A Cultish Side of Calvinism

by Micah Coate

ABOUT THE 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 "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 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

332 pages, Paperback

First published July 18, 2011

Reviews

[Henry Middleton · Rating 1 out of 5]

The research in this book is amazingly superficial. An honestly and responsibly written critique gives the other side fair representation from its own sources, but Coate primarily makes heavy use of four authors opposed to Calvinism but very spotty use of Calvinist authors, and he repeatedly misrepresents Calvinism. He does not give serious exegesis of biblical texts. Usually he just quotes them, assumes his interpretation, and moves on. His attempted exegesis of Romans 9 is disjointed, inconsistent, and seriously eisegetical. His comparisons with cults are forced and artificial. His review of John Calvin uses very poor research based on secondary sources. His accusations against Calvinists are straw men. Many accusations are hypocritical, and many are truly libelous. Listen to James White's rebuttal at aomin.org for a helpful and thorough commentary on this book.

I write this as someone who was long opposed to Calvinism but was eventually convinced by reading the Bible. Having been on both sides of this debate I have seen the potential pitfalls on both sides (Coate ignores the pitfalls of Arminianism). I do defend my views when they are attacked, which is biblical, but I intentionally avoid being the pushy Calvinist.

[Jerry · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is a toxic and disappointing stew of ad hominem, eisegesis, red herring, guilt by association, and out of context citations. Clearly, Mr. Coate is a contender for the thrones of Norman Geisler and Gail Riplimger, and like those two, he will not debate. Lies dry up like puddles in the sun when exposed to the light of God's word. This was the equivalent of Steve Tassi's attempt to debate with James White: convoluted, confused, comatose. Don't waste your time and money.

[Richard Coller · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must read for any serious student of the bible. As a teacher and student of God's word I have often had conflicting emotions on correct reaction to opposing theological points between orthodox and Calvinistic biblical philosophy. Reading Micah's book "A Cultish Side of Calvinism" I found myself thinking,"Yea, that's how I feel. You say well what I found to be true between the conflicting doctrines!"

[Scott Holstad · Rating 1 out of 5]

Useless junk. A book with this title should have brought so much more to the table yet it's a literary/critical eunuch. Not sure if it could have been more useless. Never recommended.