Reflections of a Disenchanted Calvinist: The Disquieting Realities of Calvinism engages one of the classical strands of Protestant thought with the classical strength of Protestantismshedding the light of the Scriptures on the questions of the faith. Author Ronnie W. Rogers leads readers through the intricacies of Calvinist thought, touching on such topics as the sovereignty of God, predestination, unconditional election, the origin of evil, free will, and faith and works. The intent of this journey is to provide a critique of Calvinism and to present readers with a clear picture of the ramifications of subscribing to Calvinist doctrines. Chapters address particular theological topics by stating both affirmations rooted in the Scriptures and disaffirmations drawing their support from the Scriptures as well. The lines of thought do not shy away from complex theological questions, but instead rely upon the riches of theological reflection to assure the critiques of Calvinism are fair both to the doctrines and to the Scriptures. If you are a part of the Calvinist tradition and want to explore the nuances of your background, or if you locate yourself outside of that tradition but have deep curiosity about the questions the Calvinist tradition raises, then Reflections of a Disenchanted Calvinist: The Disquieting Realities of Calvinism offers a rigorous guide to exploring the depths of the tradition and critique of the tenets of Calvinism.

The extent of Christ’s atoning work on the cross is one of the most divisive issues in evangelical Christianity. In The Extent of the Atonement: A Historical and Critical Review, David L. Allen makes a biblical, historical, theological, and practical case for a universal atonement. Through a comprehensive historical survey, Allen contends that universal atonement has always been the majority view of Christians, and that even among Calvinist theologians there is a considerable range of views. Marshalling evidence from Scripture and history, and critiquing arguments for a limited atonement, Allen affirms that an unlimited atonement is the best understanding of Christ’s saving work. He concludes by showing that an unlimited atonement provides the best foundation for evangelism, missions, and preaching.

Calvinism raises serious concerns about the growth of a popularized Reformed theology. Through a wide lens of denominational and theological perspectives, this volume carefully examines the theological tradition known today as "Calvinism," particularly its doctrine of salvation. Editors David L. Allen and Steve W. Lemke lead a team of top contributors offering theological, historical, biblical, and practical critiques.

The term "extensivism" describes my position regarding the doctrine of salvation. Specifically, extensivism believes that man was created in the image of God with otherwise choice; God's salvation plan involves an all-inclusive unconditional offer of salvation to every person, reception of which is conditioned upon grace-enabled faith rather than Calvinism's exclusive plan of a limited actual offer of salvation to only the unconditionally elected. Generally, it replaces the term "non-Calvinism." These are the five primary objectives of the book: First, my considerations would result in a deeper understanding of God. Second, I will demonstrate that God salvationally loves every single person. Third, I intend to offer a precise and respectful critique of Calvinism's internal and biblical inconsistencies (these are largely due to its commitment to compatibilism and unconditional election). Fourth, I will demonstrate that God's free choice to endow man with libertarian freedom is a more biblical perspective. Fifth, because a significant percentage of people who become Calvinists do not actually understand Calvinism, I seek to present Calvinism and extensivism in language that is precisely and consistently reflective of the commitments of each perspective regarding God's sovereignty, salvific love, foreknowledge, and man's freedom; this so a person can make an informed choice about Calvinism.

We can know that if we pray, some outcomes will be different than if we do not pray because God made many promises conditioned on whether we ask. These promises relate to a galaxy of concerns and needs that are important to us and God, such as faithfully serving God and experiencing his blessings in our life, health, marriage, children, family, and job. If we fail to pray about everything as the Scripture commands (Phil 4:6), we will enter heaven and learn there were many things God would have done in and through us if only we’d asked! Sadly, Calvinism’s determinism has turned these wonderful promises into nothing more than a promise that God will do what he predetermined to do regardless of whether we pray or not. Do not allow Calvinism’s deterministic beliefs and distortions of Scripture to rob you of this blessed intimate prayer relationship with God.

All my books can be read online for free at wayneodonnell.com. Mt. 10:8, “Freely you have received, freely give.” This booklet is included in and comprises of one section of my book “Predestination is to Glory not to Faith: Anti-Calvinism & Reformed Theology; Pro-Certainty of Sanctification & Glorification; In Romans 8, Romans 9, & John 6." As in Romans 8, we were predestined to glorification, not to faith or unbelief; so in Romans 9, Israel was predestined to glorification, not to faith or unbelief. The best way to demonstrate this is by Paul’s examples of the adversaries Pharaoh and Moses. Despite the unscriptural claims of Calvinists, Pharaoh wasn’t hardened about believing in God or the gospel. Over and over the scripture makes it clear that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart about not letting his people go. “I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go,” Ex. 4:21. See also Ex. 7:14; 8:32; 9:7; 10:20, 27; 11:10, etc. And God didn’t harden Pharaoh’s heart so that he would go to hell, but so that once Pharaoh had made his decision not to let Israel go, he wouldn’t give in too soon due to weakness or aversion to pain, so that God could complete all ten plagues and destroy the mightiest army in the world of that time in the sea, so that all the world would hear of it. “I will harden Pharaoh's heart, and multiply my signs and my wonders in the land of Egypt, ... so that I can lay my hand on Egypt, and bring forth my armies, and my people the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments,” Ex. 7:3-4. See also Ex. 10:1-2, 7; 9:1; 14:4, 17. And in our passage, “Even for this same purpose I have raised you [an unbeliever] up [to be Pharaoh], so that I could show my power in you, and so that my name would be declared throughout all the earth,” Rm. 9:17. In contrast to Pharaoh, Moses accomplished something that wasn’t predestined at all, through his free-will choice. When Israel sinned by worshipping the golden calf, Moses interceded, and was granted mercy for them. But then Moses went beyond even that, and asked to see God’s glory as a gracious favor, and was also granted that request. “[Moses] said, ‘I beseech you, show me your glory.’ And [the LORD] said, ‘I will make all my goodness pass before you, ... and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy,’” Ex. 33:18-19. God knows beforehand which vessels are destined for eternal glory and which are destined for eternal shame. And it isn’t unrighteous of him in his providential control to make use of both kinds of vessels in his plans during our time on earth. He formed a man like Pharaoh who is destined for eternal shame into a vessel to rule Egypt so his name would be magnified in the earth at the time of Israel’s national birth. And he gives men like Moses and us experiences that help “fit” (Rom. 9:22) and “prepare” (Rom. 9:23) us for even more glorification. “Our light affliction [light compared to the weight of glory], which is but for a moment [a moment compared to the eternal glory], produces for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,” 2 Cor. 4:17. Flowers (Non-Calvinist), ”Would anyone dare adopt or seek to defend this most troubling doctrine [of reprobation] if not for the perceived defense offered by the apostle in Romans 9?” Pink (Calvinist), “It is a remarkable and telling phenomenon that those who find no individual predestination to eternal life in Rom 9:6-13 cannot successfully explain the thread of Paul’s argument as it begins in Rom 9:1-5 and continues through the chapter.” Berkouwer (Calvinist), “Every hesitation about or hidden resistance against the sovereign freedom of God, every form of indeterminism which defends man's cooperation against the divine act, will suffer shipwreck on Romans 9.” We shall see.

The church has been entrusted with God's revelation—and to steward the word of truth, we must confess the Bible's teaching with clarity and conviction. Adam Harwood's Christian Theology is both biblically faithful and historically informed, providing a fresh synthesis of the essential doctrines of the faith. Writing from a Baptist perspective, Harwood brings fresh insights that many systematic theologies lack. With readable prose, suggestions for further study, and discussion questions, Christian Theology will equip students and pastors to clarify and articulate what they believe and why.