Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport: Making Connections in Today's World

by Richard J. Mouw

What do the Canons of Dordt mean to people in the Las Vegas airport―and does anyone there even care? In the movie Hardcore, a pious Calvinist elder tries unsuccessfully to explain the TULIP theology of his Dutch Reformed faith to a prostitute in the Las Vegas airport. This incongruous conversation demonstrates how Calvinism is often perceived irrelevant, harsh, even disrespectful.Beginning with this movie scene, Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport addresses the weaknesses of Calvinism and points to its strengths. How does Calvinism shed light on today? Instead of reciting the Canons of Dordt, what’s a more compassionate way to relate to nonbelievers? What might it look like to live out the doctrines of TULIP with gentleness and respect? This conversational book provides answers and shatters some stereotypes. Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport encourages you to live every aspect of life―business, family, education, politics, activities, and more―before the face of a generous, sovereign God. Calvinists and non-Calvinists alike will find this an enjoyable read. You will discover that Reformed theology can speak relevantly and compellingly today, both to you and to people in the Las Vegas airport. Does Calvinism Have Anything to Do with the 21st Century?What do you think about Calvinism? Do you view it positively or negatively? Or has its day passed?Let’s face it, many non-Calvinists hold a less-than-positive view, sometimes due to caricatures. This friendly, conversational book helps clear up some misconceptions and distorted views. If you’re not a Calvinist, here is an engaging inside look. And if you are a Calvinist, Richard Mouw shows how to live gently and respectfully with others―Christians and non-Christians―who hold different perspectives.Calvinism in the Las Vegas Airport focuses not on what Calvinists believe but on how they live. From a movie scene to the author’s personal experiences in Las Vegas, you are invited to travel with Mouw and see the Reformed faith in a new light. Yes, it still does travel well!

Genres: Theology, Christian, Christianity, Religion, Nonfiction, Faith, Spirituality

144 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2004

About the author

Richard John Mouw is a theologian and philosopher. He held the position of President at Fuller Theological Seminary for 20 years (1993-2013), and continues to hold the post of Professor of Faith and Public Life.

Reviews

[Justin Tapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great little book from a humble author. Mouw is the President of Fuller Seminary and is experienced being on faculty at other Presbyterian institutions. This work gave me much respect for how Presbyterians treat institutions-- like their faith and the creeds along which it developed. This book is both a defense of and an appeal to the institution of Calvinism along with a confession of, and a plea for, epistimological humility. It is also a great book about applying theology to every inch of ones life. I find Calvinist/Reformed are very good at a theology of work and this work, by an academic no less, is a good addition to that literature.

The title comes from a scene in the movie Hardcore where George C. Scott plays a pastor awkwardly explaining his faith to a prostitute in an airport by briefly walking through TULIP. Mouw worries that the rote strictness of the recital of doctrine becomes a wedge between the truthful theology it conveys and its relevance to our everyday lives. "What does Calvinism have to say to our present world? How can I best be a Calvinist in the twenty-first century?...What do the Canons of Dordt mean for people who hang around in the Las Vegas airport?" (p. 15). Calvinists may recite Heidelberg One ("My only comfort in life and death is that I am not my own") but be guilty of acting unloving toward their neighbors.

Mouw has spent his entire life reading, memorizing, and thinking deeply about these subjects. He might have memorized the Canons of Dordt. You should not take his views on Calvinism lightly. But he is a self-described " eclectic Calvinist" (p. 116). He explains in the book how he's wrestled with its practical application and implications. He's thankful for the work of Abraham Kuyper (who Tim Keller is also thankful for) who famously said "There is not a square inch in the whole domain of our human existence over which Christ, who is Sovereign over all, does not cry, Mine!" This is, in essence, Calvinism. God is sovereign and holds all things together and orders every circumstance to bring greater enjoyment of Him for His glory. That should bring us humility, joy, and gentleness; not a prideful and harsh spirit that Calvinists may have a reputation for.

The author wisely observes that "our biographies shape our allegiances" (p. 19). Mouw explains the circumstances in which he was raised in a household of faith that led him to Calvinism, just as his Lutheran friend was led to his. One of my favorite Baptist pastor/theologians says "I'm Baptist because I was raised Baptist," and I appreciate this spirit which I have yet to find in anyone under age 50. "I find being Protestant the best way for me to be a Christian. And I find being Reformed the best way for me to be Protestant. And I find being a Calvinist to be the best way of being Reformed" (p. 20).

Mouw is not ashamed of Calvinism, he finds it "important" to use the label rather than the "Reformed" that many do today (and gives good reasons why). He walks through the TULIP acronym at the beginning, accurately noting that while all Christians hail the sovereignty of God in their doctrine, Calvinism uniquely "rigorously guards this emphasis on divine sovereignty by refusing to allow any other theological point to detract from it" (p. 27). In explaining the relationship between God's sovereignty and man's free will, Calvinists would rather "waffle" on the latter in order to prevent any dilution in their thoughts about the former. (Calvinism was first truly introduced to me by John Piper in Desiring God. I describe my own conversion to this point similarly: The God that John Piper was preaching was bigger than any God I had heard preached before. I found this infinitely powerful God to be more attractive to me similarly to how large masses attract objects more strongly than smaller ones.) The author still struggles on "Limited Atonement" after a lifetime of study and spends a chapter unpacking it. He makes a statement that I wrestle with: "There was no chance that he would die for a people who would not accept his salvation" (p. 35). But Jesus said "forgive them Father, for they know not what they do" (Luke 23:34). The only way I can reconcile these is by looking at the other letters of the acronym and remember that I would not accept Jesus if God had not unconditionally extended irresistable grace to my totally depraved self who also put Jesus to death.

Unconditional election-- "divine selectiveness"-- is the one Mouw tends to get the most pushback on. He notes that election is at the heart of Jewish religion, something which often goes unnoticed. Complaints about God making "arbitrary" decisions about peoples' salvations are "better understood as (complaints) about the facts of life." Mouw encourages the Christian not to be prideful or "take glee in our chosen status" (p. 33). Limited atonement is a necessary doctrine that Mouw can defend "if I have to," but one he'd rather leave on the shelf. But he offers three options: Interpret the inclusivist biblical texts to be the "more precise ones" (ie: TUIP), take the pluralistic texts to be the more precise ones (stricter Calvinists), or Mouw's preferred option: live uncomfortably with the tension between the texts. On this point, Mouw notes he has read deeply of Puritan and Dutch Calvinist literature and thought about the issue and does not know "how to proceed further" (p. 42). (I suspect Calvinist theologians who don't pause and sense any tension between the texts are undiagnosed autistics). Later in the book, Mouw writes that he hopes for a "divine generosity," that the people he has meet who do not yet profess Christ as savior and have had serious issues with the church (one woman who was abused by the church, for example) preventing them from even considering Christ will yet experience salvation at the end (p. 87-88). He also argues this position from the writings of Calvinists in history.

Mouw offers the advice of Welsh Calvinist Owen Thomas: "'(Calvinists) will spend an hour's exegesis upon the word 'world'; it will almost take his breath away to utter 'all'; he will circumnavigate land and sea to avoid meeting 'everyone'.' But the fact is...the Bible uses the words...in a fairly straightforward manner" (p. 45). IOW: Don't succumb into confirmation bias or its corollary desirability bias. But the best advice: "Sometimes it is important to know when the moment has arrived to stop thinking about the mysteries and simply to start singing" (p. 46).

In the chapter Not a Stranger, the author demonstrates the importance of drawing on God's sovereignty in counseling in the most difficult of circumstances, such as the unexpected loss of a child. He tells the tale of a minister trying to comfort a Dutch congregation that experienced great loss. The congregation rightly responded "Minister, no stranger did that to us;" they knew the promises of God in Romans 8:28-31. He cites a book by Jerry Sittser, himself a sufferer, and how he worked through a theology of loss. There's a reminder that in giving His own son, God knows loss.

Mouw takes his Kuyperian Calvinism into social activism as well. We are "elected to something, and serve in an "office" selected by God. "God elects us to participate in a covenant community that shows forth his sovereign rule over all areas of life" (p. 65). He has tried to be an obedient peacemaker and protested wars. He's tried to be an "agent of God's sovereign rule" (p. 68). He makes a very interesting statement: "I am a theocrat...Everyone who believes in the God who actively reigns over his whole creation is a theocrat. I hasten to add that this does not mean I want to impose 'Christian culture' on everyone...(But) the Christian community is called here and now by God to be a witness to the larger world of what it is like to live our lives in open acknowledgement of God's sovereign rule over all things" (p. 69).

This is a great theology of work quote (p. 72):
"God cares deeply about all the 'stuff' of our daily pursuits: the things we deal with in our workplaces, in our friendships and family relationships, in our leisure-time activities. This is what the psalmist is proclaiming when he writes that the 'earth is the Lord's and everything in it' (Psalm 24:1)...I have learned to appreciate in acknowledging that Jesus Christ is not only my personal Savior but the Lord over all my thoughts and the Ruler over all spheres of life."

It's a small 127 pages. I picked this up along with Letters to a Young Calvinist at a local Goodwill and am pleased with my 99 cents. Like all books by Presbyterians it will give you a greater appreciation of creeds, church history, and inspire you to read other books. This is the easiest read you will ever find from an academic philosopher. Five stars.

[Matthew · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars.

Re-read most of this for a preaching series on the Canons of Dordt.

Lots of wonderful reflections on the doctrines described by the acronym TULIP, as well as important connections to their implications in our modern world. Good sermon fodder : )

I was reminded of Mouw's ability to hold both a clarity of his convictions together with a gracious and charitable tone. When he is lampooned for his "soft" Calvinism, I wonder if what critics are actually reacting against is the tone with which he holds that Calvinism.

Like Mouw, I come to Calvinism and the doctrines of Grace (and TULIP) as a convert. And like Mouw, I share with him a converts conviction - that these doctrines are beautiful, that they speak to deep cultural anxieties and that they offer a richer gospel than a generic evangelicalism.
But unlike Mouw, I do not have some of the experiences he knows of the ways that these doctrines have been used as weapons. He, like many who grew up with them, seems to be a bit wary of the Canons. As such there seems to be great wisdom in his tempered passion for Calvinism as reflected in the Canons of Dordt. I see that Mouw's willingness to wonder aloud about the TULIP doctrines has given breathing room to those who only knew a particularly stifling version of them, and for this I am grateful.

I do wish that he'd done more to question the adequacy of TULIP to describe Calvinism or to faithfully reflect the Canons of Dordt, since TULIP was an early 20th century invention and the specific points are not actually reflect in the language of the document itself.

[Zack Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

For me, the most beneficial aspect of Mouw’s writing is his ability to explain the doctrines of grace in such a way that they become understandable to the layman. As such, much of his chapters on the subjects appear to combat misconceptions that those outside of the Reformed “camp” tend to hold.

The biggest shortcoming in the work is a general lack of expansion on what else characterizes Calvinism. When one largely limits the scope of Reformed theology to the doctrines of grace, it can potentially undermine the purpose of combatting misconceptions.

Regardless, the work is not totally exhaustive, but a great guide if you struggle to understand the “5 points of Calvinism”.

[Erin Buursma · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked how this book explained theological points clearly while staying engaging through lots of stories and connections to modern life. These stories kept it grounded and helped me consider the way theological beliefs can move past historical trivia and become a perspective that shapes how I live. I still struggle with some Calvinist ideas but this books brought up some interesting defenses of the beliefs that I found helpful. I also really liked how the book explored and acknowledged the way many people see Calvinism and what this means for those of us who do ascribe to Calvinist beliefs. This is a book I think I’ll read again sometime!

[Sean Higgins · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first three chapters made me think I was going to love the book.

I thought his explanation of the usefulness of labels was great (19-22), as was his own label wearing explanation.

God created us to glorify him in all we do, and our basic choices either honor or dishonor God's creating purposes. When I decide to call myself a Calvinist, then--and if I am serious in my declaration--I am implying that this is a very good way to be a human being who is created in the divine image. (20)

I appreciated his summary of Spurgeon's sermon that stood out to him as

a model for combining some of the most basic things I cherish in my efforts to live and integrated Christian life: theological clarity, a sense of awe in the presence of divine sovereignty, a deep desire for holy lliving, and evangelistic fervor. (24)

His careful distinction between the tendency of Calvinists and Arminians was also helpful.

When Calvinists get around to attempting to explain the relationship between God's sovereignty and human freedom, we are so concerned to protect the former that we are willing to risk sounding like we are waffling on the latter rather than to imply in any way that God's power is limited. Our instincts here are the opposite of many other Christians, who would much rather be accused of denying God's full sovereignty than to give the impression that they are putting curbs on human freedom. (27)

But chapter four and following beat my enthusiasm out like dirt from a rug.

The primarily problem Mouw points out are Calvinist jerks. Fair enough. No one likes a jerk. But I'd point out, jerks are not limited to the Calvinist camp. The worst part, however, is that his self-applied means to humility involve accepting ambivalence (42), embracing a "carelessness of faith" (45), keeping certain doctrines "on the shelf" (39-48), and leaning heavily on (his) hunches of God's generosity toward those who are "psychologically incapable of articulating" faith in Christ (87-88) or who are even "anonymous Calvinists" (113-114).

I'm in favor of a kindler, gentler apologetic (as was Peter in 1 Peter 3:15-16). I'm in favor of humility (as was Paul) and compassion (as was Jesus). But knee-jerk and/or glib and/or dispassionate answers are not pre-packaged under the Calvinism shrink-wrap. So while Mouw has appropriately identified some of the problematic symptoms associated with Calvinists, I think he's failed to confront the real problem (Christians not obeying and acting like Christ) and prescribed the wrong fix (some pseudo-postmodern love of mystery that makes it so we can all get along).

[Eric · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fairly easy read by Mouw, but not recommended. He does a fairly good job of explaining the points of TULIP, bit certainly not as well as Sproul (but who can, really?) If he had left the book there I would have probably given him 4 stars...

...but then he wrote Chapter 8, The Generosity Option. I'm very sorry Dr. Mouw, but no matter how difficult you find it to "draw sharp lines in your own mind about who is 'in' and who is 'out'" (85), anyone who does not accept salvation through Christ alone is "out." The jaded young woman who has yielded to a "Higher Power" is out unless she professes faith in Christ. It is a hard truth but one that cannot be approached with compromise.

This poor theology nullifies the value of this book for me. If I were to recommend this book to someone and they took hold of the theology of that chapter, their misguided ideas would be on me.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Surprisingly refreshing read. Can’t say I follow Mouw everywhere he goes, but I thought this was a good book which wrestled with the tension one experiences as a Calvinist in the 21st century. This isn’t an exegetical work, nor is it a technical theological treatise. It’s more like pastoral musings – and for the most part, very good musings. I was intrigued with how Mouw drew upon certain resources within the Calvinist tradition to address certain cotemporary hot topics, even when I didn’t agree (particularly his chapter, “The Generosity Option” – much for thoughtful consideration here). His final reflections on Las Vegas as a counterfeit New Jerusalem were exceptional!

[Paul Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so wonderful when you find a book on such a hard topic, and you wouldn't hesitate for a moment letting anyone in your life read that book. Mouw's contribution here is remarkable. He articulates an ecumenical, winsome, and yet still entirely faithful account of his Calvinism (and mine). Thank God for this book. All readers, whether Calvinists or not, will learn many lessons in these pages.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few good items to chew on. Eclectic, ecumenical Calvinism. L in TULIP as a "shelf" doctrine. Claimed "free-will" theologies produce more evangelism albeit this could be contested historically. Humility as key. Confessions very important, etc. Kuyper type Calvinism, every inch, etc. Good.

[LeAnne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am not a Calvinist. I picked up this book because my dad had been reading it and the title was intriguing. I got the impression it was going to be less about theology than how to live based on that theology. I thought it might show me the practical implications of Calvinist distinctives. It didn’t. The first several chapters were about the Calvinist distinctives summarized in TULIP (Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, Perseverence of the saints). I either strongly disagreed with the author, or he backed off the strong version. This was especially true of limited atonement. He said he believed it, but it didn’t really affect how he lived (a “shelf belief” he called it—one he keeps on the shelf but doesn’t look at very often.)

The second half of the book (beginning with “After the Election”) got much more practical, but it didn’t seem to me that it was based any more on Calvinism than it was on biblical Christianity as a whole. I came away thinking, why do we argue about these things if the practical applications only come in the extremes? Different Christians emphasize different sides of the paradox that is our faith in their thinking, but the important thing is to give Scripture the authority it deserves and live it out in practical ways.

At times there seemed to be more emphasis on Calvinist doctrine than on Jesus Christ. I don’t think that is true. Ultimately, the author’s hope for the young woman in the Los Vegas airport was that she know Jesus, not that she become a Calvinist, but the wording sometimes put me off. I’m sorry, but I don’t see the point in vowing to keep alive the system of thought of a 16th c theologian rather than the vibrant and authoritative word of God in a new generation. My biggest critique of Catholicism is that by elevating tradition to an authoritative level, they can't look back at Scripture and decide that several hundred years ago they may not have gotten it quite right. Calvinists put themselves in the same position when they have to defend TULIP.

[Dawn Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christians swim in hostile waters. As we navigate this world and our desires to be liked and build relationships, sometimes the theology gets a little squishy. Sometimes there's a need to draw hard lines and the theology gets dogmatic. If you're a mature Christian, this is a very handy little tool for occasionally tuning up and re-calibrating. Rather than allowing the spiritually illiterate world to bully you out of your beliefs, and rather than arguing the finer sticking points of theology with other Christians, remember the things that matter: God is God. He is completely sovereign over all. He knows and loves His creation in ways we cannot understand. We're not called to understand it all. We're called to trust in His goodness and submit to His lordship.

As we navigate this world, our only comfort in life and in death is:

that I am not my own,
but belong—
body and soul,
in life and in death—
to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.

He has fully paid for all my sins with his precious blood,
and has set me free from the tyranny of the devil.
He also watches over me in such a way
that not a hair can fall from my head
without the will of my Father in heaven;
in fact, all things must work together for my salvation.

Because I belong to him,
Christ, by his Holy Spirit,
assures me of eternal life
and makes me wholeheartedly willing and ready
from now on to live for him.

[Jennifer Spiegel]

Well, a few things: I really like Richard Mouw. I think he's a good guy, and I like his attitude and human touch. I probably speak this language. I liked this book--but I've liked other things by him better.

He's a good guy. Rather than go on and on explaining doctrine and theology here (not my thing), I'd say that I am thankful for the warmth of people like this. The older I get, the more I appreciate the faith of folks like Mouw or the late Rachel Held Evans or Tyler Merritt or Bono. Mouw is the most scholarly of those folks, and he's old--but he's run the race, my friends. He's run the race.

[Doug Connell · Rating 4 out of 5]

#60 out of goal of 100

Those who are not Calvinists, and those who don’t know, and those who are newcomers would benefit from this book. It’s only about 125 pages, and written at a lay-level, and helpfully explains “mere Calvinism” and why it’s important to rightly understand whatever your perspective or inclination.

Some of his ecumenical aspirations in explaining Calvinism made me hesitant to give 5 stars, but what would you expect from the president of Fuller Seminary (where the student body consists of more than 100 denominations)?

[Dale · Rating 2 out of 5]

Read this book as part of my Bible study at church. I would never recommend this book to someone outside the reformed Christian Community. The book really focuses on being a "Calvinist" versus being a "Lutheran," Catholic... etc... I'm more focused on being a follower of Christ versus being a follower of Calvin, Luther...... The book is a little meandering which is surprising for such a small book. I did learn a few things, but overall it was a very inside baseball Calvin College book. It's not bad, but not good.

[Claire Cook · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fairly outdated by now (not the Calvinism) but was so good for the Christian Reformed drilled into me. Dutch Calvinism is so itself in so many ways and I love many many parts of it. This helped me entangle how and when TULIP is helpful in talking to non-Calvinists and how the catechism’s and creeds I grew up on can also help. Overall lots of arguments were not completed in my opinion but it spoke to the Dutchman in me

[Tim · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little sluggish after a good start when discussing Calvin's TULIP but then a strong finish. A strong persuasion for Christians to active with charity and love but still be faithful to orthodox (or in the author's case, Calvinism) Christianity. A lot of interesting antidotes and stories make for good reading. Deep insights into today's culture such as why Las Vegas is so popular.

[Paul Veldhouse · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's great... if you're a Calvinist. Which I am... so I liked it. I would have named it "Musings from a Calvinist Guy" though. Doesn't nail down anything specific, but gives a good overview of why he struggles with, but is ultimately content with his Calvinism. As am I.

[Erik · Rating 2 out of 5]

Weak, sorry defense of TULIP and a bad use of "shelf doctrine" sure to annoy both progressives and conservatives alike by sidestepping an important issue. On the upside it made me want to watch Hardcore by Paul Schrader.

[Mark VanderWerf · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a re-read for me - probably last read it 10+ years ago. In rereading it, however, I was struck by how deeply I have been shaped by Mouw’s embodiment of the Calvinist tradition of Christianity - both in his generous perspective and in his humble posture towards others.

[Renee · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book should have begun with chapter ten. Not sure about the "hunch" system prevalent throughout the book. Perhaps stronger scriptural proofs, rather than theologians proof would be beneficial. I do, however, appreciate the idea of living with generosity rather than stinginess.

[Ben Gresik · Rating 4 out of 5]

A helpful and approachable overview of Calvinism although I would not recommend it for someone without a bit of Christian background.

[Tony Ross Jr. · Rating 3 out of 5]

A fun book on Calvinism in pop culture and the connections we make in the real world with our theology in general.

[Tony Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice read about bringing Calvinism into modernity.

[Noah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was intrigued by this one when I first saw it on the shelves and read it on my bus commute over the course of a month or two. Later I assigned it to my staff for a book discussion reading to help us better articulate Calvinism and also get in touch with our own theological/spiritual understandings together.

The book was an easy read by Mouw, written to put Calvinism in modern terms, and I really appreciated his approach. In the end he helped to affirm my own fundamental agreement with the tenants of Calvinism's TULIP, which can be challenging to grasp and reconcile with Biblical truths and lived reality. The context provided by Mouw gives some peace with some of the loopholes one can interpret here.

I was inspired to pick up "Hardcore" from the local library to get a feel for what Paul Schraeder has accomplished and how it inspired Mouw to write the book. The opening scenes of the movie that depict 1980's Grand Rapids in Michigan and the painfully insular community of his thinly veiled CRC were right on. It was fun to identify the landmarks. One interesting note about the movie, is that the scene Mouw chooses as the basis (and title) of his book, actually takes place in the Los Angeles Airport! There is a travel poster for Las Vegas in the background. I wonder if anyone has pointed this gaffe out to Mouw himself.

As for the book group, well, I was disappointed with the response, not necessarily in the discussion that happened, which was good...but rather in those that didn't because folks didn't really take this seriously.

[Clark Goble · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mouw does an excellent job writing a primer on Calvinism. He first aptly defines Calvinism for his readers and then makes an argument for a sort of "generous" Calvinism that recognizes its role under the umbrella of Christianity. This is a timely read. Too often, Calvinism gets twisted into Hyper-Calvinism which is neither Biblical or helpful. Mouw does a wonderful job putting Calvinism back into the proper perspective.

Unfortunately, Mouw then crosses into dangerous territory. In his zeal to argue for a generous Calvinism, he drifts into Universalism by suggesting that his self-labeled atheist friend and his Rabbi friend are probably okay when it comes to eternity. Mouw seems to be aware of what he's claiming when he offers the following disclaimer, "I need to make it clear once again that I am not a Universalist. Universalism holds that in the end everyone will be saved, and I reject that viewpoint" (p. 77 digital). I believe Mouw wholeheartedly and I am not charging him with being a Universalist; however, by insinuating that his atheist and Rabbi friends may enjoy salvation apart from Christ, Mouw seems to weaken his argument for a generous Calvinism that supports evangelism. His two lines of reasoning seem incongruous to one another.

I would have easily given this book a four-star rating had I been able to sort out Mouw's reasoning concerning Universalism in light of Scripture. For a better perspective on Calvinism and what it means for the evangelist, readers would do better to read Spurgeon.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mouw presents a simple, generous, and personal take on Calvinism. You are not going to find a rigorous exposition of Calvinist theology here. Mouw is writing to people "outside" the Calvinist faith. Instead of inviting people into the world of Calvinism, he takes his Calvinism out to travel the world. The result is a winsome and thought provoking explanation of why Calvinism still matters today.

If you are looking for an in-house book arguing the theological nuances of Reformed Theology, this book is not for you. I found myself disagreeing with Mouw at a few points, but that's ok. What the book lacked in theological rigor, it more than made up for in its nuanced approach to our post-Christian culture. This is a great book for pastors, elders, small group leaders, and even for someone investigating Christianity.

[Jimp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calvinism is not a topic I would associate with the Las Vegas airport. I have been there and other religious perspectives or philosophies would strike me as a bit more appropriate. But Richard Mouw, President of Fuller Theological Seminar, provides a great introduction to where Calvinism fits and why it matters. The fact that there are 57 references and 7 pages in the index for this 147 page book, points to the scholarly foundation of a book that is quite easy to read. It was very helpful for me, as a Calvinist, to hear Mouw's perspective on how he relates to other theological perspectives.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mouw offers a vision of compassionate Calvinism that accepts he core salvation understanding presented in the Canons of Dort while remaining open and charitable to other Christian traditions. In the midst of harsh pro- and anti-Calvinist rhetoric, Mouw's book is a helpful reminder of the size, scope, and attitude that should be part and parcel of Calvinism. He major flaw of the book is its continued adherence to TULIP as the summation of Dort. Other than that, I recommend the book for those curious or frustrated by Calvinism.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Mouw presents an honest, often helpful interaction with the ‘five points’ of Calvinism. Instead of rehashing historical doctrines, he focuses on the way Calvinism is often harshly communicated and perceived. Mouw considers compassionate, respectful alternatives in the ways Calvinists express their beliefs. While the first half is passable, Mouw then sadly reveals inclusivist positions on salvation and veers toward sweeping ecumenicalism. Also very troubling is how Scripture is seldom used, seemingly in favor of personal experience.

[Joel · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you want a gracious, kind, brief introduction to what it means to be reformed, Mouw gives a read door into this world. He answers questions on 'TULIP' as ministry, how reformed people can learn from other traditions, what the reformed faith has to say to the culture, ultimately what it means that 'Salvation is of the Lord.' This is my first book by this author, and I want to read more from Mouw.