• Against Calvinism

  • Rescuing God's Reputation from Radical Reformed Theology
  • By: Roger E. Olson
  • Narrated by: Maurice England
  • Length: 9 hrs and 4 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (175 ratings)

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Against Calvinism  By  cover art

Against Calvinism

By: Roger E. Olson
Narrated by: Maurice England
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Publisher's summary

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.

©2011 Roger E. Olsen (P)2011 Zondervan

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"I don't use a straw man"... (next page=straw man)

In the first two chapters, the author goes on and on about being fair, sensitive, and sympathetic to opposing view points, and not misrepresenting Reformed Theology with a straw man.
Within the second chapter he makes it clear that he really doesn't understand Reformed Theology, as he breaks out the straw man and proceeds to set it on fire.
Every book I've ever read by R.C. Sproul, John Piper, John MacArthur, ugh! all the books written by those who accurately and expertly hold to Reformed Theology, are filled from beginning to end with carefully studied and accurately interpreted and represented scripture to make the case for their beliefs. And it's quickly understood that God is obviously the center and purpose of all they believe and cherish.
In contrast, this author, rather than presenting and making his case from scripture to compare in parallel his beliefs with the Calvinist's, he makes his stand from that of a moral superiority (I have to save God's reputation, because if God is really and truly Sovereign then He created sin and is the author of evil) and shuts down any possibility of a fair discussion. It's clear very early in the book that it's basis is the same ol' same ol' lowest possible "christian" view of God, and the highest view and consequently central character, man.
There is basically nothing compelling about the author's views especially on Reformed Theology. If you're familiar at all with Reformed Theology then you will glean nothing from this book.

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21 people found this helpful

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Great articulation

Olson explains in great detail the Biblical and logical inconsistencies with Calvinism. He also defends Arminianism well when needed. However, the focus is set on the errors of Calvinism. I recommend this to book to all Christians. Many of today's churches do not go into detail about doctrine. I think it is important to know what you believe and why. It is particularly important because of the injustice that Calvinism does to God's character. Olson does not seek to attack Calvinists but Calvinism. Good read.

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Great Narrator, ok content.

The Narrator made this book enjoyable. However, the book was not very exegetical at all. There were few Scriptures dealt with, and those few were dealt with redundantly. The book was ok, a few good highlights and analogies, but for the length of the book I don't feel like I am walking away with much information.

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Relatively fair presentation

Overall Olson offers a fair case against the TULIP soteriology often called Calvinism (and he distinguishes this as well). He presents the Arminian counter to TULIP and also offers alternate interpretations of scripture which Calvinist's use to support their interpretation. My only complaint and what made it hard for me to listen to in parts is his occasional portrayal of Calvinists as believing in a different God and personalizing their beliefs as opposed to simply dealing with those beliefs.

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A Counterpoint Worth Reading

Let me say this first: Roger Olson has a very urgent, forceful way of writing. Though I've never met him personally, I can say with relative confidence that he is an incredibly passionate individual. This may turn many people away from this book thinking that he is arrogant (which he kinda is) or that he hates Calvinists (which he really doesn't).
This book poses a conceptual problem. While it is a great counterpoint to Michael Horton's For Calvinism, it does not stand on its own very well. This is because it is a negative apologetic; it is written for the purpose of poking holes in Calvinism and not to support Olson's view (Arminianism). This come across as Olson being vindictive and often uncaring. If one were to read Horton's companion book or even Olson's Arminian Theology (a great but challenging book) then one would see that Olson isn't writing out of pure spite, but out of a loving urgency and passion for the subject matter. Regardless, this is why I couldn't give it 5's across the board.
I do, however, think this was a phenomenal read and worth the >10 hours it would take for any serious thinker who wants to understand some of the limitations of Calvinism and the importance of individual discernment, thought, and study in the life of every Christian.

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Clear and easy to understand discussion on flaws and Calvinist doctrine.

The author provides a fairly high-level and easy to understand view of Calvinism and provides scriptural evidence to refute many of the doctrines essential for Calvinism to be true and correct.

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Standard Arguments With Better Sources

It’s obvious that Roger Olson is well-read. I really appreciate that he reads Calvinist sources and quotes from them while analyzing them from his perspective. This is a well written book.

The problem is that, first, there are no new arguments here. Every argument is a standard argument against Calvinism, usually just expanded and explained thoroughly. Second, like most such arguments, what Calvinists actually believe is misrepresented because it’s misunderstood. Third, the fact that the counterpoints are so blatantly respond to with a general “this just isn’t so” attitude does nothing for his arguments against Calvinism when there’s no positive stance of his own given. His responses generally seem to be “Calvinists believe this, but God isn’t that way”.

I really want to read or listen to his Arminian Theology, though. I really enjoyed the narrator as well.

10/10 would recommend reading before reading For Calvinism.

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Be freed from the darkness of Calvinism

Your greatest proof: The Word of God, highlighted by the author, and sound reasoning that we believe comes through Christ.

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Jargon

While I am a theologian and understand the language of the debate, as will many laypersons, this is for insiders, perhaps Calvinists mostly.

I was looking for something with fresh language and perspective that even explores geopolitical influence across the centuries.

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Well written and well argued.

This book was a reasonaable, kind, and responsible refutation of Calvinistic theology. Worth the read.

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