With the resurgence of what’s been called “The New Calvinists” in the past decade or so, Reformed Theology has been gaining steam among a new generation of Christians. (See the Christianity Today cover story “Young, Restless and Reformed” for a fuller treatment of it.)
Among evangelicals, particularly the 35 and under crowd, Reformed theology has been simply seen as “what the Bible teaches” and “what evangelicals believe.” Due to the successful ministries of dynamic authors, preachers and speakers such as Louie Giglio, John Piper, Mark Driscoll, Kevin DeYoung and Josh Harris, Calvinist/Reformed theology is ranked, according to Time magazine, 3rd on the list of Top 10 Ideas that are Changing the World Right Now. That’s pretty darn impressive, and many many people are coming to Jesus based on the ministries of such men. For that, I am thankful.
However, the New Calvinists have not been without their detractors–particularly from the Emergent Church movement (for an example of a respectful, but sharp criticism, click here). This has created some…shall we say, tension…among evangelical Christians (I’ve actually had someone de-friend me on Facebook because I challenged some of the ideas she continually put forth from the teachings of various popular New Calvinist preachers!)
However, this need not be the case. Those of us who are not part of the Reformed/Calvinist stream of tradition still have much to learn from many of the gifted brothers and sisters within their theological ranks. I can attest to this personally, having sat under amazing Reformed/Calvinist teachers at Gordon-Conwell, and this is why I’m so glad to have gone to an interdenominational seminary rather than one from a single doctrinal tradition. I was challenged, encouraged, strengthened and edified by many Reformed/Calvinists…and I continue to learn from them to this day!
However, as in most areas of Biblical study, the best gems often remain hidden behind the glamorous “big names” who the average Christian sees as representative of the cream of the crop. This is not a blanket slight against any of the Christian celebrities among the New Calvinist readership (both in print and on iTunes), but if all you know of theology is what you’ve read from John MacArthur or Mark Driscoll, you are missing out on the better minds Reformed/Calvinist theology has to offer.
So I wanted to share a few names that you may or may not be familiar with, but who I believe represent some of the best there is in Biblical/Theological thinking, writing and teaching, period…and all of whom are Reformed/Calvinist. Even when I find myself disagreeing with them (which of course I do on a number of issues), I have nothing but respect and admiration for their work:
D.A. Carson – I’ve often remarked lightheartedly that Carson is “my favorite Calvinist!” Carson is a brilliant scholar whose work has challenged and blessed me in my ministry time and time again. Some of his works I’ve gained from reading are “The Inclusive Language Debate,” “Exegetical Fallacies,” “The Sermon on the Mount,” and pretty much any commentary he’s written.
Tim Keller – Among the names on this list, Keller’s is probably the most well-known among the general populace. His book “The Reason for God” was a bestseller…and rightfully so! Unlike the stereotype of the New Calvinist as combative, argumentative and dogmatic (which, like all stereotypes, is not universally true…though, like all stereotypes, does contain an uncomfortable kernel of truth), Keller’s demeanor in writing and speaking is warm, humble and inclusive, yet convicting and challenging at the same time.
Bill Mounce – I’m partial to Mounce, not only because I learned Greek through his “Basics of Biblical Greek” textbook (along with thousands of other seminarians throughout the past decade!), but also because he’s not afraid to let the text of Scripture challenge some Reformed/Calvinist doctrinal assumptions. He’s also extremely charitable in handling theological differences. For instance, while he was a translator of the uber-popular ESV Bible translation (the de facto translation among the New Calvinists) and one of its most vocal advocates, he also agreed to be a contributing editor of the NIV2011 translation, which takes the place of the much-hated-by-New-Calvinists TNIV translation. Mounce knows that when it comes to Bible translations there’s room at the table for both formally-equivalent and dynamic-equivalent translations. Kudos to Bill for being an example of true Biblical translation scholarship in contrast to the many misleading reactionary stances like that of the SBC which often circulate within Conservative Evangelical circles.
Tremper Longman/Peter Enns/Bruce Waltke – Despite the recent controversies between these three OT scholars and various Reformed/Calvinist institutions, all three have done amazing work in Hebrew Bible scholarship. Their books and commentaries are fantastic and though they may be demonized by some online, they are well worth reading!
Duane Garrett – Another phenomenal OT scholar and editor for one of the best study Bibles on the market, the Archeology Study Bible. Garrett’s book “Rethinking Genesis” is a wonderful exploration of the deficiencies of older critical hypotheses regarding the composition and authorship of the Torah (also known as “Documentary Hypotheses”) that so many OT scholars still unfortunately cling to and which is still the standard fare in mainline OT scholarship.
Gordon Hugenberger – Besides a fantastic last name, Hugenberger is one of the best lecturers I’ve ever heard. He’s also the teaching Pastor at Boston’s oldest and largest evangelical church, the historic Park Street Church (well worth attending sometime if you’re ever in Beantown!). Hugenberger was a contributor to the ESV Study Bible as well, and even when I disagree with him I still have tremendous respect for his work.
J.I. Packer – The “Dean of evangelical Theologians!” Packer is wonderful and despite being thoroughly Calvinistic in his theology, he doesn’t make it his emphasis. Along with John Stott, (the “Dean of evangelical Pastors!”) is one of the greatest theologians of the 20th century.
Greg Beale – As someone who teaches the Book of Revelation, I am indebted to Beale’s work. His commentary in the NIGTC series is, without a doubt, the finest and most thorough commentary on Revelation in print. Period. Hands down. ANYONE who attempts to teach or preach from Revelation and is not familiar with Beale’s work is driving with a cracked windshield at best!
This is by no means an exhaustive list; there are many, many other scholars, pastors and theologians within the Reformed/Calvinist tradition who I deeply admire. But these are some that anyone who prides him- or herself on a love of theological study and doctrine (something the New Calvinists hold in high regard…as we all should!) should make it a point to read and learn from.
JM
ps: I’ve NEVER come across a similar list from a Reformed/Calvinist perspective regarding non-Reformed scholars and theologians. But I’d be VERY interested in reading one if any of my Reformed/Calvinist brothers or sisters would care to share one with me! 
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I just can’t believe anyone likes Calvinism at all. It’s the most moronic philosophical thinking ever. You have no free will and God rewards or punishes you based on who he has personally chosen to either torture or reward from before the beginning of time. It’s really the stupidest Christian theology I’ve ever heard in my entire life. I think anyone who follows John Calvin basically has no brain cells and has never taken a basic logic course.
The last Calvinist I talked to told me to repent my good deeds and to stop doing good things for people (since all good deeds are useless).
[Reply]
Todd Reply:
February 28th, 2012 at 12:58 am
Hi Chris,
Just to correct you brother. The comment you quoted from your “Calvinistic” friend would never come out of the mouth of a true Calvinist. His quote reflects more of a Hyper-Calvinistic view which is heresy. The problem is when non-Calvinists criticize Calvinists they sometimes use examples of Hyper-Calvinism.
In Christ,
Todd
[Reply]
Chris Bowers Reply:
February 28th, 2012 at 6:33 am
>The problem is when non-Calvinists criticize Calvinists they sometimes use >examples of Hyper-Calvinism.
I see. So the Calvinist I was talking to was lying about being a Calvinist and wasn’t a “true” Calvinist.
I think that might be an example of the “No true Scotsman” fallacy, unless you can demonstrate to me how your position is different than his, and further, how his position is NOT “true” calvinism.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_true_Scotsman
If you would like to explain to me how good deeds matter under Calvinism, I’m all ears in listening.
[Reply]
Todd Reply:
February 29th, 2012 at 11:00 pm
I never said he wasn’t sincere in his Calvinistic beliefs. I am simply stating that in reference to the comment that he made to you that IT wasn’t a true representation of what Calvinist believe and thus it has become a straw man in your argument. Good deeds are extremely important. James talks about displaying his faith through his works. The works is not what saves you but they can be a demonstration that your faith (salvation) is real. True saving faith will always produce good fruit and real action. If not, then your faith is dead and just lip service.
In a spirit of love, truth, and sincerity,
Todd
Chris Bowers Reply:
February 28th, 2012 at 6:33 am
>The problem is when non-Calvinists criticize Calvinists they sometimes use >examples of Hyper-Calvinism.
I see. So the Calvinist I was talking to was lying about being a Calvinist and wasn’t a “true” Calvinist.
I think that might be an example of the “No true Scotsman” fallacy, unless you can demonstrate to me how your position is different than his, and further, how his position is NOT “true” calvinism.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_true_Scotsman
If you would like to explain to me how good deeds matter under Calvinism, I’m all ears in listening.
[Reply]
Chris Bowers Reply:
March 1st, 2012 at 4:47 am
Todd, this is something I don’t understand about Calvinism.
If good deeds are not what saves you, then why do them? If you’re already saved then it seems there would be no motivation or need to do good deeds. If your salvation is assured, then why wouldn’t you simply sin as much as you can? After all, you know you’re going to be saved, so why not?
Secondly, you say that faith without works is dead. If that’s true, then it’s the deeds which are the neccesary condition for salvation. If faith alone isn’t enough, and deeds are neccesary, then how is faith the cause of the salvation?
[Reply]
Todd Reply:
March 1st, 2012 at 9:59 pm
Hi Chris,
Good questions bro.
“If good deeds are not what saves you, then why do them? If you’re already saved then it seems there would be no motivation or need to do good deeds. If your salvation is assured, then why wouldn’t you simply sin as much as you can? After all, you know you’re going to be saved, so why not?”
Todd’s reply: Good deeds are one of the things God is glorified through our lives. I can’t list them all but one would be to preach the Gospel to every living creature. One of the evidences of true saving faith (not just a confessional faith) is that obedience will follow (not perfection) but sincere obedience. So, if the faith is real it will show in your actions and thus bring honor and glory to our King. The whole point James makes is that I’ll show you my faith is real by how I live. You can say you have faith in God but saying it doesn’t prove anything. The truly faithful love God because of His grace and mercy so he seeks to please Him with his live as the believer should be ever a living sacrifice which is his reasonable service. All of these things are a result of being saved from your transgressions (sins). So If we’re truly saved from our sins, what are we doing by continuing in them (as a matter of lifestyle). So the true believe isn’t going to have the attitude of “OK, God saved me so screw the world and God, it’s time to party!” That would be bad fruit of which it is impossible to be considered a believer. Also, faith is not the cause of salvation, it is Grace through Faith slone. Both are gifts of God who without Him doing this nobody would ever come to Christ. The natural man cannot understand the things of the spirit. They are foolishness to him. That’s why when a christian prays they pray for God to open the heart and eyes of their loved ones because ultimately they know that if God doesn’t do this their loved ones will never choose God on their own because of a natural love for sin. I know I said alot but it’s safe to say more can be said and probably will be.
Love you bro.
In Christ,
Todd
Chris Bowers Reply:
March 2nd, 2012 at 3:18 am
Todd, what you are basically saying is
Faith + 0 =/= Salvation. (Faith alone without obedience isn’t salvation).
Then you say:
Faith + Deeds = Salvation.
And your conclusion from this equation is that it’s the faith that caused the salvation??!?!?
I don’t understand that. It seems to me that it was the addition of obedience that caused the salvation, the addition of the deeds. So because of the addition of those deeds or that obedience makes it “true faith”.
Thus it is the deeds (or obedience) that causes the salvation, not the faith alone.
I understand that it is God’s grace that ultimately has the power to save. (God’s loving choice to save us despite our imperfections) But Jesus was clear that God would not give this grace to the unrighteous and evil people, or am I wrong in that?
Fred Lybrand Reply:
March 30th, 2012 at 2:33 pm
Chris has an important point some of us (as Calvinists) don’t admit.
We do sometimes use language that communicates works are necessary for final salvation. Occasionally, some of us even say it that way!
As a ‘weak’ Calvinist myself, I have offered a solution in terms of understanding the distinction between salvation and sanctification.
The role of works is related to eternal rewards for the believer…keeping salvation/justification as a gift (un-earned / not a reward).
For more:
Book: Back to Faith
Site: http://www.backtofaith.com
Blessings,
Dr. Fred R. Lybrand
Chris Bowers Reply:
March 30th, 2012 at 3:03 pm
No one has answered my question.
Both of you are asserting that faith is the determining factor in salvation. Then when I point out that people can have faith but do wholly evil things, and that if God saved evil people that would be completely unjust, you say “But that’s not true faith, true faith is having faith AND acting morally obedience”.
So then we’re back to God saving people if and only if they obey God and “accept” his gift, when at the outset you claimed that it was the faith doing the saving, in reality it’s the obedience that allows for the saving.
A rhetorical song and dance doesn’t get you out of the fact that your conclusion that it’s the FAITH that saves you is wholly illogical, even according to your OWN assertions.
And that, right there, is precisely why I think Calvinism is illogical and unbiblical.
If God saves completely immoral people, not only does that make God completely unjust, but he’s encouraging them to sin: as long as you have faith you’re saved so you are free to sin whenever you want.
If you say that it’s neccesary for them to be obedient to God in order to be saved, then you’re admitting precisely the thing you denied at the outset: that ethical behavior has no bearing and isn’t neccesary for salvation.
Further, you deny that obedience is the deciding factor, yet you add it as the deciding factor when describing “real faith” vs. “fake faith”.
All in all, it makes absolutely no sense and can’t stand the light of the slightest bit of sane reasonable thinking.
Comment by Chris McCauley on September 9, 2010 at 2:20 pm
Thanks for this list. How about a list of Free-will scholars as well!
[Reply]
jm Reply:
September 11th, 2010 at 4:22 am
Hmmm…okay, here’s a short list of some of my favorite non-Calvinist scholars and teachers:
N.T. Wright
Ben Witherington
Doug Stuart
Gordon Fee
Scot McKnight
Thomas Oden
Ravi Zacharias
William Lane Craig
Jeff Niehaus
Roger Olson
…and too many others to name individually.
[Reply]
Comment by Matt on September 10, 2010 at 10:57 pm
Great list. As a young Wesleyan in seminary I’d be interested in reading a larger post with some insights on Arminian/Wesleyan scholars and devotional material which have helped shape you. So often when I talk to students and others today who are hungry for growing in their knowledge of Christ the only books they can find are Reformed ones since the Wesleyans have left a void in Gospel centered popular materials.
[Reply]
jm Reply:
September 11th, 2010 at 7:10 pm
Honestly, there aren’t too many from our tradition who are producing good popular level work. Tom Oden, Ben Witherington, Joel Green, Dennis Kinlaw, Adam Hamilton, Mark Beeson, Tim Tennent…I don’t know of too many others at the moment.
[Reply]
Comment by Jonathan Andersen on September 11, 2010 at 6:47 pm
I totally forgot to mention Michael Brown in the first list of non-Calvinist scholars and Bill Arnold and Richard Hayes in the list of Methodist/Wesleyan scholars.
[Reply]
Comment by jm on September 17, 2010 at 5:21 pm
Cool, I’ll have to check these guys out. I don’t consider myself Reformed (my theology leans more towards the Radical Reformation than the Reformation), but I like to read about Calvinism. The problem is most Calvinists I’ve read–Piper, Driscoll, MacArthur–are borderline fundamentalists. In fact, the only difference I see between MacArthur and Jerry Falwell is MacArthur isn’t interested in being a politician.
[Reply]
Comment by Travis Mamone on March 10, 2011 at 5:45 pm