Reviews

When word got out that I was going to write a eight primer series on the foundational doctrines of the Bible, once Calvinist fan wrote:

“George Bryson…has as much ability to write a systematic theology as I have to star in the NBA finals.” (I think he is a really short white guy).

“I think Bryson is theologically incompetent and an embarrassment to exegetes everywhere if you want to be offended by something.” (No offense taken-I was actually flattered when I learned who it was that said this)

“The idea of him writing a systematic theology would be hysterically funny if not for the fact that he actually thinks he’s qualified to write one.” (I am going to my room right now to sulk)

“There are some good exegetes in CC…don’t embarrass the whole group with this drivel.” (Ouch! How could anyone resist the power of such an eloquent argument?).  

Concerning Bryson and Calvinism  

“…If Pastor Chuck wants to refute Calvinism, I plead with him to find people in the company who are qualified to do so.” (The objective views of a Calvinist moderator of an anti-Calvary Chapel pro-Calvinist website. Why am I not surprised?)

 

The Dark Side of Calvinism-The Calvinist Caste System

&

The Five Points of Calvinism-Weighed and Found Wanting

 

Negative Reviews

I have just finished reading two books from non-Calvinists: Dave Hunt's What Love is This? and George Bryson's The Five Points of Calvinism.

I think my comments about Hunt's book also apply here. They are as follows:

To my mind, Bryson's work represents yet another example of a pot being offended by the Potter (Romans 9:20-21). Like many of Jesus' followers long ago, many people today--including Bryson--reject the Lord's own teaching on the sovereignty of God in salvation (e.g., John 6:35-45) and instead conform Scripture to their presuppositional theology.

Calvinism is indeed the biblical gospel, and takes seriously the whole counsel of God, particularly the deadness of man in sin and the sovereignty of God in salvation.

On a personal note, I find myself moving away from fads, fluff, and man-centered teachings that characterize much of contemporary church life. I am discovering the deep well of Reformation theology (i.e., God-centered and God-glorifying theology), especially the doctrines of grace, the five solas, and other characteristics of Calvinism, which is indeed but another name for biblical Christianity.

With its great emphasis on the sovereignty and glory of God, the invincibility of God's grace, the authority of Scripture, etc., Reformed theology has been cool, clear water for this thirsty soul.

In an era of superficial, fad-driven, and man-centered Christianity, the ancient paths are looking better all the time.

It is high time for those of us in the American church to get out of the "kiddie pool" and start swimming in the deeper waters of God! Kiddie Christians can have their Hunts, Brysons, "KJV only" beliefs, etc.--they are welcome to them. As for me, I want to explore the deep waters of God's grace.

Interestingly, about the time I finished Bryson, I dipped into Abraham Kuyper's great work, Lectures on Calvinism. One word describes Kuyper's work: Brilliant.

I came away from my reading of Kuyper with a greater regard for both Kuyper and Calvinism. Moreover, reading Kuyper's work has brought me to a place of greater awe for the Sovereign of this world and all worlds: The Triune God.

What a world of difference between Bryson's anti-Calvinist diatribe and Kuyper's Lectures on Calvinism. The latter soars, while the former sinks ... and stinks!

The cover illustration claims that George Bryson found the doctrines of Calvinism "wanting". This little book, however, is so short (only 113 pages) that one has to take the claim as boastful, to the point of being impossible to believe. [Which just happens to be about the same length as the two leading pro-Calvinist books explaining and defending the Five Points of Calvinism]. For instance, there is: No study of Romans chapter 9; No study of Ephesians chapter 1; No study of the second half of John chapter 6; No discussions of Acts 13:46, 2 Thessalonians 2:13, or Romans 8:28-30. There's nothing here. George Bryson doesn't exegete anything. If Calvinism is untrue, one should demonstrate to the reader that there are better interpretations of "5 point" passages of Scripture. The thousands of Calvinistic theologians and preachers over the centuries, from Augustine to Luther and Calvin to Spurgeon to Jonathan Edwards to John MacArthur, Al Mohler, and R.C. Sproul, weren't uneducated people. They didn't just make up some zany theory out of their sheer imaginations. If you're going to call John Piper or Douglas Moo wrong, that's fine; they can be wrong. they might indeed be wrong. But you need to prove it. There are much better non-Calvinist books, better in the sense that the writers do the work of thorough theologians. Picirelli wrote a good one. Leroy Forlines is worth a look. Don't bother with this fluff book. The only people who will be convinced are baby Christians who don't know their Bibles and Calvary Chapel preachers who don't want to be kicked out of their denomination.

 

A Careless Approach to the Doctrines of Grace I will say first, that I read this book mostly out of curiosity, and after having read and re-read it, I must warn potential readers that they will find much in the way of human reasoning, false analogy, deceptive quotations, irrelevant discussion, and set-in-concrete presuppositions. That the author would compare himself with the likes of such scholars as Augustine, Luther, Calvin, Knox, Edwards, Boettner, Hodge, Packer, Sproul, Boice, Gerstner, Murray, Spurgeon, Machen, Warfield, Adams, MacArthur, Godfrey, Pink, Bunyan, Bonar, and hundreds, even thousands more, exhibits little in the way of a humble approach to a most serious subject. As a previous reviewer…aptly stated, there is no scholarship here. In his introduction, the author makes the following comments under Primary Purpose: "...first subject the Five Points to what I believe is (for Calvinism) the `harsh' light of Scripture. As I see it, a careful study of Scripture is not all that kind to the Five Points". Upon reading these words, am I supposed to understand that this book is any kind of objective scholarship, even before any evidence is discussed? That the author has an agenda should be obvious at this point. Another observation I would make about the book in general is: whenever another author is cited, the complete thought should be included in the citation. To do otherwise is to take the citation out of context, whether intentionally, or not. The book does this repeatedly. Again, for the author to disclaim either Calvinism or Arminianism should alert the reader further that confusion reigns in this work. I'll conclude with some remarks from someone who was willing to put his very life on the line against those who would deny the truth of God's Word concerning what we now call Calvinism, although he preceded Calvin by a few years. This doctrine (of predestination) is not so incomprehensible as many think, but it is rather full of sweet comfort for the elect and for all who have the Holy Spirit. But it is most bitter and hard for the wisdom of the flesh. There is no other reason why the many tribulations and evils cannot separate the saints from the love of God than that they are the called "according to His purpose." Hence God makes all things work together for good to them, and to them only. There are three thoughts that should be considered in connection with the subject (of Divine predestination), First, there are proofs of God's unchangeable election gathered from the words of Scripture and His works. The Apostle says: "Who are called according to His purpose". "Purpose" here stands for God's predestination, or His free election, or His (eternal) counsel (regarding the salvation of individual persons).... The second thought is that all objections to predestination proceed from the wisdom of the flesh. Hence, whoever does not deny himself and does not learn to keep his thoughts in subjection to the Divine will, never will find an answer to his questions. And that rightly so, for the foolish wisdom of the flesh exalts itself above God and judges His will, just as though this was of little importance. It should rather let itself be judged by God.... The third thought is that this doctrine is indeed most bitter to the wisdom of the flesh, which revolts against it and even becomes guilty of blasphemy on this point. But it is fully defeated when we learn to know that our salvation rests in no wise upon ourselves and our conduct, but is founded solely upon what is outside us, namely, on God's election. Martin Luther, Commentary on Romans, v.28-30

Positive Reviews

There are a lot of books that have been written to promote the Reformed doctrine of redemption and reprobation. There are relatively few books that have been written to challenge what is more commonly referred to as the Calvinist doctrine of salvation and damnation. One reason is that most non-Calvinists have never taken the time to seriously look into what Calvin and Calvinism teaches. There was a day in which that may have been OK. Today, however, Calvinism is coming at the rest of us (aggressively) from all sides. The Calvinist doctrine of salvation and damnation is no longer confined (if indeed it ever was) to Presbyterianism, The Dutch Reformed, Particular or Reformed Baptists or a relatively few others that have gone down the Reformed road .

Now there are “modified” dispensationalists like John MacArthur passionately promoting the Calvinist doctrine of salvation and damnation through “Lordship Salvation, doctrine” a variation and expansion of the fifth point of Calvinism (i.e., perseverance of the saints). A few years ago a Charismatic Calvinist was practically unheard of. Today, John Piper is not only one of the most popular Evangelicals in America he is one of the most outspoken and ardent defenders of Calvinism in the country as well. Men like MacArthur and Piper will not likely replace the R.C. Sproul’s or the Lorraine Boettner’s in the Reformed community, but they are helping swell the numbers of those who embrace Reform doctrine (not to be confused with the Reformation). We now have hyper-Calvinism as well as the more common variety of Calvinism called hypo-Calvinism (i.e., “mainstream Calvinism) that sounds a lot ( or exactly) like what used to be called “extreme” Calvinism.

What we need today are a few more Biblicists that can and will graciously, carefully, prayerfully and scripturally answer Calvinism. I have known George Bryson since before he was a student of mine at Western Theological Seminary. This was back a few decades when we were both much younger. If you presently share the convictions of Calvinism and are committed to the cause of Calvinism, George’s book The Dark Side of Calvinism may leave you feeling more than a little uncomfortable. For that he does not apologize. I can recommend The Dark Side of Calvinism and his earlier primer titled The Five Points of Calvinism-Weighed and Found Wanting, not only because in them he fairly represents the Reformed doctrine of salvation and damnation but because in them he also clearly and scripturally refutes the Reformed doctrine of salvation and damnation.

If you believe that what the Bible says about why some are saved and others damned is important, The Dark Side of Calvinism is must reading for you. If you are a Calvinist, it may not only make you think, but it should also help you rethink Calvinism. If you read reviews about a book before or after you read the book, you may have noticed that George’s books typically average two and ½ stars out of five. Look closer. It is not because many people rate his books with 2 and ½ stars. Rather, it is because committed Calvinists almost always give him a one star (the worst rating a book can receive) and almost everyone else that takes the time to read and rate his books gives him five stars (the best rating they can give a book). You may love The Dark Side of Calvinism because it exposes the dark side of Calvinism (in the light of Scripture) or you may hate it for the same reason (i.e., because it exposes the dark side). Either way, it is much more likely that this book will keep you awake than put you to sleep.

Dr. Earl D. Radmacher

Former President of Western Baptist Theological Seminary

 

I must admit upfront that as soon as I read the title, "The Dark Side of Calvinism: The Calvinist Caste System," I had immediately began to worry that this book was going to simply be a full-blown attack on Calvinist thought…But as I began reading it, to see what he states since I am doing some research on the subject, I found out that Bryson has written a very informative and fair book on the issue, primarily, of the doctrine of reprobation and it being the "dark side" of Calvinism. Bryson states early on "Everyone seriously considering a theological move in the direction of Reformed Theology deserves to know about Calvinism's dark side before they make a commitment to Calvinism" (p. 22). This book goes into great lengths to highlight this problem in Calvinism.

What Bryson does best in this book, and also what can be seen as a liability, is he has an exhaustive conversation between Calvinists, quoting dozens of them throughout his long chapters (I believe he is…fair in this…Bryson points out from time to time where a Calvinist got it right). I say that this can also be a liability because he is constantly belaboring point after point in order for the Calvinists to have this conversation. So it is a two edged sword: in one sense the reader should appreciate the vast resource of view points from Calvinist and Reformed writers that Bryson utilizes (which also comes out in his many citations: I first was surprised he simply kept the quotations going from 1 to 618, not separating them by chapter, which made me think he was doing that for the sake of showing off; but once I began reading the book, I found it very easy to go to the back and look up the quote because you didn't have to be lost in trying to first find the chapter--you just simply go to the quote); in the other sense, as you read you get a little frustrated that he says the same thing almost fifteen to twenty times in the chapter, which would have made the book an easier read if he were a little more concise; yet, it was understandable why he did it: he simply wanted to demonstrate that the view he was presenting was coming from the mouth of the Calvinists, not from his own opinion of them. So, though it made sense why he does belabor his points, it made it also a little redundant to read at times.

That being said, Bryson demonstrates a few important things in this book: one, he shows the problematic nature for some Calvinists to defend their position, especially when it comes to reprobation. These Calvinists he calls "Hypo-Calvinists," coming from the word, "hypo" meaning "less than normal," while another group of Calvinists he calls "Hyper-Calvinists" from the word "hyper" which means "more than normal" (see his explanation on pp. 55-56). The Hypo-Calvinists usually softens the "dark" views of Calvinism, or brushes over certain areas of it, even though he or she teaches the bright side of it without shame (the "predestination to salvation" part), while Hyper-Calvinists simply let the doctrine take them to the logical conclusions (that God foreordains both salvation and reprobation). Examples he uses of Hypo-Calvinists are Charles Spurgeon, R.C. Sproul, James White, John MacArthur, Jr., John Feinburg, John Piper, Jay Adams and others, while examples of Hyper-Calvinists are John Calvin, John Gill, Charles Hodge, Herman Hoeksema, Herman Hanko, Douglas Wilson, Edwin Palmer, and others. Bryson brilliantly goes from author to author in the Calvinist literature and shows the inconsistent defense made among them in trying to explain either the logical conclusion of Sovereign Election taught by Calvinism (in the form of double predestination) or in trying to explain non-Calvinist passages of Scripture (those passages which obviously contradict Calvinist assumptions).

The book is primarily laid out by one chapter presenting and explaining the Calvinist's position and another chapter to refute the particular position Biblically. Here, though, part of the redundancy comes out because it seems he carries over sometimes the same arguments from the "explanation" side to the "refuted" side as if he didn't feel he was finished explaining the things he over-explained in the previous chapters. But it is amazing to see how Calvinists attempt to explain away many obvious contradictions to their own position, debating back and forth on what the answer should be and showing that there is confusion in the particular thinking there. The Scriptures state that God is "not the author of confusion" (1 Cor. 14:33) and so such disconcertment in answering contradictions should bare red flags for any student of the Bible.

So, on the whole, this book is a valuable critique of Calvinism, more so than I was expecting. I like reasonable books which give critiques on Calvinism in fair and enlightening ways (such as "Why I am Not a Calvinist" by Walls and Dongell or "Arminian Theology" by Roger Olson), so I was skeptical of this book (I think he would do good to change the title a bit). But Bryson instead made a fair assessment of the dilemmas and utilized very clearly the Reformed, Calvinist position by his dialogue between their many authors.

One final critique, which is a small one, but I believe Bryson must remove: in chapter one he added a quote from the rabid false teacher Fred Phelps (pp. 52-53), because Phelps is also a Calvinist. The good thing is, he only mentioned him once, but I believe that he should simply remove this quote out of his book due to the fact that Phelps is a bad example of those who believe in Calvinism, which most are very fine and reasonable theologians. This quote really does nothing to add to the debate (it is another one to belabor the point) so it is worthless to down-grade this good work with the possible critique by Calvinists due to that one quote. I hope he takes heed to this when he updates this book. (Sid Salido-Scholar Reviewer-Sid will be happy to hear that I am taking his advise on and removing Phelps in the next printing. For the record I do not think Doug Wilson qualifies as a hyper-Calvinist and I am not sure if most of the men referred to in the above list do. Of course, it depends on what one believes is required for one to qualify as a hyper-Calvinist-my threshold may be higher than what Sid believes in required).

 

“You can have John 3: 16 or John Calvin”.  Much to his credit, Bryson displays a strong bent to serious scholarship…something notably deficient in much of popular evangelical propoundings. He employs no `straw man' mischaracterizations, instead citing prominent Calvinists themselves, Bryson intends to be both accurate and thorough. Some will think he is too thorough; by the middle of the book he has completely refuted both Calvinist logic and Calvinist exegesis--in fact he has successfully demonstrated that the consistent Calvinist must practice the dubious art of eisegesis (pressing a meaning into a text, as required by an immovable presupposition), rather than the necessary practice of exegesis (drawing a meaning from a text)…On some points Bryson's theology and soteriology depart considerably from mine…but he knows his topic here and he knows the arguments of those who would oppose him. His book deserves a large readership within the evangelical community, especially among Calvinists and those potentially tempted by Calvinism's `happy face' (unconditional election [to life]) but incognizant of its `dark side…(Amazon.com)

 

 

Excellent, Logical Rebuttal To Calvinism-This book puts into words the way I've always felt about the sovereignty of God and the accountability of Man. I appreciated the way the author refutes Calvinism using logic. I especially liked the section where he shows how Calvinists skew the argument by only presenting two alternatives. (Have you stopped beating your wife, yes or no)…Thanks for a great, meaty yet readable/understandable book! (Amazon.com)

An Excellent, In-Depth Examination of the Problems with Calvinism- George Bryson knows the teachings of Calvinism better than any Calvinist I've ever met. This book is an excellent, well-researched, thoroughly footnoted, in-depth, Biblical examination of where Calvinism has departed from the Scriptures. If you have been struggling with Calvinism, or have questions about Calvinism, you'll find this book very helpful. (Charlie Campbell-Evangelical Author/Apologist-Always Be Ready Apologetics).

EXCELLENT BOOK! Once I picked it up I could not put it down. Point after well thought out points were made and the researched content was eye opening! If you are in need of a balanced book on Calvinism, then this is the one for you my friend! (Amazon.com)

The Dark Side of Calvinism by George Bryson is another light in the spectrum of books dispelling the gloom of Calvinism. Up until a few years ago, there were very few books challenging the labyrinth of Calvinistic logic, but recently, several books have been written, each with their own strengths. Laurence Vance’s The Other Side of Calvinism is an excellent source for seeing in their own words what Calvinists teach and believe. C. Gordon Olson’s Beyond Calvinism and Arminianism: An Inductive, Mediate Theology of Salvation contains some of the strongest exegetical arguments against Calvinism that exist. Dave Hunt added his weight with the striking book What Love Is This?

Bryson’s book is a mixture of these others. Like Vance, he has numerous quotes from Calvinistic authors. Like Olson, he includes exegetical arguments. Like Hunt, he employs logic to show the illogic of Calvinism. Bryson’s real strength, however, is in the tone of the book. His book is full of grace. Of all the books written against the so-called “Doctrines of Grace” his is the most gracious. This is an amazing feat considering that his primary purpose was to show the Scriptural abuses, logical sinkholes, and foreboding theological implications inherent in the Calvinistic system.

One way he was able to accomplish his gracious tone was through numerous and memorable illustrations which cleverly shed light on the illogic of the Calvinistic logic (e.g. pp. 80, 83, 89, 97, 353). Of course, I don’t think Calvinists are amused, no matter how gracious Bryson is, for he says “it is the ‘distinctives’ of the Reformed faith that are of concern to me and are the focus of this book” (p. 16). He wants to make sure his readers understand that only Calvinism is under attack—not Calvinists…victims of their own theology (pp. 16-17).

The Calvinistic crimes Bryson is most concerned with revolve around three central distinctives: the doctrine of reprobation (chaps 2-3; p. 31), the idea that God causes sin (p. 17, 68-69), and the Calvinist’s lack of assurance (pp. 245, 268, 270-71, 284, 286). Though most Calvinists deny all three of these teachings, Bryson shows that consistent Calvinists must either believe these things, or reject their entire system. The logic of Calvinism—the good, the bad and the ugly - stands or falls together (pp. 49-53, 275).

Since this is the nature of Calvinism (p. 51), Bryson does not feel compelled to deal with the five points of Calvinism as traditionally presented, namely, TULIP. Nor does he begin with what is considered the “weakest link”: Limited Atonement. Instead, Bryson takes the bull by the horns and begins at the central and strongest point—Unconditional Election (chaps 2-3). From there he goes on to deal with Limited Atonement (chaps 4-5), Irresistible Grace (chaps 6-7), Total Depravity (chaps 8-9), and Perseverance of the Saints (chaps 10-11).

Each of the five points is dealt with in two chapters. The first explains the point using numerous Calvinistic quotes. If you want to know what Calvinists teach, you don’t have to trust Bryson to tell you; he lets them tell you in their own words. The second chapter of each point is devoted to the Scriptural and logical refutation of the point just explained. Bryson closes out the book with what is often called the “Sixth Point of Calvinism”—the Sovereignty of God (chap 12) and a summary chapter (chap 13).

…I found many references where the Gospel was presented as faith alone in Christ alone (pp. 30, 121, 130, 154, 171, 176, 177, 189, 190, 191, 192, 196, 199, 202-203, 205, 206, 207, 225, 231, 244, 246-49, 348, 349, 350, 352, 356, 366, to name a few). In one place, he very clearly states that “While it must be emphasized that we bring nothing but faith, it must also be emphasized that we must bring faith. …Requiring the lost to bring faith is not to ask the lost to make a contribution to their salvation, but it is a consistent reminder that salvation is all of God and not at all of man”   (p. 244, italics his).

…In the same vein, he takes Calvinists to task for their weak stance on assurance. Because of their doctrine of perseverance of the saints, he forcefully points out that no one who believes in the Calvinist doctrine of Perseverance of the Saints can have assurance of salvation (pp. 245, 268, 270-71, 284, 286). I love his statement on p. 286 that says, “The Calvinist doctrine of salvation provides no more assurance of salvation than Arminianism does, and perhaps less.” (Jeremy Meyers-book reviewer for Grace Evangelical Society (GES)).

Great critique of the Calvinist Doctrine…I found this book incredibly simple to comprehend, yet insightful and convincing. This is a manageable, well-balanced read for anyone interested in a critique of Calvinism. Without name-calling (as some so-called "Christian" reviewers do on these webpages and thus give a very poor image of a Christian church in America), George Bryson presents a structured, Bible-based presentation of Calvinism's inconsistencies….

Wonderful summary and critique of Calvinism and its flaws… The issues raised with Calvinism still remain very hotly debated subjects within the Christian world. I came across this little gem while studying issues related to flaws inherent in Calvinistic doctrine. It should be noted that I neither subscribe entirely to nor wish to defend Arminianism by disagreeing with Calvinism. One of the dangers involved with studying these doctrines lies in the temptation to choose either/or - Calvinist or Arminian, which simply creates a false dichotomy and discourages thorough contemplation and examination of scripture. However, the issue here is Calvinism. One of the main dangers of Calvinism lies in that Calvinistic doctrine does not send up the red flag to most Christians like other false doctrines may. This is because although the typical Christian may not be aware of it, Calvinistic leanings have become standard doctrine for many evangelical Christian churches all over the world. In fact, many Christians believe Calvinistic doctrine and may not even know it, at least in terms of being "Calvinist" doctrine.

This book's value stems first from its conciseness and accuracy and should be in the library of any Christian because how one views these issues literally determines how you perceive God, other people, and reality itself. Second, perhaps the most convincing and credible reason the book represents such a valuable find lies in the fact that instead of trying to explain Calvinism himself, Bryson lets Calvinists do the explaining for themselves. This approach becomes extremely telling with regard to the inescapable flaws of the Calvinistic perspective. Thirdly, Bryson's arguments remain extremely sound (both scripturally and logically) throughout.

 

Structurally, the book has two parts. The first deals with what Calvinism says and is according to the most influential and famous Calvinists in history. The second deals with the theological and philosophical implications (i.e. why Calvinism is wrong) of the Calvinistic perspective.

These issues (the five points of Calvinism and the issues they in turn raise) remain among the most critical of the entire Christian worldview and should be understood thoroughly and refuted readily. This book provides for and facilitates both. Highly recommended.  (Amazon.com)

 

		There are four or five major Christian cults (those which use the name of Christ and somewhat rely on the Bible as the basis for their beliefs), but Bryson introduces Calvinism as an additional system of theology to beware of. Unfortunately, Calvinism has been developed, systematized, and reduplicated in most Christian commentaries, theology books, and even institutes of higher education.   It is not recognized by most as a man-made system of thought that significantly departs from the teachings of the Bible. Whereas the Bible teaches that 1) man can and does respond to the truth of the gospel, that 2) the believer (on the basis of his position in Christ) is selected for service and ultimate glorification (in accord with the foreknowledge of God), that 3) the Lord Jesus died for and redeemed the whole world of men without exception, that 4) man is indeed able to refuse the gospel message and is not irresistibly forced to believe it by the Holy Spirit, and that 5) the believer can utterly fail in his Christian life (and therefore lose blessings in this life and rewards in the life to come, but can't lose or forfeit the non-revocable eternal life promised by God), it is abundantly clear that Calvinism, as a system, is an unfortunate aberration of true biblical doctrine. Bryson, in this work, makes the faults of the Calvinistic system abundantly clear. Bryson does a brilliant job of summarizing the teachings of reformed theology in the area of salvation. (Amazon.com)
		One of the best short treatments of Calvinism in print. I bought this book from Amazon last year, and I was greatly impressed with it. One of the most important points it stresses is that the Calvinism-Arminianism debate is actually improper, because there exists a THIRD (more biblical) alternative that is neither Calvinist nor Arminian. Alas, that point is forever lost on critics from the Reformed camp especially, who have been brainwashed by their elders into believing that all non-Calvinists like Bryson are "Arminians". And predictably, some reviewers are upset because Bryson dares to insinuate that their sacrosanct Reformed tradition departs from scripture on the salvation issue -- which it surely does. Dave Hunt explains the details of all that in his 600-page book, but George Bryson does a very admirable job in pointing out the basic scriptural weaknesses of Calvinism in this relatively brief volume. And, in spite of reviewer accusations to the contrary, I believe Bro. Bryson does so with a gracious spirit. Way to go, George!  (Amazon.com)
	Concise, Fair, Irenic, Primer on Calvinism. Hats off to George Bryson for the best concise guide on the Five Points of Calvinism that I have read to date. In all fairness to Calvinists of all stripes Bryson devotes the first half of this small format 120 page book to letting the Calvinists describe their own system--from the donkey's mouth so to speak. Since there are so many flavors of Calvinism, he graciously presents their "soft" and "hard" takes on the T.U.L.I.P. The second half is his rebuttal to each of the five points using Scripture. Bryson rightly points out, as I have in other reviews, "that there is no Calvinism without [all] the Five Points. I agree with Bryson and mainstream Calvinists that there is no such beast as a "moderate" or "3, 4-point Calvinist". The five points stand or fall as a unit. However, being a "non-Calvinist" doesn't mean you are an Arminian either. A moderate or mediate view disagrees with both of the extremes. Biblicists, whether they realize it or not, actually disagree with all five points and not just Limited Atonement. Bryson correctly says "As long as Christians think the Calvinist doctrine of Total Depravity is simply that all have sinned; or that the Calvinist distinctive of unconditional election is that salvation is unmerited; or even that the Calvinistic view of perseverance can be equated with the doctrine of "once saved always saved," they will continue to incorrectly think of themselves as Calvinists." I wish some of our leading biblical/dispensational theologians and teachers would wake up to this fact and stop confusing other believers by calling themselves a "something or other Calvinist"!..Other insights include, "The problem with the Calvinistic view of perseverance is similar to the problem of the Arminian view of perseverance. That is, in Calvinism and Arminianism, justification and sanctification are hardly (if at all) distinguishable.", and "Calvinism denies the believer assurance whereas Arminianism denies the believer security." Finally, Bryson couldn't have summed up Calvinism any better "A person will either be saved or damned FOR all eternity because they were saved or damned FROM all eternity". To paraphrase the Calvinist professor James Daane; all roads in Calvinism lead to reprobation. Too long to quote here, but please be sure to check out the quote on page 118 from Calvinist theologian John S. Feinberg...very candid and telling remarks about his own system!! This little book is highly recommended. I also look forward to reading Bryson's in-depth book entitled The Dark Side of Calvinism: The Calvinist Caste System. (Amazon.com)