Arminian Theology “Myths and Realities” by Roger Olson
EBook Edition
Written by Roger
Olson in 2006
Book Review by Caleb
Corneloup
Roger Olson is an Arminian theologian who has written and
spoken in defence of Arminianism on many occasions. He is a professor of
theology in Waco, Texas USA at George Truett W Theological Seminary. His book is
very easy to read and is written for both laymen and experienced theologians. His
purpose is to give a clear presentation of what Arminian’s really believe and
to expel 10 popular myths propagated by Calvinists. In each chapter Olson
quotes Calvinists who misrepresent Arminianism, then he puts forth the true
Arminian view and proves the historicity of the Arminian view by quoting
Arminius and other classical Arminians throughout history.
Myth 1: Arminian Theology Is the opposite
of Calvinist/Reformed Theology
In
this chapter Olson proves that both Calvinism and Arminianism believe in total
depravity, bondage of the will, salvation by grace alone through faith alone in
Christ alone, election and predestination, and both believe that regeneration
is necessary for an individual to obtain saving faith. Additionally Jacob
Arminius studied under Theodore Beza in Geneva and received a letter of
commendation from him when he entered his pastoral role at the church of
Amsterdam. He was sought out by the curators of the University of Leiden to be
a professor of theology. Arminius was a clear product of the reformation and
only made adjustments to reformed theology rather than departing from it.
Myth 2: A Hybrid of Calvinism and
Arminianism is Possible
In
this chapter Olson proves there are 3 main differences between Calvinism and
Arminianism which do not allow for a middle position. Calvinism teaches that
the atonement was intended only for the elect while Arminianism teaches that
atonement was intended for all in a provisional sense, but intended to be efficacious
only or the elect. Calvinism teaches irresistible grace, whereas Arminians
believe in resistible grace that frees the will (freed will). Calvinism teaches
that election is unconditional and Arminianism teaches that election is
conditioned upon the reception of the gift of faith. Thus no hybrid is possible
despite the common ground between them.
Myth 3: Arminianism is Not an Orthodox
Evangelical Option
In
this chapter Olson distinguishes Arminianism from Arianism, Socinianism,
Palagianism, Semi-Palagianism, Humanism and Liberal Theology. He systematically
goes through each one and points out the clear and vast distinctions between
Arminianism and these other belief systems, proving that no-one can possibly
associate Arminianism with these other heretical views.
Myth 4: The Heart of Arminianism Is Belief
in Free Will
Free
will is not the foundational view of Arminianism, rather the goodness and love
of God is the basis of Arminian theology. If the Calvinist view of sovereignty is
true and God pre-determines all evil, then God is directly responsible for all
sin. Arminians reject the Calvinistic doctrine of pre-determinism of all evil,
not because they have a commitment to “free will” but because they are
committed to the goodness of God.
Myth
5: Arminian Theology Denies the
Sovereignty of God
Arminians
reject the Calvinist view of pre-deterministic sovereignty because its makes
God undistinguishable from the devil and responsible for all evil. Arminians believe
all things are dependent upon Gods sustaining power, even the ability to
breathe, and nothing can happen without Gods divine permission, however God
only permits that which can be directed to a greater good and like any
sovereign, God rules “by right” and not by meticulously predetermining all
things especially evil.
Myth 6 & 7: Arminianism Is Human
Centred Theology & Arminianism Is Not a Theology of Grace
Arminianism is distinguished from palagianism and
semi-palagianism because Arminians believe that there is nothing good left in
the flesh of man. Man is dead in sins and trespasses. The fall has completely
corrupted the nature of man. However God’s prevenient grace awakens the
individual and frees them from the bondage of their fallen nature and enables
them to freely receive or reject the work of the Spirit who, if received, goes
on to fully regenerate the sinner and give the individual the gift of faith.
Even the desire to receive the work of the Spirit comes from God. This view
ascribes to God the beginning, continuance and consummation of salvation while
ascribing nothing to man but a bare decision not to resist the grace of God.
Myth 8: Arminians Do
Not Believe in Predestination
Arminians believe that God foreknows who will ultimately believe
upon or reject Him and on this basis he elects, in Christ, to save all those
who will believe upon Him and elects to damn all those who reject Him. The
crucial difference between Calvinism and Arminianism is that God’s election of
individuals is based upon faith in Christ, rather than some unconditional and
mysterious basis.
Myth 9: Arminian
Theology Denies Justification by Grace Alone Through Faith Alone
Arminians believe that sinners are justified by grace alone,
through faith alone in Christ alone. They believe that Christ’s righteousness
is imputed to the believer and that the righteous are justified by faith. They
also believe inward or imparted righteousness that is worked out in the heart
of the believer but the sole grounds of justification is the righteousness of
Christ which is apprehended by faith.
Myth 10: All
Arminians Believe in the Governmental Theory of the Atonement
Jacob
Arminius believed in the “penal substitution theory” of atonement. His response
to the charge of universalism is that the accusation assumes that the elect are
saved by the cross before and apart from repentance and faith. Neither
Calvinists nor Arminians would accept that. Olson argues that the atonement is
analogous to a blanket amnesty which must be availed upon to receive its
benefit. Jacob Arminius knew nothing of the “governmental theory” of atonement
and so it cannot be said that all Arminians believed that theory.
Conclusion
