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

I was impressed by this book and have come to see Arminian theology as the best alternative to Calvinism. This book is a strong vindication of God’s love for all mankind and enables one to hold to a theory which keeps the goodness of God intact without denying Gods sovereign power over all His creation and without denying that salvation is all of grace. What was particularly convincing for me is the fact that God never wanted Adam to fall but rather wanted him to have the ability to do so. Thus leaving the blame for sin squarely at the feet of man and not God.

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