Read Online Calvin vs Wesley Bringing Belief in Line with Practice Don Thorsen Donald A D Thorsen 9781426743351 Books

Product details Paperback 184 pages Publisher Abingdon Press (October 15, 2013) Language English ISBN-10 1426743351

Calvin vs Wesley Bringing Belief in Line with Practice Don Thorsen Donald A D Thorsen 9781426743351 Books Reviews

• This book, one which I have found helpful, really is more about bringing belief in line with practice, then it is about either John Calvin or John Wesley. This is the stated purpose of the author, as it is not a book putting down or lifting up either the person of John Calvin or John Wesley. The author believes very clearly that Wesley's method is how people really live out their spiritual commitments. It may actually dispel some of the institutional mythology for folks who are "reluctant to pick up one more institutional church book".
  Why like this book about an old and seemingly never ending battle, If it even is a battle in a postmodern era? In my opinion, the church seems to refuse to talk about theology anymore. Instead we leave that to the "trained professional", and much to church's embarrassment, find itself lacking when asked to look at questions such as the author asks in the book? Questions such as "Do you believe in the power or the love of God??" Each position implies an entirely different sequence of events. If your personal theology, which implies that every Christian is also a theologian, differs from the pastor of the church; then this may result in the simple but perfectly understandable position that so many Christians take of "that's wrong!!!" Wrong is questionable but for people involved in the certainty of the binary positions of "Yes" or "No", it can easily become an all out war.
  There is so much more in this book that the author takes great pains to explore.
• 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.
• Wesley and Calvin are often depicted together - sometimes in harmony, sometimes in contrast. Thorson does an excellent job of highlighting both where they agree and where they part ways. He readily admits to his Weleyan roots and beliefs yet provides a fair presentation of these two Christian giants - although siding with Wesley.
• As I read this book, one thing kept occurring to me - given the chance, I'd rather spend time with Wesley than with Calvin. This book has helped me to see why I struggled so much to integrate my beliefs and my ministry when I was a Calvinist. As a recent ex-Calvinist I am trying to rebuild my theology and this book has been a helpful guide in that process. Kudos to the author for a very well written and helpful book.
• This was a very well written, engaging book juxtaposing John Calvin's thought with John Wesley's. The author argues that most Christian ought to follow Wesley's understanding of Christianity over above (not necessarily against) Calvin's and that even when unaware we tend to lean toward Wesley's vision.
• Excellent book on theological differences between Calvin and Wesley. Good and easy read. Excellent commentary on modern day Christianity in the Wesleyan tradition.
• This book really helped me understand the differences between the Christianity I was taught as a child (Calvin-based) and the only Christianity I was willing to embrace as an adult (Wesley-based). The author proposes an interesting hypothesis as well that even those who pay lip allegiance to Calvinistic interpretations of scripture actually live more in accord with Wesleyan interpretations!
• I think this book is a MUST read for anyone interested in how Calvin and Wesley differed. The only downside of the book is that it is too short (about 150 pages). However, that may be a plus for people who may not be looking for a book that takes too long to plow through.
  
  This book is an easy read, very clear, and very informed. The author presents evidence for every claim he makes and makes it obvious when he is sharing his own opinion on a matter. This book is a great intro for anyone who wants to make a careful comparison between John Calvin and John Wesley.
  
  David Martinez