Arminian Theology - by Roger E Olson (Paperback)

About the Book

Roger Olson sets forth classical Arminian theology and addresses the myriad misunderstandings and misrepresentations of it through the ages. For anyone interested in the Calvinist/Arminian debate, this irenic yet incisive book argues that classical Arminian theology has a rightful place in the evangelical church because of its deep roots within Reformational theology.

Book Synopsis

In this book, Roger Olson sets forth classical Arminian theology and addresses the myriad misunderstandings and misrepresentations of it through the ages. Irenic yet incisive, Olson argues that classical Arminian theology has a rightful place in the evangelical church because it maintains deep roots within Reformational theology, even though it maintains important differences from Calvinism.

Myths addressed include:

• Myth 1: Arminian Theology Is the Opposite of Calvinist/Reformed Theology
• Myth 2: A Hybrid of Calvinism and Arminianism Is Possible
• Myth 3: Arminianism Is Not an Orthodox Evangelical Option
• Myth 4: The Heart of Arminianism Is Belief in Free Will
• Myth 5: Arminian Theology Denies the Sovereignty of God
• Myth 6: Arminianism Is a Human-Centered Theology
• Myth 7: Arminianism Is Not a Theology of Grace
• Myth 8: Arminians Do Not Believe in Predestination
• Myth 9: Arminian Theology Denies Justification by Grace Alone Through Faith Alone
• Myth 10: All Arminians Believe in the Governmental Theory of the Atonement

Review Quotes

". . . a fine example of contemporary polemical theology at its best."

Daniel Castelo for Pneuma, 29, 2007

"Arminian Theology is a much-needed book, addressing many of the myths and caricatures about Arminianism that plague and muddle many contemporary theological discussions. Whether we advocate a particular theological perspective or not, it is imperative that we as Christians describe other theological perspectives with integrity, fairly and accurately. Dr. Olson is to be complimented for this excellent contribution."

Steve Lemke, Journal for Baptist Theology and Ministry, Fall 2013

"Arminian Theology should prove to be a seminal text in understanding the historical contours of Arminianism. It is an excellent starting point for anyone who wants to gain a cogent and perspicacious introduction to historical, evangelical Arminian theology."

Martin Povey, Stockport, Themelios 32/3, May 2007

"Although many of the personal and institutional animosities that used to mark relations between Calvinists and Arminians have become muted in recent years, the differences are still with us. The issues are alive because they concern matters of central importance to Christian faith. In this book Roger Olson gently and firmly corrects misunderstandings of Arminian theology that are often held by Calvinists--and Arminians! His deft expositions of the historical texts offer a significant contribution to the health of theological reflection and relationships. At the same time he demonstrates how to be irenic without adopting an empty tolerance that makes doctrine irrelevant to the church's life and mission."

Jonathan R. Wilson, Pioneer McDonald Professor of Theology, Carey Theological College

"I heartily recommend this book to all who wish to gain a true grasp of authentic Arminianism."

Mark DeVine, Midwestern Journal of Theology, 2008

"In this blockbuster of a book Roger Olson demonstrates that Arminian theology is faithfully Christian, faithfully Protestant and faithfully evangelical. He introduces his readers to a large world which many will never before have entered, the world of Arminian and Wesleyan theology, and even those familiar with this world will become more informed about it. In his contents page alone he provides more clarity on the contested issues in the Calvinism/Arminianism debate than many books on the subject. He methodically subverts many of the arguments that Calvinists routinely use against Arminian theology. This is Christian polemical theology at its best: massively informed, carefully and passionately argued, and friendly and courteous to the opposition. I recommend Arminian Theology enthusiastically, and I predict that, if it is read with the attentiveness it deserves, it will ratchet up the level of the American conversation on these issues."

Fisher Humphreys, Beeson Divinity School, Samford University

"Olson's book is highly reommended for those who want to understand the Arminian-Calvinist controversy better."

Andrew V. Snider, The Master's Seminary Journal, Spring 2009

"Olson's purpose is to clear the good Arminian name of false accusations and charges of heresy. . . . InterVarsity Press has given a new voice to an evangelical position which has been, for the most part, suppressed and misrepresented."

Vic Reasoner, The Arminian 25:1, Spring 2007

"Roger Olson recaptures Arminianism's original focus: pointing us to God's goodness rather than man's 'freed will.' This refreshing reappraisal should pave the way for better synergy between Reformed evangelicals and classical Arminians."

David Neff, editor, Christianity Today

"This is an extremely crucial work. It should be required reading for all students of theology. It is not a substitute for reading primary sources, but it is a helpful summary and introduction to the major issues."

Glenn R. Kreider, Dallas Theological Seminary, Criswell Theological Review 4/2, Spring 2007

About the Author

Roger E. Olson (PhD, Rice University) is professor of theology at George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is the author of The Story of Christian Theology: Twenty Centuries of Tradition Reform, The Mosaicof Christian Belief: Twenty Centuries of Unity Diversity and Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities (all InterVarsity Press).