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John Calvin Goes to Berkley: An Unusual Twist in the Calvinist-Arminian Debate: A Book Note by Peter Lumpkins

Student minister, James G. McCarthy, who’s served on five university campuses (including Berkeley) has authored four books, the last of which is his first novel, John Calvin Goes to Berkeley. Being the first in the University Christian Fellowship Series, this volume was published by City Christian Press, San Jose, California, 2010. The plot centers around five students who are a part of the University Christian Fellowship Bible studies. Peace reigns in the fellowship until the inevitable issue surfaces concerning predestination. Then, division becomes deeply embedded, and the only solution is... Read more →

Calvinists and their Caricatures by Peter Lumpkins

A favorite Calvinist author of mine is R.C. Sproul. Hardly a surprise since Sproul is a hot author in Christian literature today. Indeed he may be one of the most influential Calvinists among Southern Baptists. For example, The 2010 T4G has Sproul on the platform (as did the ‘06 and ‘08 conferences). And, I’m certain many Calvinists with whom I converse have him on their shelves for I hear Sproul loud and clear in many conversations I have with Calvinists. I own virtually all of Sproul’s books. And, throughout the... Read more →

Calvinism & Controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention

The Building Bridges Conference at Ridgecrest Conference Center November 26-28 stirred but the slightest denominational dust among Southern Baptists. But why should it? Billed as a venue to understand better the differences between Calvinism and NonCalvinism, the conference hoped to bury the theological hatchet between the sides of good and the sides of the not-so-good (each side of which is interpreted by its dedicated adherents). Or, if not bury the hatchet, at least put it on the shelf for a while. It's time to stop hacking to pieces our Baptist... Read more →

John Goodwin: A Puritan Rejection of Particular Redemption

Educated at Queen's College, Cambridge, John Goodwin (1593-1665) served successively as rector of East Rainham, Norfolk (1625-1633) and vicar of Saint Stephen's, London (1633-1645) >>> Goodwin was a prolific writer and stirred more than his share of controversies in his day. In a work entitled, Bone for a Bishop, he argued against the divine right of Kings, a dissent of which he could have been hanged. Yet Goodwin tirelessly advocated many radical causes including the army's purge of Parliament (1648) and the execution of Charles I in 1649. He firmly... Read more →

SBC & Dortian Calvinism: The Waning of a View

Recently, Dr. James Leo Garrett, Southern Baptist theologian and statesman, penned a series of articles for The Alabama Baptist on Calvinism in the Southern Baptist Convention. Professor Garrett handled the issue both handsomely and fairly. There were some predictable responses from Calvinist interpreters. All in all, however, the public response remained laudable. The Baptist Courier hosted an earlier series on Calvinism penned by a Calvinist. That series too is very good and the Courier is to be thanked... >>> In addition, if you're interested in a great two-part series on... Read more →

Ascol on Garrett on Calvinism in The Alabama Baptist, Pt. 2

James Leo Garrett Jr. is distinguished professor of theology, emeritus, at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. Recently, he penned a six-part series in the paper of the Alabama Baptist Convention >>> Several have already weighed in on Professor Garrett's series--Timmy Brister as well as historian Dr. Michael Haykin. I chose to follow Tom Ascol at Founders Ministries, since Founders is the flagship for the Calvinist resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention. Dr. Haykin offers a mild but scholarly primer, worthy of spawning healthy dialog, definitely worth your... Read more →

Ascol on Garrett on Calvinism in the Alabama Baptist, Pt. 1

Bob Terry, Editor of The Alabama Baptist, writes: " This week, The Alabama Baptist attempts what many believe impossible. We offer our readers an in-depth look into the theological understandings often called Calvinism." Not surprising is that Dr. Tom Ascol of Founders Ministries decided to offer his critique of Dr. Garrett's series. Hence, since Dr. Ascol's current post is on Garrett on Calvinism in the Alabama Baptist, I thought it worth my time to post a short piece on Ascol on Garrett on Calvinism in the Alabama Baptist. Read more →

Does Being Sick Imply Moral Inability?

Luke Liechty writes an interesting piece on moral ability vs. moral inability on his blog, Search Me O God >>> The essay entitled, The Healing Miracles of Jesus, combs out the implications Jesus' miracles--particularly, the miraculous healing of the man born blind as recorded in John 9.1ff--toward the way we understand coming to Christ. It's definitively worth a close reading. Thanks Luke, for your insight. With that, I am... Peter Read more →

Free Will's Reality; Free Will's Illusion: Coffee Anyone?

I took a class in ethical theory some years back taught by the late, Professor John Feinberg* >>> Dr. Feinberg was a brilliant theologian in the Calvinist tradition and an accomplished Christian philosopher. His works on both ethics and systematic theology are still widely read and used by seminaries across the world. As a side note, Professor Feinberg was, in stature, a dainty little man who came to class wearing a ball cap, plaid shirt and suspenders. Seeing him outside the academic setting, no one could possibly guess this man's... Read more →

Sovereignty and Free Will: Do the Twain Agree?

In my last post, I simply raised the question whether both Calvinism and NonCalvinism embraced God's sovereignty. And, while I affirmed the proposition, nevertheless we experienced some healthy discussion about it >>> Today, I'd like to spread a little more butter on the bread if I may. Let's consider this: assuming it's true that God is sovereign and human freedom exists, what does human freedom look like in everyday decision-making? Here Calvinists and NonCalvinists typically offer different answers to precisely how God can be sovereign and human beings can be... Read more →

Sandy Creek Revisited: A Critique: Final Chapter

Today I continue with the review of “Sandy Creek Revisited” the latest issue of Founders Journal. Dr. Tom Ascol, Founders Journal Editor, hailed this issue as a fresh new look at Sandy Creek and one that would offer some ground-breaking analysis for us to consider...>>> Before I begin, I want to say two things: first, I do not want this site to just deal with historical issues. For my part, history stands crucially significant for us as we sift through who we are as persons, as societies and, yes, even... Read more →

Sandy Creek Revisited: a Critique by Peter Lumpkins

For the next few posts, I intend to offer a brief critique of the latest Founders Journal entitled "Sandy Creek Revisited." Editor, Dr. Tom Ascol, writes of this issue that: "It analyzes aspects of the Sandy Creek tradition in fresh ways. Tom Nettles has an excellent article on Shubal Stearns that is taken from volume 2 of his work on The Baptists. Gene Bridges also has a ground-breaking article on the sociological differences between the "Charlestonians" and "Sandy Creekers." This is one issue that you will want to have on... Read more →

Jesse Mercer and the Separate Baptists

My last post concluded that Doctor Jesse Mercer stands one heck of a Baptist in not only Georgia history but also in Southern Baptist history. We saw how Mercer's capable leadership handled potentially devastating circumstances when dealing with debates over Election and Predestination. These debates were common both prior to and after the Southern Baptist Convention was formed in 1845, an historical phenomenon our Founders brothers appear to ignore >>> History reveals for us that the first Baptist church in the state of Georgia was organized in 1771 (or 1772)... Read more →

Doctor Jesse Mercer: One Heck of a Baptist

Jesse Mercer (1769-1841) was a key Baptist leader in the state of Georgia. Standing taller than perhaps all others during his day, he strategized the forming of the Georgia Baptist Convention, played a key role in establishing Mercer University and purchased "The Christian Index" and gave it to Georgia Baptists for promotional purposes. Dr. Mercer generously supported missions as well as served as a missionary himself. In addition, he pastored several churches and planted at least one--The First Baptist Church, Washington, GA...>>> Below is a single snapshot that nicely serves... Read more →

Keith Schooley on Regeneration

Keith Schooley at The Schooley Files writes a series on regeneration that is well worth your time to explore. Presently he is in John 3, examining the dialogue between Jesus and Nicodemis. Do not fail to follow his links to similar posts he's published on Election, Predestination and Calvinism. With that, I am... Peter Read more →

Are Baptists Calvinists? by Peter Lumpkins

Many of our Calvinist brothers often assume that Southern Baptists possess really only one "official" heritage--Calvinism. Inevitably quoting as evidence The 1689 London Confession, The 1742 Philadelphia Confession or, as Dr. Timothy George asserts in our former post, that Southern Baptists' "earliest confession" is The Abstract of Principles, composed specifically for Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1859, Calvinists assure us the truth of their claim stands beyond question >>> Hence, Calvinists, in my view, appear to wash the sink of any historic trace of significant non-Calvinism in Southern Baptists' earlier... Read more →

Divine Permission: Sproul vs. Calvin

Surely, one of the most popular Reformed authors today is R.C. Sproul. I first began to read Sproul in the early 80s when I saw him on a John Ankerberg television show. I have devoured his taped lectures on Philosophy, Ethics, Theology and Biblical themes. Having read most of his books--many more than once--I cannot underestimate the impact he has had on me, especially in the turbulent years when, as a young theological student, I was trying to wade through debates about the Bible, Inerrancy and Authority, Neo-orthodoxy and Conservativism...>>>... Read more →

Professor Roger Olson: Final Interview

Today , I offer the final installment on the interview series with Dr. Roger Olson, Professor of Theology, Truett Theological Seminary, Waco, TX. We talked in this final section on many issues raised in his latest book, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. I trust your understanding of Arminiansim has deepened as a result. Let's begin: Do you think the historic debate between God’s Sovereignty and human Free Will is where emphasis should be placed in discussions between Calvinists and Arminians, or are there other more significant discussions to pursue? Well,... Read more →

Professor Roger Olson: An Interview Part 3

Today, we continue our Interview with Dr. Roger Olson, Professor of Theology, Truett Theology Seminary, Waco, Texas. This is part three of a four part series. Professor Olson is both an accomplished theologian in the Arminian tradition as well as a renowned historian of Christian Theology. His many books include The Story of Christian Theology, Who Needs Theology?, The Mosaic of Christian Belief, 20th-Century Theology, Pocket History of Theology, and under discussion today, his latest book, Arminianism: Myths and Realities. Welcome Dr. Olson... Professor, what does Classic Arminianism teach concerning... Read more →

Professor Roger Olson: An Interview Part Two

Dr. Olson, in the Introduction to Arminian Theology: Myths & Realities, you write: “The thesis of this book is that Arminianism is at a disadvantage in this controversy because it is so rarely understood and so commonly misinterpreted both by its critics and its supposed defenders.” But Dr. Olson, I hear so often that Arminianism is rampant in America’s pulpit--usually by Calvinist apologists. What do you make of that? Well, it’s a misunderstanding. What’s rampant in America’s pulpit and pews are not Arminians but semi-Pelagians. But what has happened is... Read more →

Professor Roger Olson: An Interview

Finally! The post many have been anticipating. Today I begin a series of four posts of a formal interview with Professor Roger Olson concerning his newest book Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. New Testament scholar Scot McKnight is presently doing a review series definitely worth your time. I also reviewed Olson's Arminian Theology elsewhere >>> I chose to break up the interview into bite-sized chunks offering, I believe, more opportunity for interaction. I must express my gratitude to Dr. Olson for allowing me this interview and giving permission to post... Read more →

Attacks on Dr. Jerry Vines by Peter Lumpkins

I listened to Dr. Jerry Vines’ message entitled “The Baptist and His Election” preached at First Baptist Church,Woodstock,GA last Sunday evening. He stated that his Pastor, Dr. Johnny Hunt, had asked him to address the issue for their church. Dr. Vines was self-admittedly out of his norm—he read his sermon rather than extemporaneously delivered it >>> Dr. Vines is a key figure in Southern Baptist life. He remains an icon of the Conservative Resurgence within the SBC having been elected President of the convention, 1988-90. Before moving to First Baptist... Read more →

1 John 2.2: The Strange Silence of Calvinist Exegesis

...Keith Schooley offers a great follow up to my two posts on 1 John 2.2 over at The Schooley Files... Read more →

The Sacrifice That Atones: A Brief Study of 1 John 2.2 Revisited

John writes: “He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only for ours but the sins of all the world” (1 John 2.2 NLT). In order to better grasp this verse, let’s consider a brief background of the Elder’s first little letter. Undoubtedly written by an eye witness of Jesus (1.1-4), most scholars seemingly attest to a date for it in the mid to late nineties A.D. And, though some have questioned whether John the Apostle penned it, Guthrie is surely right to insist “ it must... Read more →

The Sacrifice That Atones: A Short Study in 1 John 2.2

One of the clearest expressions in Scripture pertaining to the infinite worth of Christ’s sacrifice is found in the Apostle of Love’s first little letter. He writes: “He Himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only for our sins but the sins of all the world” (2.2 NLT). This post is meant not to be an exhaustive exposition of this text. Rather, my desire is to allow the Word of God to simply speak for itself through honest evaluation of the text sufficiently showing John’s basic intent... Read more →

Why People Are Eternally Condemned by Peter Lumpkins

At risk of reductionism stands the one who attempts as do I in this little post to capture in one simple thought the essence of a complex idea. Yet, I fail to hesitate because, at least from whence I presently observe, there exists two Biblical perspectives of inequitable weight which attempt to answer the age old question pertaining to the eternal condemnation of the wicked. One we may call the Calvinist perspective and the other we may call the non-Calvinist perspective >>> Furthermore, it seems to me that, while each... Read more →

Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities: A Review: Final Installment

Just a note before I offer my final installment on Professor Olson’s forthcoming volume, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities, scheduled to be released in October, 2006 by IVP Academic. On my first post for this book, I mentioned that a possible interview with Dr. Olson was in the works. That now seems a reality! It has been confirmed. Thus, within the next three weeks, expect a posting of that interview >>> A major strength of the book, from my perspective is the way Olson laid out the message of Arminianism.... Read more →

Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities: A Review: Part Two

In Professor Olson’s forthcoming work, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities (AT), the purpose is not to defend Arminianism against centuries’ worth of assaults. Rather, Dr. Olson candidly says he wishes his work to be a true opening exposition to Arminian theology. He writes >>> The affirmations of Arminianism…form the backbone of this book. Even though reasons why Arminians are not Calvinists will be provided, [AT] is not a polemic against Calvinism. Nor is it intended so much as a defense of Arminianism as a statement of true Arminian theology (p.43).... Read more →

Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities: A Review

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... Read more →