Overview

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 questions 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? Ten Myths About Calvinism is sure to enrich both promoters and detractors, students and scholars.

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9780830838981

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Reviews

""A helpful overview of Calvinism, a reader is sure to absorb many historical tidbits and facts. Recommended."" --Christine Farenhorst, Christian Renewal, June 13, 2012 ""Kenneth J. Stewart demonstrates that confusion and misapprehension reign among adherents as much, if not more, than among outsiders and opponents. . . . I find Stewart's approach refreshing; it gives me hope that both sides can be self-critical and fair as they discuss their differences."" --Roger E. Olson, Christianity Today, May 2011 ""Kenneth Stewart has written a book that should be in the hands of every Reformed pastor and teacher, especially those identifying themselves as Calvinists. This is a very important and timely book."" --Charles Dunahoo, Coordinator for Christian Education, Presbyterian Church in America ""Stewart's book is a real help in recovering the fullness of what Calvinism means, encouraging us to have less of a party spirit and instead to pursue greater unity and forbearance."" --Alan D. Stranger, Mid-America Journal of Theology, Vol. 22, 2011 ""Stewart's complex retelling of the history of the Reformed movement exposes the diversity of its theology. He provides a more comprehensive understanding the very tradition that has both promoted and disproved these misinterpretations. The result of the author's careful research is a reference tool that Calvinists and non-Calvinists alike can use to prove what the Reformed tradition is, isn't, and might be. .. the dense text offers necessary perspective and self-criticism."" --Publishers Weekly, January 10, 2011 ""This is a book for which everyone interested in reformed theology, whether for it, against it, or simply thinking about it, would greatly benefit from reading."" --Robin Weekes, Churchman, Summer 2013

This work is insightful, illuminating, informative and fascinating. The breadth and depth of Stewart's historical research is impressive. The study aims to help Calvinists primarily, but it will be helpful to detractors wishing to be just in their criticisms. Four of the erroneous ideas Stewart identifies as myths are widely held by Calvinists themselves, and six of them are common among non-Calvinists. This well-informed exposition of controversial aspects of the history of Reformed theology and practice should foster profitable discussions among evangelicals of diverse traditions. --Terrance Tiessen, emeritus professor of systematic theology and ethics, Providence Theological Seminary

"""A helpful overview of Calvinism, a reader is sure to absorb many historical tidbits and facts. Recommended."" --Christine Farenhorst, Christian Renewal, June 13, 2012 ""Kenneth J. Stewart demonstrates that confusion and misapprehension reign among adherents as much, if not more, than among outsiders and opponents. . . . I find Stewart's approach refreshing; it gives me hope that both sides can be self-critical and fair as they discuss their differences."" --Roger E. Olson, Christianity Today, May 2011 ""Kenneth Stewart has written a book that should be in the hands of every Reformed pastor and teacher, especially those identifying themselves as Calvinists. This is a very important and timely book."" --Charles Dunahoo, Coordinator for Christian Education, Presbyterian Church in America ""Stewart's book is a real help in recovering the fullness of what Calvinism means, encouraging us to have less of a party spirit and instead to pursue greater unity and forbearance."" --Alan D. Stranger, Mid-America Journal of Theology, Vol. 22, 2011 ""Stewart's complex retelling of the history of the Reformed movement exposes the diversity of its theology. He provides a more comprehensive understanding the very tradition that has both promoted and disproved these misinterpretations. The result of the author's careful research is a reference tool that Calvinists and non-Calvinists alike can use to prove what the Reformed tradition is, isn't, and might be. .. the dense text offers necessary perspective and self-criticism."" --Publishers Weekly, January 10, 2011 ""This is a book for which everyone interested in reformed theology, whether for it, against it, or simply thinking about it, would greatly benefit from reading."" --Robin Weekes, Churchman, Summer 2013"

Author Information

Kenneth J. Stewart (PhD, University of Edinburgh) is professor of theological studies at Covenant College in Lookout Mountain, Georgia. His books include Ten Myths About Calvinism, Restoring the Reformation, and The Emergence of Evangelicalism. Stewart is a specialist in the history of Christianity from the Reformation to the present with special interest in the development of the evangelical Protestant tradition. He has contributed to reference works such as the Dictionary of Scottish Church History and Theology, The Blackwell Dictionary of Evangelical Biography, and the Encyclopedia of the Reformed Faith.

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