[This post is from 2008, and so Ingle might provide a different list if he were to write this today. But this list still seems worthy of considering. Updating editorial comments have been provided in brackets at certain points.]
Being an avid reader I enjoy a plethora of books ranging in various subjects. However, as a reformed Arminian I believe there are certain Arminian books that are required reading. I will provide a short list. These book are in no particular order.
- The Works of Arminius– Classic works, although they can be quite technical. Arminius was a brilliant man. His writings are equally as deep as John Calvin’s, although not as systematic. Most of the works of Arminius are written in letter format addressing other theologians much like the works of John Wesley, although Wesley’s works contain many of his sermons and Arminius’ do not. You may also find free access online to Arminius works both here and here.
- Wesleyan-Arminian Collection CD – This is provided by Logos and is well worth the price. It contains the works of Arminius (see above), the works of John Wesley, and the works of John Fletcher and Joseph Beets. [This item seems to be no longer available through the original company that produced it or through Logos. But it, or something similar to, it is available and downloadable for free. See this post on SEA’s website.]
- Adam Clarke’s Commentary– Hard to find these days in book format especially the entire edition but you can find in online here.
- What The Bible Says About God the Ruler– This by far is the best Arminian book I have ever read on the sovereignty of God. Dr. Jack Cottrell is one of the best modern Arminian theologians you can read, and his works are full of Scripture. He provides not only strong biblical basis for the Arminian understanding of God’s sovereignty but provides the reader with strong arguments for the Arminian viewpoint. Written on a college level.
- Grace, Faith, Free Will– Dr. Robert Picirilli’s book is an excellent overview contrasting the Arminian and Calvinist views on salvation. Dr. Picirilli deals with the extent of the atonement, election, and perseverance of the saints. Picirilli is an excellent Reformed Arminian theologian from the Free Will Baptist tradition.
- Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities– Dr. Roger Olson provides an excellent look at Arminian theology and how misunderstood both Arminius and Arminianism is. Dr. Olson tackles ten myths about Arminianism that Calvinist theologians often assert. While Dr. Olson is a thinker, the book is actually easy to read and grasp.
- Introduction to Christian Theology– Dr. H. Orton Wiley was a leading Nazarene theologian and produced this great book. In this introduction to Christian theology, Wiley provides a strong Arminian understanding to Christian theology. Classic reading on a college level. [It may be found online for free here: http://wesley.nnu.edu/other-theologians/henry-orton-wiley/christian-theology-by-h-orton-wiley/.]
- Election & Predestination: Keys To Clearer Understanding– This book by Samuel Fisk is a collection of various Calvinist theologians on election with limited answers provided. Overall, this work is a bit dated but still helpful in showing how even Calvinist theologians do not agree on election. I would have liked it more had Fisk wrestled with the Scriptures on various texts so often used by Calvinists to prove unconditional election, such as Romans 9-11 or Ephesians 1. Still a good read.
- Why I Am Not A Calvinist– Dr. Jerry Walls and Joseph Dongell have written a good book that provides both biblical and philosophical reasons for not being a Calvinist. While it does not necessarily provide strong biblical arguments as much as good philosophical arguments, I did enjoy reading it nonetheless.
- The Arminian Study Bible– Edited by Dr. Roger Olson and Stephen Ashby with contributors such as Robert Picirilli, Jack Cottrell, Leroy Forlines, and many more. Reformed theology has both The Reformation Study Bible and The MacArthur Study Bible. It is about time for a quality Arminian study Bible! However, this last book is just a dream of mine and is yet to be published.
[Link to original post and comments at Roy Ingle’s website]
