Few debates have rocked the church in modern times more than the Calvinism vs. Arminianism debate. Hyperbole and unfair caricature often define this conversation. Both sides are guilty of bludgeoning their opponents with misrepresentations and unfair portrayals of the opposing view. In this sea of debate, Amazing Grace: God's Pursuit, Our Response floats to the surface as a buoy of sanity. Timothy George has gifted the church with his thoughts on the Reformed debate while avoiding over-reaching accusations and hyperbolic misrepresentations.

Amazing Grace is written from a decidedly Reformed perspective, but it displays a refreshing sense of humility. "There is no place for arrogance or one-upmanship in the Christian life and especially in the Calvinist life. Of all people, Calvinists should know that whatever understanding we have obtained into the mystery of divine grace, we have received it the same way we have received salvation itself - as a sheer gift" (13-14). Originally written for a doctrine study for the Southern Baptist Convention (a denomination with both Reformed and non-Reformed adherents), George charts a via media for the denomination. He acknowledges both the General Baptist and Particular Baptist streams that flow into the SBC. More than most people realize, these two streams share commonalities. George documents those points of agreement and urges a charitable spirit among modern Baptists.

George offers a helpful overview of the history behind this debate in chapter 3. He surveys Augustine versus Pelagius and Luther versus Erasmus. He demonstrates the superiority (due to biblical fidelity) of Augustinian thinking on the sovereignty of God. As the reader sees the long-standing nature of this debate, he can discover the ways that the church has historically responded to the far-too-optimistic view of humanity that marks Pelagius, Erasmus, and, by extension, Arminians. He also highlights how Whitfield and Wesley were able to ultimately push beyond their division over these issues and find common ground.

In my opinion, the most interesting part of Amazing Grace is Timothy's George's proposed reshaping of the TULIP acronym used to describe the five points of Calvinism. He suggests a new 5-point acronym: ROSES. ROSES stands for Radical Depravity (instead of Total Depravity), Overcoming Grace (instead of Irresistible Grace), Sovereign Election (rather than Unconditional Election), Eternal Life (instead of Perseverance of the Saints), and Singular Redemption (instead of Limited Atonement). He argues that clearer terms will eradicate much of the misunderstanding that revolves around the TULIP acronym. I think he is fighting a losing battle on this one. Too many centuries have passed to recast the TULIP acronym. But I do think his desire to recast the acronym in clearer terms is a noble aspiration.

George's excellent chapter on the Great Commission and grace helps the reader see the dangers of hyper- Calvinism. Also, many people have expressed to me the concern that Calvinism will inevitably lead to hyper-Calvinism. To be sure, that temptation exists. History demonstrates, however, that the doctrines of grace, when rightly understood and applied, lead to a zeal for missions that is unparalleled. William Carey and Charles Spurgeon are highlighted as examples of this for the reader.

Overall, Amazing Grace is an excellent book and a timely gift to the church. George avoids the vitriol that seems to define the Reformed/Non-Reformed debate. He is scholarly, but not in a way that leaves behind the average reader. I wish that more bloggers reflected his generous spirit. ( )