The Foundation of Augustinian-Calvinism


Book Description

"Wilson's book is ground-breaking and thought-provoking, and indispensable for every serious student of hugely influential core aspects of Augustine's thought." -- Professor Karla Pollman, University of Bristol on Dr. Ken Wilson's "Augustine's Conversion". This book summarizes Dr. Wilson's "ground-breaking" doctoral thesis at the University of Oxford which was published by Mohr Siebeck in 2018 as "Augustine's Conversion from Traditional Free Choice to 'Non-free Free Will': A Comprehensive Methodology". With a new audience in mind, Dr. Wilson presents his extensive research on free will in ancient and early Christian thought in a shorter and more accessible format with translations of the ancient and modern foreign languages in plain English. Dr. Wilson first provides readers with essential background information on free will in the ancient philosophies and religions of Stoicism, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and Manichaeism. He then guides his readers through the writings of the earliest Christian authors who wrote on free will. Finally, Dr. Wilson explores a curious split between St. Augustine's early and later writings and shows how the ideas presented in Augustine's later writings became the foundation for modern Calvinist (Reformed) theology, also known as Augustinian-Calvinism.




Augustine's Conversion from Traditional Free Choice to "Non-free Free Will"


Book Description

The consensus view asserts Augustine developed his later doctrines ca. 396 CE while writing Ad Simplicianum as a result of studying scripture. His early De libero arbitrio argued for traditional free choice refuting Manichaean determinism, but his anti-Pelagian writings rejected any human ability to believe without God giving faith. Kenneth M. Wilson's study is the first work applying the comprehensive methodology of reading systematically and chronologically through Augustine's entire extant corpus (works, sermons, and letters 386-430 CE), and examining his doctrinal development. The author explores Augustine's later theology within the prior philosophical-religious context of free choice versus deterministic arguments. This analysis demonstrates Augustine persisted in traditional views until 412 CE and his theological transition was primarily due to his prior Stoic, Neoplatonic, and Manichaean influences.




Augustine’s Calvinism


Book Description

Aurelius Augustine (354-430) is one of the most prominently known figures in the history of the Christian church. He was a philosopher and theologian of the highest order, and steadfastly preached on the grace of God. He preached and wrote on the grace of God so extensively to preserve the truth of the gospel (especially against the heretic Pelagius) that he was deemed “the Doctor of Grace.” Many today hold to what has become known as the Five Points of Calvinism, or the doctrines of grace. They comprise the five points of Total Depravity, Unconditional Election, Limited Atonement, Irresistible Grace and the Perseverance of the Saints. But did Augustine believe these same “Calvinistic” doctrines? Is Augustine’s theological view of sin, election, the death of Christ, regeneration and sanctification the same as the Reformers, the Puritans, or even those who hold to the Gospel of Grace today? This work is a survey of that question and demonstrates from Augustine’s works that he was, undoubtedly, a Calvinist. This is not a scan or facsimile, and contains an active table of contents for electronic versions.




Does God Love All or Some?


Book Description

The term “extensivism” describes my position regarding the doctrine of salvation. Specifically, extensivism believes that man was created in the image of God with otherwise choice; God’s salvation plan involves an all-inclusive unconditional offer of salvation to every person, reception of which is conditioned upon grace-enabled faith rather than Calvinism’s exclusive plan of a limited actual offer of salvation to only the unconditionally elected. Generally, it replaces the term “non-Calvinism.” These are the five primary objectives of the book: First, my considerations would result in a deeper understanding of God. Second, I will demonstrate that God salvationally loves every single person. Third, I intend to offer a precise and respectful critique of Calvinism’s internal and biblical inconsistencies (these are largely due to its commitment to compatibilism and unconditional election). Fourth, I will demonstrate that God’s free choice to endow man with libertarian freedom is a more biblical perspective. Fifth, because a significant percentage of people who become Calvinists do not actually understand Calvinism, I seek to present Calvinism and extensivism in language that is precisely and consistently reflective of the commitments of each perspective regarding God’s sovereignty, salvific love, foreknowledge, and man’s freedom; this so a person can make an informed choice about Calvinism.




What Love Is This?


Book Description

Many sincere, Bible-believing Christians are Calvinists only by default. Thinking that the only choice is between Calvinism (with its presumed doctrine of eternal security) and Arminianism (with its teaching that salvation can be lost), and confident of Christ's promise to keep eternally those who believe in Him, they therefore consider themselves to be Calvinists. It takes only a few simple questions to discover that most Christians are largely unaware of what John Calvin and his early followers of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries actually believed and practiced. Nor do they fully understand what most of today's leading Calvinists believe. Although there are disputed variations of the Calvinist doctrine, among its chief proponents (whom we quote extensively in context) there is general agreement on certain core beliefs. Many evangelicals who think they are Calvinists will be surprised to learn of Calvin's belief in salvation through infant baptism and of his grossly un-Christian behavior, at times, as the "Protestant Pope" of Geneva, Switzerland. Most shocking of all, however, is Calvinism's misrepresentation of God, who "is love." It is our prayer that this volume will enable readers to examine more carefully the vital issues involved and to follow God's holy Word­--not man's teachings. "The first edition of this book was greeted by fervent opposition and criticism from Calvinists. In this enlarged and revised edition I have endeavored to respond to the critics." --Dave Hunt




Chosen by God


Book Description

Nearly 200,000 copies sold! Chosen by God by Dr. R. C. Sproul is a contemporary classic on predestination, a doctrine that isn’t just for Calvinists. It is a doctrine for all biblical Christians. In this updated and expanded edition of Chosen by God, Sproul shows that the doctrine of predestination doesn’t create a whimsical or spiteful picture of God, but rather paints a portrait of a loving God who provides redemption for radically corrupt humans. We choose God because he has opened our eyes to see his beauty; we love him because he first loved us. There is mystery in God’s ways, but not contradiction.




Getting the Gospel Right - A Balanced View of Salvation Truth


Book Description

A revised and abridged edition of Beyond Calvinism and Arminianism: An Inductive Mediate Theologyof Salvation, in Which theologian/missiologist Olson gives the fruit of a 25-year theological pilgrimage. His inductive focus on Scripture results in a middle view of salvation truth, thus resolving polarized extremes. This edition is much more readable and accessible for most Christians. The exegetical methodology emphasizes context, word studies, and grammar of all relevant passages, with extensive support for eternal security and refutation of deterministic concepts of salvation. In the foreword, Dr. Tim LaHaye refers to the incredible distribution of the academic edition, which sold out in 3 years. A revised academic edition is forthcoming in 2006.




Tackling Tulip


Book Description

Tackling TULIP will help Christians understand the errors of Calvinism and why this theological system should be rejected and refuted. This book includes a helpful investigation into the key passages that Calvinists use to defend their beliefs. Romans 9, Ephesians 1, and John 6 are examined in light of the Calvinistic interpretation and are not seen to teach what Calvinists assert. The theological errors that Calvinism presents are also exposed. Questions like “Do we have free will?” and “Did Christ die for everyone?” are answered in the affirmative by both church history and biblical revelation. Finally, the practical problems of Calvinism are explained. A belief in Calvinism eliminates the possibility for Christians to have assurance of salvation and tends to diminish the importance of holy living. Tackling TULIP will equip the body of Christ to defend against the erroneous theology of Calvinism.




A Cultish Side of Calvinism


Book Description

ABOUT THE BOOK: A Cultish Side of Calvinism was first written for the purpose of clarifying Calvinistic theology, but Coate's research led him to the conclusion that it shares significant similarities to unorthodox Christian faiths. Coate's scrutiny will prove to be biblically balanced and practically engaging for anyone remotely interested in Christian theology. As a pastor, speaker, and hospital chaplain, Micah has experienced firsthand Calvinism's effect in Christian culture. He clearly writes how you can beware the pitfalls of Calvinism's overly systematized theology. If the rise of a cultish theology grows within Christendom, so must a true discernment of its claims and consequences. The same standard that has placed Mormons, Jehovah's Witnesses, and Scientologists outside the Christian camp of orthodoxy has now, for the first time, placed the theology of Calvinism as being too cultish for comfort. Unlike any other book on the market, A Cultish Side of Calvinism not only shows that the theology of Calvinism is more systematic than biblical, but that it is comparable to almost any classic Christian cult. Most people know that Evangelical Christianity has rightly denounced theologies that differ in the essentials of the faith. Yet, due to its foothold on Christian 'orthodoxy', the theology of Calvinism has mainly gone unnoticed, leaving many young Christians unaware of the veiled and yet essential claims of their newly found theology. The September 2006 issue of Christianity Today sums up the previous claims that Calvinism is growing among a new generation of Christians. The story's title says it all: "Young, Restless, Reformed. Calvinism is making a comeback-and shaking up the church." If the claims of this book go unchecked and Calvinism is indeed "shaking up the church," we should fear that it will tragically break up the body of Christ even further. **** ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Whether in a classroom or a church setting, Micah desires to present the claims of the Bible in relevant and honest ways. He makes the study of theology and religion practical and freshly engaging. Other than speaking and writing on theology, Micah is also building an archive of articles on politics and ethics emphasizing the place for common sense. His hunger to seek God's Truth in all spheres of life is captivating and exciting. Micah is married with one child. He enjoys music, art, and the outdoors. In his free time he likes to work on his house. micahcoate.com




Letters to a Young Calvinist


Book Description

At a time when definitions of Calvinism are hotly contested, this book provides a vision of the Reformed faith that is generous, winsome, and imaginative.




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