What Is a True Calvinist? by Philip Graham Ryken [P & R Publishing, 2003] (Paperback) [Paperback]

Basics of the Reformed Faith

by Philip Graham Ryken

What Is a True Calvinist? by Philip Graham Ryken [P & R Publishing, 2003] (Pa...

Genres: Theology, Nonfiction, Christian

Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

About the author

Philip Graham Ryken is Senior Minister of Tenth Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, where he has preached since 1995. He is Bible Teacher for the Alliance of Confessing Evangelicals, speaking nationally on the radio program Every Last Word. Dr. Ryken was educated at Wheaton College (IL), Westminster Theological Seminary (PA) and the University of Oxford (UK), from which he received his doctorate in historical theology. He lives with his wife (Lisa) and children (Joshua, Kirsten, Jack, Kathryn, and Karoline) in Center City, Philadelphia. When he is not preaching or spending time with his family, he likes to read books, play sports, and ponder the relationship between Christian faith and American culture. He has written or edited more than twenty books, including Bible commentaries on Exodus, Jeremiah, Lamentations, and Galatians.

Reviews

[Grace is Reading · Rating 3 out of 5]

30 pages of the basics of Calvinism by Phillip Graham Ryken finished in one day! I do not identify as a Calvinist, but I desired to understand more about their views. There were some questions I had going in about some points of TULIP (more specifically - limited atonement and irresistible grace) that I felt weren’t answered. Some of the doctrine of grace points (TULIP) felt rushed compared to others. However, the book was easy to read, and it was a good short introduction to the Calvinist view.

[Wade · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a concise, clear overview of Calvinism. Because of prideful arrogance there is a stereotype (oftentimes quite earned) of people who adhere to Calvinistic doctrine… the aura of, “I am smart and I have it all correct and you’re a moron if you don’t agree.” Ryken does a great job of showing how any “true Calvinist” should only be brought to his or her knees in worship over the God-exalting, person-humbling doctrines found in Calvinism. This is a helpful, little overview of some of the major doctrines of Calvinism… nothing earth-shattering, but a nice, little introduction.

[Dan Glover · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a good introduction to what a true, historic Calvinist is, although due to the purpose of the series it is quite brief (a strength and a weakness). There is much more that could be said such as a greater emphasis on thinking covenantally, etc., but I still wouldn't hesitate to pass this around as a starter.

[Josiah Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ryken answers this question by first telling us what a Calvinist *is not*. Hyper-calvinists for instance, are not true Calvinists because they distort the doctrines of Grace. People who are in the "cage-stage" of Calvinism are not true Calvinists because they distort the doctrines of Grace.

Ryken walks through the 5 points, commonly termed through the acronym TULIP. He does this at a very basic level, which goes along well with the subtitle. I would give this to someone who has never heard of Calvinism or who may have a distorted understanding of it, which means most people.

[Daniel Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

Aunque durante mucho tiempo se ha malinterpretado el calvinismo el pastor Philip hace una gran explicación clara y distintiva de lo que es el verdadero calvinismo. Es un libro muy corto y fácil de leer; del cual se puede aprender mucho

[Jeff Chavez]

A solemn reminder to those who hold the glorious doctrines of grace. A true Calvinist has a God-centered mind, penitent spirit, grateful heart, submissive will, holy life, and glorious purpose.

[Cheryl Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Praise God for His grace. I certainly do not deserve it.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brief intro to Reformed spirituality, discussing personal growth in godliness. The attributes of the true Calvinist are described as a God-centered mind, a penitent spirit, a grateful heart, a submissive will, pursuit of a holy life, and a glorious purpose.

It describes the Calvinist as one with "humility, holiness, and thankfulness, with a passion for prayer and evangelism."

It says the main ideas of Calvinism are that every aspect of salvation is gracious work of sovereign God, and that we must pursue personal holiness.

It uses Isaiah 6 as the main source for drawing lessons, and references other Bible passages.

Notes
"It is impossible to be jealous for God's glory without having an equal passion for correct doctrine, because correct doctrine is what preserves the graciousness of the gospel."

The NT records constant concern for sound doctrine.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calvinism has become, in our day, a polarizing issue. Those who uphold it are assumed to be stoic and insensitive, callously indifferent to the Biblical mandates of prayer and evangelism. Not so, claims Ryken. He argues that a true Calvinist—one who believes in the doctrines of grace as expounded in Scripture—will live a life that is firmly grounded in worshipping God, praying fervently, sharing the faith, seeking unity with fellow believers, and loving others.