A BOOK REVIEW

Trouble With the TULIP, a Closer Examination of the Five Points of Calvinism
By Frank S. Page, Ph.D. Riverstone Group Publishing.

This book is an easy, quick read, (80 pages including footnotes) packed with information. The author gives historical background on various councils held in the early church and on divisions of various factions and belief systems that led to what we know today as denominationalism. As time moves into the 1500’s key figures of the reformation emerge. Quick definitions of doctrinal beliefs and those purporting them is included. Augustine, Arminius, Pelagius and John Calvin are mentioned as well as more recent theologians like Wesley and Spurgeon. Of course with the breaking away from the Roman Catholic church the question of how one acquires salvation was utmost and everyone had a different opinion and scriptural interpretation.

If all this historical information is not to your liking move on to chapter 3, a "Description of Positions" this includes the five points of Calvinism-TULIP, the five points of Arminianism and the five points of Scriptural Soteriology (Theology of Salvation). This of course is the crux of the book. I like that scripture references are given. Dr. Page tells us which scriptures are used to defend each point or belief. If need be he also gives scripture refuting the point so one can simply get out their bible and read what it says for themselves.

I think this little book is very informative and useful but especially so if you have encounters with anyone of the Calvinistic persuasion. One problem that can come up in conversations between Calvinists and non-Calvinists is terminology. We don’t always hear the same thing when a word is used. The chapter titled "Scriptural Definition of Keys Words" is a big help. You may not always be able to persuade someone to change their views or beliefs but having adequate information about what they believe will help you have a more convincing argument.

My only qualm with the book is that the price seems a little high for it’s size, $14.50. But I think it’s worth having on the home study shelf.