What would be suggested Non Calvinist Systematic theology readings then?

[JesusFan]

Having over the years read likes of Calvin, Erickson, Grudem et all, what would be their equivalent among non Calvinist Christians theology writers, something like the ST of a Norman Geisler?

 

[DaveXR650]

There is no equivalent but I would recommend John Wesley's Teachings, arranged by John Oden. Arminius Speaks, edited by John Wagner. Arminian and Baptist by J. Matthew Pinson. The Quest for Truth by F. Leroy Forlines. St. Paul's Catechism by Thomas Grantham.
That would get you started.

 

[Deacon]

I get as much enjoyment searching for a book as I do when I finally get it.

My recent favorite is Foundations of Evangelical Theology, [Logos link] a nine volume, up-to-date Systematic Theology that is enjoyably readable and quite complete.

I found that it was easier on my budget to get each volume individually as I read it, allowing time to absorb cushion the cost. (My favorite is Light in a Dark Place; The Doctrine of Scripture, by John S. Feinberg (Calvinist)

The authors of the volumes are of mixed theological background, so while some come from a Calvinist background, others... not so much.

~~~~~~~~~~

The obvious next choice would be Normal Geisler's Four Volume Systematic Theology [Logos link], (also recently released in an affordable PB - February 14, 2025)
Or there's a single-volume condensed version (2021)
You probably already have it though.



I'm unfamiliar with these below but they fit the description:

--- F. Leroy Fortunes, The Quest for Truth: Answering Life's Inescapable Questions (2001) is a theology textbook of the Free-Will Baptists.

--- Adam Harwood, Christian Theology: Biblical, Historical, and Systematic. Bellingham, WA: Lexham Academic, 2022. An anti-Calvinist systematic theology textbook in the Southern Baptist Convention.


Rob

 

[DaveXR650]

I'm unfamiliar with these below but they fit the description:

--- F. Leroy Fortunes, The Quest for Truth: Answering Life's Inescapable Questions (2001) is a theology textbook of the Free-Will Baptists.

(F. Leroy Forlines) Yes. This book is excellent and whether you are a Calvinist and are wanting to see the other view or if you are not a Calvinist and want an articulate source of support for arguing against Calvinism this book is good. And he is fair and kind throughout the book and you will not be offended no matter where you stand.

Plus. He has a lot on world views in modern times and how to deal with that. A little like Schaeffer.

 

[Deacon]

I've got Harwood's ST text on my wishlist.
It's going to be a while before I get it .... I just picked up two books last week that will require lots of mental energy to wade through.

Just yesterday an older, combative, mildly confused acquaintance/friend brought up the subject of infant death in our group study.
My answer revolved around trusting the character of God.

>God is just.
>>We can trust that he will do what's right.
>>>More than that we can only make guesses.

Well, Harwood wrote a book back in 2011 called, "The Spiritual Condition of Infants: A biblical-historical survey and systematic proposal."
I never bought that book, but I am interested and wonder how his thoughts on the matter have developed over the years.

“For those readers who have been reading through this book waiting for a declarative statement on the spiritual condition of infants, here it is: Infants are sin-stained, not guilty. Infants are not sinless because they inherit a sinful nature. But infants are not guilty because God judges our thoughts, attitudes, and actions, not our nature.”

Rob

​

 

[DaveXR650]

Just yesterday an older, combative, mildly confused acquaintance/

I read that and thought, "Does he know me"?

 

[JesusFan]

(F. Leroy Forlines) Yes. This book is excellent and whether you are a Calvinist and are wanting to see the other view or if you are not a Calvinist and want an articulate source of support for arguing against Calvinism this book is good. And he is fair and kind throughout the book and you will not be offended no matter where you stand.

Plus. He has a lot on world views in modern times and how to deal with that. A little like Schaeffer.

What I have noticed in many theology series, such as by Geisler and Erickson, they will portray themselves as "moderates", as holding to 2/3 points of doctrines of grace, and tend to say 5 pointers are hyper cals, yet 5 pointers are really just Calvinists

 

[Van]

As for Non-Calvinist writers, I recommend Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, plus Peter and Paul.

 

[DaveXR650]

What I have noticed in many theology series, such as by Geisler and Erickson, they will portray themselves as "moderates", as holding to 2/3 points of doctrines of grace, and tend to say 5 pointers are hyper cals, yet 5 pointers are really just Calvinists

Yes. But keep in mind that many hyper-cals are 5 pointers. I personally would not really consider myself a Calvinist. However; I love the Puritans and as far as theology goes, anyone who believes in a true offer of the gospel such that anyone who comes will be saved I have no problems with. That would include the greats like John Owen and Jonathan Edwards, both who clearly and explicitly taught that.

 

[JesusFan]

As for Non-Calvinist writers, I recommend Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, plus Peter and Paul.

They would deny that!

 

[JesusFan]

Yes. But keep in mind that many hyper-cals are 5 pointers. I personally would not really consider myself a Calvinist. However; I love the Puritans and as far as theology goes, anyone who believes in a true offer of the gospel such that anyone who comes will be saved I have no problems with. That would include the greats like John Owen and Jonathan Edwards, both who clearly and explicitly taught that.

Yes, all are 5 pointers, but point was that Hyper cals small minority, not as majority who are "normal Calvinists", but many none cals lump both together