In my experience, relatively few books about theology are readable, interesting and balanced. Roger Olson's Arminian Theology is such a book. It addresses theological issues that many of us wrestle with, avoiding angels-on-the-head-of-a-pin debates in favor of grappling with more practical matters that will help us draw closer to God. To his credit, Olson gives fair treatment to both sides of the Calvinist-Arminian divide in the hope of leading us to God's truth, rather than choosing one side or the other in this centuries-old, man-made theological debate.
Let's admit it, although many Americans hold a variety of Arminian views - usually without knowing it - Arminianism is the ugly cousin of Calvinism in modern America. Olson admits to being Arminian upfront, and states his goal of clearing up confusion about classical Arminian theology, without disparaging the Reformed perspective. He does a wonderful job of maintaining balance and respect for the two approaches.
Early in the book, Olson provides a brief history of the Arminian position. (Note: Arminianism is not the same as semi-Pelagianism, which is a heretical perspective.) He respectfully contrasts the Arminian perspective, popularized by Jacob Arminius, John Wesley and others, from the Reformed tradition, articulated by John Calvin, Ulrich Zwingli, and others. Having read a number of books about the differences, these discussions can be murky, but Olson keeps the pace moving and the tone civil, while expertly reflecting the important theological differences and similarities and retaining a high degree of readability.
The primary device Olson uses to inject sanity into the dialogue is an evaluation of ten "myths" about Arminianism. Those myths include the following notions:
- Arminian theology is the opposite of Calvinist (or Reformed) theology
- a hybrid version of the two perspectives is possible
- Arminianism is not a viable biblical position for evangelicals
- the foundation of the Arminian view is free will
- Arminians deny the sovereignty of God
- Arminianism is a human-centered theology
- Arminians reject grace
- Arminians do not believe in predestination
- they reject justification by grace alone, through faith alone
- all Arminians believe in the government theory of atonement
Without getting sucked into mind-numbing abstract arguments, or pulled off-track by alluring tangents, Olson convincingly concludes that Arminianism is "a legitimate evangelical theological option" that can be "just as biblically and theologically conservative" as the Reformed approach (pg. 242). He shows how so many of the criticisms of Arminianism and Calvinism are caricatures of each other. Keep in mind that no system of theology is perfect; these are human efforts to understand a complex God. By definition, they will fall short in comprehension and clarity
Many people probably wonder why they should read a book about theology instead of devoting that time and energy to reading the Bible. Of course, there is no book that is a substitute or replacement for the Bible. However, books like Arminian Theology can help us to better understand the meaning of God's Word for our lives. Theology is simply a tool to help biblical content come alive so that we can believe and integrate more fully. I found this book to be one of the best theological treatises in furthering my understanding of God and His scriptures.
The Christian body in America also struggles from a significant lack of unity. One of the major divisions is along theological lines. Although God has called us to unity, we have created points of separation, such as the Arminian and Reformed perspectives. Is facilitating such a division something you want to answer for to God? Can't we see these perspectives as human constructs designed to help us draw closer to Him, and to be enable us to be more like Him? If so, then it is important to recognize our personal limitations and imperfections while striving to love others, rather than seeking superiority over them. We may possess different interpretations of scripture, and we must be discerning in our beliefs and dialogue, but our job is not to judge others and their genuine efforts to move toward greater holiness.
Many true followers of Christ are Arminian; many are Calvinist. God loves them all. This book helped me to better understand the differences in perspective, and to appreciate the people and arguments on both sides of the debate.
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