I recently received my copy of Professor Roger Olson’s newest book, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. For the next few installments on SBCT, I hope to profile Dr. Olson’s work. You may want to check out other books by Olson here.
In addition, I hope SBC Tomorrow may be able to negotiate an interview with Professor Olson by the book’s projected release date in October, 2006.
Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities (AT), promises to be the definitive opening introduction to classical Arminian theology. It remains tragic that such misinformation exists concerning not only the vision of salvation Arminianism embraces, but also the leading figure in classical Arminianism, Jacob Arminius (1559-1609).
Dr. Olson confesses his professional frustration concerning the widespread misunderstanding about the Arminian system early on. He writes:
The controversy that raged around Arminius in his day continues into the twenty-first century, especially among evangelical Protestant Christians throughout the world. The thesis of this book is that Arminianism is at a disadvantage in this controversy because it is so rarely understood and so commonly misrepresented both by critics and by its supposed defenders (p.13).
What strikes me with humorous irony is that as I read the many displays of popular misunderstanding of Arminian theology which Olson documents, I gained the strangest feeling I had heard this particular lament before. Of course! One needs only book a night or two at the Founders Inn to appreciate the profound frustration our Baptistic Calvinist brothers feel, who persistently grieve the lamentable fact that so many of our fellow Southern Baptists do not understand–hence, cannot fairly represent–historic Calvinism. Attention every Southern Baptist Calvinist: Professor Olson assures you he knows exactly how you feel!
Given the misuderstanding Olson believes so widespread, his purpose for writing an introductory statement on Classical Arminianism becomes clear:
The purpose of this book is simple and straightforward: to correctly delineate true Arminian theology and to begin to undo the damage that has been done to this theological heritage by both its critics and friends…Nor is it intended so much as a defense of Arminianism as a statement of true Arminian theology (p.43).
One final word on this initial installment of previewing AT: this book is not designed for bedtime devotionals. Indeed it may be very demanding for readers who have little theological background. And while Professor Olson carefully attempts to define his terms, it would have assisted the reader tremendously had a glossary been included in the back.
Thus, the reader can get ready to think deeply about “monergism” and “synergism” and the distinctions between the two. Also, “Pelagianism” and “Semi-Pelagianism” get much ink.
Names not familar to the average reader will continually be used: Simon Episcopius, Richard Watson, William Burton Pope, Thomas O. Summers, John Miley to name a few. Names more familar include James Arminus, John Wesley and Thomas Oden.
Professor Olson has served the Evangelical Church well in building a bridge to an almost unknown world of evangelical history. And I trust Calvinist and non-Calvinist alike may, in the future, appeal to AT in their continued discussions about Calvinist vs. Arminian visions of salvation.
My next installment for AT will include revealing some of the specific myths and realities about Arminian Theology according to Professor Olson.
With that, I am…
Peter
(originally posted 7/26/06)
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