vol. Book

Calvin vs. Wesley

Bringing belief in line with practice

Plot

The theology "de jour" originates with John Calvin, with an emphasis on “the elect” and "sovereign will of God.”  So much Calvinism saturates our air that Christians may not know there is another way of thinking about their faith, one well represented by Wesley. But no matter what people think, many act in ways that promise to change the world by offering grace and hope but also by helping to provide food and shelter to hurting people. In other words, they believe like Calvinists but they live like Wesleyans.

Excellent presentation that clarifies the basic and specific differences between Wesley's and Calvin's doctrines as related to scripture and the human condition. It describes the key issues about the nature of God as viewed by each and how those views bode for the salvation of individuals with respect to man's free will to accept or reject salvation vs God's sovereignty and pre-destination. It is an easily understood presentation of the differences and agreements of the theological / biblical precepts between the two views and the basis for each theology. While it favors Wesley's view, it clarifies the arguments of both. Must read for any who is interested in the topic of salvation, or even those who may not consider religion as an institution or don't think of the nature of God.

Don Thorsen is Professor of Theology and Chair of the Department of Theology and Ethics at Haggard Graduate School of Theology, Azusa Pacific University.