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Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities

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I didn't know what to expect when I picked up this book. I actually tried to stay away from reading any reviews beforehand so that I could give it a good, honest, unbiased opinion as I read through it. I will tell you this, I think Roger Olson is very fair and very honest about the Arminian theological system. I was expecting to get attacked as a Calvinist, but I truly found just the opposite. I have seen reviews since I started the book that call out Dr. Olson as being angry and hateful, but I found just the opposite. I expected to be "railed against" but really just found an honest dissertation of some of the myths of the Arminian theology.

What I did find was that the crux of the difference between the two theologies really lies in the manner in which God chooses men to be saved. The Calvinist states that we as dirty, sinful, godless humans should be grateful to see that God is gracious to choose any to go to heaven, instead of allowing us all to go to hell. Arminians, on the other hand, believe that God is so loving that He would choose everyone to heaven if He could, but He leaves the choice in salvation to the libertarian free will of man through prevenient grace.

The Calvinist cannot see God ever giving up any of His sovereignty, even in the choice of who goes to heaven and who goes to hell. The Arminian cannot see God, being loving, to ever control humans in their choices, or this results in God being the author and creator of sin. This chasm, as Dr. Olson plainly states, will never be brought together between the two sides. Which I completely agree.

The one place that I saw Dr. Olson arguing for over and over in the book is that Arminianism is not Semi-Pelagian because it is not that good was left in man after the fall, but that God, in His grace gave all men prevenient grace. Here is my issue with this argument. Did not God allow the good to be humans before the fall? So, whether you believe that a little good was left over (Semi-Pelagian) or that God, after the fall, gave all men prevenient grace (Arminianism), which is also good, how is this different? It's just a matter of timing, in my opinion. Dr. Olson also goes into a little dissertation on Open Theism where he does not really try and disprove, but says simply that some Arminians are going "that way" and some are undecided. This is where Arminianism gets real dangerous, in my opinion.

I did enjoy the book and Dr. Olson's thoroughness in it. Do not expect the book to be one that tries to "convince" you of the Arminian position, for this was not the intent (this is also the reason why there was very little biblical references). The intent was to clear up some misconceptions of Arminian theology. Which for me, it did the job that Dr. Olson was trying to do, but that does not mean that I agree with him. I would recommend this book to anyone and everyone looking for an honest assessment of Arminianism.

I also appreciate Dr. Olson's heart in wanting the two sides to be able to serve with one another and to proclaim the gospel together. I found this a place where a lot of my Calvinist friends could learn from.

I am deeply grateful for Olson's book. It helped me clarify my own position in relation to Arminianism and Calvinism and provided resources for further study. Although I'm not an Arminian, I definitely share the heart of Arminian theology which embraces and defends God's loving and just character. In company with them, I reject Calvinism because I think it logically leads to the unconditional divine damnation of some which impugns God's character. Olson considers himself a "classical Arminian," a follower of the teachings of Protestant theologian Jacob (or James) Arminius (1560 - 1609). The term "Arminianism" derives from his name and theology. However, as Olson points out, there are many who use that term that do not have a clear understanding of Arminius' theology. This is true not only of many who claim to oppose it but also of many who claim to support it. There are also, according to Olson, theologians such as Henry Thiessen and Thomas Oden who embrace and teach Arminian theology although they don't consider themselves Arminians.

One reason Arminianism is misunderstood is the failure to distinguish between what Olson calls "Arminianism of the heart" and "Arminianism of the head". Both use the term, but the former is considered true, classical Arminianism in terms of Reformed, conservative theology. The latter, on the other hand, incorporates some naturalistic, liberal theology that's influenced by Enlightenment rationalism and has more in common with the older, rejected theologies of Pelagianism and semi-Pelagianism. The term "Pelagianism" is derived from the theology of Pelagius (c. 354 - c. 420/440), an ascetic monk who affirmed human freedom but denied original sin, an inherited sinful nature from Adam. Semi-Pelagians don't deny original sin as Pelagians do, but they generally define it in such a way that denies the bondage of the will (integral to the doctrine of total depravity) to allow for a natural human freedom to obey God. According to Olson, semi-Pelagianism was a theology condemned by the Second Council of Orange in A.D. 529 because "it affirmed human ability to exercise a good will toward God apart from special assistance of divine grace; it places the initiative in salvation on the human side, but Scripture places it on the divine side" (pg. 81). Olson reveals that unlike semi-Pelagianism, classical Arminianism embraces the doctrine of total depravity (including the bondage of the will). However, it is mitigated by God's supernatural prevenient grace and, therefore, includes the doctrine of the "freed will," a will that is libertarian in nature (i.e., it is free to resist God).

Philip Limborch (1633 - 1712) is used by Olson as an early, prime example of a defector of classical Arminianism, one who embraced a type of semi-Pelagianism while associating himself with the Arminians. Charles Finney (1792 - 1875), the influential revivalist-theologian, is also given as an example of "a vulgarized version of Arminianism that is closer to semi-Pelagianism" (pg. 27). Classical Arminianism is often erroneously associated with Pelagianism or semi-Pelagianism by opponents, usually Calvinists (those who embrace, in some form, the theology of John Calvin [1509 - 1564]). This is one reason why many Christians don't want to wear the Arminian label. Olson wrote his book as an attempt to define the orthodox parameters of true Arminianism to distinguish it from the counterfeits while also allowing for variety among Arminians within those parameters. He deserves respect for the effort.

Although Olson provided clarity on some issues, his book raises questions regarding others. One issue involves the Arminian idea of two types of redemption through Christ's atonement: "one universal for all people and one especially for all who believe" (pg. 33). According to Olson, "Arminians believe that Christ's death on the cross provided a universal remedy for the guilt of inherited sin so that it is not imputed to infants for Christ's sake." Therefore, "all children who die before reaching the age of awakening of conscience and falling into actual sin (as opposed to inbred sin) are considered innocent by God and are taken to paradise." How does this doctrine of universal redemption from the guilt of original/inherited sin which results in infant salvation relate to the doctrines of divine election and grace? Olson does not clearly answer this. Arminians are adamant about their rejection of the Calvinistic doctrines of the unconditional election of some and irresistible grace, yet here appears to be a case of both unconditional election and irresistible grace for infants, especially those who die. This is also a clear case of inclusivism where a volitional faith in Christ is unnecessary for salvation. Some Christians try to get around this by either denying that all infants are elect or affirming a post-mortem opportunity to have the requisite faith that conditions election (or, more precisely, predestination).

Another questionable issue involves the doctrine of sin. The Arminian doctrine of two types of redemption through Christ's atonement is based on a distinction between two types of sin: original sin and actual sin. Universal redemption via prevenient grace covers the first whereas particular redemption through a volitional act of faith, which God foreknows and conditions the individual's destiny on, covers the second. As a non-Calvinist, I share the classical Arminian belief that God is not the author of sin and evil. However, this belief requires a lucid doctrine of sin that Olson failed to provide. To teach, as some Arminians do, that "actual sin is always an expression of original sin" (pg. 58) fails to provide the lucidity we need in terms of moral freedom and responsibility. Some actual sins are caused by moral freedom of the libertarian type, not original sin. They are avoidable, and that is why we are obligated not to commit them and guilty if we do. Clarity on this issue is crucial to understanding how anybody is damned, including those who have never known the gospel, when it is God's desire that they be saved. Clarity regarding sin is also critical for Arminians in their defense against the idea that God unconditionally damns some to hell for sin they could not avoid. It is also crucial for those Arminians who believe that salvation can be forfeited. According to Olson, "Arminius himself never settled the matter" on this issue (pg. 187). However, even among those who believe in "once saved always saved," there is disagreement regarding the nature of sin in a believer's life and how to determine whether one is a true Christian. Living a life of holiness, as well as having assurance of salvation, requires clarity on the doctrine of sin!

Olson states in his introduction that his book is not so much a defense of Arminian theology as a true statement of it. It is intended to address ten common misconceptions or "myths" about Arminianism, not provide in-depth biblical exegesis to support it. The book is also not a polemic against Calvinism, its primary historical opponent, although it does provide reasons why Arminians are not Calvinists. I repeat again that I am grateful for Olson's book. It is one of the most important books in my library! Like Olson, I was raised in a Pentecostal environment where Arminianism to some degree was assumed. However, it was through asking serious questions about certain issues like the ones I've raised in this review that I came to realize that many who call themselves Arminians don't have satisfying answers to them. May continued dialog bring them to the fore and may quality Arminian and Arminian-influenced books continue to be written.

I needed this book. Roger Olson does a great job at dismantling 10 myths about Arminianism. He shows that Jacob Arminius has always held to the doctrines of total depravity and the conditional predestination of the believer. He also shows that Arminius himself and many others (including John Wesley) rejected the Moral Government view of the atonement of Christ. He also explains that even though Calvinism and Arminianism are both comfortably within the evangelical camp, there cannot be a hybrid of the two (Calminianism).

Olson contends that the heart of Arminianism is not the free will of man, but the goodness and grace of God. Contrary to some, he shows that Arminians have historically held (and still do hold) that believers are justified by grace through faith in Christ alone. He goes on to say that faith is instrumental to accessing the free gift of salvation, but that it is not the grounds of salvation (the ground of salvation is the blood of Christ).

Occasionally, Olson gets irritated with his contentious Calvinist critics. But he does a good job at working toward a rapprochement between the two camps. He concludes with a stirring appeal to fairness and love on both sides of the evangelical aisle. Way to go, Roger Olson!

I remember reading about an event in the life of Dr. A.W. Tozer. Tozer was asked by a young man studying at a Bible school, "Dr. Tozer when the boys begin to debate Arminian and Calvinistic theology, what position should I take." Dr. Tozer replied, "Son, when they begin that debate you go and get in your prayer closet and you cry out to God and in four years you will be closer to the Lord but those boys will still be debating Arminianism and Calvinism."

The age old debate over Calvinism and Arminism continues to this day. Nearly 500 years after John Calvin and Jacob Arminius, we still have no pat answers. I have heard people say that they are neither Arminian or a Calvinist but I believe you will fall into some position whether you realize it or not. In fact, Dr. Olson makes a profound statement when he wrote, "I believe that even most people who call themselves Arminians are really semi-Pelagian" (p.10). And he goes on to add that some who call themselves Calvinist are not truly Calvinist.

This book seeks to do two things. First, Dr. Olson wishes to show the true history of Arminian theology. Too often Jacob Arminius is misunderstood by modern evangelicals. Calvinist often believe that Arminius believed in "works salvation" but he did not or that he did not believe in depravity but he did. In fact, Arminius believed in predestination and election but he differed with John Calvin and his followers over predestination being conditional or unconditional. Arminius believed in salvation by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8-9) and he believed that all of salvation was by God's grace!

The second half of this book exposes the reader to the errors often accused of Arminians. For example, Olson shows how Calvinist often think that Arminians are not orthodox nor true evangelicals (Charles Spurgeon even questioned Arminians salvation). Olson shows how the heart of Arminian theology is not belief in man's free will or the denial of God's sovereighty, predestination, or justification by faith. In fact, at the end of this book you will see that Calvinist and Arminians agree on quite a number of issues but differ over the conditions.

Overall this is an excellnt book. I have found various Calvinist blogs trying to attack Roger Olson and the book. I found Olson to not be angry at Calvinist. He simply wants to write a book on the history and development of Arminian theology and he has done quite a good job. He includes Scripture as well as many footnotes to back up what he is trying to accomplish.

Does this book end the debate? No it doesn't. But it does present Arminians and Arminian theology in a whole new way. It shows that grace still is important and is the true heart of Arminianism.

If you're looking for a systematic presentation of Arminian theology, this is not the book for you. Rather, what Olson does powerfully is to defend Arminianism against ten common charges, which Olson destroys as myths.

As an Arminian myself, this book helped me to check some false arguments in my own theology, as well as look behind some of the dead-end walls that had caused me to doubt Arminianism. For example, in arguments with Calvinist brothers, I had often stopped at "free will" as a reason for why God would intentionally limit His deterministic control of the universe in the realm of human moral choices. And my Calvinist brothers would (rightly) take me to task, saying that I was exalting human free will above God's sovereignty in importance. Did I really want to do that? And of course, the answer had to be "no."

But Olson asks another "why" question beyond free will, and points out that Arminians believe in free will not for its own sake, but because it is a necessary component of God's loving character. Thus the correct comparison is not between God's sovereignty and human free will, but between God's sovereignty and God's revealed loving character. And the question is not, "is God sovereign or is He loving?" but rather, "Which quality of God is more properly basic to His nature? Which one rules the day?" The Calvinist answer is that God is most basically to be seen as sovereign, whereas Arminians say that God is most basically to be seen as loving.

A great book, well-written with snappy prose, easily apprehended, and powerfully effective.

I'm not even aware of a book with this much clarity on Arminian theology. I myself a Calvinist, thoroughly enjoyed this book. Olson gives a clear representation on the Arminian perspective. A perspective that has been so misunderstood in our culture. I think if this book were the rule instead of the exception, a lot of misunderstanding would be extirpated. I am greatly appreciative of what Olson has done by taking this subject head on. I hope to see more awareness of clear Arminian theology.

With "Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities" (2006) Professor Roger Olson asserts that "Arminianism is a legitimate evangelical theological option" for the 21st century. Through this well documented 250-page hardback (with dozens of footnotes in each chapter) he intervenes on the "myths" attacking Arminianism.

Olson's adroitly refutes each "myth" posited on Arminianism primarily by classical and contemporary Calvinists. (This theological genre is named for the early 16th century Dutch reform theologian and pastor, Jacob Arminius.)

Speaking from the "classical Arminian" camp Olson ranges over the vast surface of Arminius' beliefs: from human free will, to the sovereignty of God, to election and predestination, to Justification and the Atonement. By the end, Olson convincingly confirms that Arminius, as a Protestant, is significantly different from Calvinists, Catholics, and Anabaptists of his era and today. (Arminius seems to have appreciated Luther.)

Each chapter is helpfully composed and presented in the same way. Olson posses a "myth" (an untruth), rebuffs it, documents what Arminius himself say on the topic, and then presents various Arminian thinkers reflections on the theological issue. Episcopus, Wesley, Watson, Pope, Miley, Wiley, Theissen, Oden and many more over the past 400 years are variously considered and extensively quoted. The author poignantly recommends that Arminianism's critics would do well to study it before condemning it. Finally, he rightly challenges Arminians and their critics to work together for proclaiming the mission of Jesus Christ.

Olson's is a good read teaching much about theology, the via salutis, and God's love. Although somewhat technical this book is recommended to any with interest in various Christian doctrines (such as free will vs. predestination, irresistible vs. resistible grace, original sin, prevenient grace, imputed righteousness, forensic justification, penal substitutional atonement, etc.) Olson is a must read for all reform theologians, Arminians, and Calvinists.

Happy Reformation Day!

Olson has blown the traditional Straw man out of the picture in this book. Here, he takes on the ideas that theologians have been painting as Arminian and informing readers that most of those views are really Pelagian or Semi-Pelagian. From there, the author takes on common myths and helps the reader understand that a true Arminian can hold to the truths proclaimed in the Reformation and still be 100% Arminian.

While turning theology on its head (surprisingly to those who have been taught an incorrect view of Arminian though), I do have to take issue with some of the redundancy in the chapters. Olson essentially cites the same information from the source in order to prove 2 different ideas. Also, he definitely ingrains that Henry Theissen was an Arminian, despite his own understanding of Arminian Theology. I am sure that the Olson intended the citations and statements to remind readers of the facts they are supporting, but they were noticeable.

Truly, the book makes quite a few Calvinistic Theologians rethink some things that have been said, printed and thought previously. Thanks, Roger Olson!

At last, a comprehensive, clear account of arminian theology stripped of all the baggage that usually obscures the truth. I had searched and searched for a book of this sort and resigned myself to having to read Arminius' massive three volume collection to get some answers. I still may do that some day but in the meantime this excellent, parsimonious work is just what the doctor ordered. If you are looking for a gracious, concise account of classical arminianism then this is the book for you.

Arminian Theology is not a systematic theology of Arminianism, but an attempt to dispel the ten most prevalent myths about Arminian theology. The book functions primarily as an apologetic against the ten myths and partially as an argument for the ten real positions of Arminianism on these ten issues.

Aside from myth 8(That Arminians do not believe in predestination) I find Olson's arguments to be clear and successful. He gives ample quotations form primary source material, and uses helpful sources from Arminius and later Arminians. I found his writing fair and balanced, and cannot think of any place where I thought he was deeply unkind or formed a clearly straw Calvinist man.

So for the person who find Calvinism powerful but deeply unsatisfying and thinks he may not yet have given Arminianism a real hearing, this book is a helpful introduction to Arminianism for the Calvinistically indoctrinated.

Personally, I found some of Olson's arguments belabored as he explored the writings of Arminians after Arminius. Also his argument against the Calvinist position sometimes ended up stretched throughout the chapter, since they were organized by the historical authors, making skimming for a defense of the theological positions more time consuming. His distinction of 'Arminianism of the Head' and Arminianism of the Heart' rubbed me the wrong way too. I think better language for that could have been found. I don't think the distinction is that one group thought and another felt- though that is not what Olson means- that's the flavor of that language, and I didn't care for it, especially since it feeds into Liberal-Evangelical standing stereotypes that need to die.

Also, someone on the IVP editorial board should have put their foot down on the exclamation point use in this book!!!!!!!!! It was the most overuse of that particular piece of punctuation I have ever seen. And it seemed all the more odd in such a measured and fair book.