Rating: 
Summary: Every Christian Should Read This
Review: "For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but wanting to have their ears tickled, they will accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance to their own desires, and will turn away their ears from the truth and will turn aside to myths."- 2 Timothy 4: 3-4These words of Paul have proven to be increasingly prophetic in out time. This is particularly demonstrated in these very reviews in one from a reader in Atlanta. We need to quick subjecting the Bible to our own wretched biases and let it speak for itself. I spent many years locked in the prison of an arminian/open view of God. Then, one day when reading Romans 9, I couldn't lie to myself any longer. This book has since helped me to have a complete grasp on the biblical God, and my life has been all the more enriched. We are living in a world where we have no knowledge of scripture and where we have no knowledge of theology. We want "spirituality" without truly striving to grasp the awesome totality of the Holy God. Whatever happened to loving God with all our minds? If you want to hold onto your worldview, don't read this book. Go ahead and slander it, and you might as well slander John Calvin and all the other men(listed in another awesome review on this site) who lived and died on this passion. If you want to discover God in all His richness and love Him for who He is, let him speak to you through this book. Many thanks to R.C. Sproul for being used by God in writing this. May He bless you on your journey.
Rating:
Summary: The One Point of Calvinism - God's Grace
Review: As a member of Grace Community Church in Sun Valley (John MacArthur), I am blessed to be well taught when it comes to reformed theology. Still, I found R.C. Sproul's book to be a very clear and concise "refresher course" on both the history of Reformed Theology (part 1) and the 5 points of Calvanism (part 2). R.C. Sproul's book, Grace Unknown, is like the lense of a laser, bringing all the concepts of Reformed Theology into a clear and powerful focus. This book will be a tremendous help for those who have always had questions about concepts such as "Total Depravity", "Unconditional Election", and "Limited Atonement". It will also be helpful to those who question how or if God's sovereign election and man's "free will" can coexist. This is the best book on Theology I have read in a long time, and is well worth the short amount of time it will take to read.
Rating:
Summary: Amen and Amen!
Review: Dr. Sproul's book should be required reading in any seminary that considers itself to be theologically conservative. Whether you agree with him or not,(I do) he has penned an easy to read instruction manual on the "Doctrines of Grace". If you don't have a complete understanding of Reformed Theology or "Calvinism" you must read this book. As for anything else that can be said about the book, read the review by Thuyen Tran. To Brother Tran - Amen and Amen!
Rating:
Summary: I was wrong! Calvinism is true!
Review: I simply cannot believe it. I never thought it would happen. Lo and behold, I have become a 5-point Calvinist. Sproul presents a cogent argument for Reformed Theology (5-point Calvinism). Learn about the Sovereignty of God and the depravity of man. I discovered what Calvinism *was* through reading this book. What I *thought* Calvinism was, and what it really *was* were two different things. But Sproul made it crystal clear--and I'm convinced! To God ALONE be the glory! If you've ever wondered "What is Calvinism?" then you'll want to read this book. Even if you're not convinced, at least you'll have a good understanding of the doctrinal position.
Rating:
Summary: Reformed Theology-Grace Displayed
Review: In 'Grace Unknown', R.C.Sproul is concerned with answering the question, what is Reformed Theology? The first half of the book deals with 'The Foundations of Reformed Theology'. The five foundations are as follows: 1)Centered on God, 2)Based on God's Word Alone, 3)Commited to Faith Alone, 4)Devoted to the Prophet,Priest,and King and 5)Nicknamed Covenant Theology. The second half of the book gives a summary of 'The Doctrines of Grace' often referred to by the popular acrostic TULIP. Mr. Sproul never disappoints when it comes to analyzing terms that are used and how at times they can be misleading. For example, in the acrostic 'TULIP', the T stands for Total Depravity. Total Depravity is often thought to be utter depravity, which would mean that a person is as wicked as he could be. The author writes on p.118 ,"The term Total Depravity... refers to the effect of sin and corruption on the whole person." He then suggests that a better term to use might be radical corruption. Mr. Sproul's extensive knowledge of church history as it relates to Reformed Theology will give the reader much help in understanding how Reformed Theology and "The Church of Rome" differ. Historic Protestantism views the Bible as the only source of infallible revelation. Whereas the Roman Catholic Church has taught historically that there are two sources of infallible special revelation: scripture and church tradition. If you need or would like an answer to the question "What is Reformed Theology?",it would be difficult to find a more clear and concise answer to that important question than is found in the book "Grace Unknown".
Rating: 
Summary: Very systematic
Review: R.C. Sproul has written an excellent book on what is Reformed theology. I expected an exposition of "TULIP", but a section on theology in general and a section on the foundations of Reformed theology were added for good measure. THEOLOGY - the study of God, not of religion. Sproul outlines the differences between theology, whhich studies God, and anthropology, which studies what different groups think about God or their gods. Scripture, history, and nature should inform our study of God (although certainly not with equal weight). 5 FOUNDATIONS - Sproul's 5 foundations are CENTERED ON GOD, BASED ON GOD'S WORD ALONE, COMMITTED TO FAITH ALONE, DEVOTED TO JESUS CHRIST, and STRUCTURED BY THREE COVENANTS. These are not meant to be unique to the Reformed tradition but to explain the basis for Reformed beliefs. Many groups of Christians share some of these foundations. 5 BELIEFS - The 5 elements of the famous Reformed acrostic: TOTAL DEPAVITY, UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION, LIMITED ATONEMENT, IRRESISTIBLE GRACE, and PRESERVATION OF THE SAINTS. Sproul investigates the meaning of each of these elements and the justification for them. Some space is also devoted to refuting the antithesis of each element. Frankly, I don't think anyone would come away converted on any point, but it does explain better what the Reformed believe on each point and some tangential issues. THE GOOD: the book is put togther simply, the arguments are simple, and there are simple illustrations. Conceivably, this is targeted towards people who know a little about the Reformed tradition but aren't opposed to it. It would qualify as a good introduction. THE BAD: Sproul's book has some shortcomings. First, there is not much space devoted to the development of TULIP, so the reader is not as well educated on the topic. The Armenian position is not taken seriously; I don't expect him to agree or to concede points, but I expected it to be addressed more. Finally, there is no conclusion or summary; "P" gets wrapped up and that's it. I felt as if I were left hanging. Finally, I just finished John Macarthur's "The Gospel According to Jesus," and I was spoiled by his extensive footnoting. Sproul's complete lack of footnotes, such as when quoting Augustine, disappointed me. I like knowing that I can look up a quote or reference if I wish to. In summary, this is a good introduction, but read something meatier if you already know TULIP.
Rating:
Summary: Very systematic
Review: R.C. Sproul has written an excellent book on what is Reformed theology. I expected an exposition of "TULIP", but a section on theology in general and a section on the foundations of Reformed theology were added for good measure. THEOLOGY - the study of God, not of religion. Sproul outlines the differences between theology, whhich studies God, and anthropology, which studies what different groups think about God or their gods. Scripture, history, and nature should inform our study of God (although certainly not with equal weight). 5 FOUNDATIONS - Sproul's 5 foundations are CENTERED ON GOD, BASED ON GOD'S WORD ALONE, COMMITTED TO FAITH ALONE, DEVOTED TO JESUS CHRIST, and STRUCTURED BY THREE COVENANTS. These are not meant to be unique to the Reformed tradition but to explain the basis for Reformed beliefs. Many groups of Christians share some of these foundations. 5 BELIEFS - The 5 elements of the famous Reformed acrostic: TOTAL DEPAVITY, UNCONDITIONAL ELECTION, LIMITED ATONEMENT, IRRESISTIBLE GRACE, and PRESERVATION OF THE SAINTS. Sproul investigates the meaning of each of these elements and the justification for them. Some space is also devoted to refuting the antithesis of each element. Frankly, I don't think anyone would come away converted on any point, but it does explain better what the Reformed believe on each point and some tangential issues. THE GOOD: the book is put togther simply, the arguments are simple, and there are simple illustrations. Conceivably, this is targeted towards people who know a little about the Reformed tradition but aren't opposed to it. It would qualify as a good introduction. THE BAD: Sproul's book has some shortcomings. First, there is not much space devoted to the development of TULIP, so the reader is not as well educated on the topic. The Armenian position is not taken seriously; I don't expect him to agree or to concede points, but I expected it to be addressed more. Finally, there is no conclusion or summary; "P" gets wrapped up and that's it. I felt as if I were left hanging. Finally, I just finished John Macarthur's "The Gospel According to Jesus," and I was spoiled by his extensive footnoting. Sproul's complete lack of footnotes, such as when quoting Augustine, disappointed me. I like knowing that I can look up a quote or reference if I wish to. In summary, this is a good introduction, but read something meatier if you already know TULIP.
Rating:
Summary: Good Basic Primer on Covenant Theology
Review: RC's book on Covenant Theology is a good starting place for an overview of the covenantal view of redemptive history. It is not written with the theologian in mind, but is a solid primer for laymen interested in viewing scripture in a systematic manner. The reader from Atlanta who reviewed this book is so confused, it is astounding. He states things as if an authority, but his ignorance is apparent to any casual reader of history. First of all the thought that the theology unfortunately known as Calvinism began in the 15th century is categorically false. Augustine is just one of numerous early church fathers who held this view of redemption. And to call Calvin a murderous lunatic is a ridiculous revision of history.
Rating:
Summary: Biblical Theology Explained
Review: Sproul has written a fairly approachable explanation of God's sovereignty and our means of salvation. Where legitimate controversy exists both arguments are presented, and the reformed conclusion is explained. The whole of the Bible is considered, not just a few "proof texts" (as our Arminian brothers are fond of quoting) and Sproul does a good job of making involved reasoning clear.
Rating:
Summary: What is Calvinism - or TULIP
Review: There may be no subject in Christiandom that is more misunderstood by the average church-goer than Calvinism or TULIP. It is sad to see so many who reject Calvinism based upon such wrong information. In this book, Dr. Sproul helps the reader understand the key issues of the Reformation and walks you through the so-called 5 points of Calvinism - Total Depravity, Unconditional election, Limited atonement, Irresistable grace and Perseverence of the Saints. Dr. Sproul not only unfolds the historic meaning of these doctrines but explains how they have been misunderstood. This book is longer and more developed than his earlier "Chosen by God." In the earlier work he was dealing with election in particular. In this work he tackles a broader set of related issues. As always, Dr. Sproul is gracious and instructive even for those who disagree with him. The positions he rejects, he deals with Christian grace and love. He has the ability to instruct not only those how agree but also those who disagree. If you want to know the real meaning of Calvinsim or TULIP - regardless of your accepting it or not, you will profit from reading this book.
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