I’ve been a reformed theologian, or Calvinist, for almost 30 years. During those years, I have taught at several institutions, pastored two churches, and served in numerous other capacities in several other churches. In almost every one of those situations my Calvinism has brought about some pretty interesting interactions. Most of them, to be honest, have been quite benign. Some have been supportive. But since I’ve moved to South-eastern Manitoba, one of the centers of Mennonite / Anabaptist thought in Canada, I have received more than my share of strange looks, outright opposition, and accusations of leading a cult rather than a church. Some, dare I say many, in my area think Calvinism is more akin to Mormon or Jehovah Witness theology rather than being Christianity come into its own.
I’m not one to shy away from sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ, and therefore reformed theology, but I have often thought that life would be easier if I didn’t care about solid exegesis, didn’t care about solid biblical theology, didn’t care about being consistent in biblical systematic theology and just became an Arminian Anabaptist like everyone else, or so it seems, around me. The problem is, I could never get myself to give up so much for so little.
But, this kind of constant opposition still stings and has often led me into times where I thought about my Calvinism in somewhat negative terms. I believe it because that is what Scripture requires, but I have often not been happy about it. I have never been embarrassed by reformed theology - I could never be embarrassed by the word of God - but it has not always brought me joy.
Then I discovered the book The Joy of Calvinism by Greg Forster a number of years ago. It was nothing new theologically, but the tone and tenor of the book was a refreshing breath of air.
In this book, Forster explores the theological framework of Calvinism and its implications for the Christian life, emphasizing the joy and freedom that can come from embracing its core doctrines. His argument is simply -- Calvinism is a joyful theological perspective which means that “real Calvinism is all about joy.” His goal in the book is “to tell you what Calvinism says, especially what it says about your everyday walk with God and the purpose of the Christian life, and how you can have the joy of God even in spite of whatever trials and suffering the Lord has called you to endure.” This leads him, unsurprisingly, to present Calvinism not as a dry or burdensome system of belief, but as a vibrant and life-transforming perspective on God's sovereignty, grace, and salvation.
Because of this perspective Forster speaks to those who have thought about Calvinism and have committed to it and its implications. This is not a text that I would want to give to someone who desires to explore the Reformed doctrines of grace for the first time, or who are settled opponents of Calvinist soteriology. For those who desire to learn what Calvinist or Reformed soteriology is all about I would instead recommend Five Points: Towards a Deeper Understanding of God’s Grace by John Piper or What's So Great About The Doctrines Of Grace? by Richard Phillips two short, readable introductions to Reformed soteriology.
Back to the book. Forster covers all the typical topics familiar to Calvinist thought -- the sovereignty of God, irresistible grace, unconditional election, the doctrine of election, and total depravity. He deals with these topics by the usual means -- teaching the positive biblical truths that result in Calvinist theological conclusions and addressing common misunderstandings of Calvinist thought -- and he does it in a way that is very readable. But a word of caution here.
There are two aspects of this book I want to highlight that permeate each of its chapters. First, is the very important issue of living out Calvinism. Calvinism is not merely a theology for the ivory towers of theological discourse, but is the kind of biblical thinking that transforms our daily walk with God. Calvinism is a way of life not just a way of thinking. Forster encourages believers to live with confidence in God's love, purpose, and guidance. This includes living out one’s faith with joy, gratitude, and commitment to serving others in the light of God’s grace.
Second, Forster repeatedly hits on the main theme of his book that Calvinism, far from being a restrictive or joyless system, actually promotes a deep, lasting joy. Calvinism reveals the purposes of God in vibrant and livable terms. As such it is something within which we can find our own purpose as well as unspeakable joy. He argues throughout that the doctrines of Calvinism free believers from the pressures of self-sufficiency, control, and performance, allowing them to live in the joy of God’s unmerited grace.
I would be remiss if I did not mention the Appendix of Forster’s work. In it he deals with 12 frequently asked questions covering some finer aspects of Calvinism not covered in the main work, as well as dealing with several objections Calvinists are usually called on to answer.. For example -- “What about free will?” and “Doesn’t the Bible say God wants everyone to be saved?” and “If God ordains everything that happens, doesn’t that imply God caused the fall?” Obviously, each of these questions, and the nine others he deals with, are worthy of books themselves, but his succinct, biblical, and clear answers will assuage the Calvinist who will face these questions.
Overall, The Joy of Calvinism presents a positive view of the Reformed / Calvinist tradition, inviting the reader to embrace and find joy in the doctrines of Calvinism not as abstract theological concepts, but as a source of immense peace and freedom in the Christian life.
Soli Deo Gloria