Deutero Q

What can I say about Dave Hunt's misinformed book on Calvinism? The word "terrible" is about as gracious as I can be in describing Hunt's What Love is This? Calvinism's Misrepresentation of God.

The book is one long, atrocious polemic that trots out tired cliches, straw men, facile arguments, and shoddy scholarship. Don't waste your time on this one, folks. If this is the best "anti-Calvinists" have to offer, there is nothing to fear! For an indepth review of Hunt's book, see especially Phil Johnson's review at: http://www.biblebb.com/files/MAC/SC03-1022CDNotes.htm

To my mind, Hunt's work represents yet another example of a pot being offended by the Potter (Romans 9:20-21). Like many of Jesus' followers long ago, many people today--including Hunt--reject the Lord's own teaching on the sovereignty of God in salvation (e.g., John 6:35-45) and instead conform Scripture to their presuppositional theology.

Calvinism is indeed the biblical gospel, and takes seriously the whole counsel of God, particularly the deadness of man in sin and the sovereignty of God in salvation.

On a personal note, as has been previously shared on this blog, I find myself moving away from fads, fluff, and man-centered teachings that characterize much of contemporary church life. I am rediscovering the deep well of Reformation theology (i.e., God-centered and God-glorifying theology), especially the doctrines of grace, the five solas, and other characteristics of Calvinism, which is but another name for biblical Christianity.

With its great emphasis on the sovereignty and glory of God, the invincibility of God's grace, the authority of Scripture, etc., Reformed theology has been cool, clear water for this thirsty soul.

In an era of superficial, fad-driven, and man-centered Christianity (of which Hunt's book is representative), the ancient paths are looking better all the time.

It is high time for those of us in the American church to get out of the "kiddie pool" and start swimming in the deeper waters of God!

For a much more solid and biblical treatment of salvation than is found in Hunt's work, I recommend R.C. Sproul's What is Reformed Theology and his Chosen By God. James White's The Potter's Freedom is also excellent. Of course, the best writing of all in this whole regard is Paul's glorious letter to the Romans!

The other book I have recently read (reread, actually) is Abraham Kuyper's great work, Lectures on Calvinism. One word describes Kuyper's work: Brilliant.

I have revisited Lectures On Calvinism on several occasions, and each time have come away with a greater regard for both Kuyper and Calvinism. To be sure, reading Kuyper's work has brought me to a place of greater awe for the Sovereign of this world and all worlds: The Triune God.

What a world of difference between Hunt's What Love is This? and Kuyper's Lectures on Calvinism. The latter soars, while the former sinks ... and stinks!