Free Will Revisited: A Respectful Response to Luther, Calvin, and Edwards

by Robert E. Picirilli

Whether man has free will continues to be a hot topic among Bible teachers and theologians. After defining the issues involved, from both a worldview and a biblical standpoint, this work devotes three chapters to exploring the single-volume treatments against free will by the great theologians Luther, Calvin, and Edwards. The author then responds to the major issues involved in their objections to free foreknowledge and necessity, human depravity and the grace of God, the sovereignty and all-encompassing providence of God, and Edwards's rationalistic argument. In each instance, the doctrine of free will, rightly understood, is in full and biblical accord with these concerns. A concluding chapter summarizes and expresses the bottom-line differences in the doctrine of salvation between the Arminian and the Calvinistic wings of reformed theology. "Robert Picirilli is a seasoned scholar who is one of the best-known advocates of Reformed Arminianism, speaking from his Free Will Baptist tradition. Free Will Revisited carefully articulates the objections that Luther, Calvin, and Edwards present against free will, and provides a compelling defense of free will. Calvinists, Arminians, and those who are undecided will profit from reading his discussion of this vital issue for Christian theology. --Steve Lemke, Provost, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary "Free Will Revisited is a must-read book for those interested in the Calvinist-Arminian debate. In it we see Picirilli at his best, using his keen intellect and broad background in theology to reflect on the thought of the three best-known stalwarts of a non-libertarian approach to free will. The unique thing about his response to these thinkers is that he is much more 'Reformed' in his Arminianism than many proponents of libertarian free will (worlds apart from semi-Pelagianism), and this brings nuance to his critiques that will surprise many readers. As always, Picirilli writes in a clear, readable, and irenic manner that Calvinists and Arminians alike will find refreshing." --Matthew Pinson, President, Welch College Robert E. Picirilli is professor emeritus (New Testament and philosophy) at Welch College in Gallatin, Tennessee. He is author of Grace, Faith, Free Will, Paul the Apostle, and numerous other works and journal articles. He is also the editor of the Randall House Bible Commentary on the New Testament.

Genres: Theology

152 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 9, 2017

Reviews

[Jeff Turnbough · Rating 5 out of 5]

God freely CHOSE to create human beings with free wills

God freely CHOSE to create human beings with free wills. In essence, that is a huge part of what it means to be created in the image of God.

In the end, the WHOLE Bible or “God Story” is about justification BY faith, never justification TO faith. Our faith is required to please God, which necessitates the exercise of free will. That does not take anything away from God, grace or the gift. In fact, God himself contrasts faith as the opposite of works.

I agree with Pic when he states that in the end the biggest difference between Calvinism and the Biblical view is that Calvinists mistakenly claim that God chose individuals who would be saved and made provision for them, AND He chose who would not be saved and made absolutely no provision for them. That simply is not the gospel or what the Bible teaches. For God so loved the whole world...

[Chad CG · Rating 5 out of 5]

(4.5)

This was a good book packed full of content. I appreciate how Picirilli address three big heads of the Calvinist side, and most importantly, how he took the time to show what they were arguing against in each of their books. This gave a great context and Picirlli also took the time to diligently and thoughtfully highlight the definition of key words those authors had as well as the definitions he was working with. Picirilli was respectful, concise, and clear. Overall educational book!

[Daniel Mann · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very timely book that addresses a crucial subject. You will find it interesting and challenging.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book primarily deals with free will in respect to the Calvinism/Arminianism debate, and only minimally interacts with other aspects of free will. It provides an excellent summary of the major works on free will by Luther, Calvin, and Edwards. Anyone interested in getting a good overview of these works and understanding the major points that each of these authors bring to bear on the debate would benefit greatly from this work. This work would also be an excellent starting point for the reader that wants to read the original works, such as Luther’s Bondage of the Will, giving them an outline of the larger work and how the parts function together to form the argument against free will.

Given the complexity of the topic, this book could be too advanced for those who are not already familiar with the key aspects of the Calvinism/Arminianism debate or who are new to the various terms used in discussing free will.

The reader should note that I was provided a copy of this book by WIPF & Stock in exchange for a review.

For the full review see
https://deadheroesdontsave.com/2018/0...