Against Calvinism
Against Calvinism

Author: Roger E. Olson

Publisher: Zondervan Academic

Published: 2011-10-25

Total Pages: 208

ISBN-13: 0310575958

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Calvinist theology has been debated and promoted for centuries. But is it a theology that should last? Roger Olson suggests that Calvinism, also commonly known as Reformed theology, holds an unwarranted place in our list of accepted theologies. In Against Calvinism, readers will find scholarly arguments explaining why Calvinist theology is incorrect and how it affects God’s reputation. Olson draws on a variety of sources, including Scripture, reason, tradition, and experience, to support his critique of Calvinism and the more historically rich, biblically faithful alternative theologies he proposes. Addressing what many evangelical Christians are concerned about today—so-called “new Calvinism,” a movement embraced by a generation labeled as “young, restless, Reformed” —Against Calvinism is the only book of its kind to offer objections from a non-Calvinist perspective to the current wave of Calvinism among Christian youth. As a companion to Michael Horton’s For Calvinism, readers will be able to compare contrasting perspectives and form their own opinions on the merits and weaknesses of Calvinism.

Paul and Apostasy
Paul and Apostasy

Author: B. J. Oropeza

Publisher: Wipf and Stock Publishers

Published: 2007-04-01

Total Pages: 339

ISBN-13: 1556353332

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This groundbreaking work presents the concepts of apostasy and perseverance in light of recent interpretative and intertextual methods. Oropeza argues that the Pauline letters include warnings to congregation members who are in danger of falling away, and Paul often considers these members to be authentic converts to the early Christian message. A prime example of this is presented in the apostle's use of the ExodusÐwilderness traditions in 1 Corinthians 10:1Ð13. In an effort to persuade congregation members against apostasy, Paul echoes examples from the Hebrew Scriptures and Jewish traditions regarding Israel's divine election and punishments. The Corinthians are exhorted against conducting themselves in a manner that parallels the ancient Israelites who, after crossing the Red Sea, were rejected by God in the wilderness because they murmured and committed vices such as idolatry and sexual immorality. Paul cautions the Corinthians that if they commit such vices in their own spiritual journey, they will suffer divine judgment before the culmination of the eschaton. These warnings are located within larger rhetorical arguments related to the problems of meat sacrificed to idols, congregational factions, and misperceptions about the end times. Oropeza also interprets passages on apostasy and perseverance in Paul's other letters, and he interacts with theological perspectives associated with the perseverance of the saints, including Calvinist and Arminian traditions. His work provides a fresh alternative to this theological controversy.

Calvin vs. Wesley
Calvin vs. Wesley

Author: Dr. Don Thorsen

Publisher: Abingdon Press

Published: 2013-10-15

Total Pages: 187

ISBN-13: 1426775067

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Congregations are made up of people with all sorts of theologies. Pastor Mike Slaughter even says that these can stand in the way of the church’s mission of social and personal holiness. But most people do not adopt a theology on purpose, mostly they merely breathe in the prevailing cultural air. The theology "de jour" seems to be Calvinist, with its emphasis on “the elect” and “other worldly salvation.” In fact, there is so much Calvinism saturating the culture, that some do not even know there is an alternative way of thinking about their faith. They don’t know where to go to find a viable option; they don’t even know the key words to search Google. So people are left thinking like Calvinists but living with a desire to change the world, offering grace and hope to hurting people in mission and ministry—loving the least, the last, and the lost. In other words, they are living like Wesleyans. This book shows what Calvinist and Wesleyans actually believe about human responsibility, salvation, the universality of God’s grace, holy living through service, and the benefits of small group accountability--and how that connects to how people can live. Calvinists and Wesleyans are different, and by knowing the difference, people will not only see the other benefits of Wesleyan theology but will be inspired to learn more. By knowing who they are as faithful people of God, they will be motivated to reach out in mission with renewed vigor. And they won’t be obstacles to grace and holiness, but they can be better disciples and advocates for Christ through service in this world.