Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities, By Roger E. Olson alt

Arminian Theology

Myths and Realities

by Roger E. Olson

Arminian Theology
Ebook
  • Length: 250 pages
  • Published: August 20, 2009
  • Imprint: IVP Academic
  • ISBN: 9780830874439

In this book, Roger Olson sets forth classical Arminian theology and addresses the myriad misunderstandings and misrepresentations of it through the ages. Irenic yet incisive, Olson argues that classical Arminian theology has a rightful place in the evangelical church because it maintains deep roots within Reformational theology, even though it maintains important differences from Calvinism.

Myths addressed include:

  • Myth 1: Arminian Theology Is the Opposite of Calvinist/Reformed Theology
  • Myth 2: A Hybrid of Calvinism and Arminianism Is Possible
  • Myth 3: Arminianism Is Not an Orthodox Evangelical Option
  • Myth 4: The Heart of Arminianism Is Belief in Free Will
  • Myth 5: Arminian Theology Denies the Sovereignty of God
  • Myth 6: Arminianism Is a Human-Centered Theology
  • Myth 7: Arminianism Is Not a Theology of Grace
  • Myth 8: Arminians Do Not Believe in Predestination
  • Myth 9: Arminian Theology Denies Justification by Grace Alone Through Faith Alone
  • Myth 10: All Arminians Believe in the Governmental Theory of the Atonement

"Although many of the personal and institutional animosities that used to mark relations between Calvinists and Arminians have become muted in recent years, the differences are still with us. The issues are alive because they concern matters of central importance to Christian faith. In this book Roger Olson gently and firmly corrects misunderstandings of Arminian theology that are often held by Calvinists--and Arminians! His deft expositions of the historical texts offer a significant contribution to the health of theological reflection and relationships. At the same time he demonstrates how to be irenic without adopting an empty tolerance that makes doctrine irrelevant to the church's life and mission."

Jonathan R. Wilson, Pioneer McDonald Professor of Theology, Carey Theological College

"Roger Olson recaptures Arminianism's original focus: pointing us to God's goodness rather than man's 'freed will.' This refreshing reappraisal should pave the way for better synergy between Reformed evangelicals and classical Arminians."

David Neff, editor, Christianity Today

"In this blockbuster of a book Roger Olson demonstrates that Arminian theology is faithfully Christian, faithfully Protestant and faithfully evangelical. He introduces his readers to a large world which many will never before have entered, the world of Arminian and Wesleyan theology, and even those familiar with this world will become more informed about it. In his contents page alone he provides more clarity on the contested issues in the Calvinism/Arminianism debate than many books on the subject. He methodically subverts many of the arguments that Calvinists routinely use against Arminian theology. This is Christian polemical theology at its best: massively informed, carefully and passionately argued, and friendly and courteous to the opposition. I recommend Arminian Theology enthusiastically, and I predict that, if it is read with the attentiveness it deserves, it will ratchet up the level of the American conversation on these issues."

Fisher Humphreys, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

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CONTENTS

Preface
Introduction: A Primer on Arminianism

Myth 1: Arminian Theology Is the Opposite of Calvinist/Reformed Theology
Myth 2: A Hybrid of Calvinism and Arminianism Is Possible
Myth 3: Arminianism Is Not an Orthodox Evangelical Option
Myth 4: The Heart of Arminianism Is Belief in Free Will
Myth 5: Arminian Theology Denies the Sovereignty of God
Myth 6: Arminianism Is a Human-Centered Theology
Myth 7: Arminianism Is Not a Theology of Grace
Myth 8: Arminians Do Not Believe in Predestination
Myth 9: Arminian Theology Denies Justification by Grace Alone Through Faith Alone
Myth 10: All Arminians Believe in the Governmental Theory of the Atonement

Conclusion: Rules of Engagement for Evangelical Calvinists and Arminians

Name Index
Subject Index

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Roger E. Olson

Roger E. Olson (PhD, Rice University) is professor of theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is the author of The Story of Christian Theology: Twenty Centuries of Tradition Reform, The Mosaicof Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity Diversity and Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities (all InterVarsity Press).