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The Joy of Calvinism: Knowing God's Personal, Unconditional, Irresistible, Unbreakable Love
Real Calvinism is all about joy. But too often the defenders of Calvinism explain it only in highly technical, formulaic, and negative terms. As a result, most people today do not understand what "Calvinism" really is. They are robbed—in whole or in part—of the everyday experience of devotional joy that a robust and well-formed Calvinistic piety always produces.
This book will show you how Calvinism can transform your everyday walk with God by unlocking the purpose of the Christian life, and how you can have the joy of God in spite of trials and suffering. It is time we rediscover the joy of Calvinism.
This book will show you how Calvinism can transform your everyday walk with God by unlocking the purpose of the Christian life, and how you can have the joy of God in spite of trials and suffering. It is time we rediscover the joy of Calvinism.
208 pages, Paperback
First published February 7, 2012
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June 5, 2012
INTRODUCTION:
Ever since I have been a committed follower of Jesus Christ, I have been a Calvinist. That it not to say that I had ever called myself a Calvinist until more recently, but instead that what seemed obviously to be the natural and correct interpretation of what I read in the scriptures, was (mostly) in line with Calvinism. As I grew in knowledge, I realized that the theological tradition I belonged to was called Calvinism, and that term only meant good things. "Arminianism" however, was quite the opposite. I could not conceive that anyone could proudly call themselves an Arminian or a Liberal (later in my life things like "Pelagian" were added). Those were dirty words to call people if you wanted to mock them. I could also not conceive that there were many people who saw the term "Calvinist" this same way. I remember the first time I realized this, when a friend told me he left a particular college because they were "a bunch of Calvinists". This was shocking to me.
REVIEW:
But enough about me. Let's talk about Greg Forster and this book. Forster has set out to correct this misconception, by showing how the doctrines of Calvinism do not teach about a cruel God who restricts our freedom and forces himself on us and unfairly condemns all those he leaves out, but instead teaches a God of love who we can find peace, joy, and freedom in. This is not a normal treatment on Calvinism in which we walk through the infamous TULIP and explain why Calvinism is the only sensible way to interpret scripture. Certainly Forster defends his position where necessary, and also explains opposing positions, but this book is much more about the philosophy of Calvinism and it's logical conclusions and applications. I think most people, including many Calvinists will be surprised to find out that the real implications of Calvinism are far from what they thought they were. Without giving the hood away, Calvinism ends in joy, not in bigotry and stoicism.
RECOMMENDATION:
It my recommendation is that every Christian should read this book, no matter what you think. Calvinists will get the chance to reflect on their theology. It is relieving to realize that the doctrines of Calvinism are not the point of Calvinism, but instead are a result of the point of Calvinism. Those who oppose Calvinism will get the chance to sit back and maybe clear up some misconceptions that you have about Calvinists, even if you still conclude by the end that they are wrong. If you've never thought about it, then here is your opportunity.
ADVICE:
1. Take this book slow and give yourself time to read think and digest. This is not a thick book, but is very dense. Do not expect to pick it up at your bedside at 11:00 and get much out of it.
2. Read the WHOLE book. This includes the Introduction and "Detour". If you do not understand some of the issues surrounding the book, there is an excellent 40 page appendix summarizing and answering many questions you have about the doctrine and history of Calvinism and related issues, including a brief summary of the man Calvin himself.
3. Be patient. No book is perfect. If you belong to a certain group, denomination, or belief and you are not fully, fairly, or rightly represented in Forster's argument, let it go and stay focused on the point. You have to take the book as a whole. What you read toward the end will probably help you understand something that threw you off in the beginning. This happened to me when I read a terrible summary of 4-point Calvinism (to which I hold to) in the appendix. Remember that the point of this book is not to fully represent and argue against other traditions, but instead to look at the real implications of Calvinistic doctrine.
May 12, 2020
I certainly don't fully understand Forster's points, not well enough to articulate them. However, I'm very encouraged by the content of this book. After reading this, I'm not sure I would be able to say that I was a Calvinist 3 months ago. This is an incredibly clear, uplifting, logically and systematically sound thesis on historic Calvinism that is radically full-er than the stereotypically stogey and over-simplified TULIP of today.
Would fully recommend to anybody who feels like a terrible person when they try to explain Calvinism. Forster's argument is less of "You need to believe these things because logically they're all that you can believe" and more "You need to believe these things because there is such JOY in them!"
Would fully recommend to anybody who feels like a terrible person when they try to explain Calvinism. Forster's argument is less of "You need to believe these things because logically they're all that you can believe" and more "You need to believe these things because there is such JOY in them!"
March 5, 2012
I was very excited to read this book. I had the opportunity of obtaining a copy from Crossway through NetGalley for reviewing purposes; not in exchange of a good review, but in exchange of an honest review. As a reformed Christian, I was very happy to see a book like this being published. And I must say I was very pleased. Forster does a great job of almost reinventing the "5 points of Calvinism". Distancing himself from what Calvinism denies, he explains what Calvinism celebrates, the joy behind knowing and understanding that God is really, actually, and actively in control of everything; that all he has done and does has a purpose, a reason behind it; that nothing that ever happens is by chance.
Forster's take on the 5 points is refreshing, and uplifting, centering on God's personal love for His people and how this love defines everything else for Him and for those whom He calls. This book is mostly aimed at reformed Christian (or Calvinist, a term I really don't like), but it really is essential for every one who wants a better understanding on this small part of the reformed faith, as well as skeptics and naysayers.
Although I think it's a great book, it does have a few flaws: an Introduction that could've been (if edited correctly) the first chapter; a "Detour" that (again, if edited correctly) would've been a great Introduction; and a few times when, trying to explain something more simply, the author ends up confusing the reader, only to have one more paragraph where it all comes clear again.
Those few misses aside, this book is a great tool for new believers, Bible school teachers and church leaders in reformed or Calvinists churches.
Finally, a quote from the book that I thinks sums it up perfectly: "Joy is not an emotion. Joy is a settled certainty that God is in control." It really is.
Forster's take on the 5 points is refreshing, and uplifting, centering on God's personal love for His people and how this love defines everything else for Him and for those whom He calls. This book is mostly aimed at reformed Christian (or Calvinist, a term I really don't like), but it really is essential for every one who wants a better understanding on this small part of the reformed faith, as well as skeptics and naysayers.
Although I think it's a great book, it does have a few flaws: an Introduction that could've been (if edited correctly) the first chapter; a "Detour" that (again, if edited correctly) would've been a great Introduction; and a few times when, trying to explain something more simply, the author ends up confusing the reader, only to have one more paragraph where it all comes clear again.
Those few misses aside, this book is a great tool for new believers, Bible school teachers and church leaders in reformed or Calvinists churches.
Finally, a quote from the book that I thinks sums it up perfectly: "Joy is not an emotion. Joy is a settled certainty that God is in control." It really is.
March 18, 2016
In this book, Forster is very intentional in defending Calvinism not by systematic scripture proof, but more by philosophical explanation. So this is helpful for those who have thought carefully about Calvinism and its implications, but this is definitely not a primer for those merely exploring the doctrines of grace.
For example, in defending limited atonement, Forster explains that the non-Calvinist position requires one to believe that Jesus died for "humanity" merely in the abstract, but not for individuals personally (52), because if Jesus truly substituted himself on the cross for every individual, then every individual would be saved. Since we know that not every individual is saved, the non-Calvinist must depersonalize the atonement as something targeted only for humanity, and not for individuals. "If Jesus's work only makes salvation available, then it cannot be substitutionary in any meaningful sense." (56).
I think this is a profound and helpful observation, but it will go directly over the heads of many readers who don't know what bothers people so much about limited atonement.
If you want a simple explanation of Calvinism, there are many better options (such as John Piper's book, "Five Points"), and I think Forster would agree. But if you have studied Calvinism, and it just doesn't add up to you, this book could be very helpful.
For example, in defending limited atonement, Forster explains that the non-Calvinist position requires one to believe that Jesus died for "humanity" merely in the abstract, but not for individuals personally (52), because if Jesus truly substituted himself on the cross for every individual, then every individual would be saved. Since we know that not every individual is saved, the non-Calvinist must depersonalize the atonement as something targeted only for humanity, and not for individuals. "If Jesus's work only makes salvation available, then it cannot be substitutionary in any meaningful sense." (56).
I think this is a profound and helpful observation, but it will go directly over the heads of many readers who don't know what bothers people so much about limited atonement.
If you want a simple explanation of Calvinism, there are many better options (such as John Piper's book, "Five Points"), and I think Forster would agree. But if you have studied Calvinism, and it just doesn't add up to you, this book could be very helpful.
January 17, 2019
If you asked people what they picture when someone says Calvinism, the chances are good that it will be some dour-faced Puritan. Calvinism has a reputation as a stern doctrinal tradition. But Forster points out that Calvinism is about love and joy. Instead of using the traditional TULIP, Forster talks about the doctrines of Calvinism in terms of love - God's personal, unconditional, irresistible, and unbreakable love for us. Forster calls on his readers to bask and revel in the love that God has shown for us by choosing us, saving us, and sanctifying us. This is one of the best devotional books I have ever read.
"For the Calvinist, God's love for us is absolute as his holiness. Just as God's saving work reaches all the way down to the bottom of the unfathomable depths of our sin, his saving love goes all the way up to the very core of the divine Being. His holiness does not require him to demote us in the great scheme of his valuations. In all the universe, we are his favorite, the created beings that glorify him most."
"For the Calvinist, God's love for us is absolute as his holiness. Just as God's saving work reaches all the way down to the bottom of the unfathomable depths of our sin, his saving love goes all the way up to the very core of the divine Being. His holiness does not require him to demote us in the great scheme of his valuations. In all the universe, we are his favorite, the created beings that glorify him most."
April 5, 2012
Helpful book regarding the philosophical basis for the grounding of Calvinism in the doctrine of the love of God (thus contradicting Roger Olson's argument that Arminianism is the theological structure that fights to protect the love of God). Forster successfully shows that this view of God produces a true joy that goes beyond circumstances and emotions.
I feel that his arguments could have been better and/or more consistent at times - however, I would definitely recommend this book for others to read.
I feel that his arguments could have been better and/or more consistent at times - however, I would definitely recommend this book for others to read.
April 14, 2015
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. It was huge for me to start seeing Calvinism as the best doctrinal vehicle by which one can truly rejoice in the Lord always. Calvinism is all about joy in God's multifaceted, unbreakable love poured out on ill-deserving sinners. Read this book if you're a Calvinist and what to dive a little deeper into the doctrines of grace, and read it if you're not a Calvinist to truly see what these theological ideas are really getting at.
June 11, 2017
This is more like a 3.5 star book... For the most part I liked it, but throughout the read I felt like there was something missing. I would not suggest this book for someone who's just learning the doctrines of grace, but this is more for someone who is already settled in the truth.
And I kept wondering why, throughout the book, Forster would, over and over again, quote CS Lewis. Not sure how Lewis (an Arminian) is helpful in a book about Calvinism...
And I kept wondering why, throughout the book, Forster would, over and over again, quote CS Lewis. Not sure how Lewis (an Arminian) is helpful in a book about Calvinism...
October 28, 2014
Just great. Really unique winsomeness about this book, that's very edifying. Some glorious stuff here. Highly recommended.
July 7, 2023
3.5 Stars really. I am not a Calvinist, but if I was this is the form of Old/New Calvinism hybrid I would hold and how I would advocate for it. Combined with RC Sproul's "Grace Uknown" these books makes an irenic argument that if one holds to Protestant distinctives then consistency requires something more in line with New Calvinism then Pop-level Evangelical 'Biblicism', Molinism, Classical Arminianism, Wesleyan Arminianism, or other similar alternatives. Today, I would see the weaknesses of these books in their assuming certain Western presuppositions and false dichotomies into the Biblical text in an over correction to the abuses of the Roman Catholic. These views would not represent the view of the church of the First millennium.
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June 5, 2017Judging by the title of this book, I expected the author to tell me some reasons why holding to Reformed theology produces joy. He does that, but he does a lot more too.
Author Greg Forster begins by noting that the Bible commands us to rejoice at all times (Phil. 4:4), but it’s hard to know exactly what that means or how we should go about it. Then he says: “If you want to understand the command to rejoice at all times, and still more if you want to obey it, of all the places you might start looking for help with that problem, the best place to start is with Calvinism. . . . Real Calvinism is all about joy.”
That sounds strange because, Forster says, we Calvinists tend to communicate about Calvinism only in highly technical, formulaic, and negative terms. For instance, the five points of the TULIP acronym tell people a lot about what Calvinists don’t believe, but very little about what we do believe.
“As a result, the substantial reality of Calvinistic religion, the affirmative faith from which it draws all its energy and vitality and joy, is almost completely unknown to the outside world. Even most of the people who worship in Calvinistic churches, and are thus nominally ‘Calvinists,’ don’t understand what really makes Calvinistic religion such a precious treasure.”
To resolve that problem, Forster offers something of a primer on Calvinism, showing how it differs from other faith traditions.
“Calvinism does not really confess anything that isn’t also confessed by all the other major Christian theological traditions—not ultimately, not at its heart. . . . What makes Calvinism Calvinism is not so much that is has something that other traditions lack, but that it preserves these doctrinal commitments more purely and follows them more consistently than other traditions do. It does so not by adding anything to them but by striving to reject and expel a foreign element—the attribution of God’s supernatural work to human or other natural causes.”
That’s a provocative statement, but I think Forster does a good job of backing it up.
In four chapters, Forster deals with these topics:
1. God loves you personally
2. God loves you unconditionally
3. God loves you irresistibly
4. God loves you unbreakably
As noted earlier, those are not uniquely Calvinist ideas. What is Forster doing?
Well, take the first chapter, "God Loves You Personally." Everyone agrees on this, but if God loves everyone, why are some not saved? If God is all-powerful, this must be because God chooses not to save everyone. But other theological streams do not want to say that, so they argue that God does not direct his saving love at individuals personally. God’s love is depersonalized. “Every tradition besides Calvinism claims that God’s saving love is aimed not at particular individuals but at humanity in the mass.”
This is the argument that Jesus’s saving work merely makes salvation available. Anyone can be saved, but hypothetically, no one might be saved. Jesus doesn’t save; he merely creates a salvation system. It might be the sacraments (Rome), the means of grace (Lutheranism), or simply the gospel (Arminian traditions), but you have to plug into the system.
“Calvinism—alone among theological traditions—upholds the personal nature of God’s saving love and safeguards the effectiveness of Jesus’s saving work. Jesus died and rose again for you, personally; and when he did, he actually saved you, personally.”
In chapter 2, "God Loves You Unconditionally," Forster argues against the idea that God is not willing to contravene human nature, including human free will, to save. Other traditions say God respects the natural order too much to violate it to save. Calvinists say just the opposite.
In chapter 3, "God Loves You Irresistibly," he shows that other traditions hold that the Spirit merely woos us to God, but Calvinism believes that the Spirit changes our hearts and brings us to Christ. “He changes us from human beings whose nature rejects God into human beings whose nature accepts God.”
Finally, in chapter 4, "God Loves You Unbreakably,” Forster deals with the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints.
Then, in his conclusion, he stresses how the Calvinistic system, because it is so God-centered, leads to deeper, richer joy in the Christian life.
One of the beautiful things about this book is that the Trinity shines through repeatedly. Forster writes: “Because Calvinism is willing to accept the difficult fact that God values the salvation of some more than others, it can preserve the pure biblical truth that God the Father loves people (all people) more than nature; that God the Son actually saved us when he died and rose again; and that the Holy Spirit actually removes our sinful unbelief and restores us to fellowship with God.”
A “Detour” at the beginning challenges five myths about Calvinism, and a very helpful appendix offers a series of frequently asked questions and answers about Calvinism. I should also mention that Forster is refreshingly honest at places, arguing rather strenuously for the inadequacy of the five points of Calvinism and actually referring to John Calvin as “muddle-headed” at one point.
I believe I benefitted greatly from this book. It is thoroughly God-exalting. It forced me to think through some old beliefs in new ways, so it reinforced some core beliefs I hold. It left me very thankful to be a part of the Calvinistic tradition. I heartily recommend it.
Note: As I am an employee of Crossway, I do not give star ratings to books Crossway publishes.
Author Greg Forster begins by noting that the Bible commands us to rejoice at all times (Phil. 4:4), but it’s hard to know exactly what that means or how we should go about it. Then he says: “If you want to understand the command to rejoice at all times, and still more if you want to obey it, of all the places you might start looking for help with that problem, the best place to start is with Calvinism. . . . Real Calvinism is all about joy.”
That sounds strange because, Forster says, we Calvinists tend to communicate about Calvinism only in highly technical, formulaic, and negative terms. For instance, the five points of the TULIP acronym tell people a lot about what Calvinists don’t believe, but very little about what we do believe.
“As a result, the substantial reality of Calvinistic religion, the affirmative faith from which it draws all its energy and vitality and joy, is almost completely unknown to the outside world. Even most of the people who worship in Calvinistic churches, and are thus nominally ‘Calvinists,’ don’t understand what really makes Calvinistic religion such a precious treasure.”
To resolve that problem, Forster offers something of a primer on Calvinism, showing how it differs from other faith traditions.
“Calvinism does not really confess anything that isn’t also confessed by all the other major Christian theological traditions—not ultimately, not at its heart. . . . What makes Calvinism Calvinism is not so much that is has something that other traditions lack, but that it preserves these doctrinal commitments more purely and follows them more consistently than other traditions do. It does so not by adding anything to them but by striving to reject and expel a foreign element—the attribution of God’s supernatural work to human or other natural causes.”
That’s a provocative statement, but I think Forster does a good job of backing it up.
In four chapters, Forster deals with these topics:
1. God loves you personally
2. God loves you unconditionally
3. God loves you irresistibly
4. God loves you unbreakably
As noted earlier, those are not uniquely Calvinist ideas. What is Forster doing?
Well, take the first chapter, "God Loves You Personally." Everyone agrees on this, but if God loves everyone, why are some not saved? If God is all-powerful, this must be because God chooses not to save everyone. But other theological streams do not want to say that, so they argue that God does not direct his saving love at individuals personally. God’s love is depersonalized. “Every tradition besides Calvinism claims that God’s saving love is aimed not at particular individuals but at humanity in the mass.”
This is the argument that Jesus’s saving work merely makes salvation available. Anyone can be saved, but hypothetically, no one might be saved. Jesus doesn’t save; he merely creates a salvation system. It might be the sacraments (Rome), the means of grace (Lutheranism), or simply the gospel (Arminian traditions), but you have to plug into the system.
“Calvinism—alone among theological traditions—upholds the personal nature of God’s saving love and safeguards the effectiveness of Jesus’s saving work. Jesus died and rose again for you, personally; and when he did, he actually saved you, personally.”
In chapter 2, "God Loves You Unconditionally," Forster argues against the idea that God is not willing to contravene human nature, including human free will, to save. Other traditions say God respects the natural order too much to violate it to save. Calvinists say just the opposite.
In chapter 3, "God Loves You Irresistibly," he shows that other traditions hold that the Spirit merely woos us to God, but Calvinism believes that the Spirit changes our hearts and brings us to Christ. “He changes us from human beings whose nature rejects God into human beings whose nature accepts God.”
Finally, in chapter 4, "God Loves You Unbreakably,” Forster deals with the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints.
Then, in his conclusion, he stresses how the Calvinistic system, because it is so God-centered, leads to deeper, richer joy in the Christian life.
One of the beautiful things about this book is that the Trinity shines through repeatedly. Forster writes: “Because Calvinism is willing to accept the difficult fact that God values the salvation of some more than others, it can preserve the pure biblical truth that God the Father loves people (all people) more than nature; that God the Son actually saved us when he died and rose again; and that the Holy Spirit actually removes our sinful unbelief and restores us to fellowship with God.”
A “Detour” at the beginning challenges five myths about Calvinism, and a very helpful appendix offers a series of frequently asked questions and answers about Calvinism. I should also mention that Forster is refreshingly honest at places, arguing rather strenuously for the inadequacy of the five points of Calvinism and actually referring to John Calvin as “muddle-headed” at one point.
I believe I benefitted greatly from this book. It is thoroughly God-exalting. It forced me to think through some old beliefs in new ways, so it reinforced some core beliefs I hold. It left me very thankful to be a part of the Calvinistic tradition. I heartily recommend it.
Note: As I am an employee of Crossway, I do not give star ratings to books Crossway publishes.
May 27, 2025
3.5 stars This book was advertised as geared toward Calvinists looking to reclaim joy after the "cage stage" but instead it is actually an apologetic written toward those who are not Calvinist. It was interesting to dig deeper into some of the other belief systems that I am not as familiar with (like Lutheranism) and where they stand on this. It was funny (but also sad) that my used copy had bitter notes from an anti-Calvinist. I do think this is a needed book in both regards, I just think it had a bit of an identity crisis.
May 31, 2017
I very interesting book. So many powerful gems intertwined with so many cringe-worthy moments. I greatly appreciated Forster's plea for Calvinists to present the true, devotional side of Calvinism rather than the technicalities of Calvinism. People truly are confused about what Calvinism is, and Forster does a good job of encouraging moves in a new direction. In keeping with that observation, however, I think the Appendix of the book was totally unnecessary and would best have been left out.
February 4, 2023
The title of this book is so off-putting, but I ended up loving it. It’s a very deep discussion of the implications of various Christian traditions, and what we stand to gain when we believe that Jesus saves us without any of our own contribution. It also addresses some of the more painful implications (and some misunderstandings) or the Calvinist tradition. Possibly the most impactful book I read all year.
September 19, 2024
I've always liked this book. It does a great job in dealing with the philosophical arguments surrounding Calvinism, and explains why it gives God ultimate glory, while at the same time maintaining that humans have free agency.
October 10, 2019
Thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely cleared up some of my own misconceptions. Convicting and eye opening
May 3, 2020
Amazing book about Calvinism and its beliefs.
July 9, 2018
A must read! Wonderfully helpful.
March 13, 2012
This book isn't for Calvinists. In that way, the title is a bit misleading. Really, Forster is writing to people who don't know much about Calvinism, perhaps even people who are opposed to it. Forster's mission with this book is to describe in simple language what Calvinism really espouses to people who are unfamiliar with it or perhaps only passingly familiar with it. He writes clearly and logically; his implicit argument being that Calvinism just makes more sense than other interpretations of Christianity. Even as a reader who is familiar with Calvinist theology, I fount the book to be a good refresher, even though it was not exactly what I was expecting based on the title.
While Forster is trying to explain Calvinism to those who don't fully grasp it, he is speaking pretty much exclusively to believers. This isn't an academic study on the tenets of Calvinism but rather a believer speaking to believers. He includes a few anecdotes from his own personal journey as well, so while some of the writing is rather dry, it's overall a fast and pleasant read.
Most of my closer friends probably already are familiar with and espouse the views described in this book. But for people who aren't really sure about Calvinism, I think this book does a better job explaining it than I could.
I received my copy free from NetGalley.
While Forster is trying to explain Calvinism to those who don't fully grasp it, he is speaking pretty much exclusively to believers. This isn't an academic study on the tenets of Calvinism but rather a believer speaking to believers. He includes a few anecdotes from his own personal journey as well, so while some of the writing is rather dry, it's overall a fast and pleasant read.
Most of my closer friends probably already are familiar with and espouse the views described in this book. But for people who aren't really sure about Calvinism, I think this book does a better job explaining it than I could.
I received my copy free from NetGalley.
June 28, 2012
With this work Forster does not attempt to offer an exegetical or systematic defense of Calvinism. Rather, he intends to highlight the personal benefits that belief in Calvinism brings to one's life, namely the experience of joy.
Though I disagreed with several of Forster's conclusions (and wished he had further developed several others), I still found this book to be a worthwhile and interesting read.
Forster's book will probably not sway those who are non-Calvinists (a more exegetically based work would no doubt be more appropriate). However, those who are convinced Calvinists will probably find Forster's emphasis upon the personal/existential a breath of fresh air.
Quick notes (hopefully they can help someone out there):
1) Forster argues for the truthfulness of particular redemption (limited atonement) in nearly the first chapter of the book. His argument is interesting but for a different perspective readers might want to briefly survey: http://betweenthetimes.com/index.php/...
2) This book contains great chapters that respond to some of the false characterizations of Calvinism (e.g., Calvinists deny free will, Calvinists believe all babies go to hell, Calvinism leads to a minimization of missions, etc.).
Though I disagreed with several of Forster's conclusions (and wished he had further developed several others), I still found this book to be a worthwhile and interesting read.
Forster's book will probably not sway those who are non-Calvinists (a more exegetically based work would no doubt be more appropriate). However, those who are convinced Calvinists will probably find Forster's emphasis upon the personal/existential a breath of fresh air.
Quick notes (hopefully they can help someone out there):
1) Forster argues for the truthfulness of particular redemption (limited atonement) in nearly the first chapter of the book. His argument is interesting but for a different perspective readers might want to briefly survey: http://betweenthetimes.com/index.php/...
2) This book contains great chapters that respond to some of the false characterizations of Calvinism (e.g., Calvinists deny free will, Calvinists believe all babies go to hell, Calvinism leads to a minimization of missions, etc.).
December 10, 2013
I picked up this book because I thought it was going to be an encouragement for joy in the midst of Calvinism. But it fell flat on its face. The introduction starts with an admonishment to joy and the conclusion is filled with much the same. But as far as the everyday applications of Calvinistic doctrine in providing joy for the believer were sorely lacking. What was sandwiched in between was four extremely long chapters dealing with Calvinistic doctrines.
I really loved the way the author argued for the Calvinistic position. Instead of using biblical texts (because there's already a lot of good books out there that have done it better) he argued from rational thought and reasoning. Though any defense of any theology should be based on the Bible, Forster assumed the Bible stands behind his thesis and argued from rational thought. That made some things click for me because it really makes sense when you carry certain beliefs to their logical conclusions.
The section where he relates joy and suffering was valuable as well.
I felt like the chapters could have been divided up much better, making the material easier to follow and also bit shorter. But perhaps his points were made because he made them so many times.
I really loved the way the author argued for the Calvinistic position. Instead of using biblical texts (because there's already a lot of good books out there that have done it better) he argued from rational thought and reasoning. Though any defense of any theology should be based on the Bible, Forster assumed the Bible stands behind his thesis and argued from rational thought. That made some things click for me because it really makes sense when you carry certain beliefs to their logical conclusions.
The section where he relates joy and suffering was valuable as well.
I felt like the chapters could have been divided up much better, making the material easier to follow and also bit shorter. But perhaps his points were made because he made them so many times.
April 27, 2012
I enjoyed this book - I appreciated the emphasis on how Calvinism brings joy rather than just on a defense of the doctrine. I felt like some of the points were weak like joy is not an emotion/love is not an emotion. This seems like a popular teaching but is very difficult to defend from scripture. He equates love with sacrifice but the love chapter I Cor 13 says "If I give my body to be burned and have not love..." God created our emotions too and they are to point us to God as much as the mind and will. One other interesting point I thought was that Forster maintains that man has free will. He distinguishes between how we understand the term today as opposed to Calvin and Luther's day. I thought he did a decent job explaining what he meant by the term, I just don't think it is the best term to describe someone who is a slave to sin. Will yes, free will (even using today's understanding) not so much. Still overall it is a good study in Calvinism and would give food for thought to the convinced Calvinist and a good introduction to the teaching for someone looking to understand or study Calvinism.
August 15, 2012
Calvinism is often seen as a joyless and cold theological tradition. Forester, however, believes that this is a gross misunderstanding. Calvinism is about joy – not an emotion, but “a settled certainty that God is in control.” The doctrines of grace, Forester argues, should be know as expressions of God’s love and our joy in His provision: thus the subtitle, “Knowing God’s Personal, Unconditional, Irresistible, Unbreakable Love.” Rather than explaining Calvinism by way of the more familiar TULIP acrostic, which itself was formulated as a rebuff to Calvinism opponents, Forester offers a beautiful and startling affirmation of Calvinistic soteriology – not in terms of reaction, but a positive expression of the grace, love, and joy found in its doctrine. Where he sticks to this tone, Forester’s is among the very best contemporary expressions of Calvinist theology. On the other hand, however, Forester does his readers a huge disservice by way of his mischaracterization of non-Calvinistic theologies (esp. Arminianism). While Forester rightfully seeks to compare and contrast, he both misinforms his readers and steals away from the otherwise joyful tone of his work. B-
January 2, 2013
A good book which summarises classic Calvinism. Although the writer explains that he will deliberately steer away from a discussion of Biblical texts (since other books do that) I really found this hard to stomach. At numerous points he takes other views to task because they do not fit into his understanding of how God works. But if he wants to do this he really needs to deal with the Biblical text and be careful to avoid knocking down straw-men. I found that he particularly butchered non-limited views of the atonement. A view such as Bruce Ware's multiple intentions view actually gets around the issues that Forster raises and more adequately embraces the Biblical text.
I also felt that, despite the title of the book, a more doxological rather than polemic emphasis would have transformed the book.
So what's my overall verdict? A good book that summarises Calvinism well and explains how joy can be found in it. But it needs to be more doxological to achieve that goal. It will fail to convince any non-Calvinists because it attacks strawmen and fails to grapple with the text.
I also felt that, despite the title of the book, a more doxological rather than polemic emphasis would have transformed the book.
So what's my overall verdict? A good book that summarises Calvinism well and explains how joy can be found in it. But it needs to be more doxological to achieve that goal. It will fail to convince any non-Calvinists because it attacks strawmen and fails to grapple with the text.
December 8, 2014
Calvinism often gets a bad rap for being overly-intellectual, harsh, emotionless, and cold. Forster's Joy of Calvinism explores the entirety of Scripture to show that this couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, the Reformed doctrines of God's grace are a source of immense comfort, motivation, and joy. Forster clearly explains how Calvinism stems from the character of God as loving Father and merciful Judge, framing his discussion around four aspects of God's love (as opposed to arguing from the five points of Calvinism aka TULIP). Overall, a short and deep explanation of Reformed theology ideal for Calvinists and non-Calvinists alike.
November 7, 2014
This book is different from what I expected, as it's intended for Christians who want to understand how some other Christians find Calvinism plausible, even "drenched with joy." So he doesn't focus on exegetical arguments here, but on presuppositions necessary for giving Calvinism a fair hearing (and, notably, on de-centering "TULIP" from its unwarranted prominence). Even though I wanted more biblical-theological argument and perhaps more focus on the joy, I certainly benefited from some of his points and will probably refer back to them.
December 30, 2013
Calvinism evokes a wide variety of reactions, but joy is seldom one of them. Even those who believe it often portray it in a stolid manner that fails to incite interest or, worse still, incite active disinterest. Forster skillfully exposes many false caricatures that plague the doctrines of grace and readdresses them in the context of what he calls “real Calvinism” (which he posits has nothing to do with five points). A helpful and winsome discussion.
January 1, 2015
A very helpful read both theologically and pastorally.
It compliments other good books on Calvinism (from the likes of Boice, Sproul & Piper) precisely because Forster takes a different line of approach in presenting the same powerful doctrines of grace.
His particular emphasis is on love - focussing on the specific and personal love of God the Father and God the Son for the Christian and the resultant Holy Spirit-fuelled love of the Christian for God.
Recommended :)
It compliments other good books on Calvinism (from the likes of Boice, Sproul & Piper) precisely because Forster takes a different line of approach in presenting the same powerful doctrines of grace.
His particular emphasis is on love - focussing on the specific and personal love of God the Father and God the Son for the Christian and the resultant Holy Spirit-fuelled love of the Christian for God.
Recommended :)
January 1, 2016
50 12/31/15 "God's providential control of all events, far from negating the freedom of our wills, is actually the source of that freedom. It is God's eternal decree that our wills be free, so his providential control sustains our freedom. Similarly, the saving work of the Spirit preserves the freedom of our wills rather than negating it."
February 24, 2012
A very helpful review of Calvinistic theology (it's not just about predestination!). Gave it two stars because it is going to have a very small audience, but it is well written and could be helpful if you choose to read it.
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