Calvinism has always been viewed negatively among some evangelicals. Some Christians will look at Calvinism as a belief that God is mean and cruel while others embrace it saying it is the only theological system that works. There have been many books written on Calvinism, but all of them have seem to be geared toward more academic audiences. The Joy of Calvinism is geared toward all Christians who are wanting to know more about the teachings of Calvinism.
Forster begins to teach that Calvinism is about joy. The joy is knowing that our salvation is solely based on God and not ourselves. This book also addresses what what Calvinism does not teach:
1. Calvinism does not deny that we have free will
2. Calvinism does not say we are saved against our wills
3. Calvinism does not say we are totally depraved
4. Calvinism does not deny that God loves the lost
5. Calvinism is not primarily concerned with the sovereignty of God or predestination
The book addresses four teachings of Calvinism into four chapters:
1. God loves you personally
2. God loves you unconditionally
3. God loves you irresistibly
4. God loves you unbreakably
What amazed me about this book is the depth of the teaching of Calvinism presented in user friendly style so any Christian whether they are new to the faith or have been a Christian for years can pick up and read. The appendix of the book answers some basic questions on Calvinism including who is John Calvin. The Joy of Calvinism is a book that all reformed, and even non-reformed, reformed evangelicals can read and hopefully will come to embrace Calvinism because Calvinism teaches us to enjoy God.
Thanks Crossway for letting me review this book.
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