The Doctrines That Divide: A Fresh Look at the Historic Doctrines That Separate Christians Paperback – September 1, 1998

<strong>Concise, yet clear and detailed </strong>This is the best, most concise, explanation that I have read about reformed theology vs. Arminianism and why reformed theologians believe as they do. On the continuum, I would be an Arminian with strong leanings towards the reformed camp. I reject many of the beliefs   Arminians are said to hold as a group, while also rejecting the Calvinist's resolution of the tension between man's free will and God's sovereignty. The more I examine the question, the more I come away shaking my head. I just think it is inexplicable and we do more damage trying to understand the mechanics of it than good. I trust in God's character, sovereignty, justice, mercy, and love, and submit the issue to Him. I am not willing to definitely say that my Calvinist brothers are wrong and I am right, since I have a hard time even formulating a coherent, satisfactory position. I am untroubled. I definitely hold to the eternal security of the believer, the total depravity of man, man's inability to contribute towards his own salvation, and man's inability to even believe apart from the Holy Spirit's conviction. Neither do I agree that the mere acceptance of a gift constitutes a "work."Jesus tells a parable about inviting all who would come to a wedding feast and providing the guests with proper clothes. Nowhere does it say anyone is compelled to come, or that the acceptance of the invitation constitutes deserving it. I understand that there is some difficulty when one tries to understand the details, but maybe we should leave the details up to God and just do what He says. I do have a fair amount of intellectual curiosity, but not so much that I can't live without a complete answer.One of the chief difficulties for me lies in how I should consider prayers for my lost friends and family to be effectual. If God is sovereign over salvation already, why should I pray "To open their eyes, so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who are sanctified by faith in me." Acts 26:18?Lutzer claims, "I must point out that Arminians who stress the freedom of the will nevertheless pray that the unconverted might come to Christ. Is not this a tacit admission that God has the ability to work in the human will to bring about salvation?"This made me laugh, for I must point out that, according to the Calvinist, the number of the elect is predetermined and therefore my prayers are incapable of effect one way or another.Nevertheless, I pray because the scripture says to do it. I leave the details about how this can be up to God. I am not willing to get into an argument about the mechanics and only pray that God, through Christ and His Spirit, will help me in my ignorance.Lastly, don't let me leave you will the impression that predestination and free will is the only subject in the book. It's just the most difficult. There are many other critiques of doctrine, especially that of Catholicism that are vital to consider. I highly recommend the book.

I heard Dr. Lutzer in an interview with Janet Parshall, which featured this book. I ordered it almost immediately. I got several for my ministry peers and mentors and got a very positive response from our association' s moderator. Our association is one of the oldest in the country and unfortunately even among Missionary Baptist's, there has been a falling away from sound doctrine.Dr. Lutzer is scholarly, yet has a gift to communicate to the common blue-collar person. He writes with a strong conviction for the authority of Scripture and draws directly from it for his teaching.I agree with other reviews that it's a great introduction into historically divisive doctrines without getting overly mired in details. Those who disagree may have wanted to see more of their side presented but I don't believe that is the purpose of this book. I believe that the writer wants to lead his readers to what he believes is the truth, the Gospel of Jesus Christ.If you like this book, check out Dr. Lutzer's other books. Another one of my favorites is "Seven Reasons Why you Can Trust the Bible."

This book has a lit of good information but is not actually an unbiased look at these doctrines. In the final one third of the book it becomes quite clear that the author is defending Calvinism. His arguments on predestination treat the Calvinism side of the discussion very favorably while dismissing the free will position in a way that shows he thinks it not really worth considering. He presents the Calvinist position without acknowledging that many of the Scriptures they quote in support are taken out of context. Unfortunately this is a common problem in any theological discussion. This is known as "Confirmation bias". If a passage seems to support your opinion grab onto it. If it is contrary to your belief, ignore it. This is not the proper way to study the. Scriptures.

I liked it all. Lutzer takes a highly informed look at eleven issue that tend to divide believers and he does it in a fair and balanced way. Here are a few: Can you lose your salvation? Will sprinkling do or must I be dunked? Predestination or Free Will? Luther versus Erasmus, Whitefield versus Wesley, and Calvin versus Arminius. Lutzer knows his stuff and he presents it in a fair and balanced manner. He will let you know what he thinks, but in a very subtle way.

Lutzer remains, for me, one of my favourite authors on the doctrines and life of the Christian. In this important work, he clearly presents the historical timeline of church doctrines, including that of predestination and election. Lutzer strives to glorify God alone. I have read several of his works and trust Him implicitly. For anyone struggling in the faith, for one who desires clear explanations about Doctrine of the early church until now, trust Lutzer. Topics discussed in the book are baptism, child baptism, election and predestination, Calvinism vs Armenianism and eternal security. I came away from the book with a clearer understanding of what I believe and the ability to share it with others.

The Gospel message is blunt. Truth is and will always be the truth. Know where you stand and with whom you listen and follow based on opinion.

Lutzer does a nice job of discussing things that are often confrontational in a non-confrontational way. Moreover, he does not use arcane language making his meaning accessible to most any reader.

This book gives a very good study into the var out sides of many divisive doctrines in Christianity (Jesus as God and man, Mariology, Peter as pope, justices fixation by faith, sacraments, or both, cannon, predestination versus freewill, and eternal sanctification.Most of these arguments are well balanced and bring scriptural truth to light.The one area of the book where I would see him as having a strong personal bias would be n regards to the teachings on baptism. In this regard he would show a very strong view of faith only, thus ignoring much of the teachings of Scripture that baptism is the point of faith when we come into salvation.Other than this one topic most of the rest of the book is well done, and an excellent study book n the doctrines from Scripture.Over all this s an excellent resource on these divisive doctrines in the church.

excellent service always.............thanks