David L. Allen - Calvinism: A Biblical and Theological Critique

David Allen and Steve Lemke have assembled a diverse and impressive team of contributors to provide a thoughtful engagement with major aspects of Calvinism. Rejecting Pelagianism, semi-Pelagianism, hyper-Calvinism, and consistent Calvinism, the various chapters, which include a combination of Arminian, Wesleyan, Calminian, and Amyraldian perspectives, wade through what have been minefields of controversy for centuries. While not all readers will have their questions answered nor will all Calvinists be persuaded, this significant volume is to be commended for offering substantive responses worthy of serious consideration. The book will be beneficial for people representing various theological traditions, whatever ones view may be about Calvinism and how it should be understood. It is my prayer that readers will want to echo the irenic spirit represented in the concluding chapter calling for Calvinists and non-Calvinists to join together for the advancement of the gospel.

David S. Dockery , president, International Alliance for Christian Education, and distinguished professor of theology, Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary

In this volume, an outstanding team of contributors, representing a range of denominational affiliations and theological perspectives, unite to offer a critique of Calvinism. A remarkably wide range of issues is addressed: from key biblical texts and historical considerations to the traditional five points themselves; from the nature of divine election and human freedom to the character of God and the problem of evil. Throughout the volume, critique is conducted without diatribe, and a spirit of generosity and dialogueeven rapprochementpervades. Highly recommended!

Paul Rhodes Eddy , professor of biblical and theological studies, Bethel University

Over the past two decades, the Young, Restless, and Reformed movement has enthusiastically promoted the set of doctrines popularly called Calvinism. Large conferences, well-organized networks, an aggressive and very effective online presence, and a massive flood of publications have fueled the movementand sometimes leave the impression that there is no room for informed and thoughtful criticism or alternative views that remain faithful to biblical teaching. This book offers serious and sustained pushback, and it will be helpful to all (including those who, like me, are not fully persuaded by every argument advanced) who want to think better and more biblically about these important matters.

Thomas H. McCall , Timothy C. and Julie M. Tennent Chair of Theology, Asbury Theological Seminary

For anyone interested in the historic debate between Calvinists and non-Calvinists, I highly recommend this work. I will want to keep a copy handy in the future, so that I can use it for reference and to read again some of the chapters that give me more to think about. The reader will be impressed by at least two things. First, there really is a brand of non-Calvinism that is grounded in faithfulness to the Scriptures and is truly Reformed (in being true to the three solas). Second, there is within the ranks of those who hold this view (whether they self-identify as Arminian or not) an interesting variety of viewpoints about some of the details. Thanks to editors Lemke and Allen and to B&H Academic for making this available.

Robert E. Picirilli , professor emeritus of New Testament and philosophy, Welch College

A Dutch Reformed student of mine once wisely commented that Reformed theology is a field, not just a flower. Yet its the flowerthe (in)famous tulip of five-point Calvinismthat has blossomed over the past several years among younger generations of free-church evangelicals. This volume raises a variety of serious concerns about the growth of popular Calvinism. Read it carefully and judge for yourself!

Jerome Van Kuiken , dean and professor of ministry and Christian thought, Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Anyone paying attention knows that Calvinism has been resurgent the past several years. This volume is a multidisciplinary critique of this formidable theological movement, and how it profoundly misrepresents the wonderful, good news of the gospel. Sharply critical, yet irenic, the essays in this volume are a model of forthright, substantive theological debate.

Jerry L. Walls , professor of philosophy and scholar in residence, Houston Baptist University

Calvinism: A Biblical and Theological Critique

Copyright 2022 by David L. Allen and Steve W. Lemke

Published by B&H Academic

Nashville, Tennessee

All rights reserved.

ISBN: 978-1-0877-3989-2

Dewey Decimal Classification: 284.2

Subject Heading: CALVINISM / REFORMATION / CONGREGATIONALISM

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