Reformed Doctrine of Predestination

Rating:
Summary: Extensive apology for Calvinism
Review: As this work shows, Boettner was greatly influenced by the great Princeton theologians such as Warfield and Hodge. Both of these men were deep advocates of the system of theology known as Calvinism. Warfield believed that evangelicalism stands or falls with Calvinism, and Hodge wrote one of the great systematic treatments of Calvinism ever produced. To these efforts, Boettner adds this work which expounds on Calvinism generally, and the reformed doctrine of predestination specifically.

The book is broken up into 5 sections - establishing the reality of predestination in Scripture, expounding on the 5 points of Calvinism, answering Arminian objections to Calvinism, and then looking at Calvinism in history and its meaning to the Christian life. Each section is good, with some being better than others. The section which responds to the Arminian objections to the doctrines of grace is the best section, and in particular, decimates objections against exertion and evangelism.

Boettner's treatment of Calvinism in history is a bit dated, but still informative when taken up to the time when he wrote this book. In particular, Boettner eloquently demonstrates that Calvinism is a theology that while centered on the sovereignty and holiness of God, produces a level of human action that is unparalleled. This says a great deal not only about the viability of Calvinism, but also of the problematic nature of man-centered theologies like Arminianism which have actually failed to inspire the level of human action and world change that Calvinism can rightly lay claim to.

The one weakness of the book is that while Boettner extensively quotes Scripture to establish his views, his exegesis is not as strong as it should be, and this is a disappointment. It was clear that Boettner was attempting to demonstrate that the clear, plain and repeated teachings of Scripture plainly support Calvinism in such a way that to take issue with these teachings requires rather elaborate and exotic (not to mention mostly erroneous) reinterpretations in order to get around them. While this is certainly true, it would nonetheless have been helpful had Boettner made a greater investment in Biblical exegesis.

So while it's not perfect, it is nonetheless a mostly persuasive apology for Calvinism that continued the great tradition of old Princeton to demand a coherent theology that is faithful to Scripture and can refute the best arguments made against it.

Rating:
Summary: One of the Best Biblical Presentations of Predestination
Review: Dr. Boettner's book is one of the best works I have ever read on the doctrine of predestination from a Reformed perspective. The book is not a book that debates and ignores the issues but takes the reader directly to the Word of God as the source for its foundation.

Whether you are a Calvinist or an Arminian, you would do yourself well to purchase this book and digest the meat found therein. The book, while covering a rather deep subject, remains quite easy to read and the content of Dr. Boettner's thoughts flow together easily.

A great book!

Rating:
Summary: I still don't get Calvanism
Review: I have read a number of books that outline Calvinism--in its various shades--and musts admit that the logic of their arguments are very tight and usually the books make for an enjoyable read. However, when I go back to the scripture, the whole system seems to fall apart. The whole theme of Hebrews and much of 2 Peter deal with the apostasy of a believer(s)--not 'apparent apostasy or a scenario that could never really happen to a real believer'--but true bonifide apostasy!
I could go on and on but I no longer see the point. For the Arminian view has truly won out in the arena of ideas. I have come to realize that 1) True Calvinist are rare and hard to find within Christendom and 2) they have become the theological Amish of the protestant world-fun to look at but never really seriously considered by the thinking world of the protestant faith.

Rating:
Summary: It persuaded me to become a Calvinist
Review: I was an Arminian who didn't understand Calvinism. After reading The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination I was convinced that the Reformed position is the most Biblical. It lays the case for Calvinism before the reader in such clear language that he can not misunderstand what the Refomed position really teaches. It is very persuasive in refuting the arguments against predestination while laying a solid biblical foundation for it's teachings. Boettner is very thorough in his use of Scripture to support his arguments. Anyone wishing to understand Calvinism must read this book. Boettner's arguments are so powerful that they demand your assent. This book was life changing.

Rating:
Summary: Reformed doctrine at its best
Review: This is the book that convinced me of the "predestinatory" claims of reformed doctrine. It is set out in a most logical way with an abundance of corresponding Scripture passages. If you are not convinced about the claims of Calvinism regarding predestination and the sovereignty of God, then this is the book to read.