Book Review - Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities

One of the most helpful books I have read in some time is Roger Olson's book, Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities, which was published in 2006.  Olson is a professor at Truett Theological Seminary, which is part of Baylor University in Texas.  This book is timely, especially in light of the resurgence of Reformed theology.

A lifelong Arminian, Olson's goal in this accessible book is to dispel some of the myths regarding classical Arminian theology, particularly that it is semi-pelagian, man-centered, not theologically orthodox, and more.  Arranged in 10 chapters, each of which dispel a particular myth about Arminian theology, Olson accomplishes his goals with careful argumentation, citing of primary sources, and a plodding explanation of where Calvinism does and does not conflict with Arminianism.  Particularly helpful are the citations of Calvinist scholars who misunderstand and misrepresent classical Arminian theology, often confusing classical Arminianism with much of today's distorted (and truly semi-pelagian) Arminianism.  For a helpful review of each chapter, see John Drury's blog.

This book is helpful for those of us in the Wesleyan-Arminian tradition, for Olson frequently cites the works of John Wesley, showing him to be firmly in the classical Arminian camp, not the semi-pelagian one.  Also helpful are the references to great 19th century Wesleyan theologians and current ones such as Thomas Oden.  Through these references, Olson demonstrates that classical Arminian theology is alive and well in some academic circles if not in our churches.

One of the most helpful chapters is number four, entitled, "The Heart of Arminianism is Belief in Free Will."  How many times have I heard in a discussion about Calvinism and Arminianism that Arminianism is primarily concerned with protecting the freedom of man? This myth is dispelled as Olson painstakingly demonstrates through primary sources that the biggest concern of Arminian theology is not preserving free will, but of protecting the character of God from the logical conclusion of Calvinistic predestination.  As Olson puts in on page 99, "Rather, the real reason Arminians reject divine control of every human choice and action is that this would make God the author of sin and evil.  For Arminians this makes God at least morally ambiguous and at worst the only sinnner."  And later on the same page, "Arminianism begins with God's goodness and ends by affirming free will."  To put it another way, Arminianism strives to preserve the goodness of God by affirming a degree of free will in humans so that their sins can be primarily attributed to them and not to God, for if God is the author of sin, then he is not good.

If you are an Arminian, read this book to clarify your thoughts.  If you are a Calvinist, read this book to dispel any misconceptions about Arminianism you might have.  If you are undecided, use this book as one source among many for working through the ideas of Calvinism and Arminianism.   

UPDATE: listen to an interview with Roger Olson here: http://www.reclaimingthemind.org/cws/home