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The author seeks to reveal the true nature of Calvinism and believes that sixteenth-century French theologian John Calvin led his followers astray with his theories about predestination. Arguing that The Institutes of the Christian Religion should have been more appropriately titled “The Destruction of the Christian Faith,” the author suggests that Calvin’s teachings toward predestination are the opposite of what, in fact, the Bible teaches. Craig discusses the Bible and the blessings of Christ for all people and questions the intentions of Calvin, accusing him of rewriting the Bible to fit into his own misguided theories. Incorporating his lifelong study of the Bible, as well as his solid understanding of Calvinism, the author believes he is qualified to bring forth these arguments with a strong, heartfelt warning for his readers.
Passionately written, the tone of Craig’s book is serious and urgent. It is clear that the author is committed to his arguments against Calvinism and is determined to make an impact on his readers. He believes that the theologian’s misrepresentation of God is a way to promote a demonic falsehood about God’s everlasting love. Calvinism, the author argues, perpetuates the idea that those who have lost their way in the world have no ability to stop themselves from continuing to sin. Thus, those who know they are committing wrongdoings will continue to repeat their ways. This, the author states, is exactly the opposite of what the Bible teaches. The author does a fine job of keeping his reader’s attention with his focused voice. Craig uses comparisons such as building a perfect house for oneself and then demolishing it, only to use the scraps to construct a smaller one—all for selfish means. The author also argues that Calvin failed to provide any scripture to corroborate his misaligned theory that God orchestrated Adam’s fall.
Craig incorporates scripture passages that add weight to his point about Calvin’s misguidance. The author makes a passionate argument that Calvin was fundamentally wrong to teach that God pre-planned Adam’s fall from innocence. Calvin, the author argues, portrays God as “a fool and a monster.” Craig goes as far as to say that Calvin was possibly possessed by the devil himself when he created the theological worldview that bears his name. In fact, the author states, Calvin refused to acknowledge the very origin of the devil. Craig, who pastors Living Way Fellowship, writes with clear conviction throughout the book and comes across as an expert in his field. He quotes direct passages from the Bible and challenges the reader to answer serious questions about their own faith.
The author’s message comes across strong and clear. He believes that Calvin has undermined and disgraced the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who died for all of humanity’s sins on the cross. Craig argues that countless Christians have been cheated out of receiving God’s pure love and blessings by believing the ideas that Calvin has introduced to them. Readers who align with Craig’s beliefs will find a lot to love in his book, and it could definitely be used to spark some interesting discussions among all believers.