A Few More Resources… – Chosen Or Not?

OK, for those who would like to read related works that are written by some folks with more than two half… hearted years in secular college, here is a short list:

Dr. Harwood (graciously) examines the flaws within the typical Calvinistic understanding(s) of the imputation of Adam’s guilt to his posterity. We are natural born sinners, no doubt, but no one is born guilty of anything. That should not be taught without explicit biblical proof texts. Its really absurd when you think about it. Dr. Harwood politely strikes a fatal blow to the very foundation of virtually all forms of Calvinistic teaching on salvation.

Plain Theology for Plain People – Charles Octavius Boothe. Copyright 2017 Lexham Press Lexham Press, 1313 Commercial St., Bellingham, WA 98225. Originally published by the American Baptist Publication Society, Philadelphia

“Written for the average sharecropper”, it brings a welcome and succinct summary of the major tenets of orthodox protestant theology. Although the book leans towards Calvinism in a couple of places, it brings a clear message of salvation by grace, which can be enjoyed by Calvinist and non-Calvinist alike. Like many who may profess a form of Calvinism, he is adept at avoiding clear Calvinistic language, and this is a good thing. He, wisely, avoids trying to answer questions that historical Calvinists and many Arminians can’t resist trying to answer. (For example, “Why does one person repent and embrace the cross and another doesn’t?”)

The Potter’s Promise A Commentary on Romans 9 – Dr. Leighton Flowers, Booktango.

A short book, which shows how the election described in Romans 9 is not about individual salvation but is about God’s choice of Jacob (Israel) and his posterity (the Jews) to be His chosen people and ultimately bring the person and good news of Jesus to all people, in all nations, at all times. Jacob’s older twin brother, Esau, and his descendants should not be considered the “chosen people of God,” even though they were physical descendants of Abraham. Although, not chosen ethnically, Esau and his descendants could still be saved individually… by faith… in the mercy of God, as we now understand it to be found in Christ.

For those who don’t have time to read, as much, but may have some time in their commutes, find Leighton’s website: Soteriology 101. His articles and podcasts cover virtually all the pertinent questions regarding the differences between Calvinism and non. He will point to, and defend, the “Traditional Statement,” which was written by Dr. Eric Hankins as a clarifying answer to the growing number of professing Calvinists in the SBC. Leighton calls himself a Provisionist, a good term. Dr. Flowers has landed upon the term “Provisionist” to describe his position and it is a good name, as contrasted to Calvinism and it’s insistence on limiting the provision of the cross.

The Extent of the Atonement- A Historical and Critical Review by Dr. David L. Allen. B&H Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

You won’t read this book in one sitting! But you can skip around a bit and will soon learn that Calvinists are not all of one opinion on the extent of the atonement. You will see that historical / 5 pointed / Westminster Calvinism renders a good faith universal call of the gospel untenable and (I think) also relegates penitent faith into a phantom and/or perfunctory condition of salvation – instead of an actual condition of salvation, among culpable sinners. Dr. Allen provides a very thorough look at the various views of the atonement among Calvinists and Non.

Reflections of a Disenchanted Calvinist, Ronnie W. Rogers, Crossbooks, 2012 Westbow Press 2016

Pastor Rogers, like Dr. Flowers, is a former Calvinist. Ronnie will expand your vocabulary while refuting the flawed inferences on which the Reformed soteriology is built. Noteworthy, is his use of the term “double talk.” This tactic is virtually required in any palatable defense of the Calvinistic system. He is gracious in his assessments of the Calvinists’ motives in their frequent use of these double meanings. He confesses his own past use of them in the constant need to “avoid the harsh realities of Calvinism…” (Been there and done that, myself.) If Calvinists were made to use the world “irresistible” wherever they intend its meaning – then there would be far fewer professing Calvinists.

The Pilgrim’s Progress, John Bunyan

I know, Bunyan was Calvinistic but don’t let that stop you from reading this classic. He does a masterful job of illustrating the mysterious merging of God’s sovereignty and our responsibility in all the various ups and downs of our journey to the Celestial City. Read it. Read it to your kids and grandkids. Study it together in Small Groups and Sunday School. Look for the Slough of Despond, The Hill of Legality, Mr. Talkative, The Interpreters House, Apollyon, The Delectable Mountains, Vanity Fair, Faithful, Hopeful, Giant Despair, and the Final River Crossing in your own pilgrimage.

Listen to an audio version.

It may not be an altogether perfect allegory of the Christian pilgrimage, but don’t die without having finished this book.