The Five Dilemmas of Calvinsim

by Craig R. Brown

After a brief survey of the historical development of the theological school now known as Calvinism and a comparison of Calvinism and Arminianism, Brown turns to a consideration of five dilemmas that Arminians typically associate with Reformed doctrines. The author then attempts to demonstrate that these problems are largely misunderstandings of Calvinism. Written in a winsome and engaging style, Brown's work is an excellent primer on Calvinism and some of the critiques that have been leveled against it. As such, the book provides both apologetic help for Calvinists and answers for Arminians with honest questions.

Genres: Theology, Christian, Religion, Christianity, Christian Non Fiction

126 pages, Paperback

First published September 30, 2007

Reviews

[Demetrius Rogers]

I may have liked this book better had it not been so glib in its representation of Arminianism. I did, however, appreciate the author's perspective regarding the destiny of deceased babies within the Reformed view of election.

[Daniel Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This short book is first and foremost biblical. It gives a short historical context of the calvinist/arminian controversy and defines both theological perspectives.

It is easy to understand and contains plenty of Scripture proofs as well as a good bibliography for further study. Brown accomplished to compact a lot of complicated information in a short book while avoiding shallowness.

[Randall Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as a follow-on to Piper’s “Five Points” — having recommended the latter to a friend, I scanned my library for others on the same topic to see if there was a different perspective.

“Five Dilemmas” takes a “Devil’s advocate” approach, “attack[ing] five principles of Calvinism from the standpoint of American ‘common sense.’” In so doing, Brown contends “that not only does Calvinism have answer to the five dilemmas...it has the only answers that fit with Scripture.”

The book is “designed to be a simple, easy read for the person who has questions and is struggling to find the answers.” I found it to be just that and, importantly, robustly supported with scripture as well as set in helpful historical context. Further, it provides a straightforward comparison of key contrasting beliefs between Calvinism and Arminianism (or free will).

The author’s conclusion is humble and an invitation to read: “This book has two purposes. First, I want it to be a resource for people who are struggling with the answers to the five ‘dilemmas’ that I have put forward. Second, I want it to be an incentive for thought...You may disagree with the conclusions I have come to. I am sure that there are Christians who do. If, however, you find yourself in that camp, please make sure you base your opinions not on what your mind is telling you may or may not be correct, but on what God is telling you in the Scriptures…God is far greater than we understand Him to be. Hopefully, this book has opened your mind to an appreciation for what God has done for you and the great blessings that He has in store for His people.”

[Ben Potloff · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this little book. Many people falsely caricature and misunderstand Reformed theology. This book gives Biblical support for the Reformed view and answers common questions about Calvinistic doctrine (human responsibility, motivation, prayer, evangelism, problem of evil, infants who pass away, etc.). There are many other better and more thorough books on this topic but this would be a good place to start. I would give this book to someone who is beginning to learn about reformed theology and is asking the common questions referred to in the book. The author gives a good recommended reading list in the back with books from authors like Sproul, Pink, Berkhoff, Packer, Piper, etc.

[Macy · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a member of a reformed church who has a lot of non-reformed Christian friends who have many questions, I loved this book. It helped me to understand many other Christians’ main concerns with Calvinism and how to explain them graciously. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in Calvinism and reformed theology, or for the Calvinist who has trouble explaining reformed doctrine to others.

[Troy Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

Very well thought out book! If you believe what the Bible really teaches, there would be no need to disagree, even with the very words of Christ! Unfortunately, there are many believers who claim divine inspiration and a love of Jesus but do not believe what Jesus stated when he said no one could come to him unless it was granted by his Father!

[Frans Kempe · Rating 2 out of 5]

A try to give answers to a couple of difficult theological questions from a Calvinistic view. Some good thoughts but many times harsh and lack of respect for the Arminist viewpoints. Uses scriptures without context all over the place to prove his points which makes it even harder to take the book serious.

[David · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good topic: ✅
Easy to read: ✅
Good answers: Sort of ✅

I would answer some of these dilemmas differently, and I think there are better answers out there from a reformed perspective. However, as an intro to tough questions that faith can ask, this book is worth the read.

[Andy Febrico Bintoro · Rating 4 out of 5]

Calvinism apologetic

An apologetic book trying to defend Calvinism on the most misunderstood doctrines. It's not a long and detailed defense, but more on explaining the correct view on that doctrines.

[Navin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Good summary of the 5 Points of Calvinism. In general there is a lot of misunderstanding about the 5 points and this book helps the reader understand TULIP with solid biblical support/reference.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

His points were clearly explained.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent and Bible answers to 5 common objections to reformed theology.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outside of his chapter on the death of babies, there was nothing new for me. It is a good little book for someone new to reformed faith or needing to process these questions for the first time.

[Rachelle Cobb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too short to do the subject justice. And his arguments didn’t make sense several times (straw man, circular, etc). Intrigued to read more on the topic, though

[Glyn Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mention the word Calvinism or TULIP and people will immediately have an objection. If you tell people you hold to the doctrines of Calvin, they will almost inevitably answer you in some form of surprise or horror.

But how do you answer the objections that people have? This book by Brown will help you in that regard by giving you the answers to the five most common objections to Calvinism. Issues such as evangelism and prayer.

An easy, yet informative read. This along with Sproul's What is Reformed Theology, should equip you with the answers to every objection you may face if you hold to the five points of TULIP.

[BigGuyJawny · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has terrific practical use for those first weighing the truthfulness of Calvinism and those (like me) who are settled on Calvinism but would be helped by having its “dilemmas” answered in a succinct and clarifying manner!

Three Reasons Why I Gave it Three Stars:
+ Content is practical and isn’t scared to give tough answers to tough questions! Commendable.
+ The answers themselves are super practical and written in a way that a moderately educated layman can understand! Great for sharing with friends.
- The copious amounts of Scripture justifying the content is great, but I think not having correlating exegesis of those passages hampers its effectiveness.

[Rodger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Everything you ever wanted to know, or not, about Calvinism in an easy to read format by a non-theologian. He explains the history of calvinism, briefly describing TULIP, but the crux of the book is about the dilemmas.
If Calvinism is true, how do you explain:
1. Man's responsibility?
2. Our motivation to good works?
3. The value of prayer and evangelism?
4. The existence of evil?
5. The eternal destination of children?
Numerous are the people who have rejected Calvinism based on their misunderstanding.

[Mark A Powell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Brown details the differences between Calvinism and Arminianism, and then addresses five dilemmas Calvinism faces. The shortness of the book limits his responses, so don't expect much more than a surface-level answer, although he does include key Scripture passages to back up his statements. In total, however, the book was unconvincing. I agree with most of his arguments, but if I hadn't before I read this book, it's highly unlikely he would have changed my mind.

[Rebekah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A brief overview of the historical basis for Reformed theology; comparison and contrast of Calvinism and Arminianism and what the Bible teaches; and a defense of the Reformed faith against some of the misconceptions that have hindered its acceptance among modern Christians.

A primer for those who are being introduced to these topics or want clarity as they work through them.

[Michael Brown · Rating 1 out of 5]

No even close to being the best book on Calvinism - very little grace shown through out the book to different viewpoints... disappointed is what I would have to say... it was less of an graceful explanation of what Calvinism is and more of a polemic attack galore on Arminianism. Could have been sooo much better

[Luke Miller · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short treatment on what the author considers to be the five dilemmas of calvinism. Some interesting extended quotes. Very little textual work. The verses are listed but not explained at all. If you didn't already agree with his conclusions, I doubt this book would convince you.

Also read in June of 2012.

[Mark Triplett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun, fast and enlightening read for those new to the doctrines of grace as well as those opposed to the teaching. I was especially impressed with how the author proffered an excellent "theory" on the origin/purpose of evil. The highlight for me was how the book handled a delicate yet important matter regarding the death of babies. All in all, an outstanding little book!!

[John Weathersby]

I like that the author was clear in his position while fairly presenting the opposing view point.



This is a well organized book looking straight at the difficult issues for people to reconcile with calvanistic thought.

[Rb Tolar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Answers the five basic objections to Reformed theology on a point-by-point basis. In case you haven't noticed, these are the same objections raised by the Remonstrants before the Synod of Dort. Arminius' views were declared heretical by the Synod, but Arminianism lives on.

[Ellen]

Disagree with his conclusions about babies who die and about the origin of evil, but it's a special book to me, because of how the Lord used it for me when I first read it (back in 2008). It was very interesting to go back and read it again.

[Chance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent introduction to Reformed theology, with many arguments supported by Scriptural references. It defends Reformed Theology in a way that it refutes many common misunderstandings about it.

[Mark]

Great little book and a quick read. Gives a good, winsome, easy to understand overview of the 5 points of Calvinism and a defense against common misunderstandings of the theology.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loaned out to Jenn Norton

[Andrew · Rating 3 out of 5]

A simple read, not as deep as I would have liked getting into things. Still it's a good book.

[Bob Gooch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick read. Not thorough by any means, but good for those whose only exposure to Calvinism is from an Arminian perspective.