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Journey in Grace: A Theological Novel
A Journey in Grace is a book that seeks to teach theology in the setting of a fictional novel about Pastor Ira Pointer and his discovery of the doctrines of grace. The biblical doctrine taught by Dr. Belcher in this book is often referred to as Calvinism. A label the author prefers is "The Doctrines of Grace." This format is ideal for teenagers, young adults and perhaps those who are not that familiar with this biblical teaching. What Richard Belcher accomplishes with great success is to clearly instruct the reader on this often maligned doctrine. The reader is also exposed to what is thought to be Calvinism but, in reality, is a caricature of it. Another great value of this book is that there is a good deal of help in learning how to present what one believes in a gracious manner. A Journey in Grace is the first in a series that now totals 18 volumes, each one focusing on a specific biblical doctrine. The story begins with the main character, Ira Pointer, being interviewed for his initial pastorate. The interview seems to be going well until one of the men asks Ira with an abrasive spirit if he is a Calvinist. The journey thus begins with Ira trying to find out what a Calvinist is and then seeking to assess if he is one.
192 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 1990
About the author
Richard P. Belcher Jr.
45 books21 followersDr. Belcher is the Professor of Old Testament. He is an ordained minister in the PCA and pastored an urban nondenominational church in Rochester, NY for ten years before pursuing the Ph. D. This pastoral experience in an unusual and challenging setting gives him great insight into the practical, modern issues that will be faced by future pastors studying with him at RTS. He graduated from Covenant College and received his M. Div from Covenant Seminary. He also received an S.T.M. from Concordia Theological Seminary, and his Ph. D. is from Westminster Theological Seminary. He has served as stated supply for numerous churches in the area since coming to RTS Charlotte in 1995.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
June 14, 2021
Muito boa a leitura, aborda o Calvinismo de uma forma fantástica de ser lida! 🤩
Want to Read
January 27, 2023Intriguing concept (teaching theology through a novel), and a good review by Tim Challies:
"I found it an enjoyable read and learned a lot about a topic I thought I had mastered. I recommend this one. In fact, I so enjoyed it that I have immediately begun to read the sequel, A Journey in Purity." --Tim Challies
Going on my "to-read" list.
"I found it an enjoyable read and learned a lot about a topic I thought I had mastered. I recommend this one. In fact, I so enjoyed it that I have immediately begun to read the sequel, A Journey in Purity." --Tim Challies
Going on my "to-read" list.
September 2, 2011
When I first read this book, I thought that it was a non-fictional story from the author's life. I was young and hungry to know more about the subject of Calvinism, so I missed the obvious detail that should have informed me differently; the author's name is not the same as the protagonist's.
This novel is written almost like a fictional memoir. It follows the journey of a young seminary student, Ira, who is asked a simple question while being interviewed by a Pastoral Search Committee. However, the simple question, "Young man, are you a Calvinist?" is one that changes Ira's life. Ira doesn't know what a Calvinist is, so he sets out to find answers, in hopes that the next time he faces this question, he will have an answer.
Belcher does a phenomenal job of making his main character, Ira, seem real. The sections of the story where Ira is meets and begins building a relationship with his eventual wife feel very authentic. For example in the open paragraph of Chapter 7 we read, "And it was increased after I called Terry on Thursday to ask for a date on Friday evening. She accepted with enthusiasm, which encouraged me greatly." Early this summer I was talking with a girl on the phone and her lack of enthusiasm deflated my self-esteem. I am able to empathize with Ira, because I understand the difference it makes when talking to a girl who is excited about spending time with you versus one who is not.
What this teaches me in regards to my own writing, is the importance of creating authentic scenarios for my characters to take part in. The ability to produce empathy in my readers would be a powerful tool to have in my writing arsenal.
This novel is written almost like a fictional memoir. It follows the journey of a young seminary student, Ira, who is asked a simple question while being interviewed by a Pastoral Search Committee. However, the simple question, "Young man, are you a Calvinist?" is one that changes Ira's life. Ira doesn't know what a Calvinist is, so he sets out to find answers, in hopes that the next time he faces this question, he will have an answer.
Belcher does a phenomenal job of making his main character, Ira, seem real. The sections of the story where Ira is meets and begins building a relationship with his eventual wife feel very authentic. For example in the open paragraph of Chapter 7 we read, "And it was increased after I called Terry on Thursday to ask for a date on Friday evening. She accepted with enthusiasm, which encouraged me greatly." Early this summer I was talking with a girl on the phone and her lack of enthusiasm deflated my self-esteem. I am able to empathize with Ira, because I understand the difference it makes when talking to a girl who is excited about spending time with you versus one who is not.
What this teaches me in regards to my own writing, is the importance of creating authentic scenarios for my characters to take part in. The ability to produce empathy in my readers would be a powerful tool to have in my writing arsenal.
November 8, 2020
Uma forma diferente de conhecer as Doutrinas da Graça. Por meio da jornada do protagonista perguntas são respondidas e encontramos nos capítulos os nossos dilemas. Ótimo livro! Vale a pena a leitura.
April 30, 2018
I gave this book 5 stars because of the way it presents Calvinism to some who does not know it , it does it really well. I liked that it was done in story form, kept me really engaged following Ira as he discovered what a Calvinist is.
highly recommend it
highly recommend it
April 23, 2012
This book was a very easy read and very interesting. It follows a young Baptist college student through his quest to discover what Calvinism is. Does a good job of giving a friendly, accurate portrayal of Calvinism in his studies. The book also has other story-lines happening as well. It's a great book for someone wanting to get an idea of what Calvinism is. Also, does a good job of contrasting hyper-Calvinism with true Calvinism.
April 27, 2012
i would highly recommend this book to any one who is just discovering the doctrines of grace or who is struggling with a certain issue about the doctrines of grace or a person looking for a theological book!!!!
September 26, 2018
Uma Jornada na Graça, de Richard Belcher, é uma novela teológica, editada pela Editora Fiel e que devia estar cá em casa há mais de uma dezena de anos, li-a hoje, de uma penada.
Entendamo-nos, como obra de ficção é fraca, a narrativa é relativamente simples, as personagens são tipológicas e por isso redundam muitas vezes em clichés, mas a ficção é somente um pretexto para discutir o calvinismo.
Ira é um seminarista batista que tenta descobrir, e acaba por se interessar , o que é o calvinismo e se este pode ser defendido biblicamente. Ao longo das páginas, conhecemos alguns colegas de seminário ainda não convertidos, professores que o ajudam ou dificultam na sua tentativa de confirmar a lógica bíblica do calvinismo, a namorada que será a sua esposa, as agruras e alegrias do ministério, os desafios da fé e a defesa do calvinismo, nomeadamente dos cinco pontos, um pouco da história batista.
Como já o referi, o interesse de Uma Jornada na Graça não é a narrativa, previsível e simplista, a maior parte dos capítulos do livro de Richard Belcher é ocupada com a apresentação e defesa dos cinco pontos do calvinismo. No entanto, o mais interessante é perceber que apesar da narrativa não ser de primeira água, é esse aspeto ficional que abre os horizontes do livro e permite não só transmitir, discutir e defender as doutrinas da graça, mas levantar algumas questões laterais de forma natural e “vivida” – o hiper calvinismo, a diferença entre igreja visível e invisível, o ataque intransigente e pouco racional às doutrinas da graça, o papel da oração e santificação – deixando espaço para o leitor pensar em algumas destas questões, até comparando com a sua experiência.
Talvez seja o lado leve e despretensioso da narrativa que eleva a capacidade de argumentação e defesa do autor, o que em si mesmo, e pelo que tenho escrito atrás, é um paradoxo. O cerne do livro é teologia pura e dura e pouco dado a romances, mas foi essa convivência estranha que aumentou o meu interesse. Nada do que Belcher diz ou defende, nada na sua exegese, é realmente novo para mim, mas o formato acabou por me permitir reciclar e renovar algumas ideias de forma rápida e natural.
Entendamo-nos, como obra de ficção é fraca, a narrativa é relativamente simples, as personagens são tipológicas e por isso redundam muitas vezes em clichés, mas a ficção é somente um pretexto para discutir o calvinismo.
Ira é um seminarista batista que tenta descobrir, e acaba por se interessar , o que é o calvinismo e se este pode ser defendido biblicamente. Ao longo das páginas, conhecemos alguns colegas de seminário ainda não convertidos, professores que o ajudam ou dificultam na sua tentativa de confirmar a lógica bíblica do calvinismo, a namorada que será a sua esposa, as agruras e alegrias do ministério, os desafios da fé e a defesa do calvinismo, nomeadamente dos cinco pontos, um pouco da história batista.
Como já o referi, o interesse de Uma Jornada na Graça não é a narrativa, previsível e simplista, a maior parte dos capítulos do livro de Richard Belcher é ocupada com a apresentação e defesa dos cinco pontos do calvinismo. No entanto, o mais interessante é perceber que apesar da narrativa não ser de primeira água, é esse aspeto ficional que abre os horizontes do livro e permite não só transmitir, discutir e defender as doutrinas da graça, mas levantar algumas questões laterais de forma natural e “vivida” – o hiper calvinismo, a diferença entre igreja visível e invisível, o ataque intransigente e pouco racional às doutrinas da graça, o papel da oração e santificação – deixando espaço para o leitor pensar em algumas destas questões, até comparando com a sua experiência.
Talvez seja o lado leve e despretensioso da narrativa que eleva a capacidade de argumentação e defesa do autor, o que em si mesmo, e pelo que tenho escrito atrás, é um paradoxo. O cerne do livro é teologia pura e dura e pouco dado a romances, mas foi essa convivência estranha que aumentou o meu interesse. Nada do que Belcher diz ou defende, nada na sua exegese, é realmente novo para mim, mas o formato acabou por me permitir reciclar e renovar algumas ideias de forma rápida e natural.
June 10, 2020
I could not leave this book out of my hand
It's written with a pastoral heart, however accuracy for terms is there and the author does not fall on emotional arguments or shy away from difficult questions.
It's a new concept for me to read a "theological novel" but it truly was such a thing. It had both interpersonal dynamics and also theological conversations.
It made clear for me that we don't struggle with concepts and different views in a sterile academic environment but we face these challenges in our day to day lives limited by time, responsibilities and our own energy and character.
It made me realize that such a journey takes time and good friendships are of utmost importance.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is brave enough to take the journey in further understanding biblical doctrines. It is not far to say that raising objections without having read at least some of the answers makes one fail the proper "do your research properly" test.
It's written with a pastoral heart, however accuracy for terms is there and the author does not fall on emotional arguments or shy away from difficult questions.
It's a new concept for me to read a "theological novel" but it truly was such a thing. It had both interpersonal dynamics and also theological conversations.
It made clear for me that we don't struggle with concepts and different views in a sterile academic environment but we face these challenges in our day to day lives limited by time, responsibilities and our own energy and character.
It made me realize that such a journey takes time and good friendships are of utmost importance.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is brave enough to take the journey in further understanding biblical doctrines. It is not far to say that raising objections without having read at least some of the answers makes one fail the proper "do your research properly" test.
April 1, 2026
O metodă foarte creativă de a scrie despre teologie. Doctrinele harului sunt desfăşurate încet, şi prezentate din punctul de vedere unui sceptic, luând în seamă obiecțiile şi presupuneri negative.
Belcher schițează un portret clar unui arminian convins, şi un "hiper-calvinist", şi Pointer (naratorul) este poziționat între ei.
Cu totul acesta, personajele sunt interesante, nu doar uneltele pentru teologie, şi există o poveste interesantă despre lucrarea pastorală şi căsătorie.
Uneori contextul american e foarte clar. Eu nu înțeleg de ce Pointer lasă biserica pe care o păstoreşte pentru o altă biserică, după o perioadă foarte scurtă. Dar asta nu deranjează prea mult.
Un roman teologic care reuşeşte să fie un roman bun cu teologie bună şi clar argumentată.
Belcher schițează un portret clar unui arminian convins, şi un "hiper-calvinist", şi Pointer (naratorul) este poziționat între ei.
Cu totul acesta, personajele sunt interesante, nu doar uneltele pentru teologie, şi există o poveste interesantă despre lucrarea pastorală şi căsătorie.
Uneori contextul american e foarte clar. Eu nu înțeleg de ce Pointer lasă biserica pe care o păstoreşte pentru o altă biserică, după o perioadă foarte scurtă. Dar asta nu deranjează prea mult.
Un roman teologic care reuşeşte să fie un roman bun cu teologie bună şi clar argumentată.
March 31, 2020
Esse é um livro muito engraçado e com uma leitura leve.
O escritor conta a história pessoal de como conheceu as doutrinas da graça. Numa entrevista na igreja que procurava por um pastor, alguém lhe pergunta : “Você è calvinista?”
Ele sem saber o que isso era, respondeu prontamente que não. Mas tempo depois sentiu-se incomodado por ter dado uma resposta que não refletia sua convicção, por ele na saber o que era ser calvinista.
O escritor dedicou então parte de seus meses tentando pesquisar sobre esse assunto, afim de ter uma resposta sincera.
O escritor conta a história pessoal de como conheceu as doutrinas da graça. Numa entrevista na igreja que procurava por um pastor, alguém lhe pergunta : “Você è calvinista?”
Ele sem saber o que isso era, respondeu prontamente que não. Mas tempo depois sentiu-se incomodado por ter dado uma resposta que não refletia sua convicção, por ele na saber o que era ser calvinista.
O escritor dedicou então parte de seus meses tentando pesquisar sobre esse assunto, afim de ter uma resposta sincera.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2021
Read this at the suggestion of two friends who said it was helpful to their journeys into Calvinist theology.
I would recommend it to someone who is interested in what Calvinism is and wants a relatively safe experience exploring it. Belcher did a good job answering many common questions through the protagonist without coming off vindictive of other points of view.
As a novel, it was almost unbearable. I wouldn't recommend it to a friend unless they had a hard time reading other sources on Calvinism because they felt attacked when reading them.
I would recommend it to someone who is interested in what Calvinism is and wants a relatively safe experience exploring it. Belcher did a good job answering many common questions through the protagonist without coming off vindictive of other points of view.
As a novel, it was almost unbearable. I wouldn't recommend it to a friend unless they had a hard time reading other sources on Calvinism because they felt attacked when reading them.
March 29, 2018
So clear and so good!
This book contains one of the clearest and most winsome presentations of the doctrines of grace that I have ever read! I have actually read the book twice and both times I have been sad to come to the end. I really need to read the other books in the series. If you already understand the doctrines of grace, are curious because of what you’ve heard, or think that you are already against “Calvinism”, you need to read this story!
This book contains one of the clearest and most winsome presentations of the doctrines of grace that I have ever read! I have actually read the book twice and both times I have been sad to come to the end. I really need to read the other books in the series. If you already understand the doctrines of grace, are curious because of what you’ve heard, or think that you are already against “Calvinism”, you need to read this story!
June 10, 2020
Confesso que esse é um daqueles livros que eu não compraria somente olhando o título ou a capa, ainda bem que alguém me recomendou essa obra e então a peguei para ler confiando naquele que me recomendou. Ainda bem que eu li, pois esse livro é muito bom. O autor trata as doutrinas da graça em forma de narrativa e pesquisa das passagens bíblicas em paralelo com a sua jornada na vida estudantil, pastoral até o matrimônio. Muito interessante e profundo esse livro. Excelente leitura.
May 21, 2021
Love this book and this series! As always he stays entertaining and captivating while digging deep into the truth! Short chapters mean I can pick it up and put it down at any time and don't have to set aside an hour or two to dig down deep into theological essays and brain melting texts. I've managed a chapter while preheating the oven! Can never wait to pick it up again though!
September 3, 2019
Readable and yet a challenging, thoughtful read.
I liked how the author used a realistic, allegorical setting to convey deeper thoughts. There were parts that I thought were dismissive (like the point on “carnal” Christians), but enjoyed the book nevertheless.
I liked how the author used a realistic, allegorical setting to convey deeper thoughts. There were parts that I thought were dismissive (like the point on “carnal” Christians), but enjoyed the book nevertheless.
January 23, 2019
Excellent
August 16, 2019
Great deep theological book but written in a way that is easy to understand. I would recommend this to any believer in Christ.
January 4, 2020
3.5
Uma boa introdução para o tópico das doutrinas da graça. Linguagem fácil e muita referência bíblica, o que é essencial. Não é um material denso para estudo teológico mais profundo.
Uma boa introdução para o tópico das doutrinas da graça. Linguagem fácil e muita referência bíblica, o que é essencial. Não é um material denso para estudo teológico mais profundo.
November 4, 2022
This is a fun book.
January 4, 2024
Easy and Edifying Read
Great book. Only took a couple hours to get through it but chocked full of amazing insight on the Baptist denomination and the doctrines of grace!
Great book. Only took a couple hours to get through it but chocked full of amazing insight on the Baptist denomination and the doctrines of grace!
March 4, 2009
I was excited to find this book. I was raised a non-Calvinist Southern Baptist, and suddenly my pastor was preaching about Calvinism. I did quite a bit of research before I found Journey, so I already had a basic understanding. In the beginning the narrator had so many of the same questions I did, I was sure I would find answers. But the deeper he delved into the doctrine, the more I was reminded of the phrase, "It depends on what is, is."
I would recommend this book to anyone who is just beginning the study of Calvinism. It didn't persuade me to become one, but at least I have a better understanding of how they think.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is just beginning the study of Calvinism. It didn't persuade me to become one, but at least I have a better understanding of how they think.
November 29, 2010
A Journey in Grace is a friendly presentation of Calvinism to a questioning or antagonistic audience. The book follows a seminary student through his questions and study of the issue. As a friendly presentation of Calvinism, it's very good. As a novel, well.... the dialogue is rather unconversational, the plot is sometimes too predictable and other times too abrupt, and description is almost entirely absent. It's not a book I would read for entertainment, but as a good presentation of Calvinism, I would hand it to a friend who has questions about the issue.
January 23, 2009
This is a good book for an intro to the 5 points of Calvinism. Looking back I don't agree entirely with every point (e.g. perseverance vs. preservation) but the book's format (dialogue) is very helpful for easing your way out of Armenianism. Definitely a stepping stone and not a building stone if you get my drift.
July 4, 2012
This book does a fairly decent job of laying out the biblical truths of Calvinism . The authors attempt to intertwine this with a novel of a young pastor's search for truth is substandard. My suggestion would be to either write a novel or write a book on the defense of Calvinism; attempting to combine the two fails. I would not reccommend this book.
December 18, 2013
A "theological novel". That is what it claims and that is what it is. It follows a young man through his early years in ministry as he digs into to the five points of Calvinism. It is an easy read and makes for a nice introduction to this area of systematic theology.
June 23, 2008
A great book to give to someone who wants to know or is struggling to understand the reformed doctrine.
October 13, 2015
Loved how this book taught and had a storyline. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
Read
March 16, 2016Fiction written by a Reformed Baptist. This is a defense of Calvinist soteriology. Not exactly the greatest fiction ever, but I enjoyed it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews