Why I Am Not a Calvinist
by Jerry L. Walls, Joseph R. Dongell
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Book Summary Information
Author: Jerry L. Walls, Joseph R. DongellEdition: Paperback
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2004-03-26
ISBN: 0830832491
Number of pages: 230
Publisher: IVP Books
Book Reviews of Why I Am Not a Calvinist
Book Review: 240 reasons why I am a Calvinist
Summary: 3 Stars
Let me give the positive first: This is a well-written and engaging book. It is not mean-spirited (which is rare for a book taking sides on this subject), is intelligently crafted, and makes many compelling points.
I even found the writers' interpretation of Romans 9-11 to be consistent and well-executed. It is the best "Arminian" interpretation of this text that I have found.
That said, I saw very little else in the way of scriptural engagement in the book. While I thoroughly enjoy an intelligent philosophical debate, philosophy can only go so far when discussed alongside theology. The two put together create a very unique intellectual animal that can be a bit hard to deal with properly and evenly.
I was lead to Calvinism by the scriptures. I was confronted with texts from Romans 9, John 6, Ephesians 1, Revelation, Acts, and many other books that seemed to speak quite clearly about the role of God in electing and saving a particular people. While it was a big pill to swallow, I could see no logical way around what they were saying.
I feel that too often, Arminians are quick to rail against their preconceptions of Calvinism, and against some broad Calvinistic implications, but rarely respond meaningfully to scripture. The normal Arminian response to a text as explicit as Acts 13:48 ("And when the Gentiles heard this, they began rejoicing and glorifying the word of the Lord, and as many as were appointed to eternal life believed.") is, "Well, it can't mean that, because..." and then they go on to quote (out of context) a passage that uses the word "all," hence killing a chance at real engagement with the text before they ever get started. In my experience with Arminian argumentation there is never a willingness to let the text interpret itself, but an over-anxiousness to defend a preconception usually rooted more in one's own traditions than in scripture.
As far as Arminian defense books go, this is a good one. I would love, though, for an Arminian to write a solid, biblical response to Reformed Theology. I would read it with a very open mind.
And no, Norman Geisler's "Chosen but Free" does not qualify.
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