"Whosoever Will" Getting Good Press by Peter Lumpkins

As I posted late last week, Whosoever Will:  A Biblical-Theological Critique of Five-Point Calvinism edited by Drs. David Allen and Steve Lemke and published by B&H Publishing Group is already on backorder (//link). More good news is, 

reviews are beginning to come in with positive results.  The Southern Baptist TEXAN has two reviews, one by TEXAN correspondent, David Roach and the other by Editor, Gary Ledbetter (respectively here and here).

Of the volume overall, Ledbetter concludes:

“Some who read articles by members of the Founders’ movement or hear messages from the Calvinistic conferences I mentioned have frankly wondered if there are deep and scholarly responses to the arguments of Reformed Baptists. To me, these articles are a fine answer to the question”

And, of David Allen’s chapter on Limited Atonement, Ledbetter candidly describes:

“Co-editor David Allen’s article on limited atonement is scholarly, thorough, and devastating to the teaching that Christ died for only the few. His quotes from Calvinist scholars, including Jonathan Edwards, John Bunyan, and even John Calvin himself, while no substitute for biblical exegesis (also part of Allen’s chapter), certainly loosens the foundation of this doctrine”

Borrowing Ledbetter’s descriptor, I would add the devastating effect David Allen’s contribution alone poses for Founders theological historiography is yet to be realized.  Founders has insisted full Five-Point Calvinism is the only real Calvinism there is, either outside or inside the Southern Baptist Convention.  One may be Calvinistic but not Calvinist unless all five points are maintained (//link //link).

Another important albeit less publicized volume which critiques Founders' type Calvinism is by Dr. Kenneth Keathley, Professor of Theology and Dean of Graduate Studies at Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, the volume entitled Salvation & Sovereignty:  A Molinist Approach also published by B&H Publishing Group.  Check out the link at the top of this page (right sidebar). Dr. Keathley is furthermore a contributor to Whosoever Will.  

With that, I am...

Peter

Comments

[William Birch]

Thank you for this update. I have read only four chapters thus far. I hope to be interacting with the book next week on my blog. Good stuff. Founders beware ; )

[The Seeking Disciple]

Peter, have you heard of the book, NOT ONE LITTLE CHILD, by Michael Cox. I am currently reading the book. He is a SBC pastor in Oklahoma. The book is a book that is against Calvinism.

[peter]

I have not but will take a peek. Thanks for the tip, SD

With that, I am...
Peter

[Scott Morgan]

Peter,

While we disagree on the doctrine nicknamed Calvinism I have found in some areas we agree on. I don't view you as my enemy or would use language like ...Guys like Peter Lumpkins"Beware" like Mr. Birch mentioned about Founders. BTW, has Patterson ever commented on the statement/review he did of John Dagg's Manuel of Theology... He said if Baptists wants to know what early Baptists believed then they will find it in Dagg's book.... I have a copy on my shelf in my office...We clearly know that this early Southern Baptist theologian was a five point Calvinist so , have you or anyone on this blog ever asked Paige about his statement before. No sarcasm but serious.... Either he meant what he said years ago or he has changed. BTW, Patterson told me at a conference recently at North Metro First Baptist that he had no problem with wine in the Lord's Supper .... In your book on alcohol...I have not read it but I thought Patterson believed all alcohol consumption is sinful...Am I right about his view ?

BTW, I do enjoy reading your blog ! I have no desire anymore to fight with my fellow brothers however, we can be passionate about what we believe and do it with gentleness and I notice that you come across strong(Which is good) but with a Christlike spirit. I appreciate that !!