Book Review: Against Calvinism

Late last year, a pair of books was released by Zondervan addressing two sides of a theological discussion. The books are For Calvinism by Michael Horton and Against Calvinism by Roger Olson. It will be no surprise to the readers of this blog that on the whole, I think Calvinism is the best explanation of the biblical record. So, this pair of books by two well studied professors of theology was much anticipated. 

I chose to read Against Calvinism first. Olson hints that he wants to provide a biblically rigorous defense of classical Arminianism, showing it to be a superior view of the biblical record.  He also suggests that he wants to present his case, as well as possible, in a non-adversarial way that doesn't caricature Calvinism.  Unfortunately, within the first 20 pages, he does just that, criticizing the stereotypes of the young, restless, and reformed (YRR) rather than dealing with Calvinism on its merits. Beyond that, it seems that his stereotypes are also inaccurate, for example suggesting that most contemporary followers of Calvinism are "largely unaware of Calvinists before John Piper" (p. 18). If anything, it seems to me that many of the YRR crowd are demonstrating an uncommonly strong dedication to reading old theologians. Similarly, he routinely goes after certain Calvinists: John Calvin, Jonathan Edwards, John Piper, Lorraine Boettner, and RC Sproul. I was surprised that he stuck with these few.  For example, why was Charles Spurgeon, a self avowed Calvinist who is very popular among the YRR crowd, excluded from his challenges?

As he begins to deal with Calvinism proper, he seems to mischaracterize the system regularly. For example, on page 99, he wrote "the high Calvinist doctrine of God's sovereignty including evil as a part of God's plan, purpose, and determining power", suggesting that the God of Calvinism creates evil. From what I have read, none of the Calvinists he critiques would say God is the author of evil, though it is certainly allowed as a part of his sovereign plan. At one point later in the book, he makes the utterly ridiculous claim that "it is [his] view that Calvinism, with its doctrine of atonement as securing salvation in a necessary way so that all for whom Christ died must be saved, leads to universalism" (p. 150). This demonstrates a flat misunderstanding of Calvinism that is frankly pretty elementary for a professor of theology so committed to defeating Calvinism. 

On page 110, he writes "Like everyone else, Calvinists should be willing to at least consider the possibility that there are serious deficiencies and flaws in their doctrinal beliefs." This is entirely true. This book has helped me to look at Calvinism more critically. Although Olson raises many questions to be dealt with, I still think Calvinism is the best explanation for the whole story of scripture. It is certainly worth reading and I do hope that my young friends who read a lot of Calvinist writings will read this book. Olson will challenge your thinking, which is a good thing.