This post is from 2009, and so the author might update this list of books if he were to write it up today. But it is still certainly worth reading over:
If I could put together a short list of books that I would recommend for every Arminian to receive for Christmas it would be the following:
- Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities by Roger Olson. This is an example of good writing and good theology. Olson covers the history of Arminianism as well as showing the many errors that both Calvinists and other non-Arminians make about Arminianism. This is one of my favorite books of all time in theology.
- Grace, Faith, Free Will by Robert Picirilli. I would rank this book right up there with Olson’s. It is a case of good writing and sound doctrine. Dr. Picirilli is a Free Will Baptist who takes on Calvinism point by point in this work as he defines what is reformed Arminianism and its biblical basis.
- Arminius: A Study in the Dutch Reformation by Carl Bangs. This is the only work I am aware of on the life of Jacobus Arminius. Bangs shows the life of Arminius and how this man went from a simple Calvinist theologian to become the leader of the remonstrance movement against Calvinism. Bangs is a good writer and he dives deep into the short life of Arminius that has impacted many.
- Unconditional Eternal Security: Myth or Truth? by French Arrington. Dr. Arrington, from the Church of God Theological Seminary, wrote this book after numerous inquiries by believers over the teaching of “once saved, always saved.” The book is a mixture of devotional writing as well as theology. While this book is not quite as technical as I would expect from a seminary professor, the book was good and I recommend it to Arminians.
- What the Bible Says about God the Ruler by Jack Cottrell. This book is one of the best books on from an Arminian perspective on the doctrine of God. Dr. Cottrell tackles nearly every issue involving the subject of God’s rule over His creation. To me, this book is the best Arminian theology book that I have ever read.
- God’s Strategy in Human History by Roger Forster. This is the Arminian reply to the Calvinist books on God’s sovereignty from such theologians as R.C. Sproul and A.W. Pink. While the book leans toward “open theology”, the book does a good job of showing how God has been sovereign in human history while allowing for free will.
- Chosen but Free by Norman Geisler. Geisler’s book is not outright Arminian but Arminians could agree with much of what he writes here. Geisler says that he is writing this book from a “moderate Calvinist” position but if you examine his position, he is more likely a “moderate Arminian” (Geisler believes in eternal security). This second edition counters Calvinist theologian James White and his book, The Potter’s Freedom with an appendix on White.
- The Death Christ Died by Robert Lightner. This book is a book that an Arminian would agree with about 95% of what he writes on the doctrine of the atonement. Lightner argues for an unlimited atonement and he does so by looking directly into the Word of God. He takes on the arguments that Calvinists provide for a limited atonement and presents a strong case for the doctrine of unlimited atonement.
- Why I Am Not a Calvinist by Jerry Walls and Joseph Dongell. Another classic book on Arminianism and the differences between Arminianism and Calvinism. I enjoyed this book and while I would have liked more exegesis than the book offered, I recommend it to those studying Calvinism from an Arminian perspective.
- Election & Predestination by Samuel Fisk. This book is starting to age a bit but the arguments are good. In this book, Fisk examines the major passages of Scripture on election and predestination and he offers insights from various commentaries. While the sources are dated, the arguments are still valid as Fisk argues for a conditional nature to election (faith and repentance).
[Link to original post and comments on Roy Ingle’s website]
