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The Wonderful Decree: Reconciling Sovereign Election and Universal Benevolence
Unconditionally loving. Sovereign over all.
How can God be sovereign over all things and loving towards all people while His creatures possess real freedom and responsibility for their choices? Theologians have wrestled with this question for centuries. But have our attempted solutions made the problem worse?
In Wonderful Decree , Travis James Campbell suggests we cannot solve the problem by sacrificing either divine sovereignty and goodness on one hand or human responsibility on the other. While considering Arminian and Molinist alternatives, he concludes that the traditional Augustinian and Calvinist approach best allows these truths to remain in a healthy and biblically-faithful tension. Inspired by the example of Spurgeon, who preferred biblical mystery over human solutions, Campbell encourages readers to trust-even delight-in the harmony of God's love for all and sovereignty over all.
How can God be sovereign over all things and loving towards all people while His creatures possess real freedom and responsibility for their choices? Theologians have wrestled with this question for centuries. But have our attempted solutions made the problem worse?
In Wonderful Decree , Travis James Campbell suggests we cannot solve the problem by sacrificing either divine sovereignty and goodness on one hand or human responsibility on the other. While considering Arminian and Molinist alternatives, he concludes that the traditional Augustinian and Calvinist approach best allows these truths to remain in a healthy and biblically-faithful tension. Inspired by the example of Spurgeon, who preferred biblical mystery over human solutions, Campbell encourages readers to trust-even delight-in the harmony of God's love for all and sovereignty over all.
- GenresTheology
296 pages, Paperback
Published January 3, 2020
3 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 1, 2024
I see lots of secular discourse online that tends to go as follows:
A) If God is all good, then He is not all powerful. If He is all powerful, then He could prevent evil. Because there is evil, He is not all good.
or
B) If God loves all people and is all powerful, then He could save everyone and chooses not to via His elect. Therefore He is either not good or not all powerful.
In either case, according to the above arguments, He is not worthy of praise.
This book was authored by my friend Evan’s father and has been on my to-read list for a long time. Dr. Campbell uses both a biblical and logical approach to tackle “the problem of evil” above as well as explain, using examples from his own life, how God is in fact universally benevolent and elects whomever He pleases. The argument is sound and extremely lengthy. In all honesty, some of the logical/philosophical jargon went above my head at points, but if you have the aptitude for it then it’s truly an interesting read. He largely takes a reformed approach, which I appreciate, but also makes space for how his argument uses thomistic theology to complement. Extremely thoughtful and interesting! Certainly not for everyone, but if you’re at all interested in philosophy then this is for you.
A) If God is all good, then He is not all powerful. If He is all powerful, then He could prevent evil. Because there is evil, He is not all good.
or
B) If God loves all people and is all powerful, then He could save everyone and chooses not to via His elect. Therefore He is either not good or not all powerful.
In either case, according to the above arguments, He is not worthy of praise.
This book was authored by my friend Evan’s father and has been on my to-read list for a long time. Dr. Campbell uses both a biblical and logical approach to tackle “the problem of evil” above as well as explain, using examples from his own life, how God is in fact universally benevolent and elects whomever He pleases. The argument is sound and extremely lengthy. In all honesty, some of the logical/philosophical jargon went above my head at points, but if you have the aptitude for it then it’s truly an interesting read. He largely takes a reformed approach, which I appreciate, but also makes space for how his argument uses thomistic theology to complement. Extremely thoughtful and interesting! Certainly not for everyone, but if you’re at all interested in philosophy then this is for you.
October 21, 2024
This is a great and deep book. Campbells first chapter alone is worth the price of the book. In that chapter you will find not abstract theories about God and his goodness, but a lifetime of hardship and glory that has led to the pondering of these questions.
His central thesis is an attempt to reconcile how God can choose only some people only to salvation (aka Calvinism) and yet still have a genuine desire that all, (and Campbell means every single human, not just the elect) are saved. Campbell gets to many of the common debates between the Calvinist and Arminian debates, yet he does so slightly differently.
Campbells book is the most deeply philosophical and rabbit hole chasing book on Calvinism that I have ever read. It is deep. And as I said above that he does it differently, because he brings in a Thomistic metaphysic and even a scholastic way of argumentation throughout the book. As Thomas Aquinas in his Summa would ponder many thoughts. It seems that Campbell has done that and it is evident. One of his reasons for using Thomas is because like Calvin, Thomas followed in the Augustinian tradition of unconditional election and effectual calling. And Campbell seeks to demonstrate this through what he calls, “reformed thomism.”
Something I’ll have to think on some more and didn’t realize is how much of a split there was in the reformed tradition throughout history on passages such as 2 Peter 3:9 and others. Campbell argues that when God speaks of God desiring “all” to be saved. He means all and explains this in the terms of God’s antecedent will and consequent will.
The only shortcoming of the book is that I think there could have been more biblical exposition on divine aseity and simplicity and how Molinism and Arminianism undermine biblical teaching and not just how they categorically contradict that.
The other personal thing I had some difficulty with is that Campbell sometimes goes down rabbit holes and it takes awhile to get to his point, which sometimes makes it hard to follow. This makes it a great reference book, but not always the easiest to read and enjoy. All in all though, I still enjoyed it and learned a lot.
I would like to see him and Greg Welty interact on the problem of evil. Throughout the book they seemed to use would that would be contrary to one another, but when Campbell would explain his view, I had trouble finding any difference between them.
His central thesis is an attempt to reconcile how God can choose only some people only to salvation (aka Calvinism) and yet still have a genuine desire that all, (and Campbell means every single human, not just the elect) are saved. Campbell gets to many of the common debates between the Calvinist and Arminian debates, yet he does so slightly differently.
Campbells book is the most deeply philosophical and rabbit hole chasing book on Calvinism that I have ever read. It is deep. And as I said above that he does it differently, because he brings in a Thomistic metaphysic and even a scholastic way of argumentation throughout the book. As Thomas Aquinas in his Summa would ponder many thoughts. It seems that Campbell has done that and it is evident. One of his reasons for using Thomas is because like Calvin, Thomas followed in the Augustinian tradition of unconditional election and effectual calling. And Campbell seeks to demonstrate this through what he calls, “reformed thomism.”
Something I’ll have to think on some more and didn’t realize is how much of a split there was in the reformed tradition throughout history on passages such as 2 Peter 3:9 and others. Campbell argues that when God speaks of God desiring “all” to be saved. He means all and explains this in the terms of God’s antecedent will and consequent will.
The only shortcoming of the book is that I think there could have been more biblical exposition on divine aseity and simplicity and how Molinism and Arminianism undermine biblical teaching and not just how they categorically contradict that.
The other personal thing I had some difficulty with is that Campbell sometimes goes down rabbit holes and it takes awhile to get to his point, which sometimes makes it hard to follow. This makes it a great reference book, but not always the easiest to read and enjoy. All in all though, I still enjoyed it and learned a lot.
I would like to see him and Greg Welty interact on the problem of evil. Throughout the book they seemed to use would that would be contrary to one another, but when Campbell would explain his view, I had trouble finding any difference between them.
August 14, 2020
In this work, author Travis James Campbell sets forth an extensive and well-argued case for the "traditional Augustinian and Calvinist approach" to the questions of God's sovereignty, unconditional love, and human freedom.
Lexham Press, as always, has done a great job on the design, and the book looks great and is a delight to read. Totaling just over 350 pages, it is thorough and extensive, though readable for non-scholars. Part of its size is due to 50 pages of appendices and a 20 page bibliography. Both of these features, especially the appendices related to sub-topics of the doctrine of sovereignty and election, are quite helpful.
This work sets forth a biblical, theological, historical, and logical argument; it is tightly reasoned and carefully researched. Campbell interacts with an impressive array of sources, both contemporary and historic. Commendable is the fact that he is dedicated to providing his opponents with fair consideration: the author labors to lay out solid representations of competing views (i.e., Arminian and Molinist), referencing up-to-date sources and arguments. Additional interaction and argumentation is provided in the vast number of footnotes throughout the work; many readers, including myself, will appreciate this dense trove of notes, though others may skip over them and still absorb the chief ideas and arguments. Also noteworthy is the fact that the author draws in not only Protestant sources, but also Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Jewish works.
Campbell's book touches on a wide array of topics, though the central question remains present throughout the entire work. While not agreeing with every single point, I found myself convinced by the primary thrusts of the author's argument. This is the best, most well thought defense of the traditional Augustinian position on this topic that I have read. Campbell articulates his assertions clearly, and presents a case that is not merely theological and logical, but exegetical, as he deals directly with numerous biblical texts, even interacting with the original languages. He has a rare ability for bridging exegesis and biblical theology with philosophic and theological reflection.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of reading this book, though, was Campbell's pastoral passion and purpose. He writes as a pastor, and his personal testimony of pain, suffering, and doubt proves that this is not an abstract question for him, but one with which he has wrestled deeply. While theologically convincing and very informative, I also found the book spiritually edifying, walking away even more assured of the magnificent, beautiful, sovereign love of the Triune God. I will definitely return to "The Wonderful Decree" in the future, and eagerly recommend it to anyone who is motivated and interested in the topic, whether in the church or in the academy.
*Note: I received this book for free, courtesy of Lexham Press, but was not required to give a positive review.*
Lexham Press, as always, has done a great job on the design, and the book looks great and is a delight to read. Totaling just over 350 pages, it is thorough and extensive, though readable for non-scholars. Part of its size is due to 50 pages of appendices and a 20 page bibliography. Both of these features, especially the appendices related to sub-topics of the doctrine of sovereignty and election, are quite helpful.
This work sets forth a biblical, theological, historical, and logical argument; it is tightly reasoned and carefully researched. Campbell interacts with an impressive array of sources, both contemporary and historic. Commendable is the fact that he is dedicated to providing his opponents with fair consideration: the author labors to lay out solid representations of competing views (i.e., Arminian and Molinist), referencing up-to-date sources and arguments. Additional interaction and argumentation is provided in the vast number of footnotes throughout the work; many readers, including myself, will appreciate this dense trove of notes, though others may skip over them and still absorb the chief ideas and arguments. Also noteworthy is the fact that the author draws in not only Protestant sources, but also Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, and Jewish works.
Campbell's book touches on a wide array of topics, though the central question remains present throughout the entire work. While not agreeing with every single point, I found myself convinced by the primary thrusts of the author's argument. This is the best, most well thought defense of the traditional Augustinian position on this topic that I have read. Campbell articulates his assertions clearly, and presents a case that is not merely theological and logical, but exegetical, as he deals directly with numerous biblical texts, even interacting with the original languages. He has a rare ability for bridging exegesis and biblical theology with philosophic and theological reflection.
One of the most enjoyable aspects of reading this book, though, was Campbell's pastoral passion and purpose. He writes as a pastor, and his personal testimony of pain, suffering, and doubt proves that this is not an abstract question for him, but one with which he has wrestled deeply. While theologically convincing and very informative, I also found the book spiritually edifying, walking away even more assured of the magnificent, beautiful, sovereign love of the Triune God. I will definitely return to "The Wonderful Decree" in the future, and eagerly recommend it to anyone who is motivated and interested in the topic, whether in the church or in the academy.
*Note: I received this book for free, courtesy of Lexham Press, but was not required to give a positive review.*
March 16, 2020
"The Wonderful Decree" is one of those theological works that formidably condenses many subjects. When I started reading this book, I was impressed by the first chapter entitled "Musing over a Dark Providence", in which Dr. Travis James Campbell opens his heart to each reader, placing us in a story that is not foreign to our reality, in which we feel identified in many doubts, questions and resolutions. If you omit this chapter in your reading of this work, you lose something very valuable.
About the author:
Travis James Campbell (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a history teacher at Deerfield-Windsor School in Albany, GA, where he lives with his wife. They have one son who is now in college. Dr. Campbell also serves as a Ruling Elder at Northgate Presbyterian Church.
What is the book about? Well, it could be said that it is a masterful and well argued exposition on issues such as the sovereignty of God, the love of God and human freedom from the Augustinian and Calvinist perspective. But, wait, this is not the typical book that makes an incomplete presentation of other theological positions (such as Arminianism), but rather with reliable sources, the author presents important aspects of each position.
The book is divided into two parts: The first part is titled "Prolegomena", which is made up of two important chapters that function as the basis of the book. The second part entitled "The Wonderful Decree", consists of five chapters, in which the presentation of the matter, the conditional-sovereign choice and the benevolence of God are developed. At the end of the book, the reader will find interesting appendices, of which the entitled "Isaiah 45: 7 and the Origin of Evil" was very useful for me. The book also has index names and subjects, allowing us to do specific searches in the text, as well as scripture references. And yes, the footnotes are not at the end of the books (I know that many prefer that)
It is important to mention that, although the book addresses deep theological issues, it is very accessible to read. The author does an exceptional job of accurately segmenting and explaining each issue.
In short, this book is a useful tool for both Calvinists and not. To the former, it helps a better understanding of Reformed soteriology, for the latter, it is a book that helps to better understand the Reformed perspective in a well-argued way.
I received this book for free from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review for the book.
About the author:
Travis James Campbell (PhD, Westminster Theological Seminary) is a history teacher at Deerfield-Windsor School in Albany, GA, where he lives with his wife. They have one son who is now in college. Dr. Campbell also serves as a Ruling Elder at Northgate Presbyterian Church.
What is the book about? Well, it could be said that it is a masterful and well argued exposition on issues such as the sovereignty of God, the love of God and human freedom from the Augustinian and Calvinist perspective. But, wait, this is not the typical book that makes an incomplete presentation of other theological positions (such as Arminianism), but rather with reliable sources, the author presents important aspects of each position.
The book is divided into two parts: The first part is titled "Prolegomena", which is made up of two important chapters that function as the basis of the book. The second part entitled "The Wonderful Decree", consists of five chapters, in which the presentation of the matter, the conditional-sovereign choice and the benevolence of God are developed. At the end of the book, the reader will find interesting appendices, of which the entitled "Isaiah 45: 7 and the Origin of Evil" was very useful for me. The book also has index names and subjects, allowing us to do specific searches in the text, as well as scripture references. And yes, the footnotes are not at the end of the books (I know that many prefer that)
It is important to mention that, although the book addresses deep theological issues, it is very accessible to read. The author does an exceptional job of accurately segmenting and explaining each issue.
In short, this book is a useful tool for both Calvinists and not. To the former, it helps a better understanding of Reformed soteriology, for the latter, it is a book that helps to better understand the Reformed perspective in a well-argued way.
I received this book for free from the publisher and was not required to write a positive review for the book.
January 23, 2020
Before I write anything, I need to mention that the publisher gave me the book for free and did not require me to write a positive review.
"The Wonderful Decree" by Travis Campbell was as thorough of a book on Unconditional Election as I have ever read. Campbell seemed to leave little to no stones unturned and did a great job of defining his terms and citing his sources. His reverence for God and his sovereignty was very evident in his writing and his trying to defend this doctrine. I just was not compelled by the argument he was laying out. I wanted the book knowing I would probably disagree with it, but wanted to see how he would lay out his argument for this doctrine. The most compelling part of the book for me was the first chapter where I could see his wrestlings with this doctrine and even showed the dark sides and downfalls of those who claim it. I rarely see those in the Calvinist camp wrestling or admitting that they have struggled with the doctrine. That chapter alone was worth getting the book. But I just was not compelled and the book just seemed to overstate and over-explain the case. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can cause the reader to get lost in the details and drown in points. Overall, not a terrible read but not my favorite book I have ever read.
"The Wonderful Decree" by Travis Campbell was as thorough of a book on Unconditional Election as I have ever read. Campbell seemed to leave little to no stones unturned and did a great job of defining his terms and citing his sources. His reverence for God and his sovereignty was very evident in his writing and his trying to defend this doctrine. I just was not compelled by the argument he was laying out. I wanted the book knowing I would probably disagree with it, but wanted to see how he would lay out his argument for this doctrine. The most compelling part of the book for me was the first chapter where I could see his wrestlings with this doctrine and even showed the dark sides and downfalls of those who claim it. I rarely see those in the Calvinist camp wrestling or admitting that they have struggled with the doctrine. That chapter alone was worth getting the book. But I just was not compelled and the book just seemed to overstate and over-explain the case. That is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can cause the reader to get lost in the details and drown in points. Overall, not a terrible read but not my favorite book I have ever read.
August 14, 2023
Campbell's overall case is for Reformed Thomism, i.e., a branch of the Reformed tradition through Thomas Aquinas. Right away one is drawn into the work because of the personal story of Campbell's wife dying and his work of picking up the pieces once his world fell apart. There is some theodicy involved, but overall the goal is to provide a framework for affirming the universal goodness of God while maintaining God's sovereignty. Not so much, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" but "How can God be good if He only elects some?" Not a new problem, but Campbell's formulation via Aquinas is noteworthy.
While I agree with much that Campbell writes, I found his treatment of certain texts as insufficient. For example, his explanation of 2 Peter 3.9 was unsatisfying. It does not properly deal with the contextual distinctions between "you" and "the scoffers" which is present through that chapter, nor does it adequately recognize the original audience or the original intention of the author.
Nevertheless, there are beneficial aspects of this work. It helps cement the various categories in the on-going discussion. His takedown of middle knowledge is stellar as well.
While I agree with much that Campbell writes, I found his treatment of certain texts as insufficient. For example, his explanation of 2 Peter 3.9 was unsatisfying. It does not properly deal with the contextual distinctions between "you" and "the scoffers" which is present through that chapter, nor does it adequately recognize the original audience or the original intention of the author.
Nevertheless, there are beneficial aspects of this work. It helps cement the various categories in the on-going discussion. His takedown of middle knowledge is stellar as well.
April 1, 2023
Very thorough.
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