I used to own a T-Shirt with a very niche theological joke printed on it. The front read “Arminianism: I chose this shirt,” while the back read “Calvinism: This shirt chose me.” Funny, right? I thought so—I wore it until it wore out!

While I always viewed myself as an Arminian, I had never really thought through the whole debate in detail. This is where Arminian Theology comes into play. Roger E. Olson, a committed Arminian, debunks ten myths commonly used to slander Arminian theology. These include myths like, “The Heart of Arminianism Is Belief in Free Will,” and “Arminian Theology Denies the Sovereignty of God.” (Hint: it’s not and it doesn’t.)

What makes this book so strong is Olson’s insistence on carefully and faithfully presenting the both soteriological systems. If Jesus calls us to adhere to the golden rule, than we must stop battling strawmen. To be clear, Olson pulls no punches—he just takes care to ensure the accuracy of his target!

The highlight of this book came in the second chapter where Olson debunks the myth that a hybrid of Calvinism and Arminianism is possible—it isn’t. But rather than say one system is biblical while the other is not, Olson’s approach is more honest:

Contrary to popular belief, then, the true divide at the heart of the Calvinist-Arminian split is not predestination versus free will but the guiding picture of God: he is primarily viewed as either (1) majestic, powerful, and controlling or (2) loving, good, and merciful. Once the picture . . . Is established, seemingly contrary aspects fade into the background, are set aside as “obscure” or are artificially made to fit the system. Neither absolutely denies the truth of the other’s perspective, but each qualifies the attributes of God that are preeminent in the other’s perspective. God’s goodness is qualified by his greatness in Calvinism, and God’s greatness is qualified by his goodness in Arminianism. (73)

That’s what it comes down to. Exegetical arguments end in matters of emphasis. The question is—which type of God is revealed in Jesus Christ? For me, the answer is unequivocally, love.

Olson, Roger E. Arminian Theology: Myths and Realities. IVP Academic, 2006.