Ten Myths About Calvinism

by Stewart, Kenneth J.

• ISBN13: 9780830838981
• ISBN10: 0830838988
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-03-01
• Publisher: Ivp Academic

Summary

Historian of Christianity Ken Stewart is intent on setting the record straight about Reformed theology. He identifies ten myths held by either or both Calvinists and non-Calvinists and shows how they are gross mischaracterizations of that theological stream. Certain of these persistent stereotypes that defy historical research often present a truncated view of the depth and breadth of the Reformed tradition. Others, although erroneous, are nevertheless used to dismiss outright this rich body of biblical theological teaching.Some key question Stewart explores in this provocative, informative and thoroughly researched book:Is the role reserved for John Calvin possibly exaggerated?Are there improper, as well as proper uses of the doctrine of predestination?To what extent is the popular acronym, T.U.L.I.P. a helpful device, and to what extent is it detrimental in encapsulating key doctrines?Should the Calvinist position towards movements of spiritual renewal be one of support, or one of suspicion?Didn't Calvinism more or less 'bring up the rear' in advancing the cause of world mission?Doesn't the Calvinist approach to Christianity encourage the belief that the redeemed will be saved irrespective of their conduct?Doesn't the Calvinist track-record show an at-best mixed legacy on critical issues such as race and gender relations?Hasn't the Calvinist concept of the church's role vis-à-vis the state tended toward theocracy?Isn't it true that Calvinistic expressions of Christianity have been a damper on the creative arts, whether the theater or painting or sculpture?This thoroughly researched book is sure to enrich both promoters and detractors, students and scholars.

Author Biography

Kenneth J. Stewart (Th.M., Westminster Theological Seminary; Ph.D., University of Edinburgh) is professor of theological studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. Stewart has written extensively on issues surrounding the Reformed faith. He is the author of Restoring the Reformation and served as joint editor for The Emergence of Evangelicalism.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	p. 9
Introduction: Why Pinpoint Ten Myths?	p. 11
Four Myths Calvinists Should Not Be Circulating (But Are)
One Man (Calvin) and One City (Geneva) Are Determinative	p. 21
Calvin's View of Predestination Must Be Ours	p. 45
TULIP is the Yardstick of the Truly Reformed	p. 75
Calvinists Take a Dim View of Revival and Awakening	p. 99
Six Myths Non-Calvinists Should Not Be Circulating (But Are)
Calvinism Is Largely Antimissionary	p. 123
Calvinism Promotes Antinomianism	p. 151
Calvinism Leads to Theocracy	p. 173
Calvinism Undermines the Creative Arts	p. 197
Calvinism Resists Gender Equality	p. 219
Calvinism Has Fostered Racial Inequality	p. 247
Recovering Our Bearings: Calvinism in the Twenty-First Century	p. 270
Appendix: The Earliest Known Reference to the TULIP Acronym	p. 291
Name Index	p. 293
Scripture Index	p. 301
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