3 New Books on Calvinism

From my finite perspective, 2019 has been a pretty good year so far for Christian books. In March and April we particularly saw a flurry of good books in part because of The Gospel Coalition conference, and the influence TGC has on both Christian readers and publishers. One of the trends I’ve seen so far this year in Christian publishing is several noteworthy books on Calvinism, three of which you can find below.

3 New Books on Calvinism

All released in 2019. What you read in quotations is from Amazon.

1. Mere Calvinism by Jim Scott Orrick

“There are so many misconceptions about Calvinism that it is safe to say that even most Christians do not truly know what it teaches. You may have grown up in a Reformed church, or you may have heard about Calvinism mostly in arguments. Either way, it may surprise you to know that this belief has huge, and very positive, implications for a believer’s daily life!

Jim Orrick clears up misinformation about Calvinism and explains its basic yet profound ideas and teachings—using the Bible as the basis for everything he says.

Making use of relatable life illustrations, as well as an engaging, clear, and friendly style, he sets out the basics of what Calvinism teaches, explores each of the five points that summarize its positions, and addresses rebuttals and misunderstandings. Learn why the teachings of Calvinism not only matter, but can renew your trust and hope in the gospel!”

2. 40 Questions About Calvinism by Shawn Wright

This is part of the 40 Questions Series.

“In 40 Questions About Calvinism, church historian Shawn Wright tackles many issues about the theological system known as Calvinism. Taking an irenic approach, Wright explains the key doctrines while also contrasting them with Arminianism. The accessible format allows readers to easily look up topics they’re most interested in, including:

• What is the difference between Calvinism and the Reformed tradition?
• Does God love all people?
• What is predestination?
• Did Jesus die for the sins of the whole world?
• Can people resist the Holy Spirit?
• Do Calvinists practice evangelism and missions?

For Calvinists or those seeking to understand Calvinism better, 40 Questions About Calvinism helps readers understand the key terms, issues, and debates of this highly influential theological viewpoint.”

3. Humble Calvinism by J.A. Medders

“Author Jeff Medders admits that he is quick to defend Calvinism, but often slow to humbly love Christians who take a different view. His warm-hearted, challenging (and surprisingly witty) book takes readers through the five points of Calvinism, revealing that a true understanding has a humbling effect on our hearts, fueling a love of Christ and his people that builds others up, rather than tearing them down.

This book is both a helpful summary of what Calvinism is, and a helpful challenge to those who are convinced Calvinists. It calls them to hold Calvinism in their hearts, not just in their heads, so that they are humble and gracious as well as zealous for the truth, to the praise and glory of Christ and his church.”

Kevin DeYoung’s New Book

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention Kevin DeYoung’s new book, Grace Defined and Defended: What a 400-Year-Old Confession Teaches Us about Sin, Salvation, and the Sovereignty of God. While not exclusively a book on Calvinism, this is a book that examines the topic of grace as found in the Canons of Dort, a 17th-century document that is thoroughly Calvinistic.

“Christians love to celebrate grace, yet often talk about it in vague generalities. But such an important biblical concept ought to be clearly defined so it can be consistently defended. In this book, best-selling author Kevin DeYoung points modern readers back to an old document originally written to do just that. Warmly pastoral and broadly accessible, this book introduces readers to the Canons of Dort, a 17th-century work summarizing the central doctrines of the Christian faith. Widely regarded as a key pillar of the Reformed tradition, the Canons of Dort stand as a faithful witness to God’s grace―offering a depth of understanding that the church still needs today. In three concise sections―covering history, theology, and practical application―DeYoung explores what led to the canons and why they were needed, the five important doctrines that they explain, and Dort’s place in the Reformed tradition today.”

You may also like: 

1. 10 Christians Books to Look Out for in 2019
2. Seminary Books: A Complete List of Required Reading for My MDiv Studies