Books

Reformed Theology Elevates Human Freedom And God’s Decree (A Review of Divine Will And Human Choice by Richard Muller)

April 7, 2019 by wagraham Leave a Comment

Some criticize Reformed Theology because of its supposed suppression of human freedom. And on occasion, some Reformed thinkers do give that impression. Yet the evidence of reformation era writings tells a different story.

The Reformers believed in genuine freedom of choice. Yet like their forebears, freedom for them meant that one can freely do according to nature and according to potency. A human cannot fly (nature). And sometimes one person coerces another person to act (since this person has no potency to resist).

While the Reformed tradition has diverse expressions on this matter, the neat modern categories of libertarianism, determinism, and compatibilism all mis-describe early modern Reformed thought according to Richard Muller. For many early modern theologians, God’s divine will and human choice worked concurrently together. And it is this thesis that Muller persuasively argues in Divine Will and Human Choice.

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Review of The Reformation And the Right Reading of Scripture by Iain Provan

March 24, 2019 by wagraham 1 Comment

Iain Provan has picked a fight with retrieval theology and certain forms of conservative Christianity (e.g., with Norm Geisler). While making his case for the right reading of Scripture (i.e., in line with the Reformation), he covers almost every area of biblical studies. Surprisingly, despite the wide-ranging argument, Provan writes consistently at a high level with mostly persuasive arguments.

At its core, The Reformation And the Right Reading of Scripture is a historical study of how Christians have read the Bible through the ages. Yet Provan argues historically for a particular kind of reading the Bible, namely, the kind of biblical interpretation practiced during the Reformation.

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Review of Provocations by Camille Paglia

February 6, 2019 by wagraham Leave a Comment

I first heard Camille Paglia in a conversation between her and Jordan Peterson. At first, I did not register too much interest. She seemed intelligent and engaging. Later, I saw that historian Carl Trueman interviewed Paglia. This caught my attention. I respect Trueman. So if he found it worthwhile to interview Paglia, I should at least take a deeper look.

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3 Thoughts on Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis

January 18, 2019 by wagraham Leave a Comment

In her massively popular book, Girl, Wash Your Face, Rachel Hollis exposes common lies that we believe which prevent us from becoming happy. She explains, “This book is about a bunch of hurtful lies and one important truth.” (xi).

What is the truth? Hollis explains, “You, and only you, are ultimately responsible for who you become and how happy you are. That’s the takeaway” (xi). Buck up. Get to work. And grab happiness by the horns.

To do so, Hollis argues that we need to destroy every lie we believe (xii). She explains, “Recognizing the lies we’ve come to accept about ourselves is the key to growing into a better version of ourselves” (xiii). Elsewhere she writes, “More than anything, I hope you’ll rest in the knowledge that you can become whomever and whatever you want to be, my sweet friend” (xvii).

Given the popularity of Hollis and her book, I’d like to offer three thoughts on Girl, Wash Your Face to help you to evaluate the book.

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Review of Seeing God by Hans Boersma

December 22, 2018 by wagraham Leave a Comment

Hans Boersma continues his project of retrieving and promoting traditional Christian beliefs in an era where many of these beliefs have lost their lustre. In this most recent book, Boersma advances historical and dogmatic arguments for our telos of seeing God in the face of Christ. While Christians of all ages have understood the beatific vision to be our final destination, some today question the validity of the beatific vision. [Read more…] about Review of Seeing God by Hans Boersma

Review of Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Michael Horton

December 9, 2018 by wagraham 4 Comments

Read Rediscovering the Holy Spirit for an exegetical, theological, and historical understanding of the Holy Spirit. While Michael Horton’s exegesis may not convince everyone, it should please those who confess the primacy of Scripture for theological understanding. I recommend Michael Horton’s book on the Spirit to pastors, to interested readers, and even to academics. Here is why. [Read more…] about Review of Rediscovering the Holy Spirit by Michael Horton