Killing Calvinism by Greg Dutcher

Calvinism is “in” right now, but Dutcher is concerned. If we don't live our Calvinism, he writes, “we might just kill it.” (10)

He gives eight ways we squander Calvinism:

by loving Calvinism as an end in itself,

by becoming a theologian rather than a disciple,

by loving God's sovereignty more than loving God himself,

by losing an urgency in evangelism,

by learning only from other Calvinists,

by tidying up the Bible's “loose ends,”

by being an arrogant know-it-all,

by scoffing at the hang-ups others have with Calvinism.

Dutcher reminds us that, above all, we are to be faithful to Scripture. We must be sure our theology is rooted in Scripture, not some favorite author.

I'm a Calvinist through and through. I think it is the theological system that most closely aligns with Scripture truth. Is it perfect? No. No human system of theology can be. Dutcher writes, “When we refuse to let our theology dictate Scripture, we are free to live with larges doses of paradox.” (75)

To keep ourselves in perspective, he writes, “Everyday I ask God to show me how lost I would be without him.” (91)

Every Calvinist could benefit from reading this slim volume.

Cruciform Press, 111 pages.