The Potter's Freedom: A Defense of the Reformation and the Rebuttal of Norman Geisler's Chosen But Free [Paperback]

James R. White (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 15, 2000

What is Dr. Geisler warning the Christian community about in his book, Chosen But Free"? A new cult? Secularism? False prophesy scenarios? No. Dr. Geisler is sounding the alarm about a system of beliefs commonly called "Calvinism." He insists that this belief system is "theologically inconsistent, philosophically insufficient, and morally repugnant." This book is written as a reply to Dr. Geisler, but is much more; it is a defense of the very principles upon which the Protestant Reformation was founded.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

<div>James White is one of the most prolific Christian apologists today. He has pubically debated cult members as will as heretical Christians sects.</div>

Product Details

• Paperback: 338 pages
• Publisher: Calvary Press; Revised edition (May 15, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1879737434
• ISBN-13: 978-1879737433
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (66 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #296,127 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 29 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Christ Centered God Honoring Book, June 6, 2002

By 

Andrew (Capistrano Beach, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Potter's Freedom: A Defense of the Reformation and the Rebuttal of Norman Geisler's Chosen But Free (Paperback)

Feeling I needed to give both works a fair and balanced assesment, I read Chosen But Free prior to The Potter's Freedom. As I read through Geisler's work I was upset at the unfortunate lack of exegesis and the appeal to man-centered philosophical presuppositions time and time again. As I studied White's treatise, I was very impressed with the tremendous effort he put forth to deal directly with the biblical text. His work on John 6 and Romans 9 alone, would be enough to persuade me of the clear, biblical teaching regarding God's freedom in election. He also clearly points out the eisegetical hermeneutics used by Arminians in their constant appeal to the "Big Three" verses (Matthew 23:37, 1 Timothy 2:4, and 2 Peter 3:9). I had a hard time putting The Potter's Freedom down, but not because of its wonderful use of rhetoric or its superb literary style, but because it contained biblical truth that God sovereignly used to help me grow in the grace and knowledge of my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. I finished this book on my knees in repentance, knowing that my trust in Christ, my very salvation itself, was not based on my own corrupt sinful "will", but was a gift from God, undeservedly bestowed on me by His gracious hand. Soli Deo Gloria!

22 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars I think I may just be a Calvinist..., October 4, 2010

By 

Victoria Shephard "Newbirth" (San Francisco Bay Area, CA, United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Potter's Freedom: A Defense of the Reformation and the Rebuttal of Norman Geisler's Chosen But Free (Paperback)

...after reading this book.

I bought Chosen But Free (by Norman Geisler) hoping to find a good rebuttal to Calvinist doctrine so I could continue holding to my free will theology. Boy was I disappointed! Not only is his terminology offputting, but his clear hatred of the Reformed tradition shines through. On top of that, his arguments left much to be desired. I struggled through what part I could read, and couldn't finish it. He'd cite a verse to support his conclusion, and I'd look the verse up only to find it didn't say anything close to what he claimed. It was frustrating to say the least.

After that I decided to read "The Potter's Freedom." This is an excellent book even if you have never picked up "Chosen But Free". It answered many of the questions I have had, and did so in a way that didn't want to make me run away screaming. I know some Calvinsts who's presentation of the very same facts make me want to scream, or simply tune them out.

Dr. White is NOT like that. He presents his arguments based on the Biblical texts, but does so in a way that attracts you instead of repels you. I found myself getting a whole new perspective on God and His mercy that just made me so thrilled with what I was learning that I wanted to run out and share it with everyone. I can no longer hold to Arminian theology after reading this.

I don't usually give a book 5 stars, but this book earns every one of them. It's also spurred me to look into the topic more deeply and I'm deciding what to read next.

54 of 70 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Much Needed work among modern day writings, July 29, 2000

By 

Nick Cato "nickyak" (Staten Island, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Potter's Freedom: A Defense of the Reformation and the Rebuttal of Norman Geisler's Chosen But Free (Paperback)

I've read all the other amazon reviews AFTER reading this book, and I feel that the point James White is trying to make is simple: Too many Christians believe that "their own" faith is saving them, and not the faith of Christ that is given to them regardless of what man does (Romans 9:16). No man could even believe in God unless God first draws him...and this fact is rarely, if ever, preached or taught today. In that light, the book, though slow at times, is much needed in our present day of wishy-washy, "feel good" books that cluter Christian book stores: It's the entire heart of the true gospel. When Christians earnestly study the doctrines of predestination / election, their assurance will be strengthened like never before. Unfaithful study in this area leads to hate and prideful opinions that are not scriptural. Man hates to hear that he can do NOTHING to save himself. It's no wonder that many of James White's books (as well as many of the re-printed works of the puritans and Calvin) are so ignored and hated: they preach the doctrines of grace without compromise.