by Bret Capranica | Sep 4, 2006 | Bookreviews, Calvinism
A few years ago, a loving couple [a retired pastor and his wife] who were members of the church I was pastoring at the time, became quite disturbed because of a particular sermon I had preached from 2 Thessalonians 2:13 on the subject of election. With, what I believe was and is a heart of true affection and genuine concern they gave me a copy of Norman Geisler’s book Chosen But Free. They exhorted me that it was a more balanced view point of the doctrines of grace, commonly called Calvinism. They assured me that my understanding of election was not a balanced one and not only violated man’s free will, but would be a direct hindrance to any real evangelism and missions being enacted in our church; the typical accusations. It has taken me four years to finish the book. Yes, I am a slow reader, but more, Chosen But Free (CBF) is not a well written book. I hate to say that in the beginning of a book review, but it has taken me four years of force feeding to finish the book. Geisler’s aim in the book is to confront what he defines as “Extreme Calvinism” and counter it with his proposal of “Moderate Calvinism.” As one will find if he performs even a quick scan of the book, Geisler’s “Moderate Calvinism” is little more than contemporary Arminianism. Geisler gives what I would term as a stereotypical evangelical (what I was raised in) Arminianism. That is, he trumpets the indiscriminate free will (total self-determination) of man to choose whether he will be saved or not. Man’s...
by Bret Capranica | Aug 15, 2006 | Bookreviews
Douglas Wilson has caused me to think about education in a refreshing way. I have heard about so-called “Classical” schools in the recent past, but knew very little about the philosophical basis behind them and what makes them unique. My good friend, Kevin Banks gave me this book four years ago and I am just now getting to it. Why did I wait so long. Wilson does not write as a professional educator. In fact, it appears he has come to his conclusions about education later in his life. He articulates his position well and evaluates not only the public school system but the home schooling movement as well. He is not opposed to home schooling, but notes a number of its weaknesses and challenges parents to consider not merely a private school, but the philosophical underpinnings of the classical system. The book is divided into four sections and contains three helpful appendices. The first section is an evaluation of “The Failure of Modern Secular Education.” The next section provides “An Approach to Distinctively Christian Education.” The third section becomes more specific and describes “An Approach to Distinctively Classical Education.” The final section includes two chapters of “Conclusions,” including an engaging chapter on “The Limits of the State: A Summary.” In essence, Wilson suggests that the Trivinium of the Middle Ages should be a restored approach to education within the context of a Christian school environment. The Trivinium includes educating a student in grammar, dilectics and rhetoric. The basis of teaching students in the archaic approach is to provide them with the tools necessary to learn for themselves (the...
by Bret Capranica | Apr 25, 2006 | Bookreviews
Discerning Reader: Discerning reviews of Christian books and of books that are of interest to Christians Tim Challies, one of the most prolific and most respected bloggers in the Christian blogosphere has launched a new web-site devoted to providing reviews of books of interest to Christians. Here is a wealth of helpful information about Christian books both new and old. I look forward to how this new site develops and...
by Bret Capranica | Aug 8, 2005 | Bookreviews, Uncategorized
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is urging denominational divestment from a number of US companies because, as the Prebyterians assert, they are helping Israel in the occupation of Palestinian territory. The New York Times story linked above notes that only one company was targeted for divestment on the Palestinian side of the struggle due to their alleged funneling of money to families of suicide bombers. What is the rationale behind this move? Is the rationale theological? Minimally. Some within the Presbyterian Church of American (a somewhat more conservative branch of Presbyterians), issues an open letter through Knox Theological Seminary some time ago, urging Christians not to support Israel based on their eschatological stance. Based on their Covenant Theological grid of viewing the world and the Scriptures, they assert that the current secular nation of Israel has no biblical right to the land (the church has replaced a political Israel) and therefore should not be supported by evangelicals. No doubt this Covenant kind of theology is a foundational aspect for the more liberal brand of Presbyterians in the PCUSA. I agree that the current secular state of Israel is not the one mentioned by the prophets as those who should inherit the land, but not because of a skewed view that the Church has somehow spiritualized all of the Old Testament promises to Israel. Jeremiah 31:31-34 suggests that Israel and Judah will inherit the land when their heart is changed and the nation once again obeys the Lord. However, the PC USA no doubt is more influenced by their social liberal leanings, of which the NY Times report draws attention. Rather...
