The problem with evangelical theology : testing the exegetical foundations of Calvinism, dispensationalism, and Wesleyanism
There is no doubting the legacy of the Protestant Reformers and their successors. Luther, Calvin, and Wesley not only spawned specific denominational traditions, but their writings have been instrumental in forging a broadly embraced evangelical theology as well. In this volume Ben Witherington wrestles with some of the big ideas of these major traditional theological systems (sin, God's sovereignty, prophecy, grace, and the Holy Spirit), asking tough questions about their biblical foundations. For these key doctrines, Witherington argues that evangelicalism sometimes wrongly assumes a biblical warrant for some of its more popular beliefs and, further, pushes the reader to engage the larger story and plot of the Bible to understand these central elements of belief
294 pages ; 23 cm
9781932792423, 1932792422
1058049982
Machine derived contents note: Table Of Contents
Overture: The Legacy of the Reformers
Part One
Augustine's Children: The Problems with Reformed Theology
1 Oh Adam, Where Art Thou?
2 Squinting at the Pauline 'I' Chart
3 Laying Down the Lay with Luther
4 Awaiting the Election Results
Part Two
On Dispensing with Dispensationalism
5 Enraptured but not Uplifted: The Origins of Dispensationalism and Prophecy
6 What Goes Up must Come Down: The Problem with Rapture Theology
7 A Brief Guided Tour of the Book of Revelation
8 Will the Real Israel of God Please Stand Up?
Part Three:
Mr. Wesley Heading West
9 Jesus, Paul, and John: Keeping Company in the Kingdom
10 New Birth or New Creatures?
11 Amazing Pre-Venient Grace and Entire Sanctification
12 From Holy Spirit to Holy Smokes-the People of Pentecost
Part Four
The Long Journey Home-Where Do We Go from Here?
13 Re-imagining the Mystery
14 And So?
Coda: Rebirth of Orthodoxy or Return to Fundamentalism?
Notes
Works Cited
Index