-
"The God of Calvinism" – Chapter 1
Louis Ruggiero’s book, “The God of Calvinism,” begins with a chapter on the Trinity. The stated purpose is “to establish common ground between Calvinists and non-Calvinists as a solid foundation and common frame of reference for further reasoned discussion.” (p. 3) Much of the chapter is not particularly controversial. Perhaps the only remarkable point to…
-
The Introduction to "The God of Calvinism" (and Mr. Ruggiero's biography of Calvin)
As we continue our review of, “The God of Calvinism,” we come to the introduction. The introduction begins by framing the position that Louis plans to take: I made the decision to research this subject in March 2003, shortly after I debated Reformer James R. White on the subject of irresistible grace. As a result…
-
"Why You Should Read This Book" Section of "The God of Calvinism"
Moving on in our review of Louis Ruggiero’s “The God of Calvinism,” we come to a prefatory section entitled, “Why You Should Read This Book” (pp. IX-XI). Part of this section also appears as the reverse cover material. The section starts out by alleging that Calvinism “maligns God’s character,” but then goes on to malign…
-
Ergun Caner's Introduction to Louis Ruggiero's Book
Continuing my review of Mr. Louis Ruggiero’s book, The God of Calvinism, I come to the foreword by Ergun Caner. I had previously analyzed the auto-biographical aspects of that forward (here) so let me continue on to discuss the substance of Ergun’s statements. Ergun writes: Though this seems like quite a simple doctrine, in our…
-
Louis Ruggiero's "The God of Calvinism"
Louis Ruggiero (aka LouRugg) has written the dangerously-titled book, “The God of Calvinism: a Rebuttal of Reformed Theology.” Ironically, the book has as front-matter before the (first) dedication “A Prayer at West Point Chapel.” The prayer reads: Make us choose the harder right instead of the easier wrong, and never to be contented with a…
-
Baking Clay Pots – Subtracting Water or Adding Hardness?
Louis Ruggiero (aka LouRugg) asked my friend Dr. White: Oh and by the way, when Turretinfan said that God hardened Pharaoh’s heart by taking away his common sense, I almost fell off my chair. Did he get that stuff from you, or did he make that one up on his own? I answer: One of…
-
Debate with LouRugg on Hardening the Heart of Pharaoh
Well, a few minutes ago, I finished a debate with Louis Ruggerio (aka LouRugg) (link to mp3)(link to wma) The volume is a bit low, but if you turn up the volume you should be able to hear it ok. Thanks to Matthew Lankford for recording it. The following is an out-line of the first…
-
Hardened Hearts – A Brief Biblical Survey – Part 3
(continued from part 2) (see also part 1) 6. The Hardenings of the Old Testament Israelites a) During the Wilderness Journey i) Old Testament Discussion 2 Kings 17:13-14Yet the LORD testified against Israel, and against Judah, by all the prophets, and by all the seers, saying, Turn ye from your evil ways, and keep my…
-
Hardened Hearts – A Brief Biblical Survey – Part 2
(continued from Part 1) In this section, we address the hardenings of several other kings and nations than Pharaoh and the Egyptians. 2. The Hardening of Sihon’s Heart Deuteronomy 2:30-32But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that…
-
Hardened Hearts – A Brief Biblical Survey – Part 1
Lord willing, I will be engaging in a debate on the PalTalk chat program this Wednesday at 4 p.m. Pacific Time. The topic of the debate is the hardening of Pharaoh’s heart, and my debate opponent is a non-Calvinist named Louis Ruggerio (aka LouRugg), who is actively promoting his new work against Calvinism entitled, “The…