradition by J. Matthew Pinson
• Chapter 8 A Wesleyan Critique of Calvinism by Ben Witherington III

SECTION THREE - Crucial Theological, Biblical, and Ecclesiological Issues with Calvinism

• Chapter 9 Romans 9 and Calvinism by Brian J. Abasciano
• Chapter 10 Corporate and Personal Election by William W. Klein
• Chapter 11 The Character of God in Calvinism by Roger E. Olson
• Chapter 12 Determinism and Human Freedom by John Laing
• Chapter 13 Evil and God’s Sovereignty by Bruce A. Little
• Chapter 14 The Public Invitation and Altar Call by Mark Tolbert


• Epilogue: Calvinists and Non-Calvinists Together for the Gospel by Trevin Wax
• Appendix: Semi-Pelagianism: The Theological Catchall

Top Highlights

“hereditary decline corresponds to inherited consequences” (Page 18)

“People sin by either failing to conform to God’s standards or explicitly opposing them.¹ People sin by their thoughts, attitudes, speech, or actions—either by acting wrongly or failing to act rightly. Sin is against God and nature.” (Page 15)

“Such a strong affirmation of human depravity and the complete inability of humans to save themselves means the Remonstrants cannot responsibly be called Pelagians or even semi-Pelagians.” (Page 3)

“Hereditary decline is the view that all people suffer the consequences of Adam’s sin, primarily physical death, but this view denies that sin is passed to Adam’s descendants.” (Page 18)

“One of those topics over which Christians differ concerns the doctrine of original sin, which refers to the nature and effects of the first couple’s sin on all people.” (Page 17)

Contributors

• Brian Abasciano (PhD, University of Aberdeen) serves as adjunct professor in New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary; pastor of Faith Community Church in Hampton, New Hampshire; and founder and president of Society for Evangelical Arminians.
• David L. Allen (PhD, University of Texas at Arlington) serves as Distinguished Professor of Preaching, occupying the George W. Truett Chair of Ministry, and director of the Center for Text-Driven Preaching at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.
• Leighton Flowers (DMin, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as director of evangelism and apologetics at Baptist General Convention of Texas and professor of theology at Trinity College of the Bible and Theological Seminary.
• Adam Harwood (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as professor of theology, occupying the McFarland Chair of Theology, and director of the Baptist Center for Theology and Ministry at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
• Ken Keathley (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as senior professor of theology, occupying the Jesse Hendley Chair of Theology, and director of the L. Russ Bush Center for Faith and Culture at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
• William W. Klein (PhD, University of Aberdeen) serves as professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary.
• John D. Laing (PhD, The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as chaplain (colonel), United States Army; senior chaplain, Texas Military Department; former professor of systematic theology and philosophy at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary; and adjunct teacher at Beeson Divinity School.
• Steve Lemke (PhD, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as professor of philosophy and ethics, provost emeritus, and vice president for institutional assessment at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
• Bruce Little (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as professor emeritus of philosophy, and director of the Francis A. Schaeffer Collection at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary.
• Roger E. Olson (PhD, Rice University) serves as professor of Christian theology, occupying the Foy Valentine Chair in Christian Ethics at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University.
• J. Matthew Pinson (EdD, Vanderbilt University) serves as president and professor of theology at Welch College.
• Mark Tolbert (DMin, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as professor of preaching and pastoral ministry, occupying the Caskey Chair of Church Excellence, and director of the Caskey Center for Church Excellence at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary.
• Trevin Wax (PhD, Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary) serves as vice president of research and resource development at the North American Mission Board and visiting professor at Wheaton College.
• Ken Wilson (DPhil, University of Oxford) serves as professor of systematic theology and church history at Grace School of Theology.
• Ben Witherington, III (PhD, University of Durham) serves as Jean R. Amos Professor of New Testament Interpretation at Asbury Theological Seminary.

Product Details

• Title: Calvinism: A Biblical and Theological Critique
• Authors: David L. Allen, Steve W. Lemke
• Publisher: B&H
• Print Publication Date: 2022
• Logos Release Date: 2022
• Pages: 541
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Calvinism; Reformation; Congregationalism
• ISBNs: 9781430072232, 9781087739892, 1087739896, 1430072237
• Resource ID: LLS:CLVNSMBBLCLCRTQ
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2023-10-09T17:49:56Z