Debating Calvinism: Five Points, Two Views

This book was a great read for understanding the opposing sides of those who are for and against Calvinism. Dave Hunt was definitely not the best pick for the opponent of Calvinism, but White does an outstanding job of conveying his exegesis of scripture. Although Hunt's arguments are full of ad hominem arguments and rabbit trails, Hunt at least proposes some misconceptions that White is...more

This book was a great read for understanding the opposing sides of those who are for and against Calvinism. Dave Hunt was definitely not the best pick for the opponent of Calvinism, but White does an outstanding job of conveying his exegesis of scripture. Although Hunt's arguments are full of ad hominem arguments and rabbit trails, Hunt at least proposes some misconceptions that White is competently able to refute. I would still recommend this book to anyone interested in learning the opposing views of Calvinism and also encourage the reader to examine the scriptures presented in the book to better contextualize the excerpts used in the book.   hide

Terrible! it's like watching 2 kids bicker and fight. Dislike books that have a hidden personal agenda and un-Christlike attitudes. I do look forward to James White's "The Potter's Freedom" though.

James White was good. It is clear that Dave Hunt believes that defeating Calvinism is more important than honesty.

veryyyyy controversial stuff

And if any man hear my words, and believe not, I judge him not: for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world....I haven't completed this book, but scripture speaks for itself. What's to debate? Jesus died for everyone, not just a select few. Hell is not his will for anyone.

Great read for an introduction to Calvinism and how it contrasts with the Armenian viewpoint.

James White is awesome in this debate as he stays on point and refuses to chase red herrings.

This book is a debate between two gentlemen, one of which is a Calvinist and the other an Arminian. Half of this book was good, and half was bad. The half that was good was the chapters written by James White (the Calvinist). In his chapters he actually tried to deal with what the Scriptures say and put it into the Calvinistic framework. For instance, how could it have been God's...more

This book is a debate between two gentlemen, one of which is a Calvinist and the other an Arminian. Half of this book was good, and half was bad. The half that was good was the chapters written by James White (the Calvinist). In his chapters he actually tried to deal with what the Scriptures say and put it into the Calvinistic framework. For instance, how could it have been God's good will and plan from all eternity for Jesus to be crucified, yet Judas still be guilty and accountable for the most heinous sin in human history? However, Dave Hunt (the semi-Arminian) ends up resorting to the ad-hominem argument. In fact, his entire first argument (in the second section of the book) is entirely about how bad Calvin and the Reformers were, therefore, their theology must be completely wrong. However, even if they were bad people, it is completely irrelevant to the debate. So to resort to that sort of argumentation is dishonest and insulting to the reader. Whether you enjoy the books of Dave Hunt or not, I think it is obvious in reading this book that a REAL Arminian scholar should have been picked (like Jack Cottrell or Thomas Oden).   hide

A very fiery debate over Calvinism. It is a shame that the person who was critiquing Calvinism (Dave Hunt) wasn't a more highly recognised theologian. I'm not convinced Hunt was the right person for this job. Would have loved someone coming from Open Theism view to debate with White (the proponent of Calvinism). Still, it is an enjoyable read but it is essential that the...more

A very fiery debate over Calvinism. It is a shame that the person who was critiquing Calvinism (Dave Hunt) wasn't a more highly recognised theologian. I'm not convinced Hunt was the right person for this job. Would have loved someone coming from Open Theism view to debate with White (the proponent of Calvinism). Still, it is an enjoyable read but it is essential that the reader think critically and carefully, not assuming that either author is representing Scripture accurately. Definitely worth a read, though.   hide