New Calvinist here

[BigChrisfilm]

Hi guys, I've recently decided that Calvinism makes the most sense and was wondering if anyone could provide me with reading material suggestions for someone who is brand new to this theology.

 

[twin1954]

Hi guys, I've recently decided that Calvinism makes the most sense and was wondering if anyone could provide me with reading material suggestions for someone who is brand new to this theology.

This would be a good start: The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, and Documented: David N. Steele, Curtis C. Thomas, S. Lance Quinn: 9780875528274: Amazon.com: Books

 

[Skala]

Hi guys, I've recently decided that Calvinism makes the most sense and was wondering if anyone could provide me with reading material suggestions for someone who is brand new to this theology.

Chosen by God by RC Sproul
(also has a companion video teaching series, which you can watch online for free here: Lecture 1, Everyone Believes this Doctrine from Chosen By God Teaching Series by Dr. R.C. Sproul from Ligonier Ministries

The Potter's Freedom by James White
The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Lorraine Boettener
The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen (definitive work on Limited Atonement)

Oh, and I can't make a post without recommending the DVD "Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism". It's an amazing, probably 4 hours or so in depth look at, well, the history of TULIP and the theology that arose from controversy throughout church history.

 

[AMR]

Hi guys, I've recently decided that Calvinism makes the most sense and was wondering if anyone could provide me with reading material suggestions for someone who is brand new to this theology.

Westminster Confession of Faith
An Exposition of the Westminster Confession of Faith

 

[Don Maurer]

Hi guys, I've recently decided that Calvinism makes the most sense and was wondering if anyone could provide me with reading material suggestions for someone who is brand new to this theology.

You have several good suggestions already. Can I ask you questions? Please do not misunderstand the questions... I, being Reformed, and certainly glad you agree with Calvinism. That is always a special thing to meet people who see God as the sole center of the universe. There is nothing as sweet in theology as breathing the lovely free air of Calvinism.

When you say "recently" what are you talking.... years, months days?
What reformed books have you read already (other than the bible)?

I know people who have been reformed from the time of their salvation. Were you saved and simply grew into reformed theology or was there some point at which you rejected non-reformed doctrines and embraced a more Calvinistic Theology?

Let me also say that one of the problems with Reformed theological literature is the massive amount of very good material. Some of it can be very heavy and hard to read, some of it is not so difficult.

Also, if you are new to Calvinism, I recommend going to a reformed Church if possible.

 

[AMR]

See also:
http://www.christianforums.com/t7398432/

http://www.christianforums.com/t824883/

 

[J0SHUA]

Reformation Theology

 

[abacabb3]

Here are a bunch of short articles including "Why I am a Calvinistic Christian."

 

[BigChrisfilm]

Hey Don, I've been a Calvinist for a couple weeks. I've really not read anything so I'm looking for books or articles for someone who is brand new. I'd really like to find some strong defense for it as I'm new to it and most of my friends don't understand why I'd believe it and it's kind of difficult to explain to then.

 

[twin1954]

Hey Don, I've been a Calvinist for a couple weeks. I've really not read anything so I'm looking for books or articles for someone who is brand new. I'd really like to find some strong defense for it as I'm new to it and most of my friends don't understand why I'd believe it and it's kind of difficult to explain to then.

The book I mentioned is the one you want then. The Five Points of Calvinism defined, defended and Documented.

See my first post for the link to it.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

This would be a good start: The Five Points of Calvinism: Defined, Defended, and Documented: David N. Steele, Curtis C. Thomas, S. Lance Quinn: 9780875528274: Amazon.com: Books

Right on, apart from the Scriptures, this is also my first reading recommendation, and fortunately it's one of those books a person need not read from cover to cover or in order by chapter.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

Chosen by God by RC Sproul
(also has a companion video teaching series, which you can watch online for free here: Lecture 1, Everyone Believes this Doctrine from Chosen By God Teaching Series by Dr. R.C. Sproul from Ligonier Ministries

Another top reading recommendation! Have you checked out "What is Reformed Theology?" or previously known as "Grace Unknown - The Heart of Reformed Theology" also by Dr. Sproul?

The Potter's Freedom by James White

Another selection on the same subject, "Willing to Believe" by Dr. Sproul. I honestly do not have detailed knowledge about Dr. White's book other than it was written in response (and opposition) to Norman Geisler's "Chosen But Free" book. I know Dr. Sproul's book "Willing to Believe" provides an easy to read history behind the "free will debate" while explaining the nuances of the different positions.

The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination by Lorraine Boettener

I thought about recommending Boettner's classic as my first choice, the chart at the back of newer editions is excellent. The title of the book though would lead people to think it's all about Predestination, when it's really about a great deal more. Another feature I appreciate is how Boettner quoted the Westminster Confession where it pertains to the particular point Boettner is addressing.

The Sovereignty of God by A.W. Pink
The Death of Death in the Death of Christ by John Owen (definitive work on Limited Atonement)

Definitely Pink, both him and Boetnner are clear and readable, not so obscure and difficult as some authors are known to be. A couple of great resources for Pink's works is: Arthur W. Pink - Chapel Library and The Doctrine of Reconciliation-Arthur W. Pink Book Archive. The John Owen book you mentioned is a classic, but I find Owen difficult to read.

Oh, and I can't make a post without recommending the DVD "Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism". It's an amazing, probably 4 hours or so in depth look at, well, the history of TULIP and the theology that arose from controversy throughout church history.

Yes! I also recommend the "Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism" DVD. There is also a extensive high quality free study guide which can be printed out.



Another great (and newer) book worth checking out is, Richard D. Phillips book "What's So Great About the Doctrines of Grace?". Like others dealing with the Doctrines of Grace, it is saturated with Scripture.

 

[Apologetic_Warrior]

Hi guys, I've recently decided that Calvinism makes the most sense and was wondering if anyone could provide me with reading material suggestions for someone who is brand new to this theology.

Hey brother, I hope you'll find these links helpful. Here they are:

DOCTRINES OF GRACE – CATEGORIZED SCRIPTURE LIST

Search | Monergism - Doctrines of Grace

Doctrines of Grace by Michael Finney & Rolaant L.M.

The Five Points of Calvinism by William J. Baldwin

A Brief Comparative Study of: Arminianism and Calvinism (this is also found at the back of Loraine Boetnner's "Reformed Doctrine of Predestination")

A Defense of Calvinism by C.H. Spurgeon (the "Prince of Preachers")


The primary web source for most everything Calvinist is Monergism.

The primary web source for Calvinist audio sermons: SermonAudio

A source for: Reformed Creeds and Confessions

One of many free Calvinist journals/magazines available online: Credo


This should help provide a place to start and grow. Soli Deo Gloria!

 

[BigChrisfilm]

The book I mentioned is the one you want then. The Five Points of Calvinism defined, defended and Documented.

See my first post for the link to it.

haha thanks man. I actually ended up purchasing that last night. I'm looking forward to it getting here now.

 

[Foghorn]

Hi guys, I've recently decided that Calvinism makes the most sense and was wondering if anyone could provide me with reading material suggestions for someone who is brand new to this theology.

Welcome brother.

I think it may be more like the Holy Spirit opened your eyes to the truth.

God bless, and may He continue to richly bless you as you seek His truths.