PDF Arminian Theology Myths and Realities Dr Roger E Olson PhD 9780830828418 Books
Download As PDF : Arminian Theology Myths and Realities Dr Roger E Olson PhD 9780830828418 Books
In this book, Roger Olson sets forth classical Arminian theology and addresses the myriad misunderstandings and misrepresentations of it through the ages. Irenic yet incisive, Olson argues that classical Arminian theology has a rightful place in the evangelical church because it maintains deep roots within Reformational theology, even though it maintains important differences from Calvinism. Myths addressed include Myth 1 Arminian Theology Is the Opposite of Calvinist/Reformed Theology Myth 2 A Hybrid of Calvinism and Arminianism Is Possible Myth 3 Arminianism Is Not an Orthodox Evangelical Option Myth 4 The Heart of Arminianism Is Belief in Free Will Myth 5 Arminian Theology Denies the Sovereignty of God Myth 6 Arminianism Is a Human-Centered Theology Myth 7 Arminianism Is Not a Theology of Grace Myth 8 Arminians Do Not Believe in Predestination Myth 9 Arminian Theology Denies Justification by Grace Alone Through Faith Alone Myth 10 All Arminians Believe in the Governmental Theory of the Atonement
PDF Arminian Theology Myths and Realities Dr Roger E Olson PhD 9780830828418 Books
"I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. I actually tried to stay away from reading any reviews beforehand so that I could give it a good, honest, unbiased opinion as I read through it. I will tell you this, I think Roger Olson is very fair and very honest about the Arminian theological system. I was expecting to get attacked as a Calvinist, but I truly found just the opposite. I have seen reviews since I started the book that call out Dr. Olson as being angry and hateful, but I found just the opposite. I expected to be "railed against" but really just found an honest dissertation of some of the myths of the Arminian theology.
What I did find was that the crux of the difference between the two theologies really lies in the manner in which God chooses men to be saved. The Calvinist states that we as dirty, sinful, godless humans should be grateful to see that God is gracious to choose any to go to heaven, instead of allowing us all to go to hell. Arminians, on the other hand, believe that God is so loving that He would choose everyone to heaven if He could, but He leaves the choice in salvation to the libertarian free will of man through prevenient grace.
The Calvinist cannot see God ever giving up any of His sovereignty, even in the choice of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell. The Arminian cannot see God, being loving, to ever control humans in their choices, or this results in God being the author and creator of sin. This chasm, as Dr. Olson plainly states, will never be brought together between the two sides. Which I completely agree.
The one place that I saw Dr. Olson arguing for over and over in the book is that Arminianism is not Semi-Pelagian because it is not that good was left in man after the fall, but that God, in His grace gave all men prevenient grace. Here is my issue with this argument. Did not God allow the good to be humans before the fall? So, whether you believe that a little good was left over (Semi-Pelagian) or that God, after the fall, gave all men prevenient grace (Arminianism), which is also good, how is this different? It's just a matter of timing, in my opinion. Dr. Olson also goes into a little dissertation on Open Theism where he does not really try and disprove, but says simply that some Arminians are going "that way" and some are undecided. This is where Arminianism gets real dangerous, in my opinion.
I did enjoy the book and Dr. Olson's thoroughness in it. Do not expect the book to be one that tries to "convince" you of the Arminian position, for this was not the intent (this is also the reason why there was very little biblical references). The intent was to clear up some misconceptions of Arminian theology. Which for me, it did the job that Dr. Olson was trying to do, but that does not mean that I agree with him. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for an honest assessment of Arminianism.
I also appreciate Dr. Olson's heart in wanting the two sides to be able to serve with one another and to proclaim the gospel together. I found this a place where a lot of my Calvinist friends could learn from."
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Arminian Theology Myths and Realities Dr Roger E Olson PhD 9780830828418 Books Reviews :
Arminian Theology Myths and Realities Dr Roger E Olson PhD 9780830828418 Books Reviews
- Now that I have your attention, the title of my review is accurate, and the 5* rating is intended. Let me explain
Much of evangelical Christianity today doesn't pay much attention to theology. I grew up in a belief system that was an illogical mixture of semi-Pelagianism, Arminianism, and eternal security. My belief system only worked if I didn't think too hard, or pay close attention to the entirety of the Bible. Investigating the issue of Calvinism and Arminianism, I read both Olson's book as well as listened to a set of seminars by John Piper (a Calvinist) that differentiated between the two. I was surprised at how both defined Arminianism in virtually the same terms. In other words, if a strong Calvinist and Arminian give the same definition of Arminianism, it must be accurate. It was also pretty close to what I had believed my whole life. To make a long story short, much more reading was necessary for me to make up my mind between the two systems fit the Bible better.
So, why is a Calvinist recommending this book? It does an excellent job of fairly defining the issues involved. And, while I ended up disagreeing with the theological system it supports, I gained real respect for my Arminian brothers and sisters in Christ by reading it. My guess is that many in the Calvinist camp do not have a fair appreciation for authentic Arminianism - they will likely gain more respect for those they disagree with by reading this. Both sides could act more Christian by interacting with the actual theologies of the other camp as opposed to straw men often constructed by both sides.
One downside of the book is, in my mind, the later chapters dealt with "myths" about Arminianism I did not hold. To me, at least, these chapters were less useful. For many readers, I do not necessarily recommend reading the entire book, only those chapters where they suspect the myth may be true. For me, at least, the myths were mostly dealt with in order of importance. I liked enough about this book I'm not detracting a star over this issue.
My recommendation to anyone who doesn't fully understand Calvinism or Arminianism, or (worse!) thinks they are someplace in between, to read this, as well as a good introduction to Calvinism (Sam Storms "Chosen for Life" is short, approachable, and solid). Then, read through the New Testament and ask yourself which viewpoint better matches the plain meaning of scripture. - I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. I actually tried to stay away from reading any reviews beforehand so that I could give it a good, honest, unbiased opinion as I read through it. I will tell you this, I think Roger Olson is very fair and very honest about the Arminian theological system. I was expecting to get attacked as a Calvinist, but I truly found just the opposite. I have seen reviews since I started the book that call out Dr. Olson as being angry and hateful, but I found just the opposite. I expected to be "railed against" but really just found an honest dissertation of some of the myths of the Arminian theology.
What I did find was that the crux of the difference between the two theologies really lies in the manner in which God chooses men to be saved. The Calvinist states that we as dirty, sinful, godless humans should be grateful to see that God is gracious to choose any to go to heaven, instead of allowing us all to go to hell. Arminians, on the other hand, believe that God is so loving that He would choose everyone to heaven if He could, but He leaves the choice in salvation to the libertarian free will of man through prevenient grace.
The Calvinist cannot see God ever giving up any of His sovereignty, even in the choice of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell. The Arminian cannot see God, being loving, to ever control humans in their choices, or this results in God being the author and creator of sin. This chasm, as Dr. Olson plainly states, will never be brought together between the two sides. Which I completely agree.
The one place that I saw Dr. Olson arguing for over and over in the book is that Arminianism is not Semi-Pelagian because it is not that good was left in man after the fall, but that God, in His grace gave all men prevenient grace. Here is my issue with this argument. Did not God allow the good to be humans before the fall? So, whether you believe that a little good was left over (Semi-Pelagian) or that God, after the fall, gave all men prevenient grace (Arminianism), which is also good, how is this different? It's just a matter of timing, in my opinion. Dr. Olson also goes into a little dissertation on Open Theism where he does not really try and disprove, but says simply that some Arminians are going "that way" and some are undecided. This is where Arminianism gets real dangerous, in my opinion.
I did enjoy the book and Dr. Olson's thoroughness in it. Do not expect the book to be one that tries to "convince" you of the Arminian position, for this was not the intent (this is also the reason why there was very little biblical references). The intent was to clear up some misconceptions of Arminian theology. Which for me, it did the job that Dr. Olson was trying to do, but that does not mean that I agree with him. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for an honest assessment of Arminianism.
I also appreciate Dr. Olson's heart in wanting the two sides to be able to serve with one another and to proclaim the gospel together. I found this a place where a lot of my Calvinist friends could learn from. - Says the same things over and over. The book spends too much time defending Arminianism against Calvinist slander. Arminianism stands on its own 2 feet. As a classical Arminian, I see no need to respond to criticism. It is more worthwhile to clearly explain what true Arminianism is and to provide more Scripture references to support the theology. That absolutely can be done. Also, the author should leave "denominations" out of the discussion. His frequent use of Pentecostalism and Holiness practices as being Classical Arminianism is totally inaccurate and not what I have read from John Wesley. What I have observed in mainline Pentecostal churches does not resemble Classical Arminianism in any way. He does a good job of clearly defining Classical Arminianism early in the book. Expounding on that would have been much more interesting.
- When a person seeks to truly gain a better understanding of someone else's faith, they should not first approach the enemies of that faith. In this case, one should not learn about Arminian theology from a Calvinist, Roman Catholic, or whatever. He or she should inquire from a self-professed Arminian. Bothersome somewhat is the reiteration of ideas and concepts throughout the various chapters. This is a book that requires careful reading and time to absorb often complex information.
- I was a devoted and informed Calvinist for 10 years until recently. As a former Calvinist I recommend this book to Calvinists and Arminians alike. Having been in the Calvinist camp for so long, I confess that Calvinists are guilty of unfairly straw-manning Arminian Theology. I believe this book sets the record straight. Calvinists really need to stop misrepresenting Arminians. Thanks Dr. Olson!
