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Grace, Faith, Free Will addresses issues that have divided Calvinists and Arminians since the Reformation. Using historical, systematic, and Biblical theology, Robert Picirilli contrasts both views of salvation. His "Reformation Arminianism" reclaims the original beliefs of Arminius and his defenders.
Hard to put downReviewed by William Waltz, 2010-02-13
There was not a part of the book I found dull. I looked forward to
each new section and had time allowed I would have wanted to read
it in one setting which is pretty much unheard of for me.
The author did not scimp on detail when addressing the main Bible
passages and packed more into 232 pages than I could have hoped. He
did real exegesis.
Picirilli addressed the main areas in which Calvinists would object
to his understandings of Scripture (Reformation Arminianism)and
whereas it is not like PERSPECTIVES ON THE DOCTRINE OF GOD; 4 views
edited by Bruce A. Ware; there was significant value in the auther
giving the various agruments opposed to his own and his response to
such arguments.
Picirilli pointed out areas of agreement as well as points of
difference which helped keep the issues clearly before the
reader.
The short chapter on Arminius and related history was a useful and
for me a warm chapter as a reminder that real men have paid a price
to promote truth as they understand it.
A Calvinist reading this may still be a Calvinist when finished
with it, but he should have real respect for Arminianism afterward.
The Arminian reading this will gain in his understanding and
ability to defend Arminians without disrespect for the
Calvinist.
Great overview on Arminianism vs CalvinsimReviewed by Robert M. Russell, 2009-08-27
Picirilli does a great job providing both a general overview and
Biblical details in the discussion between Arminianism and
Calvinism. He goes back to the roots of Arminius and describes the
initial dialogue between the two theological bents. My old church
is a big proponent of John MacArthur and the New Calvinism - so
much so that I had to check it out for myself. Many of the things
they were saying did not ring true, especially through my
understanding of the Scripture. Picirilli goes in depth into
Scriptures used by both Calvinists and Arminians, dissecting the
original Greek or Hebrew language and how it relates to all of the
Bible.
I am now convinced, more than ever, that the Arminian viewpoint is
correct. How the Calvinists fully believe that God has created a
certain number of his human creatures for the sole purpose of going
to hell is beyond me. Forget the "passing by" idea, it is just
their way of trying to deal the aforementioned concept to make it
palatable to others. This would also argue for Calvinists believing
that certain children will be predetermined to go to hell before
they reach the age where they can be held accountable. Certainly
not in my Bible.
Thankfully Beyond JargonReviewed by Readalots, 2009-03-20
Robert Picirilli's 2002 245-page paperback "Grace Faith Free Will"
presents, as suggests the subtitle, contrasting views of salvation
between Calvinism and Arminianism. This quick, but thorough, read
positions itself early on as "a discussion about the issues that
have long divided" the students of John Calvin (1509-1564) and
Jacob Arminius (1560-1609).
Picirilli presents the Reformation theologies for the Plan of
Salvation including its provision (predestination), application
(atonement), and perseverance (meaning). Consider a few of the gems
from this book.
· "Nothing that transpires is outside of [God's] plan" (page
21).
· "God is the source of all that is good" (page 22).
· "God's decrees encompass the voluntary acts of free
creation...man is a free moral agent" (page 25).
· "God's purposes cannot be thwarted by man" (page 29).
· "God is not the author of sin". "Sin originates in the free
exercise of the [human] will" (page 47).
· "Without faith it is impossible for any [person] to please God,
or to be saved" (page 54).
· "Faith is the condition... that God elected people as believers"
(page 56).
· "Scriptures are clear... that not all are saved, that many do
perish. God's will can be resisted" (page 81).
· "God's will is that those who exercise faith in Jesus Christ
have eternal life (page 83).
Picirilli's method is reflective of traditional theological
treatments. Each chapter poses questions that are in turned
answered by responses (both Calvinist and Arminian) and followed up
with rejoinders (also from both positions). This systematized
approach reminds of Aquinas' thoroughness while portraying the
accuracy of Luther and Wesley. Thankfully, the author moves beyond
theological jargon with Scriptural definitions and
applications.
Although Picirilli's technical presentation is best read with Bible
in hand, the theological novice should consider the book. It is
recommended to everyone interested in God' s plan for salvation,
Calvinists, Arminians, and those curious about Reformation
theology.
Grace, Faith, and Free WillReviewed by Eliot Lugo Hernandez, 2008-01-04
This is a book that should be in every serious Christian theology student. The author made a great case concerning salvation which has long be debated by Calvinists and Arminians alike. He made a great case for the Arminian view on Salvation. It is very interesting to know that many of the doctrines of salvation preached in most, if not all, churches hinge between these two points of view (Calvinists and Arminians). What it is interesting is that many of the things we give credit that Calvin and Arminius said, they never said. I learned a great deal on grace and faith as well as free will, though the Bible does not mention such term but, like the term "trinity", it is implied. Great book! You won't be disappointed if you buy it.
excellent presentation of arminian theology with strong biblical
exegesisReviewed by B. Henshaw, 2006-06-01
Picirilli's work is long overdue as an accurate presentation of the
Arminian position. The author does a very good job contrasting the
views of James Arminius with Calvinism and the erroneous beliefs of
many that would call themselves Arminians today (i.e. Pinnock's
open theism).
I especially enjoyed the sections dealing with foreknowledge and
predestination. Picirilli makes a very helpful distinction between
what is "necessary" and "certian" as pertains to a proper
understanding of God's foreknowledge. He argues that while future
events are "certian" they are not "necessary", therefore preserving
real contingencies as pertains to human freedom.
Picirilli is also careful to present modern Calvanism in all its
different flavors in comparing it with James Arminius'
understanding of scripture. Picirilli is not concerned with
caricatures, and is careful to deal with relevant Calvinist
objections rather than straw men.
I was pleased that the author demonstrated that the doctrine of
"prevenient grace" (which he prefers to call "pre-regenerating
grace") was taught by Arminius and was not a "Wesleyan" departure
as some believe. He failed, however, to cite or interact with some
of the more relevant passages (John 1:9; 12:32; Titus 2:11;
Philippians 2:12-13).
I was also disappointed that he did not interact with passages
outside of Heb. 6, and 10, and 2 Pet. 2:20-22 with regards to
apostasy. While I agree that Heb. 6, and 10 constitutes an apostasy
without remedy (which I would equate with blasphemy against the
Holy Spirit, Mark 3:29) I was not persuaded that the same could be
said concerning the 2 Pet. passage. I would like to have seen
Picirilli interact with passages like James 5:19, 20; Rom. 11:23;
Luke 15:11-32; and Gal. 4:19, which seem to indicate an apostasy
that is not irrevocable.
All in all the book was very well written and should be read
several times to gather its full import. Picirilli is not only an
excellent Arminian theologian, but also a skilled exegete and
former Greek professor. He writes with grace and tries to
accurately present the views of his opponents. I would recommend
this book to anyone who wants to understand Arminian theology as
Arminius himself taught, and avoid aligning oneself with so many
who think they understand Arminianism based on the inaccurate and
unfair critiques of staunch Calvinists.
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