The Dark Side of George Bryson

3-Part Review of The Dark Side of Calvinism by George Bryson

I found a great series of posts dealing with the objections to Calvinism raised by George Bryson in his book “The Dark Side of Calvinism.” For any serious inquirer considering following Bryson down his path, these posts linked below should give the inquirer plenty of things to think about.

Part 1 of the Review of The dark Side of Calvinism by George Bryson

First, there is the post dealing with the freedom of man. In this post, Ryan Hedrich points out that George Bryson smuggles in his own concept of free will into the Calvinist discussion, while all along ignoring what Calvinists themselves have said on the matter. The first post on The Dark Side of Calvinism by George Bryson is well-worth the read regardless of which camp you currently identify with.

Part 2 of the Review of The dark Side of Calvinism by George Bryson

The second post on The Dark Side of Calvinism by George Bryson deals with the epistemic repercussions of determinism. In this post, Ryan Hedrich deals with several of Bryson’s arguments, namely, Bryson’s argument on page 288 (see post for argument). In addition to dealing with Bryson’s arguments, Hedrich lays out his own position, stating “I unhesitatingly believe God is the ultimate cause of all things…” An enlightening post to say the least!

Part 3 of the Review of The dark Side of Calvinism by George Bryson

The third (and final) post dealing with George Bryson’s book The Dark Side of Calvinism specifically deals with responsibility. It is often claimed that if God causes sin then man is not responsible, God is. In this post, Ryan Hedrich points out that although God causes all things, man is still responsible for his choices because they are his choices. It is a very informative post on how to defend Calvinism from a philosophic perspective. Take a look at the posts and let me know what you think!

The posts are found on Biblical Thought.

Chuck Smith on Predestination

Have you ever examined Chuck Smith on Predestination? In this thought-provoking post by Stephen Macasil, he wrestles with a quote from Chuck Smith where it is asked whether God could or would allow a man to be born that had no possibility of salvation. This is my kind of topic!

John Piper Invites Rick Warren to Desiring God National Conference

Many have probably heard the news by now: Rick Warren to Speak At John Piper’s Desiring God Conference. Some have taken the issue to be about a Calvinist inviting and Arminian to speak on a Calvinist national stage. Some have taken issue with the appearance of Rick Warren’s body of work being endorsed by John Piper. Some have remained silent on the issues and some have been quite vocal on the issues.

While searching the Internet I found posts from both sides, but what I found tipped the scales favorably to one side over the other – the side of those opposed to John Piper’s decision to include Rick Warren at DGNC 2010. In my searching I did not find persuasive arguments from the pro-camp. What I found were supporters of John Piper that blindly backed Piper with support simply because he is John Piper. I don’t find this reasoning to be sound though. Just because someone that you are fond of does something, it does not justify that person’s actions simply because they are someone you are fond of, but this seems to be the common position of those that support John Piper in his decision to invite Rick Warren.

From the other side, the side that opposes John Piper’s decision, there appears to be many valid arguments to justify the non-supporter. Several blogs begin with a proposition from Scripture and through a series of logical arguments deduce that John Piper is unbiblical in his decision to partner with Rick Warren by giving him the national stage at the conference.

If you are reading this and think that I am wrong about my assessment, please provide your own valid argument along with links to websites that you believe to present a sound case for supporting John Piper in his decision to invite Rick Warren to speak at the 2010 Desiring God National Conference.

Institutes of the Christian Religion 2.17.4

When we say, that grace was obtained for us by the merit of Christ, our meaning is, that we were cleansed by his blood, that his death was an expiation for sin, “His blood cleanses us from all sin.” “This is my blood, which is shed for the remission of sins,” 1 John 1: 7; Luke 22: 20. (Inst. 2.17.4)

Institutes of the Christian Religion 1.13.2

While he proclaims his unity, he distinctly sets it before us as existing in three persons. These we must hold, unless the bare and empty name of Deity merely is to flutter in our brain without any genuine knowledge. (Inst. 1.13.2)

Institutes of the Christian Religion 4.12.15

For it sometimes happens that God smites a nation with war or pestilence, or some kind of calamity. In this common chastisement it behaves the whole people to plead guilty, and confess their guilt. Should the hand of the Lord strike any one in private, then the same thing is to be done by himself alone, or by his family. (Inst. 4.12.15)

Institutes of the Christian Religion 3.2.7

[T]he human mind, when blinded and darkened, is very far from being able to rise to a proper knowledge of the divine will; nor can the heart, fluctuating with perpetual doubt, rest secure in such knowledge. Hence, in order that the word of God may gain full credit, the mind must be enlightened, and the heart confirmed, from some other quarter. We shall now have a full definition of faith, if we say that it is a firm and sure knowledge of the divine favor toward us, founded on the truth of a free promise in Christ, and revealed to our minds, and sealed on our hearts, by the Holy Spirit. (Inst. 3.2.7)

Institutes of the Christian Religion 1.6.2

If true religion is to beam upon us, our principle must be, that it is necessary to begin with heavenly teaching, and that it is impossible for any man to obtain even the minutest portion of right and sound doctrine without being a disciple of Scripture. (Inst. 1.6.2)

Institutes of the Christian Religion 1.4.1

Mingled vanity and pride appear in this, that when miserable men do seek after God, instead of ascending higher than themselves as they ought to do, they measure him by their own carnal stupidity, and neglecting solid inquiry, fly off to indulge their curiosity in vain speculation. (Inst. 1.4.1)

Institutes of the Christian Religion 1.10.2

The knowledge of God, which is set before us in the Scriptures, is designed for the same purpose as that which shines in creation, viz., that we may thereby learn to worship him with perfect integrity of heart and unfeigned obedience, and also to depend entirely on his goodness. (Inst. 1.10.2)