Who would have guessed that something as austere as Calvinism would become a hot topic in today's postmodern culture? At the 500th anniversary of John Calvin's birth, new generations have discovered and embraced a "New Calvinism," finding in the Reformed tradition a rich theological vision. In fact, Time cited New Calvinism as one of "10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now." This book provides pastoral and theological counsel, inviting converts to this tradition to find in Calvin a vision that's even bigger than the New Calvinism might suggest. Offering wisdom at the intersection of theology and culture, noted Reformed philosopher James K. A. Smith also provides pastoral caution about pride and maturity. The creative letter format invites young Calvinists into a faithful conversation that reaches back to Paul and Augustine, through Calvin and Edwards, extending to Kuyper and Wolterstorff. Together they sketch a comprehensive vision of Calvinism that is generous, winsome, and imaginative.
Letters to a Young Calvinist
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Editorial Reviews
From Publishers Weekly
In 2009, Time magazine called New Calvinism one of the "10 Ideas Changing the World Right Now," noting both the draw and the drawbacks within this postmodern return to grace-driven Christianity. In this series of epistolary exhortations, Smith addresses the faults of the Calvinist theology to which he subscribes--for example, its seeming lack of charity and production of arrogant followers. He then calls on young Calvinists to rise above haughty intellectualism to embrace the richer, more sustainable Reformed tradition that grew out of Calvinist ideas. Though written for a college-level audience, Smith's guide to all things Reformed may leave some searching for a glossary of theological terms. And critics of Calvinism will not find answers to all of their questions: why aren't humans more responsible for their destiny, and why wouldn't God choose to save everyone? Yet Smith welcomes readers to embrace more than just a grumpy theological debate. He opens them to a tradition defined by grace, enjoyment, and group worship. This slim introduction will leave readers wanting more history and will prepare them to dive into more challenging texts. (Nov.)
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
From the Back Cover
Exploring the Riches of the Reformed Tradition
"I wish there had been a Jamie Smith to write letters like these to me when I was a young Calvinist. This is a wise and delightfully written portrayal of a robust Calvinism for the twenty-first century."--Richard J. Mouw, Fuller Theological Seminary
"James K. A. Smith winsomely steps into one of the most fascinating conversations in contemporary evangelicalism--the surprising resurgence of Calvinism among younger Christians. Letters to a Young Calvinist is thoughtful, nuanced, provocative, relational, and informed. No one will agree with everything here, but what I appreciated most was Smith's careful insistence that there's much more to being theologically Reformed than believing in the famous (and fabulous!) five points of Calvinism. A thoroughly engaging read!"--Tullian Tchividjian, author, Surprised by Grace: God's Relentless Pursuit of Rebels
"Jamie Smith has done a fabulous job articulating a winsome and engaging account of the depth, splendor, and joy of the Reformed tradition. I found much of what I hold dear about Calvinism reaffirmed in these interesting letters and at the same time was delighted to learn new insights that got me excited about the tradition all over again. I hope this book introduces a whole new generation to the richness of the Reformed understanding of the faith."--Jim Belcher, author, Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional
"Most of the time I cheered 'Amen!' as I read these letters, but even when I disagreed, I appreciated Jamie's model of charity and humility as well as conviction. In the midst of all the encouraging energy of the 'New Calvinism' movement, it is also important to say that being Reformed is more than TULIP. These are rewarding and creatively written letters for all of us."--Michael Horton, Westminster Seminary California
"A splendid book that speaks to both head and heart, counseling the 'young, restless, and Reformed' toward growth into a wider and deeper Reformed tradition. . . . This wise and witty book is a delight to read!"--J. Todd Billings, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan
"I wish there had been a Jamie Smith to write letters like these to me when I was a young Calvinist. This is a wise and delightfully written portrayal of a robust Calvinism for the twenty-first century."--Richard J. Mouw, Fuller Theological Seminary
"James K. A. Smith winsomely steps into one of the most fascinating conversations in contemporary evangelicalism--the surprising resurgence of Calvinism among younger Christians. Letters to a Young Calvinist is thoughtful, nuanced, provocative, relational, and informed. No one will agree with everything here, but what I appreciated most was Smith's careful insistence that there's much more to being theologically Reformed than believing in the famous (and fabulous!) five points of Calvinism. A thoroughly engaging read!"--Tullian Tchividjian, author, Surprised by Grace: God's Relentless Pursuit of Rebels
"Jamie Smith has done a fabulous job articulating a winsome and engaging account of the depth, splendor, and joy of the Reformed tradition. I found much of what I hold dear about Calvinism reaffirmed in these interesting letters and at the same time was delighted to learn new insights that got me excited about the tradition all over again. I hope this book introduces a whole new generation to the richness of the Reformed understanding of the faith."--Jim Belcher, author, Deep Church: A Third Way Beyond Emerging and Traditional
"Most of the time I cheered 'Amen!' as I read these letters, but even when I disagreed, I appreciated Jamie's model of charity and humility as well as conviction. In the midst of all the encouraging energy of the 'New Calvinism' movement, it is also important to say that being Reformed is more than TULIP. These are rewarding and creatively written letters for all of us."--Michael Horton, Westminster Seminary California
"A splendid book that speaks to both head and heart, counseling the 'young, restless, and Reformed' toward growth into a wider and deeper Reformed tradition. . . . This wise and witty book is a delight to read!"--J. Todd Billings, Western Theological Seminary, Holland, Michigan
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More About the Author
James K.A. Smith teaches philosophy and theology at Calvin College in Grand Rapids, MI, having previously taught at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He has been a visiting professor at Fuller Seminary, Reformed Theological Seminary in Orlando and Regent College in Vancouver, BC. Originally trained in philosophical theology and contemporary French philosophy, Smith's work is focused on cultural criticism informed by the Christian theological tradition. His more popular writing has also appeared in magazines such as the Christian Century, Christianity Today, First Things, Harvard Divinity Bulletin, and others.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
25 of 28 people found the following review helpful
By Louis
Format:Paperback
In this short book of just over 100 pages you'll find the heart of a Christian philosopher who is transparent about the potential pitfalls and more importantly the splendor, depth, and riches of Reformed theology. Chief among the former is the potential for pride which has regrettably characterized far too many who wear the label "Calvinist." Yet the counsel, and rebuke, within these pages is tempered by the humility that is only earned by someone who has been there. Smith admits he's as much talking to a younger version of himself as he is the fictional subject of his letters. I found the format warm, thought-provoking and intimately personal. At the same time he engages such heavy topics as grace, election, Arminianism, choosing the right church, infant baptism, the New Perspective, egalitarianism, the difference between creeds and confessions and some of their distinctives, covenant theology and more. Some of these receive just a mention but by the end of the book you'll come away with a much broader perspective of what really is at the heart of Reformed theology. I even learned how a good Baptist like me can call myself Reformed. Essentially, we (in the Baptist tradition and others) are more influenced by the Westminster stream of confessions which "diminishes the catholicity of the Reformed tradition, so the `Calvinism' that it articulates is just the sort of slimmed-down, extracted soteriology that can be basically detached and then inserted across an array of denominations (and `non-denominations'). And so you get that strange phenomenon I've noted before: that a place like Southern Baptist Theological Seminary could be a vibrant center of Calvinism." (61) Fascinating!
Younger Calvinists will receive some sage advice from a seasoned mentor. Older Calvinists will find a model that can help them communicate the center of Reformed theology and ways in which it can be kept in proper focus. I emphasize this is just a model and perhaps the bare skeleton of what it should look like. But it's a beginning. There are plenty of resources recommended throughout the letters.
Finally, if you're not a Calvinist you're welcome to read some of our mail. If you're tired of having your Christianity questioned this would be a good place to see what true Calvinism should look like when it's not primarily interested in winning debates or scoring points.
Younger Calvinists will receive some sage advice from a seasoned mentor. Older Calvinists will find a model that can help them communicate the center of Reformed theology and ways in which it can be kept in proper focus. I emphasize this is just a model and perhaps the bare skeleton of what it should look like. But it's a beginning. There are plenty of resources recommended throughout the letters.
Finally, if you're not a Calvinist you're welcome to read some of our mail. If you're tired of having your Christianity questioned this would be a good place to see what true Calvinism should look like when it's not primarily interested in winning debates or scoring points.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
In the vast work of John Calvin the industrious author offers no information on any striking moment or dramatic conversion to Christ and Reformation thought. Calvin came to saving faith overtaking his legal studies as a young law student through reading the original Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible. This inspired him to adhere to Luther's grace based faith and the Reformation. Calvin later notes:
"I tried my best to work hard [at the Law], yet God at last turned my course in another direction by the secret rein of his providence. What happened first was that by an unexpected conversion he tamed to receptivity a mind too stubborn for its years--for I was so strongly devoted to the superstitions of the Papacy that nothing less could draw me from such depths of mire. And so this mere taste of true godliness that I received set me on fire with such a desire to progress that I pursued the rest of my studies more coolly, although I did not give them up altogether. Before a year had slipped by anybody who longed for a purer doctrine kept on coming to learn from me..."
And in "Letters to a Young Calvinist: An Invitation to the Reformed Tradition" James K.A. Smith (yes many Calvinists enjoy having single letters/initials embedded in their name) provides a winsome and witty volume that provides a very readable outline of many important features of Calvinism. Smith aims at young adults but this work is fine for non-students as well.
Herein Smith discusses:
- Salvation and entrance into the visible church
- Grace alone
- Semper Reformanda
- The importance and delight of being confessional
- "Wide-angle Calvinism"
- Augustine's influence on Reformed thought
- and more.
Give this to a young person and it may direct the reader to pick up Owens, Watson, Love, Edwards, and most importantly the Bible.
Ephesians 1:4-9 "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ."
This easy-to-read volume is just 160 pages, so it is just a short theological inauguration and that may lead the young reader to the deeper waters of Puritan thought. Furthermore this is not a polemical book devoted to directly dismissing non-Calvinist thought through potent contentions.
Smith writes in a kind, unruffled, and caring manner that is missing sometimes in the outreach of Reformed thought; he communicates as a patient Puritan and not as aggressive Calvinistic neophytes sometimes do. He presses the truth of Reformed soteriology, yet regrettably, at times he seems to show consideration for Wright's notion of Justification. Nonetheless it is well written, accessible, and makes an outstanding gift, or it can be used as a family devotional outline along with the Bible and the WMSC.
Also see:
Truth, Knowledge and the Reason for God: The Defense of the Rational Assurance of Christianity
or the book that contends for moral absolutes:
There Are Moral Absolutes: How to Be Absolutely Sure That Christianity Alone Supplies
additionally see my presuppositional apologetic book written for Students at my site:
Mike A Robinson
"I tried my best to work hard [at the Law], yet God at last turned my course in another direction by the secret rein of his providence. What happened first was that by an unexpected conversion he tamed to receptivity a mind too stubborn for its years--for I was so strongly devoted to the superstitions of the Papacy that nothing less could draw me from such depths of mire. And so this mere taste of true godliness that I received set me on fire with such a desire to progress that I pursued the rest of my studies more coolly, although I did not give them up altogether. Before a year had slipped by anybody who longed for a purer doctrine kept on coming to learn from me..."
And in "Letters to a Young Calvinist: An Invitation to the Reformed Tradition" James K.A. Smith (yes many Calvinists enjoy having single letters/initials embedded in their name) provides a winsome and witty volume that provides a very readable outline of many important features of Calvinism. Smith aims at young adults but this work is fine for non-students as well.
Herein Smith discusses:
- Salvation and entrance into the visible church
- Grace alone
- Semper Reformanda
- The importance and delight of being confessional
- "Wide-angle Calvinism"
- Augustine's influence on Reformed thought
- and more.
Give this to a young person and it may direct the reader to pick up Owens, Watson, Love, Edwards, and most importantly the Bible.
Ephesians 1:4-9 "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love 5 he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, 6 to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. 7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, 8which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight 9 making known to us the mystery of his will, according to his purpose, which he set forth in Christ."
This easy-to-read volume is just 160 pages, so it is just a short theological inauguration and that may lead the young reader to the deeper waters of Puritan thought. Furthermore this is not a polemical book devoted to directly dismissing non-Calvinist thought through potent contentions.
Smith writes in a kind, unruffled, and caring manner that is missing sometimes in the outreach of Reformed thought; he communicates as a patient Puritan and not as aggressive Calvinistic neophytes sometimes do. He presses the truth of Reformed soteriology, yet regrettably, at times he seems to show consideration for Wright's notion of Justification. Nonetheless it is well written, accessible, and makes an outstanding gift, or it can be used as a family devotional outline along with the Bible and the WMSC.
Also see:
Truth, Knowledge and the Reason for God: The Defense of the Rational Assurance of Christianity
or the book that contends for moral absolutes:
There Are Moral Absolutes: How to Be Absolutely Sure That Christianity Alone Supplies
additionally see my presuppositional apologetic book written for Students at my site:
Mike A Robinson
8 of 8 people found the following review helpful
By stevebishop
Format:Paperback
In The Devil Reads Derrida Jamie Smith offers an apologia for writing popular works: he sees it as 'a responsibility to function as public intellectuals for the church as "public"'. This popular book does just that - it serves the church; it provides an accessible and erudite introduction to the Reformed faith in an epistolatory format.
He has traveled from Plymouth Brethren to Pentecostal and Reformed. He knows popular evangelicalism. This book provides, in part, insights from the journey. As one who has traveled to neocalvinism from traditional anglicanism to free church to house church charismatics I appreciated Smith's helpful advice. As one unfamiliar with the different streams of Reformed in the US I found this a helpful and insightful guide. I particularly appreciated his comments on the different 'Reformed confessions' (Letters XX-XII). He also has some useful comments about the justification 'debate' and Tom Wright.
Thankfully Smith doesn't focus on TULIP, election and predestination - not that they aren't important issues - but there are other issues: 'I have a hard time believing that the denial of limited atonement is the most pressing matter of discipleship right now. We should be more worried about Walmat' (p. 91).
He draws upon Augustine, Calvin and Kuyper and makes an excellent case for the virtues and strengths of the Calvinist position. Calvinism he sees as: 'a lens that magnifies a persistent theme in the narrative of God;s self-revelation: that everything depends on God (p. 14); as an 'Augustinian renewal movement within the church catholic' (p. 40); as a '"region" of Reformed theology' (p. 44); as a counter to 'the rampant gnosticism that characterises North American evangelicalism' (p. 103); it's 'an entire "complex" or "world- and life-view"' (p. 110). This is a broad and fully biblical view.
There are many introductory books to Reformed thought, but most are dry and dull; this one is full of wit, warmth and wisdom. Buy it, read it and then buy another to give away.
Contents
Introduction
Letter 1 - Welcome to the Family
Letter 2 - On Religious Pride
Letter 3 - Proud to Be a Calvinist?
Letter 4 - Grace All the Way Down
Letter 5 - God Owes Us Nothing
Letter 6 - God Doesn't Even Owe Us an Answer
Letter 7 - Semper Reformanda
Postcard from Geneva
Letter 8 - A Historical Tour of Reformed Theology
Letter 9 - Augustine, Patron Saint of the Reformers
Postcard from Princeton
Letter 10 - To be Reformed Is to Be Catholic
Letter 11 - On Being "Confessional"
Letter 12 - Beyond Westminster
Letter 13 - God's "Social" Gospel
Letter 14 - Our Promise-Keeping God
Postcard from Amsterdam
Letter 15 - Elected to Love
Letter 16 - Church Matters
Letter 17 - Too Reformed for Church?
Postcard from Seoul
Letter 18 - On Grumpy Speculations
Letter 19 - Wide-Angle Calvinism
Letter 20 - Far as the Curse Is Found
Letter 21 - What Are We Saved For?
Letter 22 - Bibliographical Providence
Letter 23 - Enjoying God by Enjoying Creation
He has traveled from Plymouth Brethren to Pentecostal and Reformed. He knows popular evangelicalism. This book provides, in part, insights from the journey. As one who has traveled to neocalvinism from traditional anglicanism to free church to house church charismatics I appreciated Smith's helpful advice. As one unfamiliar with the different streams of Reformed in the US I found this a helpful and insightful guide. I particularly appreciated his comments on the different 'Reformed confessions' (Letters XX-XII). He also has some useful comments about the justification 'debate' and Tom Wright.
Thankfully Smith doesn't focus on TULIP, election and predestination - not that they aren't important issues - but there are other issues: 'I have a hard time believing that the denial of limited atonement is the most pressing matter of discipleship right now. We should be more worried about Walmat' (p. 91).
He draws upon Augustine, Calvin and Kuyper and makes an excellent case for the virtues and strengths of the Calvinist position. Calvinism he sees as: 'a lens that magnifies a persistent theme in the narrative of God;s self-revelation: that everything depends on God (p. 14); as an 'Augustinian renewal movement within the church catholic' (p. 40); as a '"region" of Reformed theology' (p. 44); as a counter to 'the rampant gnosticism that characterises North American evangelicalism' (p. 103); it's 'an entire "complex" or "world- and life-view"' (p. 110). This is a broad and fully biblical view.
There are many introductory books to Reformed thought, but most are dry and dull; this one is full of wit, warmth and wisdom. Buy it, read it and then buy another to give away.
Contents
Introduction
Letter 1 - Welcome to the Family
Letter 2 - On Religious Pride
Letter 3 - Proud to Be a Calvinist?
Letter 4 - Grace All the Way Down
Letter 5 - God Owes Us Nothing
Letter 6 - God Doesn't Even Owe Us an Answer
Letter 7 - Semper Reformanda
Postcard from Geneva
Letter 8 - A Historical Tour of Reformed Theology
Letter 9 - Augustine, Patron Saint of the Reformers
Postcard from Princeton
Letter 10 - To be Reformed Is to Be Catholic
Letter 11 - On Being "Confessional"
Letter 12 - Beyond Westminster
Letter 13 - God's "Social" Gospel
Letter 14 - Our Promise-Keeping God
Postcard from Amsterdam
Letter 15 - Elected to Love
Letter 16 - Church Matters
Letter 17 - Too Reformed for Church?
Postcard from Seoul
Letter 18 - On Grumpy Speculations
Letter 19 - Wide-Angle Calvinism
Letter 20 - Far as the Curse Is Found
Letter 21 - What Are We Saved For?
Letter 22 - Bibliographical Providence
Letter 23 - Enjoying God by Enjoying Creation
Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
A Mixed Bag
There are many books out there that describe Reformed theology and that invite people to become part of the Reformed tradition. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Tim Challies
4.0 out of 5 stars
Calvinistic Correspondence
Letters to a Young Calvinist by James K.A. Smith reminds me of the last time I went to see the San Francisco Giants play baseball. Read more
Published 5 months ago by Dr. David Steele
4.0 out of 5 stars
A succinct introduction to the Reformed tradition
James K.A. Smith has recently entered my radar as a writer to read. He's already written a plethora of books and taught at several well known institutions such as Fuller... Read more
Published 5 months ago by Canuck Monk
5.0 out of 5 stars
must read for Calvinists and those who have to put up with them
I have been pleasantly surprised at the wealth of info I have received from this book. It has sent me to look up things online that I didn't know existed, buy MORE books, and has... Read more
Published 8 months ago by Deborah
5.0 out of 5 stars
"Letters To a Young Calvinist" by James Smith: A Review
My hope is that you'll get a sense that Calvinism is not primarily a theological "system"; it is a spirituality a "piety," as the Puritans would have said . . . Read more
Published 9 months ago by Kyle E. Mcdanell
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Read
I truly appreciated this book for all its worth. Jamie does a great job at breaking down the major "sticky" points that have confused some on the Reformed faith. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Kelly Vander Woude
3.0 out of 5 stars
this letter put me to sleep....
Letters to a Young Calvinist by James Smith is the second book I have reviewed targeted at the Young Calvinists. The first was Young, Restless, Reformed by Collin Hansen. Read more
Published 19 months ago by David Kenney
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fantastic
Amazing book. I wish someone could have given me this 4 years ago when I started exploring Reformed Theology. Read more
Published 19 months ago by Dwight Davis
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Rewarding and Readable Look at Calvinism
For many, Calvinism is nothing more than the theological concepts represented by TULIP: Total depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistible grace, and... Read more
Published 22 months ago by David Stuart Jr.
4.0 out of 5 stars
Encouraging, Puzzling, Provoking
Whenever I finish a book by James K. A. Smith, I feel encouraged, puzzled, and provoked. Perhaps that's one reason I continue to read Smith's books. Read more
Published on May 4, 2011 by Trevin Wax
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