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Title: Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Loraine Boettner ISBN: 0-87552-112-6 Publisher: P & R Publishing Pub. Date: 01 December, 1990 Format: Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $12.99 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.44 (16 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: Extensive apology for Calvinism
Comment: As this work shows, Boettner was greatly influenced by the great Princeton theologians such as Warfield and Hodge. Both of these men were deep advocates of the system of theology known as Calvinism. Warfield believed that evangelicalism stands or falls with Calvinism, and Hodge wrote one of the great systematic treatments of Calvinism ever produced. To these efforts, Boettner adds this work which expounds on Calvinism generally, and the reformed doctrine of predestination specifically.
The book is broken up into 5 sections - establishing the reality of predestination in Scripture, expounding on the 5 points of Calvinism, answering Arminian objections to Calvinism, and then looking at Calvinism in history and its meaning to the Christian life. Each section is good, with some being better than others. The section which responds to the Arminian objections to the doctrines of grace is the best section, and in particular, decimates objections against exertion and evangelism.
Boettner's treatment of Calvinism in history is a bit dated, but still informative when taken up to the time when he wrote this book. In particular, Boettner eloquently demonstrates that Calvinism is a theology that while centered on the sovereignty and holiness of God, produces a level of human action that is unparalleled. This says a great deal not only about the viability of Calvinism, but also of the problematic nature of man-centered theologies like Arminianism which have actually failed to inspire the level of human action and world change that Calvinism can rightly lay claim to.
The one weakness of the book is that while Boettner extensively quotes Scripture to establish his views, his exegesis is not as strong as it should be, and this is a disappointment. It was clear that Boettner was attempting to demonstrate that the clear, plain and repeated teachings of Scripture plainly support Calvinism in such a way that to take issue with these teachings requires rather elaborate and exotic (not to mention mostly erroneous) reinterpretations in order to get around them. While this is certainly true, it would nonetheless have been helpful had Boettner made a greater investment in Biblical exegesis.
So while it's not perfect, it is nonetheless a mostly persuasive apology for Calvinism that continued the great tradition of old Princeton to demand a coherent theology that is faithful to Scripture and can refute the best arguments made against it.
Rating: 4
Summary: Pretty Good Book on Calvinism
Comment: Anyone interested in the Reformed faith (or Calvinism) should start here. It is easy to read and suited for the layperson. The book is divided into six sections: In the first section he deals with terms and concepts related to predestination (e.g., the sovereignty of God, the providence of God, the foreknowledge of God, etc.). The first section is an excellent start-off point for the reader. The second section deals with the five points (or TULIP). Boettner does an excellent job explaining what each of the five points mean (and what it does NOT mean). The third section deals with common objections presented by non-Calvinists against the Calvinistic understanding of predestination. Boettner, again, does a fine job refuting the typical arguments of non-Calvinists. The fourth section deals with issues of salvation by grace, personal assurance, predestination in the physical world, etc. The fifth chapter deals with the practical importance of the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination. Finally, the sixth chapter deals with the history of Calvinism. The chapters are well written and makes a good case for the Calvinistic system. Boettner presents his arguments well and anticipants and responds to possible objections in each chapter. The only problem I have with this book is its postmillennial bias (this is especially evident in his final chapter on the history of Calvinism). This is the only downfall of the book. In order for Boettner to relieve the "harsher" aspects of predestination, he advocates the idea that in the end more people will be in heaven than in hell. Of course, we should let the Bible speak for itself and not try to sugar-coat it with hypotheses to "soften" difficult truths taught in the Bible. Another downfall of the book is its age. Many contemporary readers will find that some of the issues that Boettner brings up are obsolete. Overall, though, a good introductory level book on the Calvinistic doctrine of predestination.
Rating: 1
Summary: I still don't get Calvanism
Comment: I have read a number of books that outline Calvinism--in its various shades--and musts admit that the logic of their arguments are very tight and usually the books make for an enjoyable read. However, when I go back to the scripture, the whole system seems to fall apart. The whole theme of Hebrews and much of 2 Peter deal with the apostasy of a believer(s)--not 'apparent apostasy or a scenario that could never really happen to a real believer'--but true bonifide apostasy!
I could go on and on but I no longer see the point. For the Arminian view has truly won out in the arena of ideas. I have come to realize that 1) True Calvinist are rare and hard to find within Christendom and 2) they have become the theological Amish of the protestant world-fun to look at but never really seriously considered by the thinking world of the protestant faith.
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Title: The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, Documented by David N. Steele, Curtis C. Thomas ISBN: 0875524443 Publisher: P & R Publishing Pub. Date: 01 July, 1989 List Price(USD): $5.99 |
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Title: Chosen by God by R. C. Sproul ISBN: 0842313354 Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers Pub. Date: 01 October, 1994 List Price(USD): $10.99 |
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Title: Evangelism & the Sovereignty of God by J. I. Packer ISBN: 083081339X Publisher: InterVarsity Press Pub. Date: 01 November, 1991 List Price(USD): $11.00 |
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Title: The Potter's Freedom by James R. White ISBN: 1879737434 Publisher: Calvary Press Pub. Date: 15 May, 2000 List Price(USD): $16.95 |
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Title: The Sovereignty of God by Authur W. Pink ISBN: 0801070880 Publisher: Baker Books Pub. Date: 01 June, 1984 List Price(USD): $12.99 |
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