The Problem with Evangelical Theology: Testing the Exegetical Foundations of Calvinism, Dispensationalism, and Wesleyanism

by Ben Witherington III

There is no doubting the legacy of the Protestant Reformers and their successors. Luther, Calvin, and Wesley not only spawned specific denominational traditions, but their writings have been instrumental in forging a broadly embraced evangelical theology as well. In this volume, Ben Witherington wrestles with some of the big ideas of these major traditional theological systems (sin, God's sovereignty, prophecy, grace, and the Holy Spirit), asking tough questions about their biblical foundations. Witherington argues that evangelicalism sometimes wrongly assumes a biblical warrant for some of its more popular beliefs, and, further, he pushes the reader to engage the larger story and plot of the Bible to understand these central elements of belief.

Genres: Theology, Religion, Christian

325 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2005

About the author

Ben Witherington III (PhD, University of Durham) is Amos Professor of New Testament for Doctoral Studies at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky, and is on the doctoral faculty at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland. He is the author or coauthor of more than thirty books, including The Jesus Quest, The Paul Quest, and The New York Times bestseller The Brother of Jesus. He has appeared on the History Channel, NBC, ABC, CBS, and CNN.

Reviews

[Neil Kruger · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Despite many disagreements, Witherington's intent to make us exegetical honest and theologically responsible is commendable.

As can be expected from a biblical scholar this volume is packed with helpful explorations of numerous biblical passages. Even if disagreement is inevitable, there are still many insights to be gained.

This book is focused on theological distinctives and is therefore surprisingly not polemical. Before opening its pages though, it is advised to be aware of your own theological distinctives and why you hold them. This is particularly important, because Witherington is not nearly as objective as he is convinced he is. Secondary issues will continue to rightly divide Evangelicals, even if we are united in the essentials, because the reading and interpreting of key texts differ greatly.

[Drew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Witherington does a thorough job of deconstructing the traditional thought lines of Evangelical exegesis. I appreciate that he is willing to even deconstruct the exegesis of his own theological godfather, John Wesley. He spends a good bit of time proposing ways forward after deconstruction as well. Witherington proves, once again, to be an in-depth scholar committed deeply to both church and text, while approaching delicate issues with humility.

Two quibbles: Although this is a good book for theologically-educated pastors who are looking for an excellent guide to their own NT exegesis and teaching, I would love to see him offer a project like this to the laity. He gets way too technical in this work for 99% of laity to understand these important concepts that would be very important for them to study in Sunday School, small groups, etc. Also, some of his historical analysis is misguided (for instance, Luther never heard of "Solo Scriptura"), so I would really appreciate more engagement with historical theologians.

In short, this is an excellent preaching and teaching guide of the NT for both Evangelical and mainline Protestant pastors.

[Jay Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Witherington has informed and influenced my journey as a Christ follower with this well organized, carefully thought out volume. I grew up in a Calvinist circle, so the section on Reformed Theology was especially helpful. It is important to understand that Dr. Witherington offers criticism of the distinctives found in the major theological systems, rather than undermining them altogether. He also includes his own (Wesleyan) theology in the analysis. Along the way, he sheds an introductory light on the world that produced the New Testament and in which its authors worked and wrote. He draws attention to the varied literature types used in the Bible, and by doing so, he encourages thoughtful exegesis. At the conclusion of the book, Dr. Witherington outlines a vision and issues a call for a more unified approach to living and doing theology in the 21st century.

[Dana Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a convert to Christianity in 1964, I read the King James bible in a year. Got confused in churches when I heard you have to believe that even your choice of toothpaste is predestined? Then in 1967 after the Six Day War, I started reading books that 'clearly showed' that the Lord would come by 1997 . . . no later. But after a few years I couldn't see that. Second Coming preachers seemed to miss much of what Jesus said. It just didn't fit with the whole thrust of the Bible. And what proof is there that the 7 lamp stands in Revelation represents seven church ages? These and other questions Witherington, looks into these issues without prejudice or presupposition other than the historical-grammatical method. Does he succeed? I think he's darn close.

[Lucas Bradburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Meh. It was helpful in some places (his critique of dispensationalism and Wesleyanism); frustrating and downright weak in other places (his critique of Reformed theology and particularly complementarianism).

[Matt Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great stuff. I do not entirely agree with everything Dr. Witherington posits, but an all around great and informative work.

[Mark Ackeret · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting read - Witherton writes from a skeptical perspective on all three issues.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, excellent Bible-based theology!

[Don Bryant]

I like Witherington's stuff. He is a New Testament scholar of Arminian persuasion but without axes to grind. He is a careful exegete and demonstrates expertise in the tools of the interpretation - linguistics, archaeology, history, etc. In this book Witherington is exploring the inability of the main schools of current Evangelical thought to capture the whole of what it means to be Evangelical. He notes that evangelical systems of thought often deviate from scripture at their most distinctive points.

I am reading this book in light of the book I am working on, working title "I Am an Evangelical."

BTW, I always check in with Witherington on the latest supposed archaeological finds. There are so many bogus "discoveries." Witherington will always address the latest fad.

And Witherington is never very far off the Bart Ehrman trail.

[Danny Bennett · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very good book for me to read. The book is very technical and hard to keep track of at times, but overall good at coming to understand three important theologies and the weaknesses associated with them.

[David Herrick · Rating 3 out of 5]

See my review at http://davidherrick.typepad.com/junk_...

[Larry Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

must reading for pastors