What Love Is This? Calvinism's Misrepresentation of God

Rating:
Summary: Finally the heresy of Calvinism EXPOSED!!!
Review: After getting involved in a Calvinist-type church a couple years ago (and not really knowing or understanding what I was getting involved with) and nearly having my faith destroyed by their Calvinist doctrine, I finally had to leave that church. Still, not quite knowing or understanding exactly why I had to leave, I just could not accept their Calvinist message. I floundered around for about a year reading all the books suppoting Calvinism that I could find to make some sense of this. They were all very confusing and illlogical.

After much study, I decided that Calvinism was wrong but could not put it into words. Then I found Dave Hunt's book! He put it all in perspective.

Calvinism changes words in the Bible to fit this awful doctrine. Did you know that "all" doesn't really mean "all", it means "the elect"?? What a joke! I feel like I'm dealing with Bill Clinton when he said "that depends on what the meaning of "is" is.

There is so much in this book! It finally put an end to my emotional distress and suffering about this awful doctrine.

Rating:
Summary: Finally the heresy of Calvinism EXPOSED!!!
Review: Although Hunt's treatise is intentionally adversarial, in order to make certain his portrayal of Calvinism was one of "accuracy and fairness", he sent copies of his preliminary manuscript to several reformed theologians (Hunt makes this point in the book).

One of these men was Tom Delnoce, a long-time friend of Hunt. Delnoce did reply with numerous concerns that the book does, in fact, contain numerous misrepresentations of Calvinistic teaching. Delnoce's concerns are available in the form of "open letters" to Dave Hunt and can be found (not surprisingly) at http://www.whatloveisthis.com.

Delnoce's problems lie not with the fact that Hunt presents Calvinism in a negative light, but that even after requesting (and receiving) feedback, the book went to press largely unchanged.

This, in Delnoce's mind, not only resulted in a book containing fallacious statements against his faith, but also casts a dark cloud on Hunt's claims toward "fairness and accuracy".

All this to say that anyone desiring a fuller picture of the book, "What Love is This?", will want to peruse the web site by the same name.

God bless.

Rating:
Summary: Repetitive, Derivative, But Raises Classic Issues
Review: As a person involved with a Calvinist on-line forum, I became nettled by the numerous derogatory comments being made about Dave Hunt's new book. I decided to buy and read it for myself, rather than depend on other people's readings of other people's reviews.

Calvinists claim that Dave Hunt is "ignorant" of Calvinism. This implies complete ignorance. Mr. Hunt understands Calvinism adequately, although at a freshman level. Militant Calvinists commonly throw the charge of ignorance at anyone who disagrees with the system. Hunt's understanding of it Calvinism...merely adequate. His summaries are fair.

There is no Greek or Hebrew exegesis to speak of.

Mr. Hunt uses a naturalistic, Pelagian free-will argument that has long been refuted by Total Depravity (he seems to have never heard of the idea of prevenient grace).

Hunt has been strafed for mis-stating Charles Spurgeon's views on the extent of Christ's atonement. Hunt is in clear error regarding Spurgeon. He zigs and zags on Spurgeon throughout the book, beginning by claiming that Spurgeon didn't believe in any mode of limited atonement (which is absurd, considering Spurgeon was a Reformed Baptist), then ends with the assessment that Spurgeon was often self-contradictory. This latter opinion is more plausible -- some Calvinists of Spurgeon's own day felt the same way. Calvin himself was similarly ambiguous and self-contradictory about the extent of the atonement, so Hunt's confusion about Spurgeon on this topic is not surprising.

There is a very long historical section detailing Calvin's abuse of anyone in Geneva who disagreed with him. This entire collection of chapters is irrelevant. I have no wish to defend Calvin, and consider him to have acted as reprehensibly as any other persecutor of that time period. However, Hunt's point seems to be that Calvin was such a bad, cruel person, so don't believe his doctrine of salvation! Silly.

The book is very repetitive, though not as bad as Norman Geisler's book on this same subject. I think the book was hastily written. Hunt's editors should not have put this out as a final draft -- it needed a lot of work to clean up confusing sections and help Mr. Hunt explain himself more clearly throughout. With good editing the book could be about 25% shorter.

The book is heavily dependent on Laurence Vance's "The Other Side of Calvinism" (Vance Publications), and at times seems to lift whole chapters straight out of Vance. Vance could probably sue for plagiarism, if he was of a mind.

This is intended to be a pop-level book, so to judge it against a strict academic standard is inappropriate. This will never be a textbook in any Bible college or seminary. It has very thorough, accurate footnoting and bibliographic notations.

I would still suggest you read it because, despite its deficits, Hunt still raises many classic problems and questions about Calvinism.

I also recommend that, with a few exceptions, you should ignore the extreme reviews you find here. The wildly-hostile reviews don't give Hunt any credit for raising classic exegetical and philosophical problems created by Calvinism that Calvinists have not successfully rebutted. You should also not trust the wildly-enthusiastic reviews -- many of them seem to be written by free-willers who believe in various forms of works-salvation. This is just a so-so book, but it's interesting that it's struck such a sore nerve with Calvinist Christians. The old, classic complaints against Augustinianism still draw blood, even when posed by a less-than-masterful writer.

Rating:
Summary: Well worth reading
Review: Dave Hunt is well-read in the writings of Modern and past Calvinists such as John MacArthur, A.W. Pink etc and demolishes their arguments brilliantly. He also exposes their inherent contradictions. For example, he quotes John Piper stating that

"Every time the gospel is preached to unbelievers it is a mercy of God that gives this opportunity for salvation."

Hunt counter argues "That preaching the gospel gives opportunity for salvation to those for whom Christ did not die, whom God never had any intention of saving and whom He in fact has already predestined to eternity in the Lake of Fire, is the height of contradiction" (page 143)

Unable to answer this point, and many other points, Calvinists just get angry and accuse Hunt and others of "misrepresenting Calvinism" (such as some of the other reveiwers here). To date, no Calvinist I have read/spoken with has managed to factually address such contradictions or issues raised by Hunt.

I only give this 4 marks, as there are some factual errors, as well as typos. But overall, it's great reading. Very straight to the point and very readable.

Rating:
Summary: The errors of John Calvin's theology are clearly exposed.
Review: Having studied Calvinism theology in great detail during the last three years, I was elated at the accurate presentation of Calvinism made by Dave Hunt in his book, "What Love Is This? Calvinism's Misrepresentation of God." Dave's book will go down in history as a monumental defense of true Christianity and the correct interpretation of the Bible. His book clearly and accurately exposed the extensive errors in John Calvin's theology that had their origins in the minds of men and have deluded so many over the centuries. The God of John Calvin's theology is a prejudicial tyrant in contrast to the true, just, loving and merciful Father of the Bible. Every Christian should read this book in order to recognize and defend himself against the creeping distortions invented by John Calvin and Saint Augustine. Every Calvinist should reexamine his faith by first reversing Calvin's distorted definitions of many Bible words and doctrines, and should read the Bible to learn what it plainly says using manuscript definitions from the Greek Textus Receptus (Received Greek Text). This will not be easy for any Calvinist who has been strongly indoctrinated by Calvinist authors. It may be impossible for the hardened Calvinist without the answer to fervent prayer from God to open his eyes. The gospel of Jesus Christ is clear enough for anyone to understand, believe and be saved. Dave proved over and over from scripture that God desires all mankind to be saved, and Jesus gave himself a ransom for all. Salvation can be assured by believing the clear and simple gospel in the Bible without reading in twisted Calvin theology. "What Love Is This? Calvinisms Misrepresentation of God" may be the best book ever written to analyze the theology of John Calvin and Saint Augustine. This book is a must read, especially for those who have drifted into the false doctrine of Calvinism.

Kent R. Rieske
Ministry Director
Bible Life Ministries

Rating:
Summary: Great introduction on the errors of Calvinism
Review: I was highly recommended this book by a Professor Emeritus of Dallas Theological Seminary, who taught there for 27 years. He told me that he didn't agree with everything in the book, but that there is plenty of Biblical arguments within to cause one to seriously take a second look at what has been dubbed "Religion at the height of its conception. Calvinism is evangelicalism in its purest and only stable expression, "(B.B. Warfield, Calvin and Augustine, 497); also "Calvinism is a system of pure Biblical belief which stands firmly on the Word of God." (W.J. Seaton, The Five Points of Calvinism, 17-18).

Dave Hunt shows how Calvin relied heavily upon Augustine, the premier Roman Catholic theologian, for his doctrine, where Calvin alone quotes Augustine over 400 times in his "Institutes." Calvin has said, "Augustine is so wholly with me, that if I wished to write a confession of my faith, I could do so with all the fulness and satisfaction to myself out of his writings." (John Calvin, A Treatise on the Eternal Predestination of God, trans. Henry Cole, 38). Calvin caught himself in the errors of Augustine: Church-State unity, execution of heretics, infant baptism, special powers and efficacy of sacramentalism, just to name a few. These errors alone should cause us to pause and consider if he was so unbiblically wrong on these, could he be wrong on other doctrine as well? Calvin was so opposed to the Papacy, yet he set himself up as the pope of Geneva, having his hands involved with all aspects of civil, sacred, and secular life, in which his will on all these points was infoced by law, punishable by death.

David Hunt then goes on to all the 5 points of Calvinism and provides sufficient Sciptural, logical, and rhetorical evidences to raise suspicions and put into question each one.

There are many mischaracterizations pronounced upon the non-Calvinist in Reformed literature. Distortions and straw men are used by the Calvinist to paint those who are opposed to their doctrine as heretics, antinomians, Pelagians, Arminians, and other theological "cuss words." David Hunt sufficiently dispels all of the heaping objections hurled at those who would question the imposing edifice of orthodox Calvinism.

Does this book answer the question once and for all? No. But it is sufficient to invoke serious suspicions against the system of theological thought that says with Calvin:

"Those, therefore, whom God passes by he reprobates, and that for no other cause but because he is pleased to exclude them from the inheritance which he predestines his children...whose pleasure it is to inflict punishment..." (John Calvin, Institutes of the Christian Religion, III:xxiii, 1, 4).

and with R.C. Sproul:

"God wills all things that come to pass... God desired for man to fall into sin... I am suggesting that God created sin." (R.C. Sproul, Almighty over All, 54).

"If some people are not elected unto salvation then it would seem that God is not at all that loving toward them. Further, it seems that it would have been more loving of God not to have allowed them to be born. That may indeed be the case." (R.C. Sproul, Chosen by God, 32).

It is Dave Hunt's question to Calvinism, "What Love is This?"

Rating:
Summary: Good to keep warm
Review: I'd give this book negative stars if I could. This one is a good one to throw in the fire place. That's all I have to say..

Rating:
Summary: What if Hunt co-wrote a point-counterpoint book instead?
Review: My own spiritual pilgrimage led me from Catholicism to Evangelicalism nine years ago. I've trusted Jesus Christ alone for my salvation, and know that my salvation is eternally secure. But, for the last nine years I've been in search of a book or books that could explain to me the doctrine of salvation in a way that was consistent with what the totality of scripture actually teaches. Having read Dave Hunt's book as well as "The Other Side of Calvinism" by Laurence Vance and "Beyond Calvinism and Arminianism: An Inductive Mediate Theology of Salvation" by C. Gordon Olson, I am now CONVINCED beyond all doubt that both Calvinism and Arminianism are wrong and not biblical. C. Gordon Olson's book, in particular, completely develops a theology of salvation based on direct inductive exegesis of scripture based on the Biblical languages instead of appeals to church history or doctrines of so-called "reformers." I believe that we must all go back to the scriptures, using these books as guides, to see the actual truth of our salvation and how God brought it to pass. Dave Hunt's book may be an eye-opener to those who have never thought about these salvation issues before, but it will be a much-needed eye-opener. I have to admit that Dave's book is sometimes a little repetitive and often appears unorganized simply because it is a "popular" book and not written for specialists, but nevertheless, the book will provide the basics that you need to explore salvation doctrine further.

It is my prayer that all reading my review will realize that God has made a way for you to be saved and spend eternity in heaven with him. Just believe that God's son, Jesus Christ, died in your place to take the penalty for your sin, and you will be saved.

Rating:
Summary: where to begin?
Review: Poor Dave Hunt. I really can't understand the motivation of someone who, despite the advice of friends and scholars, goes right ahead and prints such a poorly researched and written book. This is a shame. It also destroys all credibility. I would recommend readers to read the book "debating Calvinism" by Dave Hunt and James White. It must surely be the most one sided debate in church history! I think anyone with any sense at all (and I am talking actual reason here, not just "feelings") would see that Calvinism is the purest representation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And that is the point really, for John Calvin didn't formulate anything that wasn't already there. If people would come at this in humility and open mindeness, they might actually see the beauty of it all. And instead of a man based theology, we might have a God based theology again. Of course one doesn't need to be a Calvinist to be saved. (at least I don't THINK so. But...) But understanding it changes one's whole understanding of God and who He is and what our relationship to Him is. I can't believe the pride of some of these guys who espouse arminianism. Does anyone wonder why Islam is gaining such a foothold in the world? Does anyone wonder why Christianity is losing its voice in this country and the world. We need another reformation! Pray that God does it!!!

Rating:
Summary: where to begin?
Review: Poor Dave Hunt. I really can't understand the motivation of someone who, despite the advice of friends and scholars, goes right ahead and prints such a poorly researched and written book. This is a shame. It also destroys all credibility. I would recommend readers to read the book "debating Calvinism" by Dave Hunt and James White. It must surely be the most one sided debate in church history! I think anyone with any sense at all (and I am talking actual reason here, not just "feelings") would see that Calvinism is the purest representation of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. And that is the point really, for John Calvin didn't formulate anything that wasn't already there. If people would come at this in humility and open mindeness, they might actually see the beauty of it all. And instead of a man based theology, we might have a God based theology again. Of course one doesn't need to be a Calvinist to be saved. (at least I don't THINK so. But...) But understanding it changes one's whole understanding of God and who He is and what our relationship to Him is. I can't believe the pride of some of these guys who espouse arminianism. Does anyone wonder why Islam is gaining such a foothold in the world? Does anyone wonder why Christianity is losing its voice in this country and the world. We need another reformation! Pray that God does it!!!