Beyond Calvinism and Arminianism: An Inductive, Mediate Theology of Salvation

Olson rightly points out that the parodox and mystery of Salvation Theology is found in the convicting work of the Holy Spirit. Jesus Christ did die for everyone - AND - God is totally sovereign. Olson works through the supposed contridictions and protects both these Biblical claims. Even Strong Calvinists, Wesleyans, Lutherans and Arminians will appreciate Olson's expository approach to finding the answers.

Kudos to Dr. Olson for his fresh and challenging look "beyond" the extreme segments of Arminianism and Scholastic Calvinism! This truly definitive work deserves a six star rating. Although we have been seeing more and more good books coming out on this important subject over recent years, I appreciate Dr. Olson's willingness to do a fresh exegesis on the issues at hand using an INDUCTIVE method. This is part of what puts this book far above the rest. He is not afraid to dig deeper into resources that have been ignored by others, or to recognize that some Bible translations are better than others in some areas. Over the course of the book he also enlightens the reader on how deductive/scholastic theologies have hindered the growth of the Church since the Reformation. Furthermore, Dr. Olson goes on to point out how the MEDIATE position he is advocating is decidedly different from those who say one must be either an Arminian or Calvinist. I hope that this work will help put an end to that kind of deductive reasoning expounded by those who call themselves by the name of men--the "I am of Paul or Apollos crowd". Dr. Olson goes on to show how even church historians like Philip Schaff have documented a Semi-Augustinian position going back many centuries [e.g. Volume 3, Chap. 9, 160]. He also rightly points out how Calvin's disciple, Beza, was one of main actors in moving "Calvinism" away from what Calvin taught. French Calvinism remained truer to Calvin over and against what the Dutch and English Calvinists developed after his death. In any case, Dr. Olson shows how biblical Evangelical Protestantism has moved "beyond" Calvin, who could not shake himself free from all the errors of the Roman Catholic Saint Augustine. Some might ask why Dr. Olson goes into the history of missions and evangelism in relation to this topic, and therein lies another of this book's profound strengths! As an actual missionary who served in Pakistan, he has seen firsthand the deadening effects of deductive theologies on evangelism, and the growth of churches. Doctrine does indeed have serious application to evangelism. "Beyond" just rehashing many of the same old issues, as other books have done, Olson proves this has, and continues to be, a historical result of teaching Calvinism. Too many of today's Theology and Missions majors are still indoctrinated by materials written from a Reformed slant that gloss over the whole truth. Dr. Olson gives the reader just a taste of what the real story is. The real story of what happened in the lives of men like Whitefield, Cary, Spurgeon, etc. needs to be told! C. Gordon Olson has whetted my historical appetite for more of the true story, and I hope he comes out with a separate work on this important topic. Regrettably, I believe this fine book is currently out of print, but in personal correspondence, the author informed me that he is indeed working on a revised version, so I hope that will change soon (2008?). I can appreciate th

I FOUND THIS BOOK AN EXCITING AND FULFILLING READ. FOR ONCE, SOMEONE IS ASKING THE MOST BASIC QUESTION ABOUT THE ISSUES RAISED BY CALVIN AND ARMINIUS: WHAT DOES GOD SAY ABOUT IT? THAT MAY SOUND SIMPLISTIC, BUT ITS NOT - VIRTUALLY EVERYTHING ELSE I'VE READ ON THE SUBJECT HAS NEVER GOTTEN TO THAT POINT. NEVER ANSWERED THAT MOST BASIC QUESTION. AND FURTHERMORE: THE AUTHOR HAS A LOVING ATTITUDE - PRAISE! FOR YEARS, IVE STRUGGLED WITH THE VIEWS OF STRICT 5 POINT CALVINISM, SENSING AN INCOMPATIBILITY BETWEEN GOD, AS PORTRAYED IN THOSE DOCTRINES, AND GOD AS HE PORTRAYS HIMSELF IN THE BIBLE AS A WHOLE. IVE LONG THOUGHT THAT THE ONLY WAY TO TRULY SETTLE THE ISSUE IS TO DO A STUDY OF ALL THE PASSAGES USED BY EITHER SIDE, ONE PASSAGE AT A TIME, LOOKING AT EACH IN ITS CONTEXT. FURTHERMORE, SINCE MUCH OF THE DEBATE ON THIS ISSUE IS BASED ON THE MEANINGS OF THEOLOGICALLY (AND EMOTIONALLY) CHARGED WORDS (ELECTION, FOREKNOWLEDGE, PREDESTINATION, ETC) ONE WOULD NEED TO DO WORD STUDIES ON ALL THE WORDS INVOLVED IN THE ARGUMENT. I RECOGNIZED THIS AS SOMEWHAT OF A MAMMOTH TASK, BUT LOVE TO STUDY THE WORD AND INTENDED ONE DAY TO DO SO. WELL THATS EXACTLY WHAT DR OLESON HAS DONE HERE! I'VE GOTTA TELL YOU - IM ABSOLUTELY THRILLED! HE TAKES NEITHER POSITION (CALVIN'S OR ARMINIUS') BUT EXHIBITS AN APPARENT REAL DESIRE TO LOOK AT THE ISSUE ON THE SOLE BASIS OF GOD'S WORD, UNDERSTOOD IN ITS CONTEXT. AS A LONG TIME STUDENT OF BIBLICAL EXEGESIS, WITH A DEGREE IN THE SAME, AND AS A LOVER OF LANGUAGE, I READ THE BOOK WITH AN EYE TO THE AUTHOR'S FAIR TREATEMENT OF HIS SUBJECT, AND SO FAR (PAGE 150) HAVE FOUND HIM TO BE FAIR, AND FAITHFUL TO THE RULES OF BOTH GOOD BIBLE STUDY AND LOGIC. ONLY TWICE HAVE I CAUGHT HIM IN SMALL LOGICAL LEAPS (IN BOTH CASES WITHOUT IMPACT ON HIS ARGUMENT). HAVING SAID ALL THAT, LET ME SAY THAT THE BOOK, WHILE NOT DRY, DOES DEAL WITH THE DETAILS OF THE MATTER (NECCESSARILY) AND IS NOT A TYPICAL SLEF-HELP "COTTON CANDY" READ. THE AUTHOR IS WELL WRITTEN, CLEAR, AND DOES NOT BOG DOWN IN MINUTIAE. HE PRESENTS A WELL ORGANIZED LOOK AT GOD'S CHARACTER AS REVEALED IN THE BIBLE. WHILE READING IT, I'VE FOUND MYSELF IN HEARTY AGREEMENT ON ALMOST EVERY POINT. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE BOOK.

It would be fruitless to attempt to discount negative reviews or debate Calvinism and Arminianism on a simple book review. Besides, there have been too many books on this over the centuries. Suffice it to say, pride will not let many see the truth in this book, and many noble intellectuals will attack it for it's audacity. I used to be one of them. However, in these pages you will find simple truth that confounds the wise. I encourage you to read it for yourself and see what the Holy Spirit confirms or denies. Remember Him? HE is our Guide and Teacher.

Olson has put together a masterpiece in his defense of a "mediate" view towards soteriology as it relates to Calvinism and Arminianism. One of the basic premises that Olson establishes is the fact that his theology is "Inductive" and not "deductive" as the Cavinist's is. This is important. The Calvinist makes his claims and bases his theology on a deductive reasoning of the scriptures instead of letting the scriptures speak for themselves within their context. Olson lays out his thesis chapter by chapter and builds upon a strong foundation which is buttressed by each additional chapter. His tone is informative--not vitriolic. And his writing is easy to read and engaging. However, do not expect this to be coffee table reading. It is a substantial book filled with a good deal of facts, foundations, and historical analysis. He makes an appealing case for his position and has strong scriptural support--using excellent exegesis I might add. If you are wondering about this whole Calvinism vs Arminianism debate and are looking for a reasonable middle ground, I can't think of a better tome than this one. Highly recommended.