Book Review: The Five Points of Calvinism – Defined, Defended and Documented
Authors: David Steele, Curtis Thomas, and Lance Quinn, Publisher: Presbyterian and Reformed, Length: 247 pages
This is an updated and expanded edition of an old favourite. Basically, the authors start by defining the points of contention between and the historical roots of Calvinism and Arminianism, then they defend Calvinism’s five points – first by giving the reader a rational argument in favour of each point separately – then at the end of each argument, they list numerous Biblical texts (from the ESV) to demonstrate that what they are saying is the teaching of God’s word, which is very useful. Part three of the book contains one of the most helpful lists of documented reading that you will ever find, listing ever major work on Calvinism and the Sovereignty of God, and on each of the five points individually. Also included are eight appendices, including ones by C.H. Spurgeon and Loraine Boettner, the pick of the appendices, however, is Curt Daniel’s ‘The Practical Applications of Calvinism’ which sets out the need for a Reformed Worldview and warns of pitfalls peculiar to Calvinists (a series of lectures on the History and theology of Calvinism by Curt Daniel is available at Monergism). This book is probably best suited for those new to or perhaps looking into the Reformed faith, although it would do more mature Calvinists no harm to read it as well.
Rating: 8/10
December 20, 2006 at 11:50 pm
I read the first edition of this book over 20 years ago right after I was convinced of the Biblical truth of Calvinism. This new expanded edition looks even better, and I look forward to reading it again and the new material as well.
Another good book on this topic is “A Journey in Grace” by Dr. Richard Belcher. This is described as a “theological novel”, and it teaches calvinism almost the same way that Pilgrim’s Progress teaches perseverance in the Christian faith, though its not written as an allegory in the style of Bunyan.
January 8, 2007 at 11:05 pm
[...] shown mercy to none. God was under no obligation whatsoever to provide salvation for anyone’ (The Five Points of Calvinism – Defined, Defended and Documented, 3rd edition, page 27). Keeping that in mind should help us to understand the doctrine of [...]