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The Other Side of Calvinism
The definitive treatment of the subject, this book provides a detailed historical examination and critical biblical analysis of the philosophical speculations and theological implications of Calvinism. Extensively documented from Calvinistic authorities, this book presents the other side to the over 400-year-old debate over the doctrines of Calvinism. The book contains ten chapters, along with a preface, seven appendixes, footnotes, and bibliography. It is further enhanced by subject, name, and Scripture indexes.
800 pages, Hardcover
First published August 5, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
January 12, 2015
I HIGHLY recommend this book. I will get my only criticism out of the way, immediately, by saying that the author added a few pages of what I would term as "rabbit trails" that were unnecessary to the point of the book and would have made it a little more readable.
With that said, this is a book that you will want to read slowly. Highlighting. Marking. Dog-earing. The research that went into this is top-rate.
From this point, I will take for granted that the reader is a King James Bible believing Christian:
Don't expect to convert Calvinists with anything until they get over their love affair with MEN. But once a Calvinist stops worshiping fallible men and truly submits to the Scriptures over the "fathers" (Augustine) and Reformers (Calvin, of course) and their contemporary guru... whether that be a college professor, pastor or other Calvinist teacher, then you are talking to a brick wall--like talking to a Catholic, Charismatic or other cultist.
But this book is useful for becoming intimately informed with the errors of Calvinism, the history of the theological battle and enabling you to talk to others who are not cultic in their Calvinistic views.
This book also helps you talk to Pelagians, Arminians and others who are men-followers rather than Bible believers. The author does a great job of demonstrating the fallacies of the various anti-Biblical views regarding Predestination, Election, Free Will, etc.
It is NOT an easy read. But for serious Bible students, it is an enjoyable and necessary book to add to your library.
With that said, this is a book that you will want to read slowly. Highlighting. Marking. Dog-earing. The research that went into this is top-rate.
From this point, I will take for granted that the reader is a King James Bible believing Christian:
Don't expect to convert Calvinists with anything until they get over their love affair with MEN. But once a Calvinist stops worshiping fallible men and truly submits to the Scriptures over the "fathers" (Augustine) and Reformers (Calvin, of course) and their contemporary guru... whether that be a college professor, pastor or other Calvinist teacher, then you are talking to a brick wall--like talking to a Catholic, Charismatic or other cultist.
But this book is useful for becoming intimately informed with the errors of Calvinism, the history of the theological battle and enabling you to talk to others who are not cultic in their Calvinistic views.
This book also helps you talk to Pelagians, Arminians and others who are men-followers rather than Bible believers. The author does a great job of demonstrating the fallacies of the various anti-Biblical views regarding Predestination, Election, Free Will, etc.
It is NOT an easy read. But for serious Bible students, it is an enjoyable and necessary book to add to your library.
September 10, 2014
Their are very few books that really impress me to this degree. This book is the best out there for exposing the error of Calvinism
The doctrine of Calvinism is know by the acronym T.U.L.I.P.
T= Total Depravity
U= Unconditional Election
L= Limited Atonement
I -Irresistible Grace
P= Perseverance of the Saints
Basically Calvinism teaches that sin has affected man to such a degree that he cannot choose or desire God therefore God must Predestine who is to be saved. God elects some to salvation and others he does not. Those he elects are Predestined for Heaven those he does not are Predestined to Hell by default. Calvinism teaches that man is not free to choose yet he is responsible. There is no freewill.
Calvinism teaches that Jesus died only for the elect, not the world and not every person. Only those Jesus died for can be saved.
The other side of Calvinism is 800 pages long but well worth the read. Mr. Vance dismantles Calvin's Convoluted theology 1 petal at a time. This is the best book I have found on this subject. Mr. Vance explains each point of the doctrine in detail. He gives the proof text Calvinist distort to support their doctrine and explains those text showing why Calvinist are in error in their interpretation of these scriptures.
Just about everything you would need to know about Calvinism and its Doctrine can be found in the pages of this book.
The doctrine of Calvinism is know by the acronym T.U.L.I.P.
T= Total Depravity
U= Unconditional Election
L= Limited Atonement
I -Irresistible Grace
P= Perseverance of the Saints
Basically Calvinism teaches that sin has affected man to such a degree that he cannot choose or desire God therefore God must Predestine who is to be saved. God elects some to salvation and others he does not. Those he elects are Predestined for Heaven those he does not are Predestined to Hell by default. Calvinism teaches that man is not free to choose yet he is responsible. There is no freewill.
Calvinism teaches that Jesus died only for the elect, not the world and not every person. Only those Jesus died for can be saved.
The other side of Calvinism is 800 pages long but well worth the read. Mr. Vance dismantles Calvin's Convoluted theology 1 petal at a time. This is the best book I have found on this subject. Mr. Vance explains each point of the doctrine in detail. He gives the proof text Calvinist distort to support their doctrine and explains those text showing why Calvinist are in error in their interpretation of these scriptures.
Just about everything you would need to know about Calvinism and its Doctrine can be found in the pages of this book.
October 10, 2021
The Other Side of Calvinism, written by Laurence M. Vance is a monumental work written on the subject of Calvinism. One of the first points made is that Calvinism has “masqueraded as sound doctrine for much too long.” (Vance ix) Vance as a purpose does not designate the last statement; however, it seems, that in this book Vance determines to undermine the history, theology, philosophy, and men who are responsible for current day Calvinism. Many direct quotations and excerpts from historical church documents pervade the book. The book is well cited; Vance is well read, and has included in his book many pages of bibliography. He has no stone left unturned and provides readers with a strong argument against the false teachings of Calvinism
In the preface, Vance identifies a few of his purposes in writing the book. Although there is a great deal of writing on this subject, most authors primarily argue from a reformed or Calvinistic view. Calvinism is becoming increasingly popular. Vance argues that Calvinism is dangerous and can distort one’s view on other practical and doctrinal issues. He claims that, “Calvinism is…the greatest “Christian heresy” that has ever plagued the church.” The teachings of Calvinism are heretical, but the “greatest Christian heresy” may be a slight exaggeration. (Vance x)
Vance informs his readers that the book will not be written from a neutral position. He justifies this approach by reminding readers that the “other side”, writes in the same manner. This approach is fine; after all, a reader rarely approaches a book from a neutral position. It is understood that his ultimate purpose is, “to show that Calvinism is beyond all doubt not the teaching of the Bible nor of reason…Vance’s attempt is to prevent the spread of Calvinism.” (Vance xi)
Vance begins in the first chapter with an introduction to Calvinism. He takes this opportunity to inform readers how Calvinists perceive themselves, and how they perceive what Calvinism defines in Scripture. His conclusion to this matter is that Calvinism identifies itself with Biblical Christianity. Some Calvinists even refer to their theology as the Gospel. He provides a brief history of Calvinism. This history includes the names of men who have identified themselves with Calvinistic and Hyper-Calvinistic theology. Readers are made aware that Calvinist leaders have come from Baptist, Presbyterian, and Reformed religious background.
Vance takes some time to explain the origin of Calvinism by referring to church history. This explanation is a very important part of the book because it lays the foundation for Calvinistic thinking. Vance discusses the Catholic Church, and Augustine. Many of the tenets of Calvinistic teaching originated with Augustine. Augustine had a great influence on Calvin. The personal lives and teachings of both Calvin and Jacob Arminius are taught in great detail. It appears that both men thought similarly, this piece of history is commonly unknown. Likewise the teachings of both men have expanded beyond their original intent and teaching.
Vance discusses “TULIP”, the acrostic that is foundational to the theology of the Calvinist; he makes a great effort explaining the origin of this acronym. There are some who will not accept all five points. Vance spends a great deal of time discussing the history and controversy of how these points became so important to Calvinist thinkers. A familiarity with history is helpful for the reader to better understand this complicated information. Vance’s decision to begin the book with detailed historical information is what makes this work significant. Several books have been written on the subject of Calvinism, but few are written from a historical point of view.
Much of the book is dedicated to the explanation and refutation concerning each point of the “TULIP”. Vance does a great job of explaining what each letter represents. He pulls direct quotes from Calvinists through the ages and responds accordingly. Each point he refutes with credible and frequent Scripture passages.
Whether or not Vance fulfills his purpose, one will never know. The inclination is that few Calvinists will read this book. One could never really know if the book will successfully change people’s minds on the subject. The book is filled with detailed information, including quotes, confessions, and Scripture. While all of this is great information the book may have been better if some of the information was excluded. Perhaps a series, or a two-volume work would have been better. The closer I became to finishing, the harder it became to read and concentrate on the subject. Vance is well read and used plenty of sources. Yet, it was his massive bibliography that became frustrating. Footnotes would have been better; it was a real task to look up each quote, there are so many. Ironically, what is most impressive about the book became a frustration while trying to intently read.
Vance, M. Laurence. The Other Side Of Calvinism. Pensacola: Vance Publications, 2007.
In the preface, Vance identifies a few of his purposes in writing the book. Although there is a great deal of writing on this subject, most authors primarily argue from a reformed or Calvinistic view. Calvinism is becoming increasingly popular. Vance argues that Calvinism is dangerous and can distort one’s view on other practical and doctrinal issues. He claims that, “Calvinism is…the greatest “Christian heresy” that has ever plagued the church.” The teachings of Calvinism are heretical, but the “greatest Christian heresy” may be a slight exaggeration. (Vance x)
Vance informs his readers that the book will not be written from a neutral position. He justifies this approach by reminding readers that the “other side”, writes in the same manner. This approach is fine; after all, a reader rarely approaches a book from a neutral position. It is understood that his ultimate purpose is, “to show that Calvinism is beyond all doubt not the teaching of the Bible nor of reason…Vance’s attempt is to prevent the spread of Calvinism.” (Vance xi)
Vance begins in the first chapter with an introduction to Calvinism. He takes this opportunity to inform readers how Calvinists perceive themselves, and how they perceive what Calvinism defines in Scripture. His conclusion to this matter is that Calvinism identifies itself with Biblical Christianity. Some Calvinists even refer to their theology as the Gospel. He provides a brief history of Calvinism. This history includes the names of men who have identified themselves with Calvinistic and Hyper-Calvinistic theology. Readers are made aware that Calvinist leaders have come from Baptist, Presbyterian, and Reformed religious background.
Vance takes some time to explain the origin of Calvinism by referring to church history. This explanation is a very important part of the book because it lays the foundation for Calvinistic thinking. Vance discusses the Catholic Church, and Augustine. Many of the tenets of Calvinistic teaching originated with Augustine. Augustine had a great influence on Calvin. The personal lives and teachings of both Calvin and Jacob Arminius are taught in great detail. It appears that both men thought similarly, this piece of history is commonly unknown. Likewise the teachings of both men have expanded beyond their original intent and teaching.
Vance discusses “TULIP”, the acrostic that is foundational to the theology of the Calvinist; he makes a great effort explaining the origin of this acronym. There are some who will not accept all five points. Vance spends a great deal of time discussing the history and controversy of how these points became so important to Calvinist thinkers. A familiarity with history is helpful for the reader to better understand this complicated information. Vance’s decision to begin the book with detailed historical information is what makes this work significant. Several books have been written on the subject of Calvinism, but few are written from a historical point of view.
Much of the book is dedicated to the explanation and refutation concerning each point of the “TULIP”. Vance does a great job of explaining what each letter represents. He pulls direct quotes from Calvinists through the ages and responds accordingly. Each point he refutes with credible and frequent Scripture passages.
Whether or not Vance fulfills his purpose, one will never know. The inclination is that few Calvinists will read this book. One could never really know if the book will successfully change people’s minds on the subject. The book is filled with detailed information, including quotes, confessions, and Scripture. While all of this is great information the book may have been better if some of the information was excluded. Perhaps a series, or a two-volume work would have been better. The closer I became to finishing, the harder it became to read and concentrate on the subject. Vance is well read and used plenty of sources. Yet, it was his massive bibliography that became frustrating. Footnotes would have been better; it was a real task to look up each quote, there are so many. Ironically, what is most impressive about the book became a frustration while trying to intently read.
Vance, M. Laurence. The Other Side Of Calvinism. Pensacola: Vance Publications, 2007.
Read
August 7, 2020Dnf
Not a bad book, and I may pick it up again later but I just really can not make it through this atm. Just not happening.
Not a bad book, and I may pick it up again later but I just really can not make it through this atm. Just not happening.
July 19, 2024
PERHAPS THE MOST EXTENSIVE MODERN CRITIQUE OF CALVINISM
Laurence M. Vance is a director of the Francis Wayland Institute, as well as a prolific author of books such as 'Christianity and War and Other Essays Against the Warfare State,' 'King James, His Bible, and Its Translators,' etc.
He wrote in the Preface to this revised 1999 edition, "The doctrines of Calvinism... are detrimental to evangelism, personal soul winning, prayer, preaching, and practical Christianity in general..." After commending the Calvinist for his insistence on the complete ruin of man in the Fall, and salvation by grace as the only hope for a depraved sinner, Vance adds, "What we reject is the other side of Calvinism: the philosophical speculations of Total Depravity and theological implications of Total Inability." (Pg. 239)
He suggests that "this arbitrary division of men into either Calvinists or Arminians is the strength of the Calvinistic system." (Pg. 9) He notes that since even Calvinistic Baptists agree that Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and Edwards were wrong about infant baptism, "Does it not stand to reason that they could correspondingly be wrong on predestination as well?" (Pg. 15) Later, he asks, "if there exists even the slightest possibility that a man could believe, the doctrine of Total Depravity falls by the wayside." (Pg. 238)
He calls the confounding of election and predestination with salvation the "basic error of Calvinism" (pg. 245), and charges that by "arbitrary capriciousness," the Calvinist God condemns men to eternal punishment "for no other reason than his sovereign good pleasure." (Pg. 258) In contrast, even though election is supposed to be sovereign and unconditional, "Calvinists as a rule would insist that all children who die in infancy are part of the 'elect.'" (Pg. 397)
He asserts that Calvinists "talk out of both sides of their mouth when they try to uphold Calvinism and the importance of preaching the Gospel." (Pg. 541) He suggests that the more consistently a man practices Calvinism, "the less evangelistic he becomes." (Pg. 550)
This strong critique---which heavily quotes Calvinist sources---is essential reading for anyone wanting to learn more about the counter-arguments to Calvinism.
Laurence M. Vance is a director of the Francis Wayland Institute, as well as a prolific author of books such as 'Christianity and War and Other Essays Against the Warfare State,' 'King James, His Bible, and Its Translators,' etc.
He wrote in the Preface to this revised 1999 edition, "The doctrines of Calvinism... are detrimental to evangelism, personal soul winning, prayer, preaching, and practical Christianity in general..." After commending the Calvinist for his insistence on the complete ruin of man in the Fall, and salvation by grace as the only hope for a depraved sinner, Vance adds, "What we reject is the other side of Calvinism: the philosophical speculations of Total Depravity and theological implications of Total Inability." (Pg. 239)
He suggests that "this arbitrary division of men into either Calvinists or Arminians is the strength of the Calvinistic system." (Pg. 9) He notes that since even Calvinistic Baptists agree that Augustine, Luther, Calvin, and Edwards were wrong about infant baptism, "Does it not stand to reason that they could correspondingly be wrong on predestination as well?" (Pg. 15) Later, he asks, "if there exists even the slightest possibility that a man could believe, the doctrine of Total Depravity falls by the wayside." (Pg. 238)
He calls the confounding of election and predestination with salvation the "basic error of Calvinism" (pg. 245), and charges that by "arbitrary capriciousness," the Calvinist God condemns men to eternal punishment "for no other reason than his sovereign good pleasure." (Pg. 258) In contrast, even though election is supposed to be sovereign and unconditional, "Calvinists as a rule would insist that all children who die in infancy are part of the 'elect.'" (Pg. 397)
He asserts that Calvinists "talk out of both sides of their mouth when they try to uphold Calvinism and the importance of preaching the Gospel." (Pg. 541) He suggests that the more consistently a man practices Calvinism, "the less evangelistic he becomes." (Pg. 550)
This strong critique---which heavily quotes Calvinist sources---is essential reading for anyone wanting to learn more about the counter-arguments to Calvinism.
September 25, 2024
Table of Contents: Preface 1. Introduction to Calvinism: Calvinism, Calvinism and Arminianism, Calvinism and History, Calvinism and the Baptists, Hyper-Calvinism, Calvinism and Calvinists.
2. The Origin of Calvinism: Calvin and Augustine, The Influence of Augustine, Catholicism and Augustine, The Church Fathers and Augustine, The Age of Augustine, The Life of Augustine, Pelagianism and Augustine, The Theology of Augustine, From Augustine to the Reformation, The Reformation, The Reformers. 3. John Calvin: The Age of Calvin, The Life of Calvin, Calvin and Geneva, Calvin and Servetus, Calvin's Institutes, The Theology of Calvin. 4. James Arminius: The Age of Arminius, The Life of Arminius, The Theology of Arminius, Calvin and Arminius, Calvinism and Arminius, Arminianism. 5. The Five Points of Calvinism: The Five Points of Calvinism, Four-Point Calvinism, The Synod of Dort, The Canons of Dort, The Westminster Assembly, The Westminster Standards, Baptist Confessions of Faith. 6. Total Depravity: Definitions, Total Inability, The Importance of Total Depravity, The Depravity of Man, Depravity and the Will, Salvation and the Will, Salvation and the Will, Analogies, Proof Texts, The Other Side of Total Depravity. 7. Unconditional Election: Definitions, The Essence of Calvinism, God's Decree, Lapsarian Systems, Reprobation, Proof Texts, God's People, Given to Salvation, Ordained to Salvation, Chosen to Salvation, Elected to Salvation, Predestinated to Salvation, Elect Infants, The Other Side of Unconditional Election.
8. Limited Atonement: Definitions, Accusations, Four-Point Calvinism, The Atonement, Arguments, Proof Texts, Calvin's Calvinism, The Other Side of Limited Atonement. 9. Irresistible Grace: Defini-tions, God's Will, Effectual Calling, Proof Texts, Repentance and Faith, New Testament Salvation, Infant Salvation, Evangelism, The Other Side of Irresistible Grace. 10. Perseverance of the Saints: Definitions, Conclusions, Eternal Security, Arminianism, Proof Texts, Perseverance, Lordship Salvation, Preservation, Arminius, The Other Side of Perseverence of the Saints. Appendixes: 1. The Remonstrance. 2. The Counter-Remonstrance. 3. The Opinions of the Remonstrants. 4. The Canons of Dort. 5. The Lambeth Articles. 6. The Westminster Confession of Faith. &. The Second London Confession of Faith.
This book dives deep into the teachings of Calvinism, and asks pertinent questions of Calvinists and Calvinism. One example from page 438: " The 'elect' could not have been reconciled at the cross-God "not imputing their trespasses unto them":-for the simple reason that they were not yet in existence. And secondly, the 'elect' could not have been personally reconciled until they believed. The reason being that they were in their sins until they were saved (I Cor. 15:17). The true nature of the reconciliation of the "elect" is confirmed by noting the context. If the "elect" were actually reconciled at the cross like the Calvinists say they were, then what is Paul doing with a ministry of reconciliation? What is Paul doing in 2 Corinthians 5:20 beseeching people to be reconciled to God? Obviously, he did not believe in Limited Atonement.
2. The Origin of Calvinism: Calvin and Augustine, The Influence of Augustine, Catholicism and Augustine, The Church Fathers and Augustine, The Age of Augustine, The Life of Augustine, Pelagianism and Augustine, The Theology of Augustine, From Augustine to the Reformation, The Reformation, The Reformers. 3. John Calvin: The Age of Calvin, The Life of Calvin, Calvin and Geneva, Calvin and Servetus, Calvin's Institutes, The Theology of Calvin. 4. James Arminius: The Age of Arminius, The Life of Arminius, The Theology of Arminius, Calvin and Arminius, Calvinism and Arminius, Arminianism. 5. The Five Points of Calvinism: The Five Points of Calvinism, Four-Point Calvinism, The Synod of Dort, The Canons of Dort, The Westminster Assembly, The Westminster Standards, Baptist Confessions of Faith. 6. Total Depravity: Definitions, Total Inability, The Importance of Total Depravity, The Depravity of Man, Depravity and the Will, Salvation and the Will, Salvation and the Will, Analogies, Proof Texts, The Other Side of Total Depravity. 7. Unconditional Election: Definitions, The Essence of Calvinism, God's Decree, Lapsarian Systems, Reprobation, Proof Texts, God's People, Given to Salvation, Ordained to Salvation, Chosen to Salvation, Elected to Salvation, Predestinated to Salvation, Elect Infants, The Other Side of Unconditional Election.
8. Limited Atonement: Definitions, Accusations, Four-Point Calvinism, The Atonement, Arguments, Proof Texts, Calvin's Calvinism, The Other Side of Limited Atonement. 9. Irresistible Grace: Defini-tions, God's Will, Effectual Calling, Proof Texts, Repentance and Faith, New Testament Salvation, Infant Salvation, Evangelism, The Other Side of Irresistible Grace. 10. Perseverance of the Saints: Definitions, Conclusions, Eternal Security, Arminianism, Proof Texts, Perseverance, Lordship Salvation, Preservation, Arminius, The Other Side of Perseverence of the Saints. Appendixes: 1. The Remonstrance. 2. The Counter-Remonstrance. 3. The Opinions of the Remonstrants. 4. The Canons of Dort. 5. The Lambeth Articles. 6. The Westminster Confession of Faith. &. The Second London Confession of Faith.
This book dives deep into the teachings of Calvinism, and asks pertinent questions of Calvinists and Calvinism. One example from page 438: " The 'elect' could not have been reconciled at the cross-God "not imputing their trespasses unto them":-for the simple reason that they were not yet in existence. And secondly, the 'elect' could not have been personally reconciled until they believed. The reason being that they were in their sins until they were saved (I Cor. 15:17). The true nature of the reconciliation of the "elect" is confirmed by noting the context. If the "elect" were actually reconciled at the cross like the Calvinists say they were, then what is Paul doing with a ministry of reconciliation? What is Paul doing in 2 Corinthians 5:20 beseeching people to be reconciled to God? Obviously, he did not believe in Limited Atonement.
November 23, 2024
I came to this work at the tail end of a several year personal study of Calvinism. In the course of that, I read works both pro/con for intellectual integrity's sake, though I freely confess I am certainly not a Calvinist. I saved it for last because, frankly, it is massive. Took me most of a year to plow through. I'm glad I did.
Vance opens the work with an almost 200 page history of the primary players (Augustine, Calvin, Armenius) and the arc of the development of Calvinism as a doctrine. The next 400 pages are spent on a deconstruction of Calvinistic doctrine. The final 200 pages are appendices, bibliographies, footnotes, and indexes. And may I say in relation to this latter section, I don't think I have ever read a more scrupulously detailed and cited doctrinal work in my life. There are thousands of footnotes. It is one of the clear strengths of the work.
I have given it here a five star rating. The writing itself does not deserve that. Vance repeats himself in places, and in others allows his personal animosity/snark too much reign. He also functions as if more arguments for his position are better even if they aren't better. Though grammatically correct, the book could have used a strong editor. Having said that, the work still deserves a five star rating for several reasons. First, the sheer volume of work that went into it. Second, his approach includes hundreds of quotations from respected Calvinist writers to establish the truth of his claims regarding their positions. This helped me immensely, being largely ignorant of those writings for the most part. Third, he fearlessly tackles both the large and small, the forest and the trees. He discusses the overarching failures of the structure, and the apologies offered for it, but he also delves into the individual passages and words in great detail.
I have no doubt that Calvinists have a negative view of the work. That does not concern me. What does concern me, what drove me in fact, was my search to find a detailed, heavily cited defense of an anti-Calvinist position. Well, I can stop looking and so can you. This is definitely it.
Vance opens the work with an almost 200 page history of the primary players (Augustine, Calvin, Armenius) and the arc of the development of Calvinism as a doctrine. The next 400 pages are spent on a deconstruction of Calvinistic doctrine. The final 200 pages are appendices, bibliographies, footnotes, and indexes. And may I say in relation to this latter section, I don't think I have ever read a more scrupulously detailed and cited doctrinal work in my life. There are thousands of footnotes. It is one of the clear strengths of the work.
I have given it here a five star rating. The writing itself does not deserve that. Vance repeats himself in places, and in others allows his personal animosity/snark too much reign. He also functions as if more arguments for his position are better even if they aren't better. Though grammatically correct, the book could have used a strong editor. Having said that, the work still deserves a five star rating for several reasons. First, the sheer volume of work that went into it. Second, his approach includes hundreds of quotations from respected Calvinist writers to establish the truth of his claims regarding their positions. This helped me immensely, being largely ignorant of those writings for the most part. Third, he fearlessly tackles both the large and small, the forest and the trees. He discusses the overarching failures of the structure, and the apologies offered for it, but he also delves into the individual passages and words in great detail.
I have no doubt that Calvinists have a negative view of the work. That does not concern me. What does concern me, what drove me in fact, was my search to find a detailed, heavily cited defense of an anti-Calvinist position. Well, I can stop looking and so can you. This is definitely it.
May 25, 2025
Vance effectively refuted Calvinism both from Scripture and the words of Calvinists themselves. In particular, his final chapter on perseverance of the saints exposed how in that single point of TULIP Calvinism refutes itself, capitulates to Arminianism despite that theology’s obvious issues, and collapses as a viable system of thought. However, Vance had over a dozen typos which slightly spoiled the overall excellent quality of the work.
February 1, 2020
This is the best and most Biblical work on Calvinism I have read. Very thorough, and quotes a lot from varied Calvinists to make sure the true position of Calvinism is addressed, rather than a strawman.
April 7, 2023
An in-depth rebuttal to the five points of Calvinism. No particularly damning insights or arguments are made that haven’t been made before but if you are interested in learning the particulars of this contentious debate, this book covers about everything you can think of.
August 19, 2011
Not sure how to rate this book. It has some good information but some of it is buried beneath gratuitous language.
July 26, 2012
I like some of his this author's other works but this is not his best.
December 19, 2022
Thoughtful, clear and well organized. Long, but well worth the investment.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews