Product Description
A balanced view of divine election that examines thoroughly both God's sovereignty and man's free will. Offers a moderating position to the endless theological debate.
Product Details
| Publisher | Bethany House |
| ISBN | 0764225219 |
| Features |
|
| Format | Paperback |
| Author | Norman L. Geisler |
| EAN | 9780764225215 |
| Label | Bethany House |
| Edition | 2 |
| Dewey Decimal Number | 233.7 |
| Studio | Bethany House |
| Number Of Pages | 285 |
| Title | Chosen But Free |
| Publication Date | 2001-09-01 |
| Manufacturer | Bethany House |
Customer Reviews
Poorly presented, does not clarify the issuesReview by W. T. Hepler, 2010-06-15
I have great respect for Dr. Geisler but he has not given clarity on the doctrine of election with this book. I read this book with a genuine desire to come away with a balanced view as Giesler himself claims to be making in the writing of the book. When I read the book I had questions about the doctrines of election, etc. and had some troubles with the main points of Calvinism. Geisler not only did not provide the answers but led me to seek answers elsewhere. His arguments are poor and confusing. This is not to say that the entire book is without value; he did make points that resonated with me and were convincing. But I believe that he failed to achieve his goal and the book came across as poorly presented, poorly defended Scripturally, and given the quality of many of his other books (such as his multi-volume Systematic Theology) looks to have been written in a hurry. Now that I have done a great deal more reading on the subject (I read the book about six months ago) Geisler also makes some misrepresentations of what many Calvinists believe.
After reading CHOSEN BUT FREE, I read James White's THE POTTER'S FREEDOM which was clear, well argued, well researched and Scriptural. White dealt with many of the tough passages in Scripture that Geisler either did not address or did not exegete well.
My suggestion would be to look elsewhere if you seek clarity on the doctrine of election or have questions about Calvinism.
Great Job
Review by Steven Wald, 2010-06-11
Norman G. did an excellent job articulating many points in this highly debated subject. I enjoyed the read.
Nothing "balanced" here at all.
Review by Joseff Amador, 2010-04-14
The subtitle of this book is "A balanced view of divine election", but there is nothing at all "balanced" here. What the subtitle implies is that between the historical controversial differences between Calvinism and Arminianism, Geisler has taken a middle-ground stance. But this is not the case, as everything Geisler believes is simply pure rank and file, historic Arminianism.
Geisler is an Arminian who refuses to call himself an Arminian. Interestingly enough, he calls regular Calvinists "extreme Calvinists" and then contrasts this with what he calls himself, a "moderate Calvinist". But Geisler's "moderate Calvinism" is nothing but pure Arminianism. Why would he go to such lengths to redefine everything? It is very misleading and will cause great confusion to students of this historical debate.
Also misleading is Geisler's explanation of what he thinks Calvinism is. Reader, beware: What Calvinism actually is, and what Geisler says Calvinism is, are two different things. In other words, Geisler builds a big fat strawman of regular Calvinism, re-labels it as "extreme Calvinism", and then proceeds to beat the daylights out of it.
If you want the truth, and if you are actually seeking to see what the Bible says about this topic, pick up James White's counter-argument book, entitled "The Potter's Freedom". When you read the exegesis offered by both authors (Geisler's work can hardly be called exegesis) you will discover that one person is honest with the text of scripture while another person twists it around backwards to make it say the exact opposite of what the Biblical author is intending to say. After all the dishonesty on Geisler's end pointed out so far in this review, who do you think I'm referring to this time?
comfortable with antinomy
Review by W. Anderson, 2009-11-19
Dr. Geisler has analyzed some basic problems with the TULIP and it's interpretation by many in the reformed churches. God IS all-loving and the Fall did not destroy God's image but effaced it. God does desire the salvation of all. (All persons) I am pleased that this book came in to my hands.
avoiding the obvious
Review by R. Bordeman, 2009-11-03
I like Norman Geisler and many other "moderate Calvinist" but it's still amazing to me how they ignore what is so obvious in Scripture. Man has a will, but it is NOT ultimately self-determining. Behind man's will is God's will. Man can resist the Holy Spirit but only until God says 'enough' and 'convinces' him thru the new heart he is given from being Born Again. Are you saying God can not convince you if he really wanted to?! Calvinist have never argued men aren't free to make decisions. But behind your thoughts and emotions is God, and he WILL accomplish his goal.
If Christ literally paid for the sins of every person on earth...why does anyone go to hell? Please don't say "because they rejected Him". Rejecting the command to "Love the Lord your God" is a sin. Why isn't that particular sin paid for?
Also, Romans 9, John 5, etc are crystal clear. God chooses some for wrath and others for mercy regardless of what man does or will do. It seems to me that non-calvinist types just don't see this act of God as good news. However, it is great news once you realize how blinded your will was to seeing God in a way that brings repentence and faith. BTW, foreknowledge never implies "I know that you're going to repent and believe so I'll ratify your decision and elect you". That mocks the very idea of "I chose you, you did not choose me".
Please people, a God that can only "use you" once you give him permission is not God at all. He will use you for His glory regardless...and it won't be a reaction to your choosing Him or not.
Lastly, I wonder why people find it so hard to believe God would give us a comand we couldn't obey using just our own 'free will'. Every single comand ever given we are incapable of doing on our own. "Do not sin" comes to mind. There must be something special about you if you're able to respond to God's offer but the next guy was just not "quiet there". Let the boasting begin, at least in theory it's true, you saved yourself by responding in time (before death). However, when God initiates and completes the 'heart change' in you, all you want to do is "repent and believe". And there is absolutely NO room for self credit when that heart change is accomplished solely by the Holy Spirit. He will overcome your resistence if that is his ultimate desire.
Yes, many questions still unadressed. I grew up Assemblies of God with zero doctrinal teaching...but once I saw the Scripture texts myself, it was all over. (and even this revealing is 100% due to God's mercy - I struggled hard with issues God's Sovereignty cleared up)
For more info: [...].
[...].
Used starting at $12.00
New starting at $12.72
What Love is This? Calvinism's Misrepresentation of God
Used starting at $9.99
New starting at $17.40
